Australian singer Courtney Barnett poses in Melbourne, Australia, Jan.22, 2016. Barnett is nominated for a Grammy Award for best new artist. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Andrew Brownbill
February 12, 2016 - 6:30 AM
The weekly Next Big Thing column highlights what's bubbling under the surface in entertainment with a look at rising stars in the world of music, as well as standout TV shows, movies and web series that would be a shame to overlook.
This week we highlight three nominees at the 58th Grammy Awards who you might have missed.
The Grammys air Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on City and CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
'PEDESTRIAN' CROSSOVER
Australian alt-rocker Courtney Barnett stands out as a unique nominee for best new artist in a category that's dominated this year by pop princesses and guys with guitars.
Her deadpan vocal delivery and scratchy guitar riffs have already won over critics and could make her an underdog contender.
Barnett's sound recalls an era of grunge rock long past — but she does so without sounding like imitation.
Listen to "Pedestrian at Best," a high-energy track from her debut album, "Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit," which she says is named after a poster that hung in her grandma's bathroom.
Watch "Pedestrian at Best": http://bit.ly/1Kcd67Z.
CHEMICAL COMPONENT
The Chemical Brothers have racked up five Grammy nominations in the best dance recording category, which could be one of the reasons this year's "Go" has been overshadowed by its fellow contenders.
The British electronic music duo, which has performed together for 27 years, has taken home that award twice, so it's unlikely they'll win again.
Bigger hits in the category have a better chance for the prize, like "Where Are U Now," the Top 10 charting collaboration from Justin Bieber and Jack U, the DJ combo of Skrillex and Diplo.
"Go" was a moderate hit in some parts of Europe, but the song barely registered in North America, which means the track — featuring rapper Q-Tip — still qualifies as a hidden gem that fuses rock, rap and electronic music into one irresistible package.
Watch the "Go" music video, from "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" director Michel Gondry: http://bit.ly/1Td2po3
POUNDING 'HEART' BEAT
Brandi Carlile's fifth studio album, "The Firewatcher's Daughter," is up for best Americana album, putting the singer in the spotlight once again.
Carlile's music has been prominently featured in commercials for General Motors and retailer JCPenney, but despite all of the attention she hasn't broken into the mainstream.
"The Firewatcher's Daughter" showcases Carlile's roots, which vary wildly from soul to country music. Check out the rousing track "Wherever is Your Heart," a song that proudly shows that mature songwriting can also rock.
Watch the "Wherever is Your Heart" music video: http://bit.ly/1QrVXnb.
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News from © The Canadian Press, 2016