The BBC “Sound Of 2016” Longlist Is Here!

he Sound Of list was started in 2003 with the aim to showcase the most exciting and innovative rising stars. It has gained a reputation as a democratic survey, giving a glimpse into the future of music and predicting some of the biggest acts in the world.

Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, HAIM and Years & Years. The acts that appear on the Sound Of list are all hand-picked by a panel of impartial UK based experts from the music industry.

This year, 144 UK-based tastemakers were selected by BBC News to vote for their Sound Of 2016. The full list of the pundits is published online.

Although the panel includes a selection of the BBC’s most respected new music presenters and producers, the majority of the pundits are from newspapers, magazines, blogs, commercial radio & TV. This year’s list also includes organisers and bookers for some of the biggest UK music festivals like Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and T in the Park, plus lead editorial figures and music curators at music streaming services such as YouTube, Spotify and Deezer.We hope to represent a huge spectrum of music from across the world, covering a diverse range of musical styles and backgrounds.

When selecting the pundits, the BBC’s looking for the most genuine and passionate music fans, whose day-job also involves showcasing the best new music to a wider audience. None of the pundits are paid for taking part.

Sound Of 2016 longlist
Izzy Bizu
Blossoms
Alessia Cara
Loyle Carner
Frances
Jack Garratt
J Hus
Dua Lipa
Mabel
Billie Marten
Mura Masa
NAO
Rat Boy
Section Boyz
WSTRN

Find out more and watch videos on the Sound Of 2016 site

My bet? Alessia Cara.