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Top 89

Top 89 of 2016: New Artists

Here are the best new artists of 2016
Here are the best new artists of 2016MPR graphic

December 30, 2016

We asked, you voted! All December long, you — the music lover — voted for your favorite new artists that emerged in 2016, and the results are in!

We are lucky enough to have had all five best new artists of 2016 stop by The Current studios or hosted events. From in-studio videos and recordings to live performances, these artists proved they're in it for the long haul.

Be sure to tune in to The Current's listener-curated Top 89 countdown on Dec. 31, 2016 starting at 5 p.m. CT with a rebroadcast on New Year's Day starting at 10 a.m. CT.

5. Jack Garratt

Back in March, following the release of his debut album Phase, the U.K.'s Jack Garratt performed as a part of The Current's intimate #MicroShow series at a unique venue: The Weisman Art Center. Power and technical issues aside, Garratt wowed the crowd, most of whom were unfamiliar with his music. The Current again welcomed Jack to The Current studio when his Phase world tour stopped in the Twin Cities.

4. Margo Price

Margo Price, another artist to perform as a part of The Current's #MicroShow series, saw significant success in 2016. Price released her debut album Midwest Farmer's Daughter on Third Man Records, was named Emerging Artist of the Year at Americana Music Honors and Awards and performed on the debut of A Prairie Home Companion 2.0 with Jack White. Her sophomore LP is due out in 2017.

3. The Lemon Twigs

Talk about unexpected! Long Island-based brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario, aka the Lemon Twigs, quietly released their debut album Do Hollywood but made a splash in The Current studio in October. Staff and listeners alike were impressed by the duo's savant-level songwriting. The Lemon Twigs perform at First Avenue on Jan. 28 as a part of The Current's 12th Birthday Parties.

2. Margaret Glaspy

A favorite of many staffers of The Current, rising singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy released her debut Emotions and Math to critical acclaim in 2016. Glaspy was warmly welcomed to the Twin Cities at the third annual Festival Palomino where she chatted with Bill DeVille backstage. The Current will welcome Margaret into the studio before her big gig at the Target Center on Jan. 19 opening for the Lumineers and Andrew Bird.

1. Car Seat Headrest

What a year it's been for Car Seat Headrest, aka Will Toledo. Like Courtney Barnett in 2015, the band seemingly appeared from nowhere then quickly became one of the most played and talked-about acts of 2016. We were pleased to have Toledo and his bandmates pay tribute to the late David Bowie in The Current studio with a unique cover of "Blackstar."