2. Banks
R&B/electronica/singer-songwriter http://youtu.be/naMvm2DUKiE Already pegged for big things by the likes of BBC's 'Sound of 2014', MTV's 'Brand New 2014', and 'Artists Under Spotify's Spotlight', Jillian Banks' music is likely to make more of a significant noise than mere media buzz in 2014. Quite reluctant to get involved in the social media side of the business, Banks started writing music at a young ager but kept it music mostly to herself while she focussed on her degree in psychology. Her music channels an ultra-sleek R&B sound with a considerable emotional depth that brings to mind the darker, confessional style of The Weeknd's take on modern R&B. This might go some way to explaining their mutual touring duties, but Banks often cites Fiona Apple and Lauryn Hill as her major influences; something that is apparent in her vulnerable, and frail, yet smokily alluring vocals.