Maroon Cafe Presents....Fresh Faces '11 The Album

Marina and the Diamonds, Lissie, Theophilus London, Rox, Surfer Blood, Ellie Goulding & Local Natives became well known names in 2010, they were also part of our Fresh Faces class, a class who seriously had a massive breakthrough in the music industry. As year one closes in this new decade a fresh crop of talent will be emerging over the next twelve months. Once again our rules remain the same with slight changes, all artists included have been handpicked and have yet to put out a full length on any label (exception of one.) This year we’ve decided to collectively come together and not only give you an exciting 15 person roster of artists who we feel will be making a seriously splash in 2011, but include them all on our first ever Lp. Your new faces are below and after the jump, followed by all the album deets and details.

Yuck – Granted we featured this group a few times on the site in 2010,
they are poised to be even better in 2011. The young band draws
influences from Pavement and Sparklehorse. Recently signed to the Mercury
Label their debut album is on our watch list for 2011.

Tennis – Want to be transported to a chilled out vibe year round. Well
you don’t have to leave in a warm climate. Husband and wife duo, Patrick
Riley and Alaina Moore of Tennis can provide that. Look for their album
in early 2011

Lord Huron – We’ve heard a few cuts from Lord Huron last year and were
intrigued by the group. Eastern influenced music, that we’ve heard called
African pop. Lord Huron is actually the work of visual artist Benji
Schneider. If we could give you a better description instead of African
pop, it would be a cross between Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses.

Cloud Nothings – We see so much potential in this band. They can go from
Garage Punk (Black Lips style) to power-pop in a heart beat. That
versatility has us thinking Dylan Baldi and crew will have a solid 2011.

Emma Dean – Ms. Dean has been around for a few years, but still hasn’t caught on. The Australian singer/songwriter has a different sound then anything or anyone that is out now. Her music is something that could be played at a stage musical. Weird? We know, and I think that’s why we
like her so much.

Still Corners- We absolutely love this Still Corners! The incadescent sounds this outfit brings will be your dreampop band of the year.

The Good Natured- The voice, the sound all fits perfectly and talented Sara Macintosh and her Dark Electro pop goodness = potential star power.

Young The Giant- One of the more intriguing bands who should fit right in with there stadium rock gem “My Body” and a debut album that will generate a huge buzz when it’s released this month.

Brother- Whether you know them by Kill the Arcade or Wolf I Am these four lads have found there sound, a sound that will birth Gritpop to the forefront.

James Blake- Yes it’s hard to surpass hype (ask Little Boots) and while he’s yet to properly showcase his full blown vocals, and his upcoming fascinating debut is a hipper version of Bon Iver’s exceptional “Forever Emma Ago” this Brit Award runner up may just be the face of and name of 2011.

Big K.R.I.T.- Our first ever hip hop artist to grace list should be more than enough reason on why he will no doubt be next. Southern self producer & emcee has this Mississippi native on the verge of being one of the greats.

Clare Maguire- So this is our safe pick heh? Not really, we’ve been following Clare for almost two years now what we’ve been saying then we’ll repeat again. Your voice of 2011 has arrived! Part Cher part Tammy Wynette, expect this songstress to be one of the most talked about acts.

Honorable Mentions

Jamie Woon- Brit school alum may not have the fan base that Blake has but could very have the most crossover appeal.

Alice Gold- Excited about SUPER talented rockstress with a Golden voice.

Emika- Only released two songs in ’10, those songs however were tops in many year end lists, seriously this Berlin native is on some next level stuff. A full length will back that up.