So its that time of year again. After the excitement of the festive period, we look forward to the annual BBC Sound Of poll to welcome in the New Year and give us a heads up of new upcoming talent to keep our beady eyes on.
Last year gave us the magnificent Michael Kiwanuka, Frank Ocean, Azealia Banks, Skrillex and Niki and The Dove – all of whom have made an impact on the music world throughout the course of 2012.
So what does 2013 have to offer? Up there in the coveted No.1 spot are HAIM, the Californian siblings who have already toured with big names such as Mumford and Sons and Florence and the Machine to name but a few. With a sound described as “70s rock and anthemic ’80s synth-pop, gaining a modern sheen by borrowing rhythms from contemporary R&B”, 2013 is sure to be a busy year for the group.
We’re also pretty pleased to see two of our new favourites, AlunaGeorge and Angel Haze, taking the second and third spot respectively.
You can judge the talent for yourself when New York based rapper Angel Haze comes to the UK in February for a series of headline shows in Brighton, London, Manchester and Birmingham. Check out the video for one her most well-known tracks, Werkin Girls, below;
Also big congratulations to Laura Mvula and Chvrches who took fourth and fifth place in the poll. We can’t wait for news of their upcoming gigs this year – watch this space!