BBC Sound Of 2016 Longlist Announced

Nominations in the annual BBC Sound Of poll have now been announced for 2016.

Amongst the 15 names chosen by 144 of the music industry's experts of DJs, critics and writers to break out next year are Canadian R&B artist Alessia Cara, singer-songwriter Frances, Mabel (the daughter of Neneh Cherry and Massive Attack producer Cameron McVey), recent Brits Critics’ Choice winner Jack Garrett, soul pop act Izzy Bizu, and the band Little Indie first introduced here, Stockport's Blossoms, who said:  “We are delighted to be a part of the BBC’s Sound of 2016. To discover we’re one of the only guitar acts on the list this year is exciting for all of us. Viva Stockport!”

The shortlisted five acts will be revealed at the beginning of January, with the 2016 winner announced on January 8.

George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, said: “This year’s list features another fascinating and diverse array of talented artists, many of whom will become part of the British public’s soundtrack over the coming year, just as previous winners Sam Smith, Adele, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J did before them.

“The BBC is in a unique position to be able to find and nurture exciting new talent; nowhere else has done more to support new and UK music over the last 50 years. We are proud to say that approximately two-thirds of the music on BBC Radio 1 in any given week is new music and all of the acts on this year’s long list have enjoyed early support from our presenters.

“I look forward to watching their success unfold further over the coming months.”

The full list of nominations for 2016 are:

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