We're In Love With Sigala's Beach Shack After His Brand New For 2017 Performance

Last night (2nd February) we saw our Brand New For 2017 campaign draw to a riotous close, with a showcase gig at London's Electric Ballroom featuring some of the most exciting new artists around, topped off with an epic closing performance from Sigala.

After two months celebrating the ten acts we think you need to keep your eye on this year, during the night we crowned this year's winner AJ Tracey, who sadly couldn't join us as he's recovering from illness. Hopefully this award will cheer him up!

But to the music... Our genre-spanning night was kicked off by Reading rockers The Amazons, who kicked us into gear giving us a roaring live taster of what's to come from their forthcoming debut album, with stand out hits including 'Little Something' and the stadium-ready 'In My Mind' envigorating the crowd.

Next up, the wide-eyed Tom Grennan couldn't believe where he was standing. "I'm just a normal kid from f***ing Bedford," he blurted out before realising he was being taped for TV! He couldn't believe he was on MTV but we couldn't believe his voice.

The soulful, gravel-toned Chase & Status collaborator treated us to 'Sweet Hallelujah' and 'Found What I Was Looking For', plus 'Praying' which is taken from his new EP due for release next month. But 'Something In The Water' captivated the entire room and left us gagging for more.

Our penultimate act of the night came in the form of human whirlwind MC Stefflon Don. Exuding confidence and spitting super sharp lyrics, the singer/rapper owned the stage accompanied by her DJ two on point dancers. 

Dropping tracks from her recent debut Real Ting Mixtape including '16 Shots' and 'Narcos', her set climaxed with 'Real Ting' and a stage invasion from her entourage. We're so excited to see more from her (and her entourage!).

A break in proceedings, with Club MTV's R3WIRE & Varski keeping the crowd pumped, meant Sigala's beach hut - yes you heard right - could be erected on stage. A former Brand New nominee himself, the 'Sweet Lovin'' hit maker returned to the fold to headline the Electric Ballroom and bring a taste of carnival with him.  

Even on a cold February's night it felt like we could be partying on a beach and that's what the producer is going for. Since featuring on our list last year he's gone on to release singles with Craig David, John Newman, Digital Farm Animals and more. He's less about the lasers and more about the pure, feel-good dance tunes. And they came in their droves with his live band set up.

Opening with his latest single 'Only One', Imani Williams joined the fun with some wicked dance moves for 'Don't Need No Money' and 'Say You Do'. 'Ain't Giving Up' and 'Give Me Your Love' went down a storm and we were also treated to his recent Live Lounge version of The Weeknd's 'I Feel It Coming' with an added NEIKED and Marvin Gaye twist. 

Bryn Christopher gave us a stripped-back 'Sweet Lovin' intro before launching into that anthemic chorus while his breakthrough No.1, the Jackson 5-sampling 'Easy Love' sent us all chanting "a simple melody" into the night.

We'd like to say a massive thanks to MTV UP! Energy Drink, all the acts who played last night, all our Brand New For 2017 nominees, Club MTV's R3WIRE & Varski for keeping the energy up and Becca Dudley for hosting the night like the boss she is.

Watch highlights from our Brand New For 2017 showcase on MTV Music on 3rd March at 9pm.