After an exciting 2011, Universal Music is proud to boast more great talent in 2012. Since we have so many different genres working with us, it’s our pleasure to provide something for everyone. No matter what your fancy may be there is always something new to discover and because of this we want to tell you about a few artists we think you’ll be talking about very, very soon.

Hey Ocean

With riotous shows and a demeanour that shines brighter than the sun, Hey Ocean will be making your heart swoon in 2012. Already catching the attention from the blog world for years, Hey Ocean’s seemingly endless touring has brought them an ever growing fan base and now to the attention of Universal Music. Having already released Big Blue Wave, an EP of power pop perfection, these veterans of the Vancouver scene are busy working on a new full-length album as well as a video for “Big Blue Wave” that will surely please fans old and new while never losing their grassroots, DIY vibe.

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Gotye

At the end of 2011 there was one song everyone was obsessed with and that was “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Belgian-born Gotye. Luckily for everyone he’s readying his third full-length album Making Mirrors for a January 24 release date. You can expect the multi-instrumental wispiness of its lead single throughout the album, as well as hard hitting songs with deep themes and emotions. With success that grows with each passing day, Gotye is definitely setting himself up to be part of 2012’s A-list.

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 Michael Kiwanuka

His last name means God of lighting and thunder and after hearing one of his songs you’ll know that refers to how you feel after hearing him sing. British-born Michael Kiwanuka’s voice encompasses the spirit of Otis Redding and the soul of Bill Withers and is taking his homeland by storm. Just named the winner of BBC’s Sound of 2012, he’s planning a proper album in 2012 after two successful EPs in 2011. If you’re into that old Memphis sound, then look no further than Michael Kiwanuka.

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Frank Ocean

For a guy who started out writing songs for Beyonce and John Legend, Frank Ocean has come a long way. Now with such feathers in his cap as collaborating with Tyler, the Creator and Kanye West and Jay-Z’s on their Watch the Throne project, this New Orleans-born rapper is on track for superstardom. Already securing spots at Coachella, he’s set to rip the hip hop world a new one. You can expect a follow up to his nostalgia,LITE EP some time in 2012 chock-full of hits.

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