Music stars of 2012: who were your favourites? - The Guardian (blog)

If, 12 months ago, you'd told Jessie Ware that Katy Perry would soon be working out to her music, she probably wouldn't have believed you. Jake Bugg still can't fathom how his debut album reached No 1 and as for Lianne La Havas, ordering hummus from Prince must seem like something that happened in a strange dream.

These are a few of the artists that had a standout year in 2012 and they've been talking to the Observer New Review this week about the highlights of the past 12 months. It has been a remarkable year too for producer-turned-singer Labrinth, Jay-Z's protege Rita Ora, indie heroes Django Django and electro alchemist Grimes ("It was crazy, to show up, be super-late, have missed everything and have everyone freaking out, then realise that you're playing the biggest show of your life," she says of her appearance at Primavera).

Also featured are Mumford & Sons, who played for President Obama this year, comeback queen Bat for Lashes, who returned to critical acclaim after three years laying low, national treasure Richard Hawley, whose new album was nominated for the Mercury prize, and veteran musician Kevin Rowland, who moved back into the limelight with a Dexys reunion. Kevin Parker from Perth psych-rockers Tame Impala has learned "to give into temptations" – and give up vegetarianism – he tells us, Michael Kiwanuka was left star-struck after meeting Bill Withers and as well as releasing albums with Hot Chip and 2 Bears, pop boffin Joe Goddard also became dad to a baby boy.

In addition to sharing their highlights, many of the stars have also shared their best musical discoveries of 2012. We've put tracks from all our featured artists – plus tracks from their favourite discoveries – on our Best of 2012 Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure.

What have been your musical highlights of 2012? Has there been an album you couldn't stop listening to, or a live act so good you just have to see them again? Maybe, like Richard Hawley, you discovered some music from the past for the first time. Tell us in the comments below.