With past winners like @Adele, @Sam Smith, @HAIM and, um, @50 Cent the BBC Sound Of... list is usually a good indicator of future success and a pretty big deal for anyone who makes the list. Every year we get a longlist of 15 up-and-coming artists that is then narrowed down to a shortlist of 5 before the big winner is announced (on January 8th 2016).
This year's longlist is as eclectic as ever: there are some relatively unheard of artists like 16 year-old folk singer @Billie Marten & hip-hop artist @Loyle Carner; more established artists like NAO & Alessia Cara; some pop music royalty like @Mabel, who is the daughter of @Neneh Cherry & @Massive Attack producer Cameron McVey; and, as if we needed further proof of how young people listen to music these days, a bunch of artists like @J Hus, @Section Boyz & WSTRN who racked up millions of hits on YouTube.
The strong favourite though has to be Jack Garratt who will be picking up the Critics' Choice award at next year's #BritAwards and the Introducing prize at this month's BBC Music Awards. But don't let that sway you, just dive into the playlist and decide for yourself. If you wanna make your voice heard, please loop your favourite with the #BBCSoundOf2016 hashtag.