Amazon Music Reveal 12 'Breakthrough UK: Artists To Watch' in 2023

LISTEN TO 6 OF THE BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTS BELOW

Annual list showcasing the artists tipped for future stardom includes Anish Kumar, Caity Baser, Cassyette, Dylan, FLO, Flowerovlove, Henry Moodie, Jeshi, Nemzzz, Nia Archives, Venbee and Wesley Joseph

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Amazon Music today announce their 'Breakthrough UK: Artists To Watch' in 2023, a carefully curated list of 12 emerging UK signed artists on the rise who will be championed by Amazon Music over the next 12 months.

The Amazon Music 'Artists To Watch' 2023 list is (in alphabetical order): Anish Kumar, Caity Baser, Cassyette, Dylan, FLO, Flowerovlove, Henry Moodie, Jeshi, Nemzzz, Nia Archives, Venbee and Wesley Joseph.

The 12 acts, handpicked by the Amazon Music expert music industry team for being standout artists tipped for success over the next year, showcase a wide range of genres and musical styles from the exceptional rising stars of the British music scene. Championing future sounds, each artist will receive significant support from Amazon Music over the next year to help develop them as artists and provide them with a space to shine. Alongside the playlist, editorial and social support that's inherent with being on the Amazon Music 'Artists To Watch' list, Amazon Music are also providing each artist with professional press images, captured by iconic photographer Rankin.

The 'Artists To Watch' 2023 artists will be supported through prominent placements across Amazon Music playlists and stations over the next year, along with an additional focus on new releases and further partnership opportunities to be announced in 2023.

Laura Lukanz, Amazon Music's Head of Music Industry, UK, Australia & New Zealand said:

"Breakthrough UK: 'Artists To Watch' is one of the most important programmes we curate at Amazon Music. It embodies everything that matters to us - music discovery, nurturing talent, building long term connections between music fans and artists and creating unique content, experiences and opportunities for creators to build community and momentum in the early stages of their career. I am incredibly happy that we have partnered with the legendary photographer Rankin to deliver an unforgettable experience for our chosen 'Artists To Watch'. We believe that this talented, eclectic group of creators will make a great impact in music this year and we intend to support them on their individual journeys throughout the next 12 months and beyond."

'Artists To Watch' is one of many ways Amazon Music continues to support and nurture new musical talent. Amazon Music's global developing artist programme, 'Breakthrough', provides long-term, customised global plans for emerging artists during crucial moments in their careers. This support includes: video and audio content, global marketing, increased visibility across Amazon Music playlists and programming and high-profile Amazon Original tracks available only on Amazon Music. Amazon Music also champions UK artists globally through curated playlists like '+44' – the Amazon Music brand dedicated to representing the sound of the UK, spotlighting and celebrating the best UK rap, R&B, grime, drill and afrobeats music and the artists behind it.

Listen to the 'Artists to Watch' 2023 playlist HERE or simply ask, "Alexa, play the Artists to Watch 2023 playlist" via the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android and on Alexa-enabled devices.

Wet Leg, Lola Young, Nova Twins and Priya Ragu were among the artists to feature on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2022, all of whom went on to have an exceptional year. Alumni of previous lists include the likes of Pa Salieu, Griff, Ivorian Doll, Holly Humberstone, Olivia Dean, AJ Tracey, Dave, Ray BLK, The Amazons, Jorja Smith, Mabel, Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, Bugzy Malone, slowthai and L Devine.

'ARTISTS TO WATCH' 2023 BIOS & QUOTES


Anish Kumar

Anish Kumar is a 23-year-old British-Indian producer with northern roots. A distinctive duality underlies his creative artistry as he is training in Veterinary Medicine at The University of Cambridge as well as pursuing a career in music. Kumar is influenced by a variety of genres from Northern Soul to classic Bollywood, all drawn together into melodic, anthemic productions.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Anish says: "I feel really honoured to be selected for this list as I'm amongst some really exciting talent. Big thanks to Amazon Music for supporting me last year and I can't wait to show everyone what's in store for 2023."

Caity Baser

Wise beyond her 20 years but packing enough teenage energy to still cause trouble, Caity's the big sister you always wanted, the best friend your mum says isn't allowed to come around anymore and the best member of your favourite girl band who's just gone solo. Unusually in era of boom-and-bust TikTok flotsam, Caity's an emerging artist who sees her initial success on the platform — going viral during lockdown with the first upload of her own music — as just the first step of a long journey.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Caity says: "I am so excited to be a part of Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' list for 2023! What a huge SLAY! Thank u so so much, so excited for the shoot with RANKIN I cannot wait to see what we create! LOVE YA"

Cassyette

Cassyette is a force of nature, there's no other way to describe her. She's a no-holds-barred musician from Essex who is loudly and unashamedly reclaiming her rock roots making infectious alt-rock pop. Her references range from Motley Crue to Pink and beyond. After a sold-out debut UK tour, she has supported My Chemical Romance, played multiple festivals in the UK & Europe and won 'Best Breakthrough Act' at the Heavy Music Awards. Last year saw the release of her debut mixtape, 'Sad Girl'.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Cassyette says: 'I'm so buzzing to be included on this list especially representing the alt and rock community on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023! Very grateful, thank you! Also felt like a queen in that dress, shooting with Rankin! That was epic 💜🖤'

Dylan

23 year old Tash Woods, known professionally as Dylan, is an English pop musician, singer and songwriter. Since 2019, she's been on a journey to find her own voice, moving through more electronic-focused, synth-pop songs and mournful piano ballads into the sound of gig pop hooks driven by crunchy guitars.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Dylan says: "I'm so excited to be a part of Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' this year! It's things like this that give me the confidence that I'm doing the right thing so I am very grateful."

FLO

Jorja, Stella and Renée make up British girl group FLO. Their sound is a fusion of the old and new, whilst feeling fresh, taking the best bits of R&B's experimental phase and grounding it with UK swagger. They kicked off 2023 with the release of their "Hide & Seek Remix" with Stormzy.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, FLO say: "It's amazing to be included in Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023! The past year has been such a journey and we're just so grateful for the support! We can't wait to shoot with Rankin too ❤️."

Flowerovlove

Joyce Cisse, 17 is better known as FLOWEROVLOVE. Inspired by artists such as Tame Impala, she's a genius when it comes to combining her passions for music, nature and fashion, showcasing a wisdom and talent well beyond her years. She embraces self-love and growth, describing her music as "nostalgic, versatile, mellow, warm, and the feeling of home".

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, FLowerovlove says: "I am so happy to have been chosen by Amazon Music as an artist to watch for this year!! Excited for all the abundance and love coming to and from Flowerovlove."

Henry Moodie

18 year old Henry Moodie found a passion for songwriting at a young age. By 14, he would spend his school lunch breaks with his friends in the music block learning piano and guitar so he could perform Taylor Swift covers. After becoming trapped in his bedroom for months at the age of 16 thanks to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic the teen found solace in songwriting, producing his own music. Over time this was turned into heartfelt, pure unadulterated pop at its heartstring-tugging best, perfectly encapsulating what it means and how it feels to be a teen at the height of learning who you are.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Henry Moodie says: "I'm so grateful! To be recognised by Amazon Music, surrounded by so many incredible artists, feels very surreal. I really didn't expect it, with just one song out at the moment. This is only the beginning!"

Jeshi

East London rapper Jesse Greenway is known by his stage name Jeshi. His music predominantly covers working class disenfranchisement under austerity in Britain. He has worked with artists such as Mura Masa, Slowthai, Celeste and Obongjayar. Called 'era-defining' by The Guardian, Jeshi's debut album 'Universal Credit' further cemented him as one of London's most exciting underground artists. Through his razor sharp lyricism and searing delivery Jeshi is helping to bring a voice to the largely ignored and dehumanized in British society.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Jeshi says: "Cheers for the love Amazon Music on including me on the 'Artists To Watch' for 2023. Got a lot I can't wait to share with you this year!"

Nemzzz

18 year old UK MC Nemzzz hails from Gorton in Manchester. He started his rapping career at the age of 14 and is now an emerging artist within the UK drill scene, dropping tracks with rigourous flow and heavy beats.

Nia Archives

Born in Bradford and growing up in Leeds before moving out at 16 to relocate to Manchester, Nia's earliest memories of music are deeply rooted in her Jamaican heritage. Nia Archives makes cutting edge lo-fi jungle music, representing her Jamaican roots, nodding to and paying homage to the rich history of the genre. She is heavily influenced by soundsystem culture and carnival - the good vibes, energy and uniting quality of which undeniably teems through her music.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Nia Archives says: "So buzzin to be picked as one of Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' for 2023, really appreciate the support!"

Venbee

Venbee is a rising 21 year old artist and songwriter who's having a breakout moment out with her drum & bass tinged songs. Unapologetically herself, you just can't help but like Venbee. Hailing from Kent, she's a Chatham girl through and through, and as far from pretentious as you can get: her Instagram is all bucket hats, oversized tracksuits and toilet selfies... a refreshing breath of fresh air in the highly curated social world.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Venbee says: "I'm absolutely ecstatic to be part of Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch'. I just love writing songs in my bedroom, so having someone like Amazon Music notice me feels so incredible."

Wesley Joseph

When polymath artist Wesley Joseph moved to London to study as a filmmaker, he discovered something in city life that demanded to be captured in song, and found a crew of collaborators—including A.K. Paul, Dave Okumu, Joy Orbison, Leon Vynehall, Lexxx, Loyle Carner and his childhood friend Jorja Smith—to help him do it.

On featuring on Amazon Music's 'Artists To Watch' 2023, Wesley Joseph says: "I'm excited to be one of Amazon Music's Artists to Watch 2023 along with the other great artists. Thank you to Amazon Music for their continual support and I look forward to sharing all the new worlds of music and art I have coming out this year."

Source Amazon Music

January 16, 2023 12:00am ET by Pressparty  

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