BBC Sound of 2014 [Sam Smith wins; world indifferent]

[Shaun]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71435000/jpg/_71435768_sound-of-grid-no-logo.jpg

Nominees
Banks
Chance The Rapper
Ella Eyre
George Ezra
FKA Twigs
Chloe Howl
Jungle
Kelela
MNEK
Nick Mulvey
Royal Blood
Sampha
Say Lou Lou
Luke Sital-Singh
Sam Smith

Fifteen rising music artists have been named on the longlist for the BBC Sound of 2014, which showcases some of the brightest new acts for the year ahead.

The list was compiled using tips from 170 tastemakers, who each named their favourite three emerging artists.

Californian trio Haim came out on top last year, with Adele, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J also among past winners.

This year's crop includes singers Sam Smith and Ella Eyre, who have both already featured on number one singles.

Smith, 21, from Cambridgeshire, lent his bittersweet soul voice to Naughty Boy's La La La, which topped the charts in June, as well as Disclosure's track Latch.

Brit School graduate Eyre, meanwhile, was a guest vocalist on Rudimental's hit Waiting All Night in April and has sung with Tinie Tempah and Bastille.

While those two already have a foothold on fame, the Sound of 2014 list also includes artists like Jungle, a mysterious West London electro-funk duo who have created an online buzz but have not yet revealed their identities.

The longlist will be narrowed down to a top five in the week of 6 January, with the winner to be named on 10 January.

The list is made up of seven solo male artists, five solo females and three duos. Bands are out of fashion.

One of the duos, Brighton's riff-heavy Royal Blood are the sole representatives of rock music. They have been likened to the White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age and will support the Arctic Monkeys next summer.

Chicago's Chance The Rapper, who was named 2013's Hot MC by Rolling Stone magazine, is flying the flag for hip-hop. The 20-year-old - real name Chancelor Bennett - appeared as a guest vocalist on James Blake's Mercury Prize-winning album Overgrown.

BBC Radio 1 head of music George Ergatoudis said: "The most competitive area next year is going to be male singer-songwriters." There are three such singer-strummers in contention for Sound of 2014.

Nick Mulvey is a former member of Mercury-nominated jazz combo Portico Quartet and an aficionado of Cuban and African music. Now solo, the 26-year-old is signed to Communion Records, owned by Mumford and Sons' Ben Lovett.

The sound of Luke Sital-Singh, from Surrey, ranges from rousing Mumfords-style choruses to the simple songcraft of Damien Rice.

The gruff voice of Bristol's 19-year-old George Ezra, meanwhile, makes his folk-blues ballads particularly distinctive.

Of the other solo males, Uzoechi Osisioma Emenike (known as MNEK), from London, is moving in front of the microphone after making his name writing songs including Duke Dumont and A*M*E*'s club anthem Need U (100%).

And with a mellow soul voice that has already been heard on records by SBTRKT and Drake, Londoner Sampha is launching his solo career.

George Ergatoudis said one of the dominant styles for 2014 would be "indie R&B" - R&B made with an independent, experimental mindset.

Female vocalists Kelela - aka the sonically adventurous 30-year-old Los Angeles-based Kelela Mizanekristos - and the eerie-voiced Londoner FKA Twigs, who is signed to the label that launched the xx, fall into that bracket.

And Banks, the stage name of 25-year-old Jillian Banks, from Los Angeles, has gained a devoted fanbase with her moody, intimate R&B.

Elsewhere on the list, the sassy pop of Chloe Howl has seen her compared to Lily Allen and Katy B, while Say Lou Lou are Swedish-Australian twin sisters Miranda and Elektra Kilbey, who create dreamy electro-pop.

The tastemakers whose tips were used to compile the list included radio DJs and producers, TV presenters and producers, newspaper critics, magazine and website editors and respected bloggers.

They included Hattie Collins, music editor at i-D Magazine, who said: "One of the strengths of the Sound Of list is the democratic, diverse range of people that are invited to vote, with people from all musical mediums from the established rock critic to the upcoming urban blogger.

"This diversity is reflected in the 2014 longlist, which has a broad spectrum of emerging artists from a variety of scenes."

The successful acts cannot already be well-known to the UK public, for example through featuring in the final stages of a TV talent show or having already been a member of a successful band.

They must also not have been the lead artist on a UK top 20 single or album before 4 November 2013 - but guest vocalists are eligible.

Previous Winners
2013 - Haim
2012 - Michael Kiwanuka
2011 - Jessie J
2010 - Ellie Goulding
2009 - Little Boots
2008 - Adele
2007 - Mika
2006 - Corinne Bailey Rae
2005 - The Bravery
2004 - Keane
2003 - 50 Cent

Chance, Sam, MNEK :worship:

also heard a lot about FKA Twigs:

kFtMl-uipA8

song's a bit meh and the video's just trying to be weird so idk, might like some other of her stuff.

and I chanced upon this song by Say Lou Lou on Popjustice and it's lovely :lovedup:

UOa3vAQUJSE

[reece(:]

Chloe Howl :love:

[Black Dagger]

I was expecting an influx of Foxes, but after Clarity and Youth being hits, she might have not been eligible. Still my pick for Critics Choice at the Brits.

I was hoping NoNoNo would get nominated as well :sad:

Will give these a listen, the descriptions sound promising and Ella was fantastic on Waiting All Night, that was my jam.

[Black Dagger]

They must also not have been the lead artist on a UK top 20 single or album before 4 November 2013 - but guest vocalists are eligible.

Ah, Youth may have just caused her to miss out then.

[Shaun]

that or her glaring lack of charisma and talent

[reece(:]

Noo A*M*E :( or was she on last year's?

[Black Dagger]

:laugh:

I think she has a great voice, Youth was a bop!

A*M*E featured last year :lovedup:

[reece(:]

Ohhhh :laugh:

From the list, Banks is a fave (This Is What It Feels Like :love:) and Sam Smith is great, I love that song he's just brought out with Disclosure and Nile Rodgers. Sampha has a great voice too.

[Black Dagger]

AlunaGeorge, A*M*E, Angel Haze, Arlissa, Chvrches, Haim, King Krule, Kodaline, Laura Mvula, Little Green Cars, Palma Violets, Peace, Savages, The Weeknd and Tom Odell

2013 list.. most of them had decent enough 2013s, a few floppy no-marks though. Poor Little Green Cars, I liked their song.

[reece(:]

I really like this song too..
lqPC3dmKFdw

[Black Dagger]

I'm not really into somebody this year, like the past few.

Maybe what they'll release will change it, George's song was pleasant enough, and I liked Ella on Rudimental.

[Iceman]

Chance :worship:

[King Gizzard]

is it really this time already

and the reading line up is out tomorrow, i swear it gets earlier every year

[King Gizzard]

omg I made a thread about FKA Twigs

[King Gizzard]

Really aren't many stand out names from that apart from Chance this year

[Loukas]

Sam Smith FTW :love:

[Shaun]

can we just @ the Bravery beating Bloc Party and Kaiser Chiefs

and little boots beating gaga, florence, la roux, empire of the sun, passion pit and kid cudi :')

[Z]

That FKA Twigs video is freaky I don't know if that girl is the singer or if it's band or if there's something wrong with her but Jesus Christ her face! Looks like a wee fish.

[Shaun]

yeah she's a solo girl

[Z]

a solo fish

[Black Dagger]

hbfHe3nd_Lo

I love this, I think I like him the most out of the solo boys, I have developed an irrational hate for Sam Smith idfk why either..

I have no idea who the top 5 will be, Haim surprised me being a big thing of 2013 so.

Sam Smith and Ella will probably be certs, but idfc for them, maybe Chance, maybe Simpha.. we'll see

[Black Dagger]

Did Michael Kiwanuka die? He got this, was in the running for Critics Choice and disappeared forever, icr if I liked him.

[Shaun]

album reached #4 apparently

stupid choice for winner above frank ocean and azealia though

[Z]

album reached #4 apparently

stupid choice for winner above frank ocean and azealia though

Sometimes the BBC are so hipster wannabe they choose the least mainstream new mainstream act to win. See: Little Boots

[Jords]

:D

Shall listen to them all over the next week/2 weeks.

I know Sam Smith and quite like him, and Chance the Rapper but Im not overly fond from what Ive heard.

[Black Dagger]

Sam, Chloe and Ella are the chosen ones for Critics Choice shortlist.

urgh. I am not here for Ella or Sam being forced down our throats during 2014, no doubt they'll be in the top 5 as well here.

[Jords]

"Julian" by Say Lou Lou :amazed:

[LemonJam]

Sampha or Chance the Rapper to win please

[Jords]

Because I like to rank things...

1. Sam Smith
2. Say Lou Lou
3. Banks
-------------------------
4. FKA twigs
5. MNEK
6. Nick Mulvey
7. Jungle
-------------------------
8. Luke Sital-Singh
9. Chloe Howl
10. Sampha
11. Chance the Rapper
-------------------------
12. Royal Blood
13. Kelela
14. Ella Eyre
15. George Ezra

...overall quite a boring longlist, I dont think my interest stretches past #7 at all and Im only really interested to hear more from Sam Smith, Say Lou Lou and Banks.

FKA twigs is kinda quirky.

Edit: based on first listens.

[Black Dagger]

I'm not here for you having the best boy (George) last and the basic one first, Jords, no way no way!

[Shaun]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25590722

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72059000/jpg/_72059183_georgeezra.jpg

Singer-songwriter George Ezra has come fifth in the BBC's Sound of 2014 list, kicking off a week-long countdown to the winner.

The Bristol-based artist, whose tracks include Budapest, has been described as making "grizzly folk-pop".

The list was compiled by 170 DJs, critics and bloggers, who were asked to name their three favourite new acts.

And an article about him himself:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25590684

(they reveal one each day this week)

[Brother Leon]

Chance the Rapper or Sam Smith ftw.

[Marc]

Thank god for this thread. Been looking for Chloe's surname for a while.

George :love:

-he sounded black on R1-

[Z]

Wonder if this year's winner will be a success or not

[Marc]

Little Boots in that list in the OP tho....

D:

[Doogle]

Banks, Say Lou Lou, Kelela, Ella Eyre, Chloe Howl, Sam Smith >>>>

But basically Banks >>>>>> everyone

[Black Dagger]

George :worship:

He's superior to the other charismaless bore boys in every-way.

Should have been top 3 tbqfh.

[Black Dagger]

Wonder if this year's winner will be a success or not

The majority have, even Little Botts was tbf, she was just lambasted for beating well actual success hiters.. wasn't that the year of Florence and Gaga?

The only big flop was Michael, and even then I think he had moderate chart success, I did think Haim were odd winners, but they've done well.

I do think top 2 is Sam (BORE THE **** OFF) and Ella/Chloe though.. bit lame.

[Z]

I can imagine Sam Smith would have a career, I find his voice grating but there aren't really any male popstars and haven't been for a while other than Olly Murs trying to be Robbie Williams and he's carved out quite a career for himself doing that for a few years, about time we had some originality in the male pop field again - it's been usurped by R&B, rappers and DJs masquerading as solo artists.

[Shaun]

Sampha has placed 4th.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71560000/jpg/_71560874_sampha_getty.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ky6g6/profiles/sampha

Hailing from South London, this 24-year-old soul singer has already racked up an impressive list of collaborators.

With everyone from SBTRKT to Jessie Ware queuing up to work with him, he even managed to feature on Drake’s hugely successful Nothing Was The Same album. As a result, he was flown out to New York to perform alongside the rapper on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

Now branching out on his own, Sampha recently released his ‘Dual’ EP to rave reviews.

His distinctive vocals have drawn comparisons to Tracey Chapman and Michael Jackson - two artists he has cited as influences on his own tracks.

BBC News article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25216843

[LemonJam]

Sampha :love:

[Black Dagger]

Oh he's lovely :love:

Right, your typical Sam, Ella, Chloe top 3 now.

Poor Jungle </3

[Shaun]

I'd be very surprised if Chance wasn't in it. I think Chloe won't make it.

[Z]

Sampha :worship:

[Shaun]

top 3 should be Banks, Chance + FKA Twigs tho

[Black Dagger]

I need to really have another listen of them all, there is an Annie Mac 25 minute show on the Iplayer, might check it out in a bit.

[Benjamin]

I don;t really get the love for Sampha's music, it's nice but very forgettable and bland in my opinion.

[Black Dagger]

Banks finishes 3rd -lets Shaun update the thread and post the nice little bios and video, I don't want to feel like I'm taking over-

Say Lou Lou and Jungle/FKA Twigs/MNEK for top 2 pls, piss off ella and sam.

[Black Dagger]

"They’ve mentioned Arcade Fire... among their influences"

END THE CONTEST, SAY LOU LOU TO WIN.

[Shaun]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72046000/jpg/_72046706_banks2.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25576571

Sultry R&B singer Banks has come third in the BBC's Sound of 2014 list, which showcases emerging artists for the coming 12 months.

Fusing dark, introspective lyrics with seductive electronic grooves, the 25-year-old has collaborated with underground British producers such as Jamie Woon, Lil Silva and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

But she hails from LA where, as a broken-hearted teen, she started writing songs on a toy piano she'd been given as a gift.

"I found music because I felt different," she tells the BBC.

"A lot of times, people are ashamed of feeling weak and being rejected - so it's liberating to be able to sing about those things. And it's amazing when other people don't feel alone because they hear it."

Having issued some low-key EPs (Fall Over and the London EP) last year, the singer recently toured with R&B soulmate The Weeknd and is preparing to release her debut album.
-------------

Congratulations on making the top three of the Sound Of 2014!
Oh my God, I'm so excited! It's just such an honour.

Do you feel ready for the next 12 months?
I am so ready. I love my job so much. It's all I want to do and it's all I think about.

Your birth certificate says "Jillian Banks". Why did you drop your first name?
I have a really feminine voice, but I also feel quite powerful when I write. So my songs feel heavy, and that's how Banks sounds. It's a really short, powerful sound. It almost sounds masculine and I like having that dichotomy.

Where were you born?
I was born in Orange County, but I moved to Los Angeles when I was one or two and lived in Tarzana [an affluent, highly educated neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley]. We had a really big back yard and I was a little nature baby.

What was school like?
Well, it depends what age. I went through stages of being really, really outgoing and then… not so much.
But my mum told me that when I was five, the principal was giving us a tour of my first school and I made him watch me hop like a frog the whole time. I wouldn't walk, I just hopped like a frog!

So you were always performing?
[Giggles] I don't know if I was performing, but I was always in my own little world.

Did you take part in any school plays, or sing to the class?
No, once I discovered singing it was kind of my own thing, separate from everyone.

What's the first music you remember hearing as a child?
I have a memory of listening to Tracy Chapman and just being intrigued by her voice. Even as a young girl, I wanted to know more about her and her story. I felt I was learning about her through her music. That was a revelation to me.

Although your sound is very different, would you say there's a thread connecting Tracy Chapman's music to your own?
Definitely. The music I was really inspired by was Tracy Chapman, Fiona Apple, Lauryn Hill. You could hear how human they were through their music. All that vulnerability and that beauty of being human. I hope I have that in my music, too.

You started writing to get through a "tough time" - but you've never said exactly what that was. Is that deliberate?
Maybe it's deliberate and maybe it's not... But it wasn't just one thing - that time was hard. It was the first time I went so dark in my head. I had a lot of things going on around me that were hard for me to deal with. Even on a sunny day, everything felt gloomy.

Do you still go through those dark periods now?
Not so much. I think, when you're younger and you're having all these intense emotions... I can only speak for myself but I'm so sensitive: When I'm sad I'm really sad, and when I love someone I really love someone.
But as you get older you find ways to cope that are healthy for you, and for me that's music.

So things would be a lot worse if you hadn't found that release...
Yeah, it'd be awful! You'd just be wandering through life hitting your head against every object that comes along!

You're self-taught on the piano. How does that affect your writing?
Sometimes my chord progressions are a little bit different, or don't really make sense. I mean, I even hold my fingers differently than you're supposed to. But it makes the music 100% based on emotion and intuition and not at all about maths.

Your lyrics are very intimate. Do you ever worry you're giving too much away?
I never knew the boundaries that you had to draw for yourself. You know, how honest you can be?
But I decided, you know what? I'm not going to change anything. I'm not going to be less open because other people are going to start hearing it.

How did you feel when people did get to hear it?
I don't know what the word is. I was… I was touched. It feels amazing to be writing things that you went through, and other people are coming out right and left saying they have felt those things, too. It's amazing. Why should anyone be scared to show anger or anything?

What's it like reliving those emotions on stage?
It feels good. It's a powerful thing to be able to write a song. Even the least powerful feeling - like insecurity - that makes you feel weak when you experience it, when you write about it, you are powerful. So no matter how sad the song was for me, it feels good for me to go there.

Is the album finished yet?
I'm still just doing the finishing touches to it - I don't have a title yet - but I'm so excited.

How does it compare to your EPs?
It's more of me. More of my heart and my brain.

Any other major organs?
And my blood.

Maybe a kidney?
A kidney? No!

Did your parents come out to see you on tour with The Weeknd?
Actually, one day my dad was listening to the radio and he phoned me up excitedly shouting "guess who's on the radio? Vampire Weekend!"
I was like: "That's cool dad, but that's not who I'm on tour with!"
It was so funny. He was so proud.

Does he know the difference now?
Now he knows. He came to a bunch of the shows. He's so supportive and awesome.

Notoriously, you have your personal phone number listed on Facebook. Have you had any proposals yet?
Yeah! I've had a few!

Have you met up with any of them?
No I haven't. I haven't met any of them.

I suppose that's for the best.
Maybe. Or maybe they're my soul mates. You never know.

[Shaun]

Kinda worried now since it's obvious they'd include Sam Smith, and Ella Eyre is probably another shoe-in... but it's completely absurd to ignore Chance or FKA since they're the two acts everyone won't shut up about on music sites, blogs, etc. But then this is the BBC and they do put British bores first...

and as much as I like MNEK and Say Lou Lou, it's pretty safe to say they won't feature now.

[Z]

I know Ella's featured on hits but I don't think there's that much hype around her, I think she and Sam are probably going to be the top two but I wouldn't be stunned if she wasn't in the top 5. Think it's safe to say Sam will win, boring.

[Loukas]

MNEK will be huge regardless of if he gets into the top 2. I still hope he gets second to Sam Smith, both are *******ing fabulous

[Black Dagger]

I'm hoping Sam misses out tbh. I don't think Tom was in the top 5 last year when winning the Critic's Choice.

[Z]

MNEK will be huge regardless of if he gets into the top 2. I still hope he gets second to Sam Smith, both are *******ing fabulous

He's been making waves for a few years now... not sure what I think of him as a solo artist but his productions for other people have blown me away, All Fired Up is The Saturdays' best song by a country mile

[Loukas]

He's been making waves for a few years now... not sure what I think of him as a solo artist but his productions for other people have blown me away, All Fired Up is The Saturdays' best song by a country mile

Has he? I only just discovered him last year when he featured on Hold On & Spoons. I had no idea he produced All Fired Up, that song is great, it's The Saturdays at there best imo. :amazed: I knew he worked with Rudimental, Duke Dumont & Little Mix but completely unaware that he worked with The Saturdays.

NMEK is an overall stunning producer however i feel like i can't fully judge him as an artist until his album comes out later this year. All i know for sure is that The Mixtape - Vernacular and his Refix's are sensational. I heard little previews of his own material in the mixtape Vernacular that make me excited to hear his own stuff in full. 'Every Little Word You Say', 'What good is a heart' & 'Don't call me a love song' sound epic.

[Z]

Has he? I only just discovered him this year when he featured on Hold On & Spoons. I had no idea he produced All Fired Up, that song is great, it's The Saturdays at there best imo. :amazed: I knew he worked with Rudimental, Duke Dumont & Little Mix but completely unaware that he worked with The Saturdays.

NMEK is an overall stunning producer however i feel like i can't fully judge him as an artist until his album comes out later this year. All i know for sure is that The Mixtape - Vernacular and his Refix's are sensational. I heard little previews of his own material in the mixtape Vernacular that make me excited to hear his own stuff in full. 'Every Little Word You Say', 'What good is a heart' & 'Don't call me a love song' sound epic.

I'll be interested to hear his album too! He seems to have been quite busy producing for other artists, I think he has a few songs coming out this year for other artists, I know he produced a song for Mutya Keisha Siobhan called Boys which they've been singing on their tour and at live gigs!

[Shaun]

Can see it being a bit like Blood Orange's (although Dev Hynes had a long history of music before that sideproject) if it's a recent successful producer debuting.

[Z]

I think it might have an almost childlike sound to it in parts, he seems to be quite quirky in his productions, particularly looking at City Lights and Boys when I say that

[Loukas]

I'll be interested to hear his album too! He seems to have been quite busy producing for other artists, I think he has a few songs coming out this year for other artists, I know he produced a song for Mutya Keisha Siobhan called Boys which they've been singing on their tour and at live gigs!

He produced Boys!??!!? I fricking love that song, it's one of their best new songs. I also love his remix of Flatline!!

[Z]

Yeah :hugesmile: I think he's better off as a producer for other artists but I'll be interested to see if his own material is any good or not

[james130]

Here for Chloe Howl. :love:
She just missed out on Brit's Critics Choice as well. :(

[Loukas]

Can see it being a bit like Blood Orange's (although Dev Hynes had a long history of music before that sideproject) if it's a recent successful producer debuting.

I see what you mean, i think the production will be similar to Blood Orange's but i feel like Blood Orange's style and voice is a little more Weekndy?? I think MNEK will focus a little more on house and RNB music than folk and rock ect

[Z]

I see what you mean, i think the production will be similar to Blood Orange's but i feel like Blood Orange's style and voice is a little more Weekndy?? I think MNEK will focus a little more on house and RNB music than folk and rock ect

Yeah I agree

[Shaun]

how tf is the Weeknd folk or rock? :laugh: and I wouldn't say BO is similar to him either

[Shaun]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25577251

yawn

COS SHE'S LIKE, AN ARTIST, AND STUFF

[Black Dagger]

boring. Haven't got time for her and Sam being overhyped.

I WILL SPITE THEM AND LISTEN TO SAY LOU LOU.

[Black Dagger]

Oh apparently Sam has won as well.. fantastic.

[Black Dagger]

Oh wait I think that is just popjustice' BOLD prediction. I haven't read the article.

[Z]

Meh. She's a good singer but I'm not massively excited for her career, I think the market is oversaturated with female solo artists.

[Loukas]

Meh. She's a good singer but I'm not massively excited for her career, I think the market is oversaturated with female solo artists.

I completely agree. MNEK was robbed

[Z]

I think 2014 will be the year of solo male artists; the field has been sparsely populated for years now - the focus has been constantly on female solo artists for years, and there's also been a period where girlbands were popular, then boybands, now both... but it's been quiet on the solo male front for a while.

[Joelle.]

I'm clearly in the minority here but I think its well deserved, she's a great singer with a really interesting voice imo. Looking forward to hearing more from her.

[Z]

I think she's good but I'm not all that excited for her solo stuff, think she's got a 50/50 chance of survival tbh, being featured on one hit is no guarantee of success

[Shaun]

meh, she's fine for what she is, but it'd be like putting Aloe Blacc 2nd... been on a few catchy songs but so what? Can't see her being remotely interesting

[Z]

meh, she's fine for what she is, but it'd be like putting Aloe Blacc 2nd... been on a few catchy songs but so what? Can't see her being remotely interesting

Yeah this sums it up for me

[Marc]

Sam to win?

[Black Dagger]

Apparently he has pmsl. Popjustice reported it and Lily Allen was 'congrats cuz'

LAME. BORING. PREDICTABLE. BLAND.

[Marc]

Love his voice

[Z]

Love his voice

I find it so harsh on my ears :/ only when he's hitting higher notes though... not pleasant

[King Gizzard]

John Newmans is the worst for me sounds like he is dying every time he sings (guess I dont like John Newman..)

something wooden about Sam Smith for me, he is not a natural performer and a boring choice for this award, they will realise their mistake when Chance blows up this year

[Shaun]

it's just the icing on the cake really why I do not put up with BBC Radio. There're either the fossils on BBCR2 who think Keane make ****ing exciting music, the paid-to-have-these-opinions accent brigade on R1 with their fixation on what will make the most money and be the most successful, and the other stations are either too irrelevant (4) or too insignificant to have a say (6, 1xtra).

the whole institution is just made up of safe, bribed arseholes slapping each other on the back and it stinks. they could give a rat's ass about what actual talent and innovation looks like; as long as the candidate is British, signed to a top label and already having tonnes of advertising and promo poured down their throats, they'll win.

[King Gizzard]

Oh and I just heard Sam Smith on the show (recorded it) and yeah, he does sound awful when he does high notes I agree with Zee

[Black Dagger]

-Also has issues with John Newman, has two brilliant songs which he ruins with his **** awful voice-

[Shaun]

confirmed

yawn

[Black Dagger]

Dire.

-Continues to listen to Say Lou Lou-

[Marc]

It's only a countdown of the top 5 calm down :joker:

[Black Dagger]

He'll be ****ing everywhere now, he's awful :mad:

[Z]

It's only a countdown of the top 5 calm down :joker:

It's like Shaun says though; BBC Radio 1 controls what the public listens to because it's the BBC's flagship station. It decides what's in, it decides what's cool, so if the BBC makes a statement that "these 5 artists are going to be successful in 2014" then you know they are guaranteed to over play those artists on the radio and nine times out of ten, the public bites and that's the radio claimed another successful "breakthrough" of a new artist. On paper that surely isn't a bad thing - but then you realise that it is a bad thing, because these artists have been pimped by record labels to get this far and the BBC is pimping them out further.

How often have we seen an artist get all their singles played from their first album and then completely ignored by the BBC? What happened to Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Duffy, Razorlight, The Kooks, The Ting Tings and all these other artists that Radio 1 was in love with a few years ago? Dropped like a bag of sick. Radio 1 is more concerned with its hipster leaning and being able to say it broke all these new artists through into the mainstream; and then throwing them to the kerb when they're finished with them. These people didn't become any less talented, Radio 1 simply decided that it didn't want to play them anymore, so all the other radio stations fell in line because who wants to be playing yesterday's news? It's why there haven't been any legends produced in the UK for at least two decades. Name one 90s icon that still gets regular support from Radio 1? They wouldn't even play Robbie bloody Williams and the guy's still managing to secure hits without them from years of building up a loyal fanbase. There sure as hell won't be anyone from the 2000s getting support from them down the line because that's when Radio 1's policy of only playing what's "hot and fresh" kicked in. The flaw, of course, being that they decide what's hot and fresh. The public don't have any say anymore. We should be given a variety of music to listen to; not a playlist of the same set number of songs that somebody in a suit has dictated to us. **** Radio 1.