15 artists expected to achieve frankly mahoosive things over the next 12 months have been named by the BBC’s Sound of 2013 today (December 10).
Regrettably, Sunday night’s (December 9) X Factor winner, James Arthur, has not made the coveted longlist – which is compiled annually by some of Britain’s biggest critics, DJs and taste makers.
Among the contenders for this year’s award include New York alt-rapper, Angel Haze, Scottish electronica trio, Chvrches, California pop siblings, Haim and Canadian R&B crooner, The Weeknd.
Other acts who have been tipped for big things in 2013 include AlunaGeorge, King Krule and Tom Odell. And for those of you who feared guitar music was dead and buried, find solace in Palma Violets, Kodaline and Peace – three chugging artists who have also made the longlist.
Five finalists will be revealed, one by one, starting December 31, with the overall winner being announced by DJ, Huw Stephens, on January 4.
Stephens said of this year’s longlist:
“It’s always a varied list that surprises people, causes debate and speculation about the state of the music scene. For me, it’s an exciting time of year, where we don’t really know what the year will bring with new music, but this helps give people an indication of what might sound good.”
The BBC’s Sound of… has a reputation for accurately predicting future talent – previous winners include Adele, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J.
Last year’s champ, British soul musician, Michael Kiwanuka, went on to tour the US and earned a Mercury Music Prize nomination for his debut album, Home Again – proof that the poll can be a welcome springboard for the winner.
The full BBC Sound 2013 longlist is:
AlunaGeorge
A*M*E
Angel Haze
Arlissa
Chvrches
Haim
King Krule
Kodaline
Laura Mvula
Little Green Cars
Palma Violets
Peace
Savages
The Weeknd
Tom Odell
Our vote goes to the tongue twisting dynamo that is Angel Haze:
