Music to Look Forward to in 2020

As we all trudge back to work this week, the hopefulness of the new year is already becoming a faint memory for most. But fear not music fans, we have much to look forward to in 2020. What’s an even sweeter thought is that you might not yet even know the artist who will be your favourite this time next year. With open ears and hearts we can’t lose.

Read on to find out more about the music I’m most looking forward to in 2020.

1) Della Mae – Headlight (January 17th)

I know this album comes out next week but I have to make sure it’s on everyone’s radar right now because it’s that good. Headlight is one of the most timely and powerful songs I’ve heard since I started this blog. The rest of the album is going to be a vital contribution to the Americana genre in 2020 – don’t miss this one.

2) The Secret Sisters – Saturn Return (February 28th)

Fresh from both becoming mothers in 2019, the Secret Sisters return with what is shaping up to be their most serious and introspective work yet (based on the two songs I’ve heard so far). The Sisters worked again with producer Brandi Carlile and you’d hope the current zeitgeist buzz around her should help in the promotion of this record. I for one love to hear them sing anything and can’t wait to hear Saturn Return.

3) Aubrie Sellers – Far From Home (February 7th)

In a recent interview Aubrie Sellers has said this album is an emotional and personal journey – dealing with amongst other things her crippling anxiety which she wrote about so powerfully recently. The tracks released from this record so far suggest she is really growing in confidence with her garage rock/country hybrid sound. She’s even got Steve Earle guesting on there too. Don’t miss it.

4) Brandy Clark – Your Life is a Record (TBC)

I’m seeing Brandy play Celtic Connections in a few weeks and she’s teased a new track today on Twitter so it’s safe to say this album is imminent. What we know so far (thanks to this great interview) is that she’s worked with Jay Joyce again and it’s her most personal record to date. Brandy is one of our best living songwriters and I’m so excited to hear what she has been working on.

5) Natalie Hemby – Pins & Needles (TBC)

After the rip roaring success of the Highwomen, the new album from everyone’s favourite Nashville songwriter Natalie Hemby is due for release this year. She’s described it as being the ‘1997 Lilith Fair album’ she’s always wanted to make. If that doesn’t sound like the most perfect thing possible then please close this tab because you’re reading the wrong website.

Also scheduled for release in January/ February are new records by Tami Neilson, Kesha, Nadia Reid, Isobel Campbell, Miss Tess, Little Big Town and The Big Moon.

Other artists that have confirmed or look likely to be releasing new albums this year include Tanya Donelly, Ashley McBryde, Hayley Williams, Holly Macvae, Laura Marling, Best Coast, Cam, Pearl Charles and Whitney Rose.

And maybe our prayers will finally be answered and we will get that Dixie Chicks album which we so need and deserve.

What new music are you looking forward to or hoping for in 2020? Let me know on social media or in the comments.