The Next Big Thing: an A-Z of 2010 – Part 1

Adiam Dymott
The new… Lykke Li
Adiam Dymott was one of my absolute favourite musical discoveries of 2009, and I’m really hoping that she will be discovered and loved by many more pop fans in 2010. She hasn’t attracted much attention outside Sweden, but she has got herself a UK record deal, so hopefully we’ll actually see her release something in the next few months. She could be huge, or nobody could care – I’m really hoping the former!
Poptasticness: 90% Hit potential: 36%

Beatbullyz
The new… Hard Fi
It’s pretty hard to be cool if you come from Swindon, and I don’t think this lot have managed it, but I reckon they might be able to persuade at least a few (very) casual music fans that they have achieved what only Billie Piper has done before them. This is bloke-pop, a little dated in my opinion, but there’s an audience for it and they’re already getting some Radio 1 support. BEPs comparisons are a bit much, but they could do very well with the right songs.
Poptasticness: 39% Hit potential: 47%

Beth Jeans Houghton
The new… Laura Marling
One of the least mainstream acts on my list, but I can see Beth gaining quite a following among fans of folky indie-pop. I Will Return is super-catchy and Beth has a very cool look and a lovely voice. She’s an outside chance, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear quite a lot of her in 2010. She’ll certainly be a must-see for the summer festivals, at the very least.
Poptasticness: 70% Hit potential: 45%

Bluey Robinson
The new… Craig David
Bluey has been hovering around the edges of Planet Pop for a little while now, and I think 2010 could be the year he makes his mark. UK R&B is bigger than ever, but what we lack is a really talented, cool and charismatic young male singer, and I think Bluey could be the perfect candidate for that role. He could be to the 10’s (or whatever we call this decade) what Craig David was to the 00’s, but he could still just be another Nate James.
Poptasticness: 43% Hit potential: 58%

Clare Maguire
The new… Florence and the Machine
Clare Maguire is a name that I heard a few times in 2009, but I never quite grasped who she was or why she was considered such a safe bet for success in 2010. Gradually more information is coming out, suggesting she’ll be the latest pretty young thing with a big voice, more along the lines of Duffy or Amy than a competitor for Marina or Ellie. With the line-up of producers and writers I’ve heard she has on her album, it will be a big surprise if she doesn’t do every bit as well as she is expected to.
Poptasticness: 70% Hit potential: 87%