Best of Pop 2008

posted in: Artist Features • Pop • Reviews & Playlists

To ring in the new year, we here at OurStage thought it would be a good idea to step back and reflect on some great new artists that emerged on the scene in 2008 and are likely to be the ones to watch in 2009. This is our list of pop favorites:

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NeverShoutNever
If you haven’t heard of this kid, it is only a matter of time. Receiving an average of over 60,000 myspace plays a day, this young Missouri native is the definition of internet success, translating his online fanbase into a legion of adoring fans, reminiscent of Beatlemania. After releasing the Yippee EP in September, NeverShoutNever went on tour with HelloGoodbye and Ace Enders playing sold out shows across the country.

Freddy
Freddy Wexler has had a long musical journey for such a young musician. In 2005 After getting picked up by a major label and subsequently dropped only two months later the then 18 year old singer had to grasp the fact that he went from achieving his dream only to end up with nothing. This former University of Pennsylvania student is making a name for himself once again. With the help of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, a radio personality based in Dallas Texas, Freddy is once again on his way to the limelight playing a sold out show opening for Good Charlotte in Dallas in July as well as playing the Dallas date of the Vans warped tour.

Daphne Willis and Company
If you take all the best parts of Ben Harper, Lilly Allen, John Mayer, and Amy Winehouse you’ll  get a good idea of the beautifully laid back sound of Daphne Willis and Company. Since releasing the Exhibit A EP in September the band has played over 75 shows throughout the Midwest with acts including Zox, Matt White, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. With a new release expected in early 2009 next year should be just as successful for these Chicago natives.

Plushgun
Born out of a overpriced and undersized bedroom in New York City Plushgun’s Dan Ingala started the band by adding synth to the acoustic songs he had been writing. Based off of the success of Plushgun on OurStage.com the band was added to the roster of Tommy boy records in June. Plushgun released their first album on Tommy Boy in  July and have been touring ever since.

Jetty Rae
With her heartfelt lyrics and soothing voice Jetty Rae almost immediately creates an intimate connection with listeners upon their first listen. A vocal quality similar to the likes of Norah Jones, Adelle, and  Fiona Apple drive these beautiful acoustic songs. After releasing her first Album Blackberries in May  Jetty Rae has continued to gig all over Michigan and the Midwest including a show opening for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in December.