Sound of 2013

Yes, it's already that time, when the music biz wonks cast the white spot on those acts they believe will be making it big in the coming year, ignoring the whole "self-fulfilling prophecy" bit. The 2012 lot weren't all that hot, so here's hoping for better things.

Da Longlist, innit

Which doesn't fill me with an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm:

A*M*E
AlunaGeorge
Angel Haze
Arlissa
CHVRCHES
HAIM
King Krule
Kodaline
Laura Mvula
Little Green Cars
Palma Violets
Peace
Savages
The Weeknd
Tom Odell

Tom Odell was today named as the winner of the Critic's Choice Award at the forthcoming UK Brit Awards, ahead of AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula. Odell becomes the first male winner of this award, following the likes of Jessie J and Adele.

The Top 5 in the BBC list were announced this week, and are as follows:

05. Chvrches
04. Laura Mvula
03. Angel Haze
02. AlunaGeorge
01. Haim

Haim become the first band chosen for this honour since The Bravery in 2005

1/3 of the way through, and of those 5, AlunaGeorge seems to be the clear success, oddly. Haim have had 2 good singles without hitting even the Top 20, and Laura Mvula has critical kudos but little more.

And from the longlist, A*M*E did feature on a #1, whilst Kodaline have had a couple of hits.

About time for an update here:

Chvrches have made a few efforts, Haim continue to impress, Arlissa produced one good song, and Kodaline continue to get chart hits.

Well, this lot produced more success than the 2012 lot, anyway, and will probably continue to feature in future years. Can't believe acts like Haim will wither & fade, whilst A*M*E, Laura Mvula and Tom Odell, amongst many others, are also probably safe for the long haul.

Angel Haze, 3rd on the list but pretty quiet, has tried leaking her album online, in reaction against what she says is her record company delaying its release for no apparent reason.