5 LARISSA LIVEIR
WITH AN AUDIENCE of almost one and a half million on YouTube and Instagram alone, Brazilian guitarist Larissa Liveir has become known for her stunning renditions and arrangements of her favorite songs — from Metallica and Tame Impala to Dire Straits and Lorde. Uploaded only 10 months ago, her cover of the “Johnny B. Goode” intro has already surpassed a staggering 19 million views, with her acoustic take on Brian May’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” solo not far behind. And her versatility stretches far beyond that, as demonstrated by her unaccompanied neo-soul version of “Careless Whisper” — which, as stated in the video description, was from an arrangement by online flamenco guitarist AcousticTrench. In interviews she has listed Slash, John Mayer, Santana and David Gilmour as her biggest lead heroes, while also showing admiration for the driving rhythms made famous by bands like Oasis, Pearl Jam and the Killers. Over the last year or so, she’s mainly been spotted using T- or S-style electrics and acoustic models made by Seizi Guitars, as well as budget-friendly instruments like an Epiphone Les Paul Classic and Donner solidbody, confidently demonstrating just how much tone is available to players without any call for breaking the bank.
Top videos: “Time” (Pink Floyd), “Careless Whisper”
6 TRISTAN THOMAS (Florence Black)
the breakout groups from the U.K. rock scene over the last couple of years, fresh from the momentum of releasing their debut album, back in September, Welsh three-piece Florence Black certainly seem to have a knack for thunderous riffs. Their modern metallic take on bluesy rock is one that will sit well with Alter Bridge and Black Stone Cherry fans, spiced
