Elton John reveals the new artists he's currently excited about
The music icon is well known for having his finger on the pulse of upcoming music, having backed acts such as Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, Gabriels and Yard Act from the very start of their careers.
Now, he's turning his attention to a new cohort of artists. Speaking in his Rolling Stone UK cover feature alongside Brandi Carlile to promote their new joint album Who Believes In Angels?, Sir Elt cited the likes of soul star Cleo Sol, Gia Ford, Elmiene and Nia Smith – who features in our Future of Music 2025 list – as being among the artists he's enjoying at the moment.
He added: 'There's a guy called Humble the Great, who is absolutely wonderful. Hot Wax, who've been around for a while, have their first album out this year. There's a South African artist, Moonchild Sanelly, and Soft Launch, they're a very good-looking young Irish band.'
Also on Elton's list was Jalen Ngonda, who similarly features in our Future of Music 2025 list. 'Jalen Ngonda, I interviewed him on Rocket Hour. About two summers ago, I saw him at Nice Jazz Festival live and he was absolutely incredible,' he said.
'He was on before the main act. There was hardly anybody there. And by the time he finished, it was packed.' Elton added: 'Nectar Woode, she sent me her album. She's amazing.'
In their cover story, Elton and Brandi also shared their key tips for making it as a new artist.
'Just keep trying to play live. That's the way you improve as a musician and songwriter. It doesn't matter if you're playing to 40 people. The more experience you get playing to nobody, the better. Because when I played in Musicology, we played to hardly anybody sometimes,' said Elton.
'That experience stood me in great stead for when I became Elton John because I had backbone. And backbone is so important, because the worst thing that can happen to you in the industry are things like X Factor and instant fame on television where you have no experience of playing live. You get put on stage, you go, and you can't do it. That's the worst thing. American Idol — just the worst. Take risks. Go and play in a pub.' '
For Carlile, meanwhile, it's a close-knit group that can help artists elevate their talent. 'And honestly, make friends,' she added. 'Get a community around you.'
'I can't live without music. It nearly killed me, but it also kept me alive, and it keeps me alive today. But not the music of the past so much. Although I do listen to jazz and stuff like that, but it's the music of the future that keeps me alive,' Elton said.
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