What better way to end the year then to, well, look forward to next year? 2012 was so (almost) last year. We put together a list of bands and artists that we think you should know about in the coming year. Some of these names have been coming up and we’re expecting them to blow up while others have been on the scene for a while and we’re just looking forward to some new material.

PK – We first caught wind of PK when we were asked to interview them while they played a show in Hollywood. We obliged, thankfully because these guys turned out to be a pretty dope group. Their show was intense and they had two good singles to excite the crowd. My turning point was when I caught myself singing along to “Berelain” a couple of months after the interview. It’s become a part of my almost-everyday playlist. So what you waiting for, guys? Come down and make your move (new music!).

Listen to: PK – “Berelain”

Black Kids – I listen to bands more often whenever I start wanting to see them in concert. Black Kids’ debut album was some few years ago and earlier this year they said a new album is in the works. Next year should be pretty big for them if they’re really looking into some new music.

Listen to: Black Kids – “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance”

Daft Punk – This is all rumor here: They’ve been rumored to play at Coachella for years now. There’s been some talk of them having new tunes out by Glastonbury 2013. Whether that correlates with the rumors of playing in the desert in April or even at Ultra MF is yet to be seen. Regardless of where they make their comeback, anything new in 2013 from Daft Punk is a gift from the music gods.

Listen to: Daft Punk – “One More Time”

Gold Fields – I went crazy over this band in October and November. I went to three of their shows and couldn’t get enough. These Aussie mates became one of my favorite acts to see in person. Excited more of these guys in the future.

Listen to: Gold Fields – “Dark Again”

New Politics – New Politics remind me of everything I used to listen to as a kid: from Weezer and Rage and a hint of Nirvana all mixed in. Their second album is in the works and is set to be released early in 2013. This is the band where when they come one you say, “Fuck yeah, I love New Politics!”

Listen to – New Politics – “Yeah Yeah Yeah!”

Other notables: Sky Larkin, Strange Talk, Eliza Doolittle, Warpaint, Icona Pop, Free Energy, and Fez.

Video: Gold Fields “Dark Again”

 

Undoubtedly my favorite band from 2012, I had the fortune to check them out a few times these last couple of months while they were in LA. Gold Fields’ new video of “Dark Again” continues their  dark and tribal tribute to … wizardry?

Whatever their visuals consist of, it almost matches the authenticity of their live shows: plenty of danceable rhythms and pumped up drums.

Check out the visuals for “Dark Again” and our review of their show the Viper Room in LA.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-YzfAUsj1o&feature=player_embedded

Show Review: Gold Fields (Los Angeles, CA)

What do you do when you live in LA and are having a stressful week? We head to the Sunset Strip. And do what? Well, we go and check out an awesome Aussie band. That’s exactly what we did last night when we went to go check out Gold Fields for a third time in a month.

 

The first time I heard Gold Fields was last month during the Culture Collide Fest in LA. I instantly fell in love with their hard-punching sounds ringing in my ear. The next night, it was more of the same. They played in consecutive days for CC and I just couldn’t get enough. I would have gone another time when they played at Capitol Records but went with Bombay BC at the Music Box instead.