2014 was an amazing year for music with the global breakthrough of Hozier, introduction of Sam Smith and domination of Ed Sheeran. Luckily, it seems that the new year isn't going to be short of rising stars and here are a few, at home and abroad, that we'll be keeping a very close eye on... Cloud Castle Lake This Dublin electro three-piece caught our attention with a brilliant set at the Hard Working Class Heroes festival and seem to be going from strength to strength since the release of EP Dandelion. Ryn Weaver This San Diego singer made some big noise with her debut EP Promises and a quick listen to tracks like OctoHate and Sail On will show you why. Her hooky pop songs and strong distinctive vocals have led some to claim that she'll be the big female star of 2015 and we wouldn't disagree. Soak The artist also known as Bridie Monds-Watson released the beautifully subtle B a noBody this year, as well as making an appearance in the Radio 1 Live Lounge. With a newly signed record deal with Chvrches' Goodbye Records, we're eagerly awaiting what comes next. Lethal Dialect Ireland is not best known for producing top-tier rappers but Paul Alwright has been attracting some major buzz around his latest album 1988, which showed the Cabra's man has definitely hit his stride with a mix of personal and powerful tracks. Jess Kav, who provide the soulful vocals on Headstrong, is another one to watch. James Bay Fresh from supporting Hozier on his US tour, James Bay's Hold Back The River EP showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. He scooped the Critic's Choice gong at the Brit Awards and we can't wait to hear debut album Chaos And The Calm when it's released in March. Rae Morris You may know Morris from her vocal on Bombay Bicycle Club's Luna but this Blackpool singer's solo work is going to go mainstream with the release of her debut album Unguarded in January. Staring At Lakes This six-piece indie-alternative band have a very unique sound and Grace Tooher's voice is not one that you'll forget in a hurry. The band secured a slot in the IMRO Other Room at this year's Other Voices following a public vote and recorded an astounding cover of Carol Of The Bells for our Sunday Sessions. Maud In Cahoots Headed up by Maud and Zoe Riordan, Maud In Cahoots is a delightfully different Irish band that has no qualms about forging its own path. They impressed with their set at Electric Picnic and even moreso with their concert/play The Well Rested Terrorist at Dublin Theatre Festival. We're dying to see what's next. Ibeyi All the talk from Other Voices earlier this month was about Ibeyi, who musically slayed everyone who attended their Dingle gig. The French/Cuban duo of twin sister Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz signed to XL Recordings in 2013 and will release their debut album in February. Joy Williams Fans of The Civil Wars were devastated when Joy Williams and John Paul White acrimoniously split following the runaway success of their self-titled second album. Luckily, Williams has been working in the studio and after recording a duet of Hate To See Your Heart Break with Paramore's Hayley Williams, she has confirmed the release of a solo album in 2015. Walking On Cars The Kerry group have been steadily building a fanbase across Ireland in the last year or two and made major ground in 2014 when they signed with Virgin EMI. Things look very promising for the band following the great response to their Hand In Hand EP.