Ones To Watch - May 7

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.

Skrillex & Diplo
Skrillex & Diplo Present: Jack Ü
(ATL/WMA) Out May 29

Skrillex & Diplo’s collaborative project Jack Ü sees the physical release of their debut album Skrillex & Diplo Present: Jack Ü. Described by Pitchfork as ‘DJ culture’s reigning men’ both Skrillex & Diplo are no strangers to commercial success within the EDM and even commercial pop music spectrum, originally showcasing their live performance to the world at Madison Square Garden on New Years Eve last year.  

Both artists have seen their fair share of chart topping albums and singles, Skrillex has had two of his own peak within the Top 5 of the ARIA Albums chart while Diplo’ has done the production on many a #1-charting artist including Sia, Madonna and Beyonce. The album's lead single Where Are U Now featuring Justin Bieber has had a successful few weeks on commercial radio, recently peaking at #12 on the TMN Hot 100. In last week’s Ones To Watch TMN talked about Major Lazer’s most relevant release to date and how Diplo’s work in both of these mentioned projects puts him at the forefront of contemporary EDM in 2015. Though this album may not break any chart records, it's definitely going to be warmly recieved by the risingly popular EDM and club music culture. 

Refused

Freedom

(EPITAPH/WMA) Out June 26

Refused’s forthcoming release Freedom marks the Swedish hardcore band's first album in 17 years. Currently scheduled to drop on June 26, the band have revealed a track from the album titled Elektra, which was co-written and co-produced by Shellback – the man behind Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. But fans need not fear a saccharine sellout from the band, with Shellback reportedly a long-time Refused fan, and news that the bulk of Freedom’s production has been done by legendary producer Nick Launay (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.).

After declaring “ Refused Are F***ing Dead” in an open letter, the band announced their split to fans in 1998. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén and drummer David Sandström went on to form a new hardcore band, AC4. In 2012 Refused embarked on a reunion tour and again in November last year. But with the anticipation for the album building, frontman Dennis Lyxzén says “It’s not a reunion anymore. This is one of the most radical things we’ve ever done, both musically and lyrically.”

Refused were recently announced for the Reading and Leeds Festivals 2015 line-up, marking one of the most relevant points in the band's career.