The BBC Releases Its “Sound of 2016” List

Every year around this time, the BBC puts together a list of artists they think have a solid chance of success (commercial or otherwise)  in the coming twelve months. Their predictions are a bit hit-and-miss (actually, more “miss” in recent years) but it’s still interesting to see where the Beeb’s music boffins heads are at.

Here’s the short list of 15 for the Sound Of 2016 poll. Based on votes from 144 industry types, a top 5 will be announced January with a singular winner named later in the month. Notice the Canadian at the top of the list.

• Alessia Cara
• Billie Marten
• Blossoms
• Dua Lipa
• Frances
• Izzy Bizu
• Jack Garratt
• J Hus
• Loyle Carner
• Mabel
• Mura Masa 
• NAO
• Rat Boy
• Section Boyz
• WSTRN

To be honest, I’ve heard of less than half the names of this list, which means I’ve got some serious listening to do over the next month. Read more about the Sound Of… poll here.