Twenty to watch in 2011

Happy new year!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as we said goodbye to 2010 and opened the door to the new opportunities coming our way in 2011.

Last year was a breakout year for many indie artists, but I believe that 2011 will be an even bigger year.  With that in mind, here's my list of the 20 artists to watch in 2011.  I have listed them in alphabetical order, as even I do not want to try and "predict" which one of them will have the biggest impact.  Here we go!

Brannigan (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brannigan/160277293996078?v=wall) - This band out of the great state of Texas is about to take the world by storm.  With the help of Ue3 Promotions (www.ue3promotions.com), these guys will soon be a household name in the world of rock.

Brandon Chandler (www.brandonchandler.com) - Based in Portland, Oregon, this singer-songwriter is ready for the big time.  Watch for the release of "At War With Love," an incredible tune co-written by Mikal Blue and Andrew Williams.

Clara C (www.facebook.com/ClaraCMusic) - With a huge YouTube following, this songstress is ready to burst upon the scene. 

Katie Costello (www.katiecostellomusic.com) - This young lady has already proven herself with placements in television, and unique videos homemade on her iPhone.

David and Devine (www.myspace.com/davidanddevine) - With the release of their first music video, starring Mariana Klaveno (True Blood), and their first EP, this duo is about to show the world what they are capable of.

The Elevaters (www.myspace.com/elevaters) - Combining classic funk with rap, these guys are poised to revolutionize the music industry with their unique brand of "Get up and Dance" music.

Hope (www.myspace.com/hearhope) - With an incredible video featuring Jason Mraz (www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM6b_8yp9MM), this young lady is a force to be reckoned with.

Karmina (www.karmina.com) - This sister duo brings a new kind of music - "sparkle rock."

Lady Danville (www.myspace.com/ladydanville) - A product of the UCLA music community that launched Sara Bareilles, Maroon 5 and Tyrone Wells, this quartet has been touring with Ben Folds, among others. 

Marina V (www.marinav.com) - Born in Moscow and raised on the Beatles, this "soft rock" singer/songwriter is headed for a global market.

Rob Michaels (www.robmichaels.com) - From Carlos Santana to Daughtry and The Goo Goo Dolls, this guitarist has played with the best in the business.  He and his band are poised to breathe life into the rock world this year.

Of Verona (www.ofverona.com) - Featuring the killer vocals of Mandi Perkins and the musical genius of Dillon, they have already been named as the best individual performance of 2010.

Melissa Polinar (www.melissapolinar.com) - With a mighty voice and the ability to write incredible tunes, this lady will soon be known throughout the industry.

Satellite (www.satellite-music.com) - With a sound like One Republic on steroids, these guys are poised to capture the pop charts this year.

Lucy Schwartz (www.myspace.com/lucysong) - With the launch of "Graveyard" and a national touring schedule, Lucy is headed for the top.

Keaton Simons (www.keatonsimons.com) - This local LA icon has been in the studio with Mikal Blue and Brian Schueble, and his forthcoming CD will be his defining moment.

Nina Storey (www.ninastorey.com) - She's been hanging around the industry for a few years, but 2011 will be her time to shine.  With a new single co-written with Mikal Blue, and a hand-picked band that truly brings out her best, this Colorado native is set to shine.

Theory of Flight (www.theoryofflightmusic.com) - Based in Las Vegas, these boys are ready to take off in 2011.

The Wellspring (www.myspace.com/welovethewellspring) - Their first EP was judged the best of 2010, and will serve to launch them into 2011.

John West (www.myspace.com/johnwestsongs) - Recently signed to the same label as Rhianna, this R&B tunesmith is in the studio working on his next album - I personally guarantee that it will be one of the best for 2011.

I can hardly wait to see what unfolds musically in 2011 - I know it's going to be a stellar year!