As we approach the tail end of 2016, music lovers unite to share their favorite music releases of the year. Around this time of the year, BBC Music pulls together to look into the future of music with their annual Sound of list.
The Sound of 2017 longlist has been announced and includes 15 music acts selected by 170 “music industry experts” from within and out of the UK. Rising R&B crooner Anderson .Paak, UK rapper Dave (fresh out with that Drake endorsement), and our former On The Rise artist Declan McKenna have all landed on the longlist.
One of the top 5 acts from this list will be announced daily on Clara Amfo’s BBC Radio 1 show starting January 2-6.
With past winners including Adele, Years & Years, Sam Smith, and 50 Cent grabbing their first annual award in 2003, it’s safe to say the music pundits have been pretty on the nose about predicting the musical climate for the forthcoming year. Past shortlist winners include Franz Ferdinand, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Stormzy, and Alessia Cara.
Check out 2017’s longlist below.
BBC Sound of 2017 Longlist:
AJ Tracey
Anderson .Paak
Cabbage
Dave
Declan McKenna
Jorja Smith
Maggie Rogers
Nadia Rose
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man
Ray BLK
RAYE
Stefflon Don
The Amazons
The Japanese House
Tom Grennan