20 of the Best Debuts of 2023
Last year we prayed for lots of exciting new artists and boy did 2023 answer!
Pictured (Left to Right): GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH., Glenna Jane, mary in the junkyard, Flip Top Head, The Last Dinner Party and Bekah Bossard
‘Tis the season to appreciate all this year’s amazing debuts. And we can’t wait to remind you of our favourites.
Although it has to be said, we’ve been a little intimidated by the number of debut singles that could easily have made the shortlist this year. I mean, there have been so many madly impressive debuts – some that have put rising stars on the map, and others that we think are still not getting the attention they deserve. So, here’s our list of the finest debut singles from 2023 (in no particular order) to get you ready for another year of new music.
mary in the junkyard — Tuesday
2. The Last Dinner Party — Nothing Matters
3. ERNIE — Pink Headaches
4. mlbacard¡ — Ketchup
5. GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH — Britpop Genius
6. Glenna Jane — Late Bloomer
7. Jazzcat — Robyn
8. Picture Parlour — Norwegian Wood
9. Flip Top Head — Seventh Bell Number
10. Bekah Bossard — What You Wanted
11. Miss Tiny — The Sound
12. The Joy Hotel — Jeremiah
13. Holy Fool — Winter Coat
14. Humane The Moon — A Track in Orbit
15. Caleb Francis — Only Nineteen
16. Keo — For You / Darkest
Why make your debut with one song, when you can release two? UK-based alt-rock band Keo made their debut with two tracks this year – the vulnerable and introspective track For You, and the stripped-back delicate Darkest. With each providing stunning guitar tones – raw and gritty in the former, and deep and organic in the latter – Keo showcased their sonic adaptability, as well as their ability to passionately get their message across.
17. Cardinals — Roseland
18. FIZZ — High In Brighton
A maximalist, technicolour dream of a song, High In Brighton introduced FIZZ’s (dodie, Orla Gartland, Greta Isaac and Martin Luke Brown) intoxicating sound to the world earlier this year, helping us escape the every day by bringing some colour back into our greige daily lives.
19. My First Time — Wind Up Merchant
Lyrically following the narrative of the archetypal Jack the Lad, intent on annoying and antagonising anyone for their pleasure, Wind Up Merchant is a high-energy, foot-on-the-accelerator kind of song. There may be undeniable similarities to Elvis Costello’s Pump It Up and more recently Olivia Rodrigo’s Brutal, but who cares? It’s a catchy, quintessentially British song, so ‘loosen up’ and enjoy it!