Popping Up: Conrad Sewell
Popping Up is our recurring look at new artists making noise on the music landscape. Because, hey — Beyonce and Miley were once unknown, too.
Signed to former Warner Music Group CEO Lyor Cohen’s 300 Entertainment, Australian singer/songwriter Conrad Sewell is generating serious buzz with catchy debut single “Hold Me Up” and a killer feature on Kygo’s international hit “Firestone.” It’s a stunning reversal of fortune for a guy that didn’t pass the audition stage on Australian Idol (way back in 2004) and later tried his luck with short-lived rock band Sons Of Midnight.
The 26-year-old has finally found his niche with the soulful, vaguely disco-tinged pop anthem “Hold Me Up.” It’s a huge song with an instantly hummable chorus, but there’s more to Conrad than blissful top 40 tunes. The Brisbane-born crooner’s understated, emotional vocal lifts Kygo’s “Firestone” beyond your typical dance track and his signature ballad “Start Again” is so good that Jay Z’s business parter tried to nab it for Kylie Minogue.
Get to know Conrad a little better by checking out his budding discography below.
Watch Kygo’s “Firestone” video:
Listen to Conrad’s debut single “Hold Me Up”:
Is Conrad the Next Big Thing? Have your say in the comments below.
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