7 U.K. Artists You Are Instantly Cooler For Knowing

America is so 2013

1. Disclosure

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This Surrey-based duo are the hottest thing in Electronic Dance Music since Deadmau5 decided to put on a mouse head. Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence draw from an eclectic mix of '90s House, Funk, Disco, and Garage to make some gritty tunes that are guaranteed to get you up and dancing. They have already headlined at Coachella and just released a full-length album "Settle" in June 2013. Get it on iTunes now or risk being that one person at the party who doesn't know the lyrics to "Latch".

First Check Out: Disclosure - "Latch feat. Sam Smith" (Official Video)

Deeper Cut: Jessie Ware - "Running (Disclosure Remix)"

2. Jessie Ware

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This majestic beauty began her career as a backing vocalist. After releasing a number of singles, Ware gained a following and released her debut album "Devotion" in August 2012. Her blend of emotive electronica and elegant crooning is executed with a grace that is only rivaled by her fashion sense. If this picture isn't enough to leave you breathless, check out her powerful music video for "Wildest Moments".

First Check Out: Jessie Ware - "Wildest Moments"

Deeper Cut: Jessie Ware - "What You Won't Do For Love"

3. AlunaGeorge

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If I could describe this London-based duo in two words it would be: oozing cool. Gorgeous singer/front-woman Aluna Francis and producer George Reid have taken your favorite '90s R&B sounds, sent them time-traveling to the future via spaceship, and brought back some undeniably grooving tunes that are good for just about any listening environment. Their debut album "Body Music" was released in July 2013 and the lead single "You Know You Like It" is a must have.

First Check Out: AlunaGeorge - "You Know You Like It"

Deeper Cut: AlunaGeorge - "Watching Over You"

4. Bondax

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These two teenagers are from Lancaster and produce a mix of electronic music that will absolutely blow your mind. Drawing from Deep House, R&B, Ambient, and Hip-Hop music, they rose to prominence over a number of online releases and features on BBC's Radio 1. They also run their own record label. Did we mention they're teenagers? Adam Kaye and George Townsend just released a music video for their summery jam "Giving It All". Start there, and then scour the internet for all their musical goodies.

First Check Out: Bondax - "Giving It All" (Official Video)

Deeper Cut: Bondax - FADER Mix

5. Ben Pearce

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Whether you know it or not, this DJ powerhouse released one of the biggest club songs of the year with his deep and soulful "What I Might Do". Inspiring a slew of incredible remixes, its irresistible groove landed it the impressive, though slightly useless, honor of being "the most Shazam-ed track in the UK". Pearce also co-founded the record label and DJ agency Purp & Soul. The music video for "What I Might Do" is guaranteed to make you actually laugh out loud. I dare you not to smile at these dance moves.

First Check Out: Ben Pearce - "What I Might Do" (Official Video)

Deeper Cut: Ben Pearce - "Pale Ale"

6. Sampha

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This crooner from South London gained notoriety through his collaborative work with SBTRKT. His latest and greatest claim to fame though came from a collaboration with Hip-Hop icon Drake. The track "Too Much" on Drake's recently released "Nothing Was the Same" featured Sampha's beautiful vocals floating through the battered drones of an antique piano. The result is equally touching and haunting.

First Check Out: Drake - "Too Much feat. Sampha"

Deeper Cut: SBTRKT - "Hold On feat. Sampha"

7. James Blake

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Mr. Blake has the voice of an angel, plays piano flawlessly, writes songs that will make your heart weep, and looks somewhat like he should be the sixth member of One Direction. His music is an inspiring combination of indie electronica, classical, and singer/songwriter. These genres mark the key components to his second studio album, "Overgrown" which was released in April 2013. If you haven't yet listened to James, I envy you for the next several hours you get to spend discovering his beautiful music for the first time.

First Check Out: James Blake - "Retrograde"

Deeper Cut: James Blake - "A Case Of You" (Joni Mitchell cover)

What do you think of these U.K. Artists? Let us know who you liked in the comments below, as well as if we missed any of your favorite artists!