BBC Radio 1 has announced its Sound of 2025 longlist, spotlighting emerging artists poised for mainstream success in the coming year.
Among the 11 nominees are breakout stars like Chappell Roan and Barry Can’t Swim, alongside fresh talents such as Myles Smith and Good Neighbours.
The annual accolade, which has previously predicted the rise of global superstars like Adele, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish, will reveal its winner in January 2025.
This year’s nominees were selected by a panel of more than 180 music industry experts and artists, including Sir Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Jorja Smith.
U.S. pop sensation Chappell Roan is the frontrunner, following a groundbreaking year that included six Grammy nominations and the release of her debut album, The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess.
Her vibrant pop anthems reject the subdued tones of bedroom pop, instead embracing exuberance and self-discovery.
London’s Ezra Collective, a jazz ensemble that won the 2023 Mercury Prize, is another favorite.
Their latest album, Dance, No One’s Watching, blends soulful grooves with infectious energy, earning a top-10 spot on the UK charts.
Florida-born rapper Doechii also makes the list, celebrated for her genre-defying style and viral hits, including Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.
Her mixtape, Alligator Bites Don’t Heal, has been lauded as one of the year’s standout releases.
Representing Northern Ireland’s hip-hop scene, Kneecap delivers politically charged rap in English and Irish, while Croydon’s Pozer, with his viral debut single Kitchen Stove, showcases London’s thriving rap scene.
Bands are also making a strong showing, with five of the 11 spots occupied by groups like English Teacher, whose debut album This Could Be Texas has received critical acclaim, and Australian electro-pop outfit Confidence Man, known for their high-energy performances.
Edinburgh producer Barry Can’t Swim, UK pop-rock duo Good Neighbours, singer-songwriter Myles Smith, and U.S. guitar prodigy Mk.gee round out the list.
Mk.gee, championed by Frank Ocean, has gained momentum with his debut album Two Star & The Dream Police and a recent Saturday Night Live appearance.
In its 23rd year, the Sound of list continues to adapt to the streaming era, now allowing artists with fewer than two UK top-10 singles or albums by September 2024 to qualify.
The winner will be announced in January, with the top five revealed in reverse order starting January 6.
Ahead of the announcement, a special concert featuring longlisted artists will take place on December 2, hosted by Sian Eleri and Jack Saunders.
Tickets are now available via the BBC Shows and Tours website.
Saunders praised this year’s list, calling it “one of the strongest in a while” and a testament to the creative freedom artists are embracing.
Fans eagerly await the announcement of the top five and ultimate winner, as these artists prepare to shape the sound of 2025.
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