TIPPER OF THE WEEK: JAKE HAWKES

We’re back and we’re ready for a whole new year of spotlighting the biggest and best emerging acts from across the UK.

Next up we’ve got Jake Hawkes, a freelance music journalist who’s written for Dork, Upset and Clash amongst various others. He enjoys going to the movies and long romantic walks on the beach. Any fan mail can be directed to his Twitter but before all that, check out his tips below!

 

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LIFE

Hull-based punks LIFE sound a bit like having a brick thrown through your window by Mark E. Smith, which is a good thing, I promise. Socially conscious tracks backed with explosive guitars place LIFE firmly in the pedigree of acts like IDLES and Slaves, but with the added edge of a frontman with dance moves like Jarvis Cocker and a sense of humour to match. Check out ‘Ba Ba Ba’, which is usually introduced on stage as a song about having A conversation with a sheep.

 

KNUCKS

Knucks is a UK rapper with an incredibly smooth taste in instrumentals and pop culture references. Breakout hit ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ features a mesmerising piano loop and a hook that’ll be making its way around your head for days, whilst ‘Big Kahuna’ opens with a sepia-toned sample from Pulp Fiction. Decent rappers are a dime a dozen, but Knucks’ magpie-like eye for samples and influences is what makes him a cut above the rest.

 

ANIMAL HOUSE

A half-Aussie, half-English group that proudly declare themselves as “Premium Mediocre”, Animal House make sunshine indie with a sarcastic edge. They’re good on record, but live you really get a sense of why they’re something special, getting the crowd dancing from the off and usually passing a bottle of tequila around at one point, too. Turn up for the free booze and stay for the great music.

 

FONTAINES D.C.

Dublin shout-merchants with an ear for a catchy guitar line, Fontaines D.C. are leading this year’s Irish music invasion. You may have caught them supporting IDLES or Shame or on one of their numerous headline tours – they get about a bit. ‘Hurricane Laughter’ and ‘Too Real’ are perfect examples of what they do best: Post punk infused anthems designed to collapse the floor of whichever venue they’re playing.

 

YOUNG T & BUGSEY

Mixing Caribbean and African influences with UK rap, Young T & Bugsey have gained the attention of tastemakers including Stormzy, Fredo and Tim Westwood. Hooky choruses tailor-made to be played in clubs and at festivals combine with intricate verses that stick around for just the right amount of time. If you like UK rap but wish it had more chorus, Young T & Bugsey are the duo for you.