Fifteen of 2012’s most promising and exciting stars have been named on the BBC Sound longlist. The list, compiled by critics, radio DJ’s, presenters, editors and producers, presents artist from all different genres across the globe, and is famed for turning little known artists into national stars. With previous winners including Jessie J, Adele, Little Boots and 50 Cent there is no doubt that this years nominees are going to be the sound of 2012 onwards.
Fresh from topping NME’s 2011 ‘Cool List’, being added to the BBC Sound list is just another achievement to add to notorious rapper and singer Azealia Banks‘ acolades. Her debut song 212 became one of the years most talked about tracks, being named ‘Record of the week’ by Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1 and also being ranked as the highest ever rated song on The Singles Jukebox. Proving to be one of the most talented people to emerge from the music scene in years, it is hard to believe that Azealia is only 20. After being compared to a young Lil’ Kim, there is no doubt that 2012 belongs to Azealia Banks.
English dubstep producer and DJ Flux Pavillon also graces the list after going from being relatively unknown to dubstep’s brightest hope in less than 12 months. With hip-hop royalty Jay-Z and Kanye West sampling his track ‘I Can’t Stop’, and fresh from working in the studio with Nero, Flux Pavillion has more than earnt his place.
Last week he was nominated for a grammy, and now US dubstep megastar Skrillex is one of the front runners to win BBC’s Sound of 2012. Famed for his unique sound, mixing heavy dub and electro and taking influences from metal bands such as Korn, Skrillex has taken the dance world by storm and seems set to get bigger and better next year.