FEATURE:
BBC Music Sound of 2018:
IN THIS PHOTO: Billie Eilish/ALL PHOTOS: Getty Images
Should We Be Excited?
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THE BBC has announced their annual list of…
artists that, they feel, will make a big impression in the coming year. I am not usually one who spectates and strokes the chin with intrigue but this year is slightly different. There are few of the bland and forgettable artists that occupy the longlist. In past years, I have been tired by artists like Rag'n'Bone Man and their like – the type you know will sink without a trace before you know it. I will conclude this piece with a playlist of all sixteen artists included on the longlist. I am not surprised by some of the conclusions but there are a couple that raises eyebrows. This year’s glitterati included artists from Rap, R&B; Indie, Dance and Pop. There are fewer Grime/Urban artists than last year: a move towards something more conventional and Pop-based. The BBC’s list of the ‘ones to watch’ in 2018 was compiled by 173 critics, broadcasters, D.J.s and music industry figures – the winner is set to be announced on 12th January on BBC Radio 1. British rappers Not3s and Xyng Bane are on the same list as Indie artists Sam Fender and Pale Waves; Scandinavian singers ALMA and Sigrid; U.S. Pop singer Billie Eilish; Jade Bird and Rex Orange County are intriguing names to watch closely...
IN THIS PHOTO: ALMA
Much has been made of the fact Eilish, at fifteen, is the youngest inclusion on the lauded list – the youngest artist to ever appear on the BBC survey. The superannuation we see announced this time of the year is designed to guide us to the sort of sounds/artists who will be making waves in the coming year. It is always hard, with only sixteen acts, striking a balance when it comes to gender and genres. This year sees a large representation of female artists and a nice spread among Pop, Rap and other areas of music – there are absences and omissions. Recent years have featured very few Rock bands and groups in general. There is the tendency to put the spotlight on solo artists - but I wonder whether there are enough great Rock/Alternative acts that genuinely deserve a place on a list like this – or whether there is a problem and surfeit that needs addressing. I was interested when the BBC Music Sound of… came out last year and the artists included. I was pleased RAY BLK was crowned the winner but she has been a little slow out of the blocks. Others on that list such as Jorja Smith (4th) have fared better and been more prolific. Rag'n'Bone Man was second and, to my mind, has failed to live up any expectations; he should not have been placed that high!
IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Walker
Others, further down the list, like Maggie Rogers and Declan McKenna have produced stronger works and deserved to be on the Shortlist. It is always hard predicting how people will react but the best things that came out of the list (last year) was the fact four of the five shortlisted acts were black women – the winner included. ALMA is a neon-haired artist who, on Phases (ft. French Montana), created a quality slice of Pop that can sit with the better efforts of this year. She has potential to sustain next year but I hope to see more variation from her. I feel the same when hearing someone like Tom Walker. He is too close in tone to Rag'n'Bone Man and I wonder whether his inclusion was a reaction to the placing he got last year – I can find little to distinguish between the two. Both artists are lower down my favoured list but, if they make smart decisions next year, they could create some headway. We have artists who unite Punk attitude with bright hair and panache (GIRLI among them) - so I am not confident ALMA will do too much in 2018...I might be wrong. The BBC has always been a little guilty of repeating itself when it comes to artists: this year sees a Rag'n'Bone Man clone and Superorganism – a band who have failed to really spark anything in me and, with Something for Your M.I.N.D., a song that did not really distinguish itself from everything out there.
IN THIS PHOTO: IAMDDB
Billie Eilish is coming into a packed and competitive Pop market but the fact she is turning heads at such a young age means she has that early advantage. Her music is dark and playful but there is maturity and command throughout. I am genuinely excited and think she has the potential to be a genuine contender when it comes to next year’s big artists. Let’s hope she gets in the top-three of the BBC Music Sound of 2018 list – maybe the number-one spot would not be out of the question?! She will have stiff competition from Sigrid who is among the most-loved and recommend artists I have heard – so many artists I interview name-check her as one to watch closely. Strangers is her recent single and a fresh and scintillating slice of Pop. She is not an ordinary artist and her music, once heard, really get under the skin. I know she will be a huge prospect in 2018 and someone guaranteed to make the Shortlist. Even if she does not win the BBC Music Sound of 2018; her career will fly and flourish. Other acts on the list like IAMDDB – despite the slightly odd name – has Jazz-Soul blends and a sultry voice. I feel she will get a record deal and play some of the best venues in London; record a successful album and gather a following internationally. Jade Bird puts her spin on Americana and is someone who can naturally succeed on both sides of the Atlantic. I am looking down the list of BBC-nominated artists and feel there are only a few (Superorganism and ALMA among them) artists who will not really make huge strides.
IN THIS PHOTO: Not3s
Not3s is someone I am already familiar with and the playful M.C. might struggle to finish in the medal positions – considering the heavy collection of Rap/Urban artists last year; the desire to embrace new artists this year. There are seven solo female artists in the list of sixteen; of the two groups, there is a fair proportion of women – it is another inclusive and balanced list that does not provide dominance to the boys! I have neglected Pale Waves so far but feel they will challenge Sigrid and Billie Eilish for the victory. The Manchester quartet is among a few bands who are genuinely exciting and promising. I have been a bit cold with regards bands and feel there aren’t many that stay in the mind and offer anything different to what’s out there. The remainder of artists mixes the House innovation of Yaeki – someone who has been tipped by artists I interview – and rising R&B star, Khalid. It is hard to say, until the artists start releasing new material, which will race ahead and those that might take a bit longer. Unlike recent years; I can see some clear stars already formed. You do not have to wait to know Billie Eilish and Sigrid will make impressions this year; Pale Waves have the chance to big festivals draws. Should we be excited by this BBC Longlist?
IN THIS PHOTO: Pale Waves
I feel there is a lot to recommend and we should be interested and invested this time. Maybe you have been a bit sceptical and wary of previous BBC lists and proclamations. It is their opinion so will have debate and detractors but, in the past, we have seen big stars like Adele (and) Florence + The Machine come from that fire – go on to succeed and build a huge career. It is a fantastic platform and boost that most artists envy. I have picked my favourite but I think, unlike last year, the winner of BBC Music Sound of 2018 will be a Pop artist, probably a woman, and either be American or Scandinavian. I think British talent will get a look in but the top positions will be filled with the best new female talent. The next few weeks will see the sixteen artists included on the Longlist make new moves and campaign. I cannot wait to see who is revealed the winner and, as 2018 starts, which of the artists stands aside from the pack. There is always controversy and unexpected conclusions but this year, I feel there is a lot more promise and variation on the BBC’s Sound of… rundown. Whatever your opinions on this year’s selected artists to watch; it is clear there will be a few name likely to…
IN THIS PHOTO: Sigrid
IMPACT popular music in a significant way.