2011 may be over, but things are already moving along in the Richmond music scene. Here are a bunch of artists who I expect to see big things from in 2012.
DEAD FAME
Seriously, I don’t need to say anything more about Dead Fame (pictured above) than I already have this past year. Just listen to them. The group has its debut EP coming out early next year and they’ve made such an impression on me, I’m excited to see what happens next. You’ve got one more chance to catch them live before 2012 when they play at GayRVA’s A-List New Year’s Eve at Aloft Hotel in Short Pump.
Dead Fame – We Can Run
NELLY KATE
I had heard many good things about singer-songwriter Nelly Kate, but didn’t get the chance to see her perform until late this year at the Listening Room, and without a doubt, she completely blew me away with her layered sounds and a voice that grabs your attention like no other. She’s set to release her album “ISH ISH” early next year and she’s been raising the money to do so through a Kickstarter page. We’ll be hearing a lot more from this young woman very soon.
Nelly Kate – Blue Badges
THE SNOWY OWLS
Snowy Owls have already been making waves throughout 2011 with their loud fuzzy rock sounds. Seriously, they were everywhere. They’ve released a few singles this year but not a full fledged album to speak of (maybe that’s in the works?). They also have one of the most entertaining live shows around.
DREW MARTIN AND THE LIMELIGHTS
These guys seemed to come out of nowhere, blasting pop rock everywhere they could. Their self-titled EP showed a lot of potential and this year, they’ve even had the chance to open for Switchfoot and the Airborne Toxic Event. Expect to hear more from this group in 2012.
Drew Martin and the Limelights – Calling Your Bluff
THOSE MANIC SEAS
Noise rock outfit Those Manic Seas have a strong debut album and a live show that’s full of energy and creativity (the group’s ‘lead singer’ isn’t real – go to a show and you’ll understand). They’ve only played a few shows this year, but I’m expecting a full on breakout as the new year progresses.
I’m sure you’ve heard that 
As for the Airborne Toxic Event, I’ve been wanting to check them out since their very catchy single “Sometime Around Midnight.” They’ve been on my radar for some time and with the release of their new album, “All At Once,” they now have my attention. It’s already in my top rotation and I seriously cannot stop listening to “All I Ever Wanted” and “Numb.”
Tonight, Wed. Nov. 23 at the National, six local bands fight for the top spot of playing for “Miracle on Broad Street” and the opportunity to open for Switchfoot and the Airborne Toxic Event on Dec. 1.
Check out a few new releases from some of Richmond’s finest bands. 
