BBC unveils 'Sound of 2012' longlist

The BBC has unveiled the longlist for its 'Sound of 2012' award.

Over 180 experts from the music industry voted for their favourite new artists to complete the list of 15 acts.

The top five artists will be revealed by the BBC during the first week of 2012, with the winner announced on Friday, January 6.

Jessie J led the 'Sound of 2011' list, and other previous winners include 50 Cent, Keane, Mika, Adele and Ellie Goulding.

Among this year's longlist are grime MC Dot Rotten, blues singer Jamie N Commons and female group StooShe.

Rappers Azealia Banks and A$AP Rocky are also named, along with dubstep artists Skrillex and Flux Pavilion and singer-songwriter Frank Ocean. British soul artists Michael Kiwanuka, Lianne La Havas and Ren Harvieu will also be in contention for the award.

Rock and indie are represented by the bands Spector, Dry the River and Friends. Swedish dance act Niki & The Dove completes the list.

George Ergatoudis, Head of Music at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, said: "The Sound of 2012 will be the tenth year of predictions compiled by BBC News: a project now established as the definitive annual list of exciting new artists to watch out for. The sheer volume of tastemakers who contribute gives it a gravitas that other crystal ball-gazers can only envy.

"The list will inspire debate for sure, but most importantly, it will lead to discovery and for artists and musicians trying to stand out from the ever-expanding crowd, that can only be a good thing."

The BBC 'Sound of 2012' longlist in full:

• A$AP Rocky
• Azealia Banks
• Dot Rotten
• Dry The River
• Flux Pavilion
• Frank Ocean
• Friends
• Jamie N Commons
• Lianne La Havas
• Michael Kiwanuka
• Niki & The Dove
• Ren Harvieu
• Skrillex
• Spector
• StooShe

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