The BBC Sound of… is coming back in 2024 to provide a platform for the hottest names in music.
Girl group FLO won the title this year and previous winners have included Sigrid, Sam Smith, Michael Kiwanuka, Ellie Goulding, and Adele.
“Sound of… first launched in 2003, with the aim to showcase the most innovative and exciting rising stars, and predicting those with the potential for global success who will shape the sound of the coming year,” the BBC said.
“Once again in its 21st year we’re asking some of the world’s most influential tastemakers who they think will be the biggest artists in the next 12 months.”
As well as some on the money predictions, there have been times when the influential tastemakers have missed the mark. In 2009 Little Boots won ahead of Lady Gaga and Florence and the Machine. In 2005, The Bravery were given the title not Bloc Party, Kano, Kaiser Chiefs or KT Tunstall.
But who could follow in the footsteps of FLO?
When will the BBC Sound of 2024 be announced?
The BBC Sound of … poll is usually announced on Radio 1 in January once a shortlist has been decided by the judges.
The longlist for the prize will be announced in early December.
Who could be on the BBC Sound of 2024 shortlist?
Radio 1 has not given away any clues as to who might be featured but, judging by their recent newly championed artists, the following might be in contention.
Flowerovlove
The 17-year-old Londoner has been making waves with her dream pop and has had singles Love You, Next Best Exit and A Girl Like Me championed by Radio 1.
Cassia
The Macclesfield three-piece have just put out their latest single, Circular Motion, with Kawala ahead of their debut album Home Soon… being released on February 9.
NewDad
Nightmares is out now!!!!💭😈 I wrote this song with the incredible @MoodySlowChords and it was produced by the magical @hellochrisryan . We’re so proud of how it turned out 👻 hope ye love it as much as we do. Full video coming v soon 🫢 x https://t.co/iu3BUuTERt pic.twitter.com/dudUuz5Eec
— NewDad (@NewDad) November 13, 2023
The Irish band, whose influences include shoegaze and indie rock subgenres, are to release their debut album, Madra, in January.
Jelani Blackman
The London rapper and singer has been putting out music for a while but has favoured tapping into soul and R'n'B when grime was more the order of the day. Could 2024 be his year?
Kid Kapichi
With latest single Tamagochi exploring the worry “staring down the barrel of turning 30”, the sharpwitted rock band are more millennial than the Gen Z references of, say, Flowerovlove – but are overdue a breakthrough.
Mac Wetha
The producer and DJ comes with great credentials, signed to Dirty Hit and part of the Nine8Collective alongside other trendsetters such as Biiig Piig and Lava La Rue.
Kenya Grace
The South African has already had a number one single in the UK with her 2023 hit Strangers but success doesn’t stop the BBC recognising new talent in its list.
