As with every year, BBC has crowned the next biggest things to come in music for the new year. The Sound of...poll has included the likes of Adele, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and some unfortunate choices
(50 Cent? Skrillex?). There were five that BBC specifically highlighted, but the top three and a few others who didn't place.
3.Angel Haze
Who is she? Angel Haze can be equated to another Sound of...poll nominee, Azealia Banks. The Michigan native has garnered critical acclaim for her intellectual rhymes and honest lyrics, which landed her a major label deal with Island Records. She is hard at work on her debut studio album with Paul Epworth and has already recorded a track with UK drumstep producers Rudimental. Haze placed third overall.
2.AlunaGeorge
Who are they? They are the producer/singer duo of Aluna Francis and George Reid. The UK is known for giving us some great duos and they are no exception. Prior to them placing second in the poll, they were shortlisted for BRITs Critics Choice (losing to another Sound poll nominee, Tom Odell, who reminds me of James Blunt (eww). They are set to release their debut album in June
1.HAIM
Who are they?-An all female, made up of sisters rock band with a hint of 80s synthpop and 90s grunge. If you've heard Ladyhawke's first album, think that. The band is signed with Polydor and are currently enjoying some success with their latest single, "Save Me." The trio, who ranked first, have been praised for their live performances and could pave the way for guitar-driven music to make it back to the mainstream and we don't me the synthetic Dr.Luke kind either.
I like all of these acts, but I felt that Angel Haze was the most predictable of the top three. After Azealia Banks making on the list in 2012, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot somewhere on the list if you're a black female rapper who brings something different to the table (not taking anything from either artist). I'm hoping that Angel will capitalize on the success of the poll more than Azealia did, who only produced one charting song("212"), released a free mixtape and started many a Twitter feud instead of coming out with that album we were promised. In all honesty AlunaGeorge has the most potential to make it big, as they combined the best of neo-soul and electronica almost flawlessly. They could do some major damage if they can just get mainstream radio behind them.
Now for those who didn't make it who I am quite fond of
King Krule
When I was scouring the list before the official results were released, I came across this guy and his song "Rock Bottom," a blend of surf guitar, jazz fusion, and a INCREDIBLY heavy Cockney accent, which can make you love or hate him. I assumed because of his throwback sound, he would be a shoe-in for one of those top spots in the poll, but I guess not. No word on a debut album, but I'm hoping for sometime this year.
A*M*E
She's influenced by the 90s and K-Pop (she even stylized her name like a K-Pop idol.) Who wouldn't want her to win? The girl has released two really good singles in "Play The Game Boy" and "Heartless" and has the potential to shake up the UK's overly saturated generic electropop/dance pop market. A*M*E is currently signed to Universal and is eying 2013 for the release of her debut album.
One thing is for sure, 2013 will definitely be a better year for music in the United Kingdom than 2013. America watch your back.
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