As 2008 comes to a close, our staff takes a look back to present you with what they feel are the breakthrough artists of the past year!
Steve Johnson’s Pick: There were a lot of bands that emerged in 2008 who absolutely rocked and are worthy of being named breakthrough artist, but there is one that stands out in my mind as something special. Cockpit is an all female band that reigns from the same streets that gave us Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses. These women are heavily influenced by 80’s glam metal and their debut EP Mission to Rock shows it. The EP is full of energy and features fantastic riffing and solos that would make any arena rock fan long for a return to the glory days of spandex and big hair. Do yourself a favor and run out to your local record store or visit iTunes and pick up Mission to Rock, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Jason Price’s Pick: The Bronx hail from Southern California and began playing punk rock in 2002. With many years behind them, they have definitely dug in and are looking to make their mark in 2009. The band has done stints on this year’s Warped Tour and has also toured alongside Every Time I Die. The band released THE BRONX in November of 2008 on the it’s own White Drugs label, with help of New York independent label Original Signal Recordings. What do they bring to the table? Simply put, The Bronx bring powerful, blood, sweat and tears style punk for the 21st Century and infuse it into their own brand of hard rock. Their music and lyrics sound fresh and look to break up the monotony of today’s endless sea of cookie cutter radio rock. Look for The Bronx to take rock by storm in the coming year!
Jen X’s Pick: Santogold (aka Santi White) released her first solo project in 2008, former singer of the punk-rock band Stiffed Santogold broke out in 2007 with singles contracted from Martin Heath of Lizard King Records. Her style is reminiscent of catchy new-wave 80’s punk with a pop flair that is refreshing from the current surge of sugary sweet pop rock that has been hitting the airwaves. The year has found Santogold touring in support of Coldplay, Jay-Z, Kanye West, The Streets and the Beastie Boys, as well as headlining her own tour. She has written a song for Ashlee Simpson, and recorded with The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas and N.E.R.D.’s Pharrell Williams, and has already announced upcoming projects with the Beastie Boys as well as David Byrne. I wouldn’t be shocked if the future not only held music notoriety for Santogold but if we end up seeing her on the big screen as well, as she exudes a certain charm and charisma that could hold up to the critics.
Jason Price founded the mighty Icon Vs. Icon more than a decade ago. Along the way, he’s assembled an amazing group of like-minded individuals to spread the word on some of the most unique people and projects on the pop culture landscape.
