Ones To Watch - July 9

TMN’s charts team predict the hottest new music breaking over the next quarter. From emerging acts to established artists, we’ll give you our industry tips, based on forthcoming album releases, past performance, inside info and a myriad of charts data.

Shane Nicholson

Hell Breaks Loose

(Lost Highway/UMA) Out August 7

Australian singer-songwriter Shane Nicholson recently announced his fifth solo album Hell Breaks Loose will be released on August 7. Out through Lost Highway Records - the Australian arm of UMG's Nashville-born label - this album could see Nicholson gain his next piece of ARIA chart success. His first album in four years features the single Secondhand Man which is currently sitting at #6 on the TMN Country charts while it has previously peaked at #2. Though Nicholson is a decorated producer, he’s passed on the duties for this album to Matt Fell (Josh Pyke, Tim Freedman). Even if it doesn’t break any previous records, Hell Breaks Loose is no doubt going to be an important addition to his already impressive list of accolades and awards including various ARIA’s and CMAA’s.

MS MR
How Does It Feel
(SME) Out July 17

Singer/producer duo Max Hershenow and Lizzy Plapinger, more commonly refered to as MS MR, see a timely release for their forthcoming album How Does It Feel next week on July 17. The reason the release comes at a great time is because the pair are set to hit our shores for a few performances in Sydney and Melbourne, but most notably at the sold out Splendour In The Grass festival. Their 2013 debut Secondhand Rapture saw some success on the ARIA Albums chart, peaking at #22, though they have yet have seen any Singles chart success yet. That said, single Hurricane came in at #41 in 2012’s triple j Hottest 100. The new album sees Grammy award winner Tom Elmhirst (Beck, Amy Winehouse) collaborate on mixing duties. Though it may not see the Top 3 debut on the week of release, the following tour and Splendour performance should see this album chart well, and maybe even set a new peak for the duo.