This episode first ran on KQED.org.

Despite the many challenges that unfortunately failed to disappear at the end of 2017, one bright spot for 2018 is the wealth of emerging Bay Area musicians and bands poised for significant growth this year. This mix showcases fourteen of our picks for local artists to watch in the coming months, with highlights in a variety of genres, including hip hop, electronic pop, folk and punk.

Several of the acts included here released acclaimed projects in 2017. Rose Droll‘s debut EP Photograph introduced an extremely talented singer-songwriter who had, for years, accrued a wealth of home recordings but has only more recently begun performing live. Madi Sipes & The Painted Blue are getting ready to release a second EP; last year’s Sex & Sadness received an endorsement from Elton John on his radio show. Oakland rapper ALLBLACK had a similarly accomplished 2017, capped by the launch of the KimSon EP in October and a nomination for “Rookie of the Year” by Thizzler.

The mix also showcases several exciting newer projects from great long-time Bay Area musicians. Curls was originally just a studio collaboration to support the latest solo recordings of Christopher Owens, but, by the end of the studio time, had emerged as a real band. Lapel finds local singer-songwriter Debbie Neigher moving away from folk and rock influences, instead exploring a new sound mixing electronic pop and R&B. And while you might not yet be familiar with the intense post-punk of Fearing or the thrashy hardcore of Primal Rite, these bands draw talented members from local bands Creative Adult and Scalped, respectively.

Listen to the mixtape to learn more about all fourteen artists included in this mix.

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Track Listing

Rose Droll – “A Change in Weather”

Curls – “Emotion”

Ricky Lake – “Wino”

Spiritual Cramp – “All My Friends Are Out Tonight (Alright)”

Ismay – “River of Light (Through the Inland Empire)”

Remember Karen – “Afternoon Waking Life”

Madi Sipes & The Painted Blue – “Sex & Sadness”

Just Rese – “Fluffy Pink Lights”

Fearing – “Black Sand”

Primal Rite – “Demon”

Lapel – “Less of a Woman”

The Saxophones – “If You’re On The Water”

Cryderman – “Albatross”

ALLBLACK – “Change The Gloves”