Now in it's 12th year, the BBC sound of .... list is developed to give us a pointer on who will be big the following year. Each act is obviously helped by the fact that the BBC will need to then justify their list and prove they have their ears to the ground, so the beeb are likely to increase radio coverage and support, thus helping each artist become bigger in 2015 regardless.
To be fair to the BBC, they have been pretty spot on with the majority of their lists in the past, especially with most of their previous winners. They countdown the final 5 in order in January with an overall winner, which last year was Sam Smith and what a year he has had. Other winning artists in the past include Jessie J, Haim, Ellie Goulding and Adele. Important to remember as well that at the time of picking the list, the artist cannot of had a top 20 selling album or single (unless as a guest vocalist) either.
This year's full list looks like this:
- James Bay
- George The Poet
- Kwabs
- Lapsley
- Rae Morris
- Novelist
- Raury
- Shamir
- Shura
- Slaves
- Soak
- Stormzy
- Sunset Sons
- Wolf Alice
- Years & Years
A fairly hefty list, so we thought we would pick our own top 5. As always, let us know your thoughts by tweeting us @GigsAndTours
1. James Bay
2. Rae Morris
3. Sunset Sons
4. Wolf Alice
5. Years & Years