They've all made quite an impression on us this year

There have been a number of breakout artists this year, so here are our picks for 2018 artists we can't wait to hear from in 2019.

Dermot Kennedy

A Dublin native, Dermot has had quite the 2018, and we're hoping there are many great things for him to come in 2019. Having been around for a couple of years now, 2018 was finally the year he made it big. Dermot has been announced as one of 10 artists included on the 'BBC Sound of 2019' Longlist; the top five will be announced in January. He's also been included in Youtube Music's 'Ones To Watch 2019', MTV Push 'One's To Watch 2019', and RTE 2FM's 'Rising List 2018'.

 

Lizzo

Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) is one of the most promising talents to emerge out of Minneapolis’ music scene. The rapper/singer has collaborated with legends like Prince and Big Freedia and her musical style interlinks multiple genres, from pop, to R&B, and neosoul. The message she's putting forwards in her music is this: love your body, have faith in your abilities, and don’t let people treat you like shit. Amen. 'Boys' has been one of the catchiest tunes from 2018, without a doubt.

 

Sam Fender

The Newcastle-born Sam was recently announced as the winner of The BRIT's Critics' Choice Award for 2019. Speaking on the win, Sam said, "I’m so grateful to everyone back home for believing, and to my band and team for all their hard work. We've played literally hundreds of shows this year, and we're going to go even harder in 2019." We recently caught up with Sam too, who spoke about becoming an advocate for mental health, and how Bruce Springsteen has been a big influence.

 

Billie Eilish

Billie kind of came out of nowhere, and we're loving it. Her EP 'Don't Smile At Me' released last year, but she's had such a successful year in 2018 that we had to include her. A lover of all that is dark and messed up with the world, Billie also has a very sensitive and relaxed side to her; which is very evident in her interview with Vanity Fair earlier this year. At only 16 years old, she is in the top 50 for most listened to artists in the world.

 

Saint Sister, Kormac, and Jafaris

The collaboration of three upcoming Irish artists to come together and bring 'Causing Trouble' has garnered great praise since its release earlier this month. Each artist brought their distinct style to Saint Sister's song, which was recorded a their recent headline show in Dublin's Olympia Theatre.  Jafaris is becoming well-known in the hip-hop circuit; while Kormac is storming ahead with his daring live shows. All three Irish acts seem to have quite a promising 2019 to come.

 

Mahalia

Big things are set to come for Mahalia. The Leicester native, she's enjoyed an incredible 12 months, quickly becoming one of this year’s most exciting UK female artists. Her R&B and soulful production is a breath of fresh air, and the world is definitely listening. Having performed with Rudimental, supported Ed Sheeran, Mahalia even played Dingle's Other Voices this year too; so she's already got a dedicated Irish following on her hands.