NME announces the NME 100  – the new acts destined for big things in 2019

NME has unveiled the NME 100, the annual list of the hottest new acts in music.
 
From drill to indie via punk and metal – with a little flamenco for good measure – this is a comprehensive rundown of what’s set to be a massively exciting year in new music.
 
Today’s release of the NME 100 was last week teased with an in-depth Big Read with 17-year-old singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, whom NME’s New Music Editor Tom Smith met in Los Angeles.
 
With stunning photos from Rachael Wright, it’s a bracing and frank interview (“People underestimate the power of a young mind that is new to everything and experiencing for the first time,” Billie explained) with an artist who’s already amassed millions of fans.
 
And the remaining 99 acts you can’t miss in 2019 – well on their way to Billie’s burgeoning superstar status – have now been unveiled. Former NME Big Read star Slowthai made the cut, as did rapper Headie One, Dublin punks Fontaines DC, British singer-songwriter Jade Bird and reggaeton hero Bad Gyal. And there’s a lot, lot more where that came from.  
 
Many of them came to NME’s office in December for video interviews and a photoshoot with veteran photographer Danny North, the results of which can be seen in the article.
 
NME New Music Editor Thomas Smith said: “This year’s list is undoubtedly the strongest and most diverse we’ve had yet. From drill rappers ready to go mainstream to the bands and pop stars that’ll be seeing dominating festival season, it’s a good representation of the artists ready to make 2019 so damn exciting.”
 
“We’re most excited about Billie Eilish, the teenage pop star who we kicked off the NME 100 with on Friday. In our Big Read, we spoke to her about the upcoming year and her debut album, which is going to make her one of the biggest names in game. She’s leading the charge, but we’re pretty certain that plenty of the remaining artists in the NME 100 won’t be far behind in making some of the most boundary-pushing and exhilarating music this year.”
 
Editor Charlotte Gunn says: “NME has always been a champion of new music and as we enter 2019, we are overwhelmed with the amount of emerging talent. A list of five or ten acts just wouldn’t cut it, so we’re proud to unveil the biggest and best new artist list in music. We challenge you to not find something you love.”
 
The annual NME 100 was launched in 2017 with an aim of reflecting genre-agnostic listening, connecting NME readers to thrilling new sounds and offering a fresher, more diverse alternative to the stale new acts lists you see elsewhere. Last year’s alumni include Shame, Pale Waves, Avelino, Rex Orange County, Dave, Tom Grennan, Yungblood, IAMDDB and many more.