Whilst I was in Memphis I became a reporter for The Daily Helmsman newspaper for one semester. The University print newspaper had daily editions in both digital and print formats distributed across the city.
The Daily Helmsman
The Daily Helmsman
The winners and losers, risers and fallers of 2018
By Luke Chapman
Beginning on the more negative side, there have been a few names left battered and bruised by 2018:
The Chainsmokers- They pumped out hits such as “Closer”, “Paris” and “Don’t let me down”, but did you know they’ve been releasing a chain of songs from a forthcoming second album? Because most people didn’t either. “Side Effects” reached mild success and admittedly wasn’t a bad song, but the band had a steak through the heart when their new music was being played on Radio 2. For an EDM band, thats not very reputable.
Bradley Cooper- Theres just not lots to say, his singing talent is tolerable at best, and he just shouldn’t be here. The “Shallow” star jumped on Gaga’s bandwagon and stuck with it, but he should’ve just stuck with Hollywood.
Conor Maynard- The singer used to have a career, his debut album certainly gained traction and set him on a path for success. However all he’s achieved this year is featuring on too many EDM songs. It seems as if he’s been renting out his voice for free to any producer who would have him, and I don’t think its done him any favours. His youtube career has been passable, and it seems that no manner of auto tuned “acoustic” Facebook viral videos can save him now.
On a more positive note, this year hasn’t only eaten up some of the pasts successes, it has propelled some artists further into the stratosphere. Some of the biggest successes have been:
Camelphat- Although this name might not immediately ring a bell, the dynamic house duo have arguably kept the dance genre in the charts. The UK group first released “Constellations” in 2015 on Spinnin records, and received great success from the dance world. But their big break was made in 2017 with the smash “Cola”. Since the growing success, the duo have been playing festival upon festival and debuting brand new music. “Cola” made huge waves across the world and over 18 months since its release, is still being constantly played in clubs around the UK. 2018 saw their release of “Panic room” which again was successful in the charts, especially throughout the UK. Their newest release titled “Breathe” is also a BANGER, and will most likely be making moves in the next few months.
Stormzy- Although his debut album was released in 2017, “Gang signs and prayers” has still been prominent throughout 2018. Not only are his songs still being rinsed, but his undeniable influence is leading the way for grime to be dominating the UK charts to this day. Following this, one of the main reasons he’s on my 2018 list is Glastonbury. Not only is it amazing to see a British artist headlining the stage, but its such an accolade for an artist with only one album to be given the prestigious opportunity. He truly has had a huge impact on UK music in ways we don’t even realise.
Sigala- Sigala’s very first single “Easy love” is from over 3 years ago, but propelled the producer through the charts instantly. Numerous hits followed including “Sweet lovin”, “Say you do” and so many others. He has not only been prominent in the charts, but also notorious throughout the dance music scene with sets and tommorowland among others. The Norfolk magic man continued his reign of the charts throughout 2018 with huge successes such as “Lullaby” with Paloma Faith, and collaborations with The Vamps and Fuse ODG before his album was released. “Just Got paid” with Ella Eyre, Meghan Trainor and French Montana has been one of the highlights of this year, and was the lead single for the release of his debut album “Brighter days”. Not only did the collaboration dominate the charts, but the album created songs with artists you wouldn’t normally see on dance songs. Sean Paul, Flo Rida, Craig David, HRVY, and the one and only Kylie Minogue all featured on the album (among many others), creating a fresh body of work which broadened the bridge between pop and dance music.
Jax Jones- Keeping on track with the dance music take over, producer Jax Jones features on my hotlist for 2018. Although his break out singles “House work” and “You don’t know me” debuted in 2016, the London producer is still going strong nearly three years later. “Breathe” was released in December 2017 and featured prominently throughout the beginning of this year, and was a smash. With more of an alternative stance, “Ring Ring” with Mabel also achieved Jones success. His very recent release of “Play” with Years and Years is still surging higher in popularity as we speak. This year also saw the release of his extended play “Snacks” which just proves how talented and successful the producer really is.
At least out of this shit show of a year there has been some positive aspects. Music will always reign king, and no matter the circumstances, joy can be brought through the medium of a great song. With the new year coming, what could 2019 possibly bring?
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2018 has been in general a fairly ok…ish year. The national politics may have left a lot to be desired for, but the music of the past year has not disappointed. Some have faired a lot better then others, and the past months havent been the kindest to every musician. So who has conquered 2018, and who has come off a little worse for wear?
David Guetta- The man is an undeniable living icon. “Titanium”, “Where them girls at” and “When love takes over” all cement this fact, but his latest music may have left a little to be desired from the French powerhouse. “7” was the name of the album released this year and has only really had meagre success with “Flames” and “Don’t leave me alone”. There has been no mention of the album, and its record sales aren’t substantial in any form. Maybe David should just stick to single releases for the foreseeable future.