Breaking And Entering’s Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional: January 2017
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation. To submit to become one of our Five To Watch, click here.
We’re thrilled to kick off 2017 with another installment of our monthly Five To Watch presented by JBL Professional. This month, we’ve selected five artists that not only have a great month ahead, but likely a great year, as well. All of these artists have tremendous potential, and you can get introduced to all of them here:
Lucia Valentiine (Shepherdstown, WV)
At only 20 years old, West Virginia native Lucia Valentine has already developed a poised, mature sound for herself. Valentine grew up in a musical household, honing her vocal talents by singing with her sisters, a mother with an affinity for bluegrass, and a father who was a musician. In fact, several of her songs were written with her father, and Lucia has also worked with several other acclaimed songwriters and producers who have recognized her natural talent. As you’ll hear on her track, “Magic”, Lucia Valentine has the capability of drawing you in with her sound, and keeping you there with her voice.
I Fight Fail (Canton, OH)
Formed during the hiatus of a previous project in summer 2013, I Fight Fail has already worked to create a pretty notable buzz in their three years as a group. From being featured in national magazines to sharing the Warped Tour stage, as well as opening for several major artists, the band is turning heads with their blend of alternative rock and indie pop. By taking the best of both worlds, I Fight Fail has a very big, expansive sound, worthy of festival stages. The band’s latest EP, “Voyages & Vantage Points” was released in October, and they are currently supporting that project with shows around the Midwest. Check out the incredibly catchy “City From Bone” here:
Wordsmith (Baltimore, MD)
Baltimore’s Wordsmith is anything but your average local rapper. Performing since 2009, the emcee has both a unique delivery and a enthusiastic live show, and has properly crafted himself as an artist. On top of that, however, Wordsmith has a history of giving back through his label, NU Revolution Entertainment. The Baltimore spitter has partnered with several major organizations, including Armed Forces Entertainment, which allowed him to perform for the military overseas. Sonically, Wordsmith is also a standout, with a mellow brand of conscious hip hop. There’s a good chance you’ve already heard Wordsmith, as well; his music has been featured on national television several times, including placements on NFL programming, advertisements, and much more. Get a more formal introduction with “Living Life Check To Check” here:
Sidelined (Boise, ID)
While the depths of the sea of pop-punk genre seem to get deeper and deeper with every high school calendar year, Boise, Idaho natives Sidelined have crafted some incredibly well-written music deserving of national acclaim. The band has been around for eight years, and over that time, they have developed a very commercially viable sound for themselves, as well as a growing fan base. This is a veritable diamond in the rough, but one listen to songs like “Wake Me Up”, and you’ll hear that this band can do big things.
The Como Brothers (Mount Sinai, NY)
Brothers Matt and Andrew Como have been making music together for the better part of four years, and in the process have picked up an infectious sound that translates to fans well. The Como Brothers grew up on their love for pop, rock, and blues, and those influences come out in both their songwriting and the tone of their work. In addition to writing and recording, the band has shows lined up on the east coast, and are creating a buzz for themselves in the process. Check out their song “Hollow” below, and get your first taste of something that could be much bigger in the year to come:
