The BBCs hotly anticipated Sound of 2016 list was released this month, and as ever provided us with the ones to watch this year. The diversity of the music on the list just shows how ever-changing yet familiar the industry is, and how everyone can always find something to listen to and connect with.
So, here are the top 5, or 6 as it would be, bands and artists we should all be checking out this year.
5 – Mura Masa AND Wstrn
In a twist to proceedings Mura Masa and WSTRN both came in at the number 5 slot. Mura Masa has an electro-dance vibe that instantly transports you to the beaches of Ibiza. It’s chilled out yet fun and makes dreams of summer ever closer. Hailing from Guernsey and at only 19 years old, there’s so much time to develop and grow further. The future is sure to be full of great things for this guy.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyv5CBCnx6Q]WSTRN, from West London, bring the streets to the radio. Having only formed in 2015, their career has sky rocketed with numerous radio plays and gaining a place on the Sound Of list. Their single ‘In2’ was one of the biggest last year, reaching number 4 in the UK Top 40 and was featured on the latest Now That’s What I Call Music compelation. The band are sure to release many more smashes this year, and you’ll find them stuck in your head for days.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-hy92f00EE]4 – Blossoms
There are not enough words to praise Blossoms, but we’ll try to keep it short and sweet. The indie band have had a hell of a year in 2015 and this is only sure to continue in 2016. Having found themselves played on numerous radio stations as well as being featured as Radio 1’s Track of the Day, there’s little more they could ask for. The Manchester lads have recieved nothing but praise for their singles ‘At Most A Kiss’ and ‘Charlemange’. Fans of the indie genre should be sure not to miss these guys, they are sure to be popping up at festivals across the summer.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jIjuUPNtC4]3 – NAO
London-based singer Nao is the soulfully electronic powerhouse you may just have been looking for. She’s cool, sassy and ready to take on 2016. Her single ‘Bad Blood’ has recieved a lot of radio play and it’s easy to see why as it fits seamlessly into the sound that many artists have been producing for years, she’s ready to compete. Her live performances are just as powerful and passion-driven as her recordings and she is definitely one of the quirkier artists to watch over the next 12 months.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7vHqhRXZpY]2 – Alessia Cara
Another powerful female voice making her way into the Sound Of Top 5. As with Nao, Alessia has received a lot of radio play and praise and it’s easy to see why. Slghtly less electro and more pop, Alessia’s sound is a mixture of cool chilled-out summer vibes mixed with angsty female life. Her track ‘Here’ is passionate and emotive whilst still being a fresh cool pop track and it does feel like she’s bringing something new to the table in terms of female pop. An album that should be much anticipated for sure.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKp2CrfmVfw]1 – Jack Garratt
There must be very few people who were shocked to see this man at the top of the Sound Of list. His electro, folky, pop sound is something you fall in love with instantly and lyrically the word ‘beautiful’ is not enough. Having ended 2015 by supporting Mumford & Sons on their sold-out UK tour it’s hard to imagine what more a year could hold, but 2016 is going to be bigger and better for sure.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqtvrsNLFMs]His tracks ‘Weathered’ and ‘Worry’ have taken over airwaves and people’s hearts already, and this will only continue and develop as the next 12 months go on. He’s sure to be the name on everyone’s lips this year.
What do you think of the top 5 for 2016? Let us know in the comments below!
