Top 10 Artist Development 2023
CALDO | ESSY MALIYA | EVA | INDIA SHAN|KATUS MYLES | STACY N.K.R | STORRY | TEJY | TYLER LEIWS | VALNTNA
The Artist Development Programme has been running since 2015 and, for the first time in the programme’s history, will be taking two artists onto the programme supported with £5000 funding.
Out of 600 + applications, we’re sharing the Top 10 who have impressed the iluvlive, Stellar Songs / Tim & Danny Music teams with their talent. We want to celebrate showcasing these amazing emerging artists!
Listen & Watch the AD Top 10 Playlists
Caldo is a rising star in the UK rap scene, coming from South London and of Italian and Spanish descent. At just 18 years old, he has already made a name for himself due to his versatility & unique lyricism as shown in songs such as 'Young Entrepreneurs' & ‘SATNAV'.
Music has always been a big part of Caldo's life, often using it as a way to escape from reality. Caldo began his writing journey as early as the age of 10 but only released his first single, 'Caught In The Middle' at the start of 2022 (aged 16). Influenced by the likes of Dave, he is determined to make his mark on the industry.
Hailing from the picturesque coastal town of Brighton, EVA is a 20 year-old prodigious singer, songwriter, and music producer who has been setting the music scene ablaze. With a distinct blend of pop and electronic influences, EVA burst onto the scene with her singles - "Daydream Danger," "Reaching Out," and "The Snow" - all of which have earned her acclaim and a devoted following.
Drawing inspiration from the realms of house and garage, EVA's music boasts a contemporary allure, marked by her devotion to honing her craft. Her remarkable journey has led her to share the stage with artists like Hamzaa, and she was featured in Glastonbury's emerging talent competition.
EVA's latest offering, "My One," showcases her evolution as an artist delving deeper into electronic and dance experimentation. Her sound is full of lush harmonies, dynamic percussion, and enveloping synth textures and EVA's captivating vocals, guiding listeners through a tale of love, care, and understanding.
Hailing from a background where music was not just a pursuit but a familial legacy, Katus Myles's upbringing was steeped in the rhythms of his parents' Gospel music tours.
Emerging as a compelling presence in the UK's R&B and Hip-Hop scene, Myles is a multifaceted artist who effortlessly blends both artistry and production. His tracks narrate his story, capturing his growth and experiences with a blend of vulnerability and resilience.
Now poised at the forefront of the UK music scene, Katus Myles's journey is a testament to the intersection of heritage and modernity. As he navigates the complex web of music production and personal expression, his recent release "Cnf" shines as a symbol of his artistic evolution and the promise of what's yet to come.
Performer, visual artist and advocate STORRY, is a multifaceted artist who has been an in-demand collaborator working with Sly & Robbie (Another Man), Burna Boy (Alarm Clock), and STORMZY (This Is What I Mean) - bringing her artistry further into the limelight.
STORRY has already been nominated for two JUNO awards (Canada’s Grammy Awards) plus numerous awards for her music and visuals for her debut album “CH III: The Come Up”, her seminal album that set the groundwork for her innovative sound.
STORRY’s live performances are truly visceral experiences that must be experienced to be believed. It doesn’t just touch you- it hits you in the face!
Raised in West London, Tyler Lewis’ musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, from icons like Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, and Earth Wind and Fire, to modern stars like Bruno Mars, Craig David, Justin Timberlake, and the contemporary sensation SZA. Her music effortlessly blends nostalgia with a fresh and distinctive sound, reflecting her rich musical heritage and unique artistic vision.
Emerging from South-East London, Essy Maliya marks her debut in the music realm with the enchanting R&B single "Same Way." Her captivating vocals gracefully intertwine with an understated drum pattern, conveying the poignant tale of unrequited love through her emotionally charged lyricism.
Drawing inspiration from her Nigerian heritage and surroundings, Maliya's music blends vulnerability with empowerment. Influenced by luminaries like Summer Walker and Aaliyah, she showcases her prowess as a triple-threat artist
Hailing from North London, India Shan's musical journey flourished with mentorship from the Amy Winehouse Foundation, propelling her unique voice into the spotlight.
She’s the newest artist on Loup Ent's roster, unveiling her ethereal single "Don't Wanna," produced by label founder Raf Riley. With delicate synths and a resonating bassline, the track showcases Shan's silky vocals as they intertwine effortlessly with the electronic-infused R&B soundscape.
As she channels universal experiences through her R&B lens, India Shan emerges as an artist of remarkable authenticity and emotional resonance, poised to captivate audiences with her unique sound and introspective lyricism.
The South London rap sensation Stacy N.K.R took the scene by storm with her debut single 'SE17'. Her lyrics pay homage to her roots, reflecting the influence of the community she grew up in, mirrored in the track title.
With an air of effortless cool, Stacy seamlessly merges R&B hooks and laid-back verses on this track, set to a slick UK hip-hop beat produced by the talented 19-year-old artist Danny Chaska from Bristol.
As a fresh and creative force in the rap world, her unique approach promises exciting things on the horizon. Stay tuned for more from this rising star.
London-native Tejy is on a mission to reignite the essence of genuine R&B, infusing each note with a rich blend of emotions that reflect his personal journey - a mirror to his joys, pains, and fears.
His pen is a vessel, alternating between humility and pride and channelling the diverse perspectives of his surroundings, both within the “mandem” and the broader world. Tejy's artistry offers a genuine glimpse into his world while inviting listeners to explore the intricacies of their own emotions.
Tejy's ascent to prominence took flight through TikTok, where his magnetic presence and genuine musicality attracted a growing fan base. His duets on the platform further amplified his reach, revealing a unique ability to harmonise with the digital realm and captivate audiences in the process.
South London R&B/Soul artist VALNTNA is a captivating vocalist and songwriter known for her unique, powerful and sultry vocals combined with Goddess Aura.
VALNTNA's passion for music stemmed from her love for 90's Rhythm & Blues & Soul music, with influences from the greats such as Aretha Franklin, India Arie , Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige.
Valntna has been featured on the likes of Notion Magazine, Wonderland , BBC Sound (Nadia Jae Rnb Chill) , Capital 1xtra , BBC 1xtra , BBC Radio London , Represent Radio , Pulse 88 to name a few .. and has recently blessed the stage for the likes of Mahalia (on her Mahalia Presents Show) .
