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Five new artists you have to hear: a south London special

Won't go south of the river? You're missing out. Here are five hot acts to check out

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King Krule

King Krule

From Peckham
Sounds like A tormented 18-year-old with a broken heart, barbecue sauce on his jumper and a foreboding sense of the demise of all good things. If that sounds heavy, then you need to hear his baritone. The King – real name Archy Marshall – sings as if he’s lived Billy Bragg’s life five times over, accompanying his worldly-wise laments with stark guitar work and occasional electronics.
He says ‘There are a lot of musicians in and around my area like Southpaw, Haraket and Psylus who are starting to do really good, creative stuff.’
Check out ‘Easy Easy’ –  the first single from upcoming album ‘6 Feet Beneath the Moon’.
If you like this, try Mount Kimbie, Filthy Boy.

Moko

Moko

From New Cross
Sounds like The best of British soul. Goldsmiths graduate Moko offers a startlingly fresh update on the languid trip hop of early Massive Attack and the emotional depth of classic Sade.
She says ‘In New Cross music runs through everything – from the clothes shops owned by punk gypsies, to the Afro-Caribbean barbers and the squatters’ art spaces.’
Check out ‘Hand on Heart’ – a dead ringer for ‘Unfinished Sympathy’.
If you like this, try Jessie Ware, Joel Compass.

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Rainy Milo

Rainy Milo

From Croydon
Sounds like Slow-burning soul-pop. The 17-year-old covers bitter bad times and dreamy good ones in the same seen-it-all-before style, drawling over gently grooving backing tracks. Suburban listlessness never sounded so appealing.
She says ‘There’s a lot of house and grime coming out. Everyone just enjoys being around others with the same passion as them – music.’
Check out ‘Deal Me Briefly’ – a beguilingly wistful break-up song.
If you like this, try AlunaGeorge, Hawk House.

Amplify Dot

From Streatham
Sounds like This year’s brightest Brit rap talent. Dot (aka Ashley Charles) has made her mark with pop-crossover single ‘I’m Good’, featuring a guest verse from Busta Rhymes, but it’s her dark and dancehall-friendly solo material that has properly caught our attention.
She says ‘South London is a cultural melting pot. Brixton, in particular, just feels authentically cool.’
Check out ‘Paperwerk’ – a club bubbler to put the wind up Azealia Banks and Angel Haze.
If you like this, try A*M*E*, Giggs.

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Jamie Isaac
© Jerome Toole

Jamie Isaac

From Croydon
Sounds like After-dark crooning for cold nights in the city. Jamie Isaac is one of a new breed of young men following in James Blake’s footsteps, matching soulful yet experimental electronics with confessional singer-songwriting.
He says ‘South London musicians have a really unique sound and approach to their art.’
Check out ‘Softly Draining Seas’ – as deep and mellifluous as the song title suggests.
If you like this, try The XX, Deptford Goth.

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