Now in it’s ninth year, the BBC’s ‘Sound Of…’ has highlighted some serious new talent over the past few years with previous winners including Ellie Goulding, Adele, Keane, Corinne Bailey Rae and 50 Cent amongst others. This year the shortlist looks as tasty as ever with the winner announced at the end of this week. I know who I’ve got my money on but let’s have a butchers at some of the artists in the line up;
Anna Calvi – the girl counts none other than Nick Cave and Brian Eno as two of her biggest fans, with Eno calling her ‘the biggest thing since Patti Smith’. Favourable praise indeed. Having recently toured with Grinderman and supported Interpol, Anna already has a variety of headline shows lined up for this year and has plenty of supporters singing her praises. Check out her debut single Jezebel and see what you think….
Jessie J – Another shortlist hopeful and, to be honest, the favourite here at GigsAndTours Towers. With her recent, debut live shows selling out almost straight away, the name Jessie J has fast become the word on the music street with her debut single recieving some serious airplay at the moment. Jessie J is proving to be one of Essex’s biggest stars and not a vajazzle in sight. Shut up.
The ladies are making a real dent on this year’s list with Warpaint, the LA based all girl quartet, also making an appearance. Dazed and Confused calls their debut EP ‘a collection of magical psychedelica drifting over sublime moments of raw melody courtesy of three free ethereal vocalists’. Sold it for us. We like this track too, the first taken from their album ‘The Fool’;
Last but not least, we need to mention the wonderful Jamie Woon and firm favourite of my other half. Having grabbed the attention of Mary Anne Hobbs, Benji B and Mistajam, the singer-songwriter has quickly garnered an army of fans, entranced by his electronic soul music. Congrats to Jamie who has been announced as fourth place in this year’s poll.
Also announced as this year’s top 5 are Clare Maguire and The Vaccines with the overall winner announced on Friday. We can’t wait!
For a full list of the 15 nominees visit BBC Sound of 2011