If there's any artist you should be excited about this year, it's London-based singer-songwriter Ben Howard, whose brand of seriously immersive indie-folk is capturing the hearts of many on an international scale.

Ben Howard promo 1

While he was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2012 for his highly-acclaimed debut album 'Every Kingdom', Ben Howard really made a splash on the music scene in 2013 after winning two BRIT Awards for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Solo Male Artist. He had already been releasing various EPs since he began in 2008, most notably his Island Records debut 'The Burgh Island EP' which entered into the UK Top 40. Now he's here with his eagerly awaited second venture, 'I Forget Where We Were', out on US label Republic Records.

More: Read our review of Ben Howard's new album 'I Forget Where We Were'

The album, which topped the UK charts upon its release in October 2014, was produced by his own drummer Chris Bond in Devon's Start Point Farm Studios. The album wasted no time in also taking the top spot on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart. Recorded almost completely live, 'I Forget Where We Were' was the first ever album to be aired in its entirety live on BBC Radio One during Zane Lowe's show. The album is led by its self-titled single, a soaring, tender number with a hearty rhythm and soulful yet gritty vocals.

Ben Howard promo 2
Ben Howard's latest album is out now

Howard set out on his 2014 European tour recently and will begin next year with his longest ever spin around the US, before finally kicking off his 'I Forget Where We Were' UK arena tour in April 2015; an impressive achievement when you think that multi-award winning chart sensation Ed Sheeran has only just seen his first arena dates.

More: Ben Howard wins big at the 2013 Brit Awards

While you've got all this to get excited about, Ben Howard is not the only guy in the world of indie-folk who you should be keeping an eye on. Sweden's Jose Gonzalez is on his way with his third album 'Vestiges & Claws' early next year, Melbourne's own Vance Joy has been making waves with his Australian number one hitting debut 'Dream Your Life Away' and Justin Vernon's Wisconsin collective Bon Iver are currently in the process of their self-titled album's follow-up, just as Vernon himself takes on the massive project of curating a brand new music festival in his hometown.

More: Watch the video for Ben Howard's single 'Old Pine'

Make sure your eyes and ears get a taste of all this talent to come, and if you're planning to grab a seat at Ben Howard's next set of shows, you'll have to buy soon as he's rapidly selling out all across the US.