As we approach February, with the Brits having crowned Rag ‘n’ Bone Man as their hot act for 2017 and the BBC having done the same thing for Ray BLK, you’d think we’d be through with tips season. But the folks at MTV still haven’t made their minds up.
They’re putting on a gig for competition winners in Camden's Electric Ballroom featuring past tip turned mega-seller Sigala plus three acts on this year’s Brand New for 2017 shortlist: indie band The Amazons, rapper Stefflon Don and Bedford singer-songwriter Tom Grennan.
The latter has a low-key introductory EP, Something in the Water, out now, but looks like shaping up to be more than another beard with an acoustic guitar.
There’s something a bit roots reggae about his croaky voiced proclamations, and he’s also powerful enough to be heard over thundering drum and bass, as demonstrated by his guest turn on the latest Chase & Status single, All Goes Wrong.
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man’s current success suggests it’s a good time for mountainous male voices, so it could all go right for Grennan too this year.
MTV Brand New for 2017, Feb 2, Electric Ballroom, NW1 (mtv.co.uk)