Are you a fan of Scottish synth-pop, UK soul or Canadian hip hop? If not, the BBC predicts you will be next year.
The UK broadcaster has released its annual list of acts who they believe will have breakthrough success in the next 12 months – all of whom are now in the running for the BBC Sound Of… 2013 Award. The list is the result of 213 different voters, including British DJs, critics, bloggers and broadcasters, compiling their favourite emerging artists for the BBC’s annual survey.
Fifteen acts were shortlisted, including relatively unknown London singer Arlissa, who recently recorded with Nas; Dublin rock band Kodaline; Toronto rapper Weeknd; and another London-based act – post-punksters Savages.
On January 4, the BBC will announce the winner of the Sound Of… 2013 Award – after whittling down the list to five finalists, who will be revealed one by one from New Year’s Eve. To be nominated for the award, musicians cannot be “well-known” or have had a UK top 20 single or album before the nomination period began.
Launched in 2003, BBC’s Sound of … poll is highly regarded as a reliable predictor of future success. Adele, the Bravery, 50 Cent, and Keane are all past recipients of the award.
The Guardian have put together a collection of videos and songs from all the nominated artists – click here to check out their feature.
