Yes, it’s rolled ‘round again; the BBC Sound Of 2012 longlist has today been revealed. Having previously been topped by the MOR likes of Ellie Goulding, Mika, Keane, Adele, and Jessie J, this year’s list sees very little in the way of a big potential chart star. The longlist is also lacking in guitar bands. Last year’s list contained The Vaccines, Anna Calvi, Esben & The Witch, Yuck, Warpaint and Mona as the six-string stars for the future whereas Spector are the only nominees representing the indie world this time around. The inclusion of Skrillex is a baffling one, not only because he’s awful but also because Sonny Moore, the man behind the moniker, has been around for ages. Most commentators are chipping in that it’s not only too late to include him on this year’s list, but last year’s too.
The longlist in full is:
- A$AP Rocky
- Azealia Banks
- Dot Rotten
- Dry The River
- Flux Pavillion
- Frank Ocean
- Friends
- Jamie N Commons
- Liane La Havas
- Michael Kiwanuka
- Niki & The Dove
- Ren Harvieu
- Skrillex
- Spector
- Stooshe
If we were a betting blog, then our hypothetical money would be on OFWGKTA member Frank Ocean to claim the top spot, since he’s clearly got the biggest chance of success and crossover potential. Azealia Banks is another likely choice, considering the rumbling ball of hype surrounding her (first in the NME Cool List, opening slot on that publication’s Radar Tour, support from Pitchfork).
