The longlist for BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 has been revealed, tipping ten new artists for success next year.
This year’s longlist has been chosen by a panel of over 140 industry experts and artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, Declan McKenna, Chase & Status, Mahalia and more.
The acts are (in alphabetical order):
- Ayra Starr
- Caity Baser
- CMAT
- Elmiene
- Kenya Grace
- The Last Dinner Party
- Olivia Dean
- Peggy Gou
- Sekou
- Tyla
Last year girl group FLO were crowned the winner ahead of a strong longlist featuring the likes of Fred again.., Asake, Dylan and Cat Burns. Artists named on the list over the years include Stormzy, Adele, Lady Gaga, Dizzee Rascal, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.
The countdown of the Top 5 will kick off across Radio 1 on Monday 1 January 2024. The winner will be revealed on Friday 5 January 2024 on Radio 1.
Radio 1 will also host a special event – BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2024 Live – which will be held at Maida Vale on Monday 8 January with performances from artists on the longlist. The application for tickets is now open on the BBC Shows and Tours website.
Jack Saunders says: “The Sound Of list continues to flex as a diverse list of music’s most exciting artists to watch out for over the next 12 months. All ten names are set to have an impact in 2024 and I’m really looking forward to celebrating that over the coming weeks with interviews and live performances.”
Chris Price, Head of Music for Radio 1, says: “With so many female artists on the Sound Of list this year, I’m really encouraged about the next generation of festival headliners. The list is as diverse as ever, reflecting the genre-agnostic nature of BBC Radio 1, which has supported every single one of the acts on the longlist. 2024 promises to be a great year for new music!”
The list was compiled using recommendations from 149 influential music experts, including artists, DJs, radio and TV producers, journalists, streaming experts and festival bookers. All were asked to name their favourite three new acts, who could be performers from any country and any musical genre, whether or not they are signed. They cannot have been the lead artist on a UK number 1 or number 2 album or more than two UK top ten singles before 12 October 2023. They also must not already be widely known by the UK general public (for example, a member of a hit band going solo or a TV star) or have appeared on the Sound Of… list before.
Further details of the panel and how the list was compiled are available on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 website.
FM2
