2011 may be over, but things are already moving along in the Richmond music scene. Here are a bunch of artists who I expect to see big things from in 2012.

DEAD FAME

Seriously, I don’t need to say anything more about Dead Fame (pictured above) than I already have this past year. Just listen to them. The group has its debut EP coming out early next year and they’ve made such an impression on me, I’m excited to see what happens next. You’ve got one more chance to catch them live before 2012 when they play at GayRVA’s A-List New Year’s Eve at Aloft Hotel in Short Pump.

Dead Fame – We Can Run

http://downloads.sonicbids.com/audio/2/1830/audio_3183830.mp3

NELLY KATE

I had heard many good things about singer-songwriter Nelly Kate, but didn’t get the chance to see her perform until late this year at the Listening Room, and without a doubt, she completely blew me away with her layered sounds and a voice that grabs your attention like no other. She’s set to release her album “ISH ISH” early next year and she’s been raising the money to do so through a Kickstarter page. We’ll be hearing a lot more from this young woman very soon.

Nelly Kate – Blue Badges



THE SNOWY OWLS

Snowy Owls have already been making waves throughout 2011 with their loud fuzzy rock sounds. Seriously, they were everywhere. They’ve released a few singles this year but not a full fledged album to speak of (maybe that’s in the works?). They also have one of the most entertaining live shows around.

DREW MARTIN AND THE LIMELIGHTS

These guys seemed to come out of nowhere, blasting pop rock everywhere they could. Their self-titled EP showed a lot of potential and this year, they’ve even had the chance to open for Switchfoot and the Airborne Toxic Event. Expect to hear more from this group in 2012.

Drew Martin and the Limelights – Calling Your Bluff

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v33379/944/76/01AweCY2-YGDkAAA4OAACX67A_i60:.mp3

THOSE MANIC SEAS

Noise rock outfit Those Manic Seas have a strong debut album and a live show that’s full of energy and creativity (the group’s ‘lead singer’ isn’t real – go to a show and you’ll understand). They’ve only played a few shows this year, but I’m expecting a full on breakout as the new year progresses.