New music: 5 for 2009

Here are five fairly randomly chosen new acts from around the world (I'm defining 'new' as 'haven't released a debut album yet') that it might be worth keeping an eye out for in 2009. Or not. Who knows? their albums might all be rubbish. We'll have to wait and see....

5. Soko

Slightly mental French singer Soko first emerged last year with that 'I'll Kill Her' song (number 5 in last year's Bawley 100) and judging by her Myspace, there's a bit more where that came from. She's apparently working on her debut album. Myspace

4. Jason Lytle

This one's a bit of a cheat, because Jason Lytle had been making music for ages as Grandaddy's frontman. But his debut solo album is due next year, and word has it, it's going to be up there with his best work. But they always say that. Myspace (see also: Sew Low Owl Bum)

3. Sui Zhen

Australian singer songwriter Sui Zhen has been playing a lot around Sydney recently, with her excellent band. With a voice somewhere between Joanna Newsome and Feist, and some great quirky indie-pop tunes, her debut, should be one to look out for in 09. Myspace.

2. Little Boots.

One of the many 'girls with synths' that are popping up all over the place at the moment and should be a big feature of the coming year. Little Boots has been working with Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor to create some great wonky electro pop. Download a brilliant 45 minute long mixtape from her myspace.

1. Mumford & Son

Peers of the likes of Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn and the like, This painfully shy four piece do "Folk/Bluegrass/Afrobeat" very well. Really good songs, too. Myspace