Robbie Cavanagh tops the PR pops, according to Porter Novelli’s Philip Honour

Before moving into the agency world, I worked full-time in music running events (and venues) in Manchester and London and, whilst I was a pretty shocking promoter (the thought of selling tickets still gives me nightmares), I did develop a pretty good ear for talent. So the five tracks below are my tips for stardom in 2018.

1. Robbie Cavanagh - Godsend

Robbie is building his profile the hard way – by gigging up and down the country and playing wherever he can. He has picked up a string of famous fans on the way including Pixie Lott and has been played extensively on Radio 2 and described as the UK’s answer to Ryan Adams.

2. Larkins – Sugar Sweet

Larkins are a great new indie band hailing from Glossop, just outside Manchester. They are perfect for fans of Vampire Weekend and quirky indie pop. More of a summer band than a winter band, but guaranteed to brighten up your day. Expect to see them at the majority of major festivals next summer.

3. ALMA – Chasing Highs

The bookies’ favourite to take home the BBC Sound of 2018 award, 20-year-old ALMA hails from Finland and will be selling out arena’s across Europe by the end of the year.

4. Spring King – Who are you?

Spring King has been around for a while, but this year they will breakthrough to the mainstream as the next big rock/commercial crossover act. Perfect to soundtrack wintry nights. They bring a fresh take to pop punk but with a distinctively northern swagger.

5. Heavy on the Magic – All My Friends Have Anxiety

Youtube channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqwbwbLwCU0G8xZjDucm_zg

Riffs, noise, anarchy and melody, all wrapped up in thoroughly discombobulating clouds of neo-psych pop: Manchester Corbynista five-piece Heavy on the Magic are the perfect soundtrack to today's frankly bizarre "post-truth" world. Hailing from Wythenshawe, just outside Manchester, expect to see them at all good festivals next summer.

Written by Philip Honour, associate director at PR firm Porter Novelli