By Christa Banister, senior editor, watchgmctv.com

Let’s face it: When it comes to music, sometimes it’s far easier sticking with your tried and true favorites than actually taking a chance on the new (or new-ish in some cases) artists who are just beginning to make a name for themselves. With so many musicians competing for your attention these days, separating the proverbial wheat from the chaff can feel a bit daunting. So being the music lovers that we are (and generous with our findings to boot), we at watchgmctv.com have once again put together the best of the burgeoning talent in our annual “Ones to Watch” spotlight. So with no further adieu, these are the artists you’ll want to pay special attention to in 2011 and beyond…

High Valley
One of the highlights of December's Bethlehem Skyline Christmas compilation, High Valley brings a decidedly countrified vibe to the listening party. Instead of infusing their twang with too many modern pop sounds, however, this band of brothers who grew up singing in church together favors a more organic, acoustic approach. And when it comes to songwriting, well, these Canadians love the honesty that’s always been associated with country music, namely communicating simple truths in a way that resonates with the hearts of the masses.

Charmaine
If Charmaine’s name already seems familiar to you, well, it means you’ve probably been a Christian music fan for a while now. Probably best known for opening for Rebecca St. James who coincidentally, hasn’t released any new tunes herself in a good, long while either, Charmaine all but disappeared from the music scene after her 2002 debut, All About Jesus. But proving the old adage that “good things come to those who wait,” Charmaine was back in a big way with 2010's Love Reality. Ditching those St. James comparisons for good with a superb collection of pop songs infused with inventive, experimental orchestral touches, Charmaine’s future certainly seems bright again.

Nathan Tasker
Already one of Australia’s premiere Christian artists with countless #1 singles and best-selling albums, Nathan Tasker has now taken his talents stateside where he opened for Bebo Norman on his recent fall tour. Not content to simply rest on his past laurels, the singer/songwriter known for his thoughtful, whimsical reflections on faith has now settled in Nashville. Teaming up with a trifecta of fantastic producers, namely Charlie Peacock, Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, Tasker’s highly anticipated U.S. debut, Home, hits store shelves in 2011.

Rocky Love Emily
If their unconventional moniker wasn’t already evidence enough, Tooth & Nail’s rock act is nothing but fun to listen to. Reminiscent of contemporaries like The Rocket Summer and Jack’s Mannequin, Rocky Love Emily serves up a spunky mix of rock and piano pop that’s not only positive and encouraging, but it also serves as a double shot of Red Bull for your iPod, too.  

Y’Anna Crawley
A recent winner in BET’s “Sunday Best” talent competition, Y’Anna Crawley has one of those voices you’re not going to forget any time soon. And while she’s sung back-up vocals for everyone from Angie Stone to Jennifer Lopez in the past, she’s quickly becoming a big star in her own right, thanks to those standout pipes that sing the praises of the God who saves, loves and redeems and a heart for connecting young boys with positive mentors through her ministry in Momma’s Boys and her new nonprofit foundation “The Promise."

Luminate
Hoping to shed new light on how believers can put our love into action, Luminate is an ambitious pop/rock act that has toured non-stop and recorded three projects before even signing a record deal. And now that they have done just that, not much has really changed for the band. Instead, they’ve just continued to up their game with songs that are still undeniably catchy and inherently hopeful as they explore the complexities of loving our fellow man in ordinary, day-to-day living.

Audrey Assad
Long before her buzzworthy debut The House You’re Building even released, contemplative singer/songwriter Audrey Assad was already getting major exposure by teaming up with Chris Tomlin. Now an artist in her own right, she’s quietly becoming one of the industry’s standouts with thoughtful songwriting and that lovely pixie voice of hers.

I Am Empire
Sometimes the most compelling art is born out of the struggle, something that San Jose natives I Am Empire understand all too well. Crafting hooky, alternative rock in the tradition of Jimmy Eat World, I Am Empire has a timely message for the hurting and those who feel abandoned on their upcoming project, Kings, releasing this year.

Poema
While most teenage girls primarily have boys on the brain, 17- and 19-year-old sisters Elle and Shaeleen, now known as Poema, have been channeling all their life experiences (relationships, faith and otherwise) into compelling songs with plenty of lilting melodies and memorable harmonies. Demonstrating the beauty of collaboration, the sister act recently released a Christmas EP and will debut their first non-holiday effort in early 2011.

Katelynne Cox
Already quite the multi-tasker at a mere 16 years old, Katelynne Cox is a singer/songwriter, model, dancer and actress. But as much as she’s got going for her outside of the musical arena, it’s clear that she really shines behind the mic. Not only do her songs have the sophistication of someone much older, but they are counter-cultural yet relevant reflection on the issue her peers can easily relate to.

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About the Writer

After graduating with a B.S. in Journalism from North Central University in 1998, Christa Banister moved from Minneapolis to Nashville, Tenn. and eventually started working at CCM Magazine/Salem Publishing in various editorial capacities as an editor, columnist and website guru for five and a half years. After that, she launched her own Dallas-based freelance writing company and writes for numerous clients including Salem Publishing, Crosswalk.com (she review movies for them each week), Christian Single, Christianity Today, Threads Media, Songs4Worship.com, PassAlong.com and also helped kickstart the first Christian music blog for MTV. In addition, she also writes bios for professional recording artists and authors and penned her first two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers for NavPress.