9 artists you should be booking this year

This week's extra special commentary from the team behind our extensive seeding and partnerships department, Russian and Feji. When they’re not manning the Magnum Hotline or making sure Mo Gilligan has enough Wray at his Brit’s afterparty; they’re running nights, managing artists and basically showing us why they’re excellent in the realms of music, culture and nightlife.

1. Strandz

“Born in Germany, raised in Nigeria and now based in South London, 21 year old breakout artist. Strandz created a buzz back in April with the track 'Don’t Let Them See You Cry'. This year Strandz is back with another banger, his single 'Us Against The World' remix which features Digga D currently sitting at 12 in the official charts. He combines his love for 90s hip hop with his diverse range of influences, pulling inspiration from his upbringing and life. Not to mention he's been given the nod by the likes of Stormzy, Tion Wayne and One Acen proving Strandz is definitely one to watch for 2023!” - Russian

Stream Strandz on Spotify

2. Danielle

"We’ve been under Danielle’s aural spell since finding her monthly NTS radio show. Her show is the perfect blend electronic sounds with everything from humming ambient frequencies to driving techno tinged beats. Alongside being an incredible selector and DJ tutor with Saffron, she also runs her own label Soft Raw: Music releasing tunes by up and comers like Austen and Slacker. In January Love Intl Festival released an exclusive recording of her set from last year’s festival in Croatia. Real talk: it’s been on repeat on the office stereo and has helped us conquer our January blues! - HJ

More on Danielle’s SoundCloud.?

3. Stepz

“Hailing from South London (Croydon), 20 year old Stepz is definitely a force to be reckoned with. In 2022 Stepz dominated TikTok with his iconic POV comedy skits, he was previously named TikTok’s breakout artist of the summer 2022 after his song Cramp Dat - sampling Soulja Boy’s 2007 hit 'Crank That' -? went VIRAL.

"I would use my comedy to promote my music as well. So most people think that I was a comedian before music, but the comedy was literally just to get my music more out there."

Stepz is known for his versatility across digital media by venturing into both music and dance - with huge success. Proving why he is one to watch for 2023. Stepz’ latest single 'Hot' features one of UK’s hottest drill rappers Ivorian Doll warming us up for the summer.” - Russian?

Stream Stepz on Spotify

4. Sita Shah?

“Sita Shah is a DJ (and our Creative Director) who’s been making waves in the London scene playing a crate of self-styled Desi techno. She’s a member of the Daytimers and Sisu collectives,plus a resident DJ at techno night Makaan. We recommend you get to know Sita’s hard-as-nails selection via her FOLD DETECT and then follow up with her excellent H?R Berlin set.” - HJ

5. Ayraa Star

“Since the release of her EP ‘19 & Dangerous’ back in 2021 Ayra has continued to drop banger after banger. Her style has been described as R&B/Afropop/Afrosoul. Ayra has already collaborated with some of the biggest names in music which include the likes of Wiz Kid, Kelly Rowland, Rema and Stormzy to name a few. Nominated for a BET Award Ayraa is impossible to ignore with millions of fans across the world Ayra is giving black girls a new voice.” - Russian

Stream Ayraa Star on Spotify?

6. IZCO

“This reggae loving London-based producer/DJ keeps good company with his Brighter Days Family. In the crew you’ll find Nia Archives, MC Dochi, JKarri and more! And if you’re lucky they might show up on his RINSE FM radio residency or at one of his many DJ shows. We have an extra special place in our hearts for Izco, because he created the soundtrack ‘Castle’ for the PRESS FWD Berghaus Lifestyle campaign we curated last year. Listen to it here and read his Berghaus interview.” - HJ

Stream the PRESS FWD video here.?

7. Nadī

“Nadī is a DJ, Broadcaster and freelance creative producer. Her sound is underground, showcasing dub, R&B, dancehall plus Eastern inspired D&B tunes with one thing in common: ‘a bouncy bassline’. A core member of the team behind Daytimers, she has featured alongside them in publications such as Crack magazine and Vogue India. In 2022 Nadī was billed alongside Four Tet at Dialled In and played a solo four hour marathon set at Glastonbury's Glade bar. With shows under her belt at cult LDN clubs: The Cause, FOLD, Ministry of Sound, Cafe Oto and Colour Factory. This year she’s looking to make and release more experimental music and play more shows in Europe and beyond!” - HJ

Stream Nadī’s H?R Berlin B2B with the legend DJ Ritu

8. Clavish?

“Hackney based Clavish has gone from strength to strength since arriving on the scene in 2018 – which finally earned him some industry recognition via Mobo and GRM Daily awards nominations. He has also bagged a Top 10 hit with D-Block Europe (Rocket Science) PLUS sold out a string of 2023 tour dates in recent months. The debut album ‘Rap Game Awful’ has done strong numbers and is set to be one of the soundtracks of the summer!” - Feji

Stream Clavish on Spotify??

9. Flo?

“I expected the song to do well… but it literally went viral”

“Flo has been heating up since summer 22’! They have virtually been the talk of the town and this was cemented with their remix on none other than Stormzy smash single 'Hide & Seek'. The single 'Cardboard Box' has done amazing since its release earning worldwide recognition from the likes of Missy Elliot and SZA and has set up this year for one to be remembered!” - Feji?

Stream Flo on Spotify.???

Get more amazing insights like this at our next event: The Bu$ine$$ of Culture IRL on Wednesday 22nd March at a secret London location. Sign up here to secure your spot.?

Additonal editorial from Hayley Joyes