A new year on the horizon always brings with it a spotlight on the best new talent. The Hype List is our annual rundown of who you should be keeping an eye on over the next twelve months. We've already been bringing you some of our standout picks, but there's a whole universe of exciting music to get lost in. We'll be introducing you to the rest of them in two bumper parts. Let’s get started, then…

FROM: Pennsylvania, USA
LISTEN TO: Tanaka

Invigorating duo Joey Valence & Brae have blitzed through 2022 with a scorching streak of hip-hop heavy singles. Throwing in influences from rap, rock, and the entire spectrum bridging the two, they’ve stumbled upon a raw and carefree sound that exists out of time but could easily be adopted by the new generation - famed rapper and recent collaborator Logic is but one of many fans. FH

FROM: London, UK
LISTEN TO: St. Vitamin

Once the bassist of indie icons Palma Violets, Jesson has matured and evolved his creative direction into a loose and high-energy style he has recently dubbed “born-again pop”. His 2022 debut EP offers everything from a pulsating electronic core, thrashing and squirming guitar lines, and a sincere focus on a mental fragility he clearly understands well. FH

FROM: London, UK
LISTEN TO: Round The Bend

Four tracks in and already stirring up a heated reputation, this eclectic four-piece are slowly carving their place amongst the emerging indie elite - signed to tastemakers Nice Swan and endorsed by Wet Leg, there’s clearly a deceptive appeal to the communal madness Malady find comfort in. With more remixes than songs released, the band are deliberately reinventing themselves at each stage, and it’s an undeniably admirable pursuit. FH

FROM: London, UK
LISTEN TO: Play Pretend (feat. spill tab)

Nine8 Collective’s resident producer Mac Wetha stepped into the spotlight with a slew of 2021 solo releases, revealing a previously unseen side to the artist. Releasing his EP ‘Cloud Paint’ in 2022, he’s supported the likes of Dirty Hit label mate Beabadoobee and Deb Never, and worked with Aminé, Biig Piig and spill tab. SOC

FROM: New York / LA, USA
LISTEN TO: Bump

Dora’s 2022 saw her dropping Really Very Good singles ‘Bumblebee’ and ‘Bump’, and joining Billie Eilish for the Happier Than Ever World Tour in the US, Australia and New Zealand. The 24-year-old has already captured the attention of fans and peers, with co-signs from the likes of Moses Sumney, Grimes and Charli XCX. SOC

FROM: Galway, Ireland
LISTEN TO: I Don’t Recognise You

Ireland’s acclaimed dream pop exports may have taken their handle from a random name generator, but their swirling yet pensive sound encompasses a little more premeditated thought. Somehow stormy and bright at the same time, their feedback-drenched guitar-driven manner runs in the same vein as Soccer Mommy, surprisingly informed by painful shared formative experiences. SOC

FROM: Glasgow, UK
LISTEN TO: Factor 50!

Thrown together by a hairdresser and tattooist, the one thing this rag-tag bonded over immediately was their passion for music. In what can only be described as a five-way-match made in heaven, two joyful hits and a smattering of charisma have caused great intrigue; watch this space to learn more. FH

FROM: Cardiff, UK
LISTEN TO: The Ick

Armed with humorous lyricisms and addictive hooks, this Cardiff four-piece are smashing down the barriers of the music industry. Admittedly somewhat unhinged, with recent tracks honing in on ‘the ick’ and poor meal deal choices, Panic Shack are happiest when causing chaos. FH

FROM: Leicester, UK
LISTEN TO: Big Talk

Reinvigorating the tongue-in-cheek flavour of noughties pop, SOFY embodies the same charming wit and earworm choruses with a loose, conversational tone and subtle influences from the worlds of rap and hip-hop. Commenting on the drama of everyday life, her twelve-month dominance has taken the artist from a Leicester unknown to a tent-filling draw at Glastonbury. FH

FROM: London, UK
LISTEN TO: people pleaser

A phenomenal year for Streatham’s star-in-waiting, 2022 saw the release of Cat’s six-track ‘emotionally unavailable’ EP, which includes platinum-selling single ‘go’. She also made her mark on the live stage this summer, including a sold-out headline performance at KOKO. Recently supporting Ed Sheeran on the European leg of his Mathematics Tour, she’ll reunite with him next summer, supporting on the North American leg of his Mathematics Tour alongside Khalid. SOC

FROM: London, UK
LISTEN TO: With The Band

With a big online following, and fans in superstar names like Billie Eilish, Sophie May is every inch the modern musical prodigy. Her debut EP ‘You Do Not Have To Be Good’ got eyeballs firmly spinning in her direction, she’s written with Matt Maltese and Luca Buccellati - who produced Arlo Parks’ ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’, and supported Inhaler. Big things are afoot. SA