BBC Music Sound of 2017 longlist revealed

BBC Music has revealed its longlist of 15 acts they've tipped for success in 2017.

The annual Sound Of... list is formed by 170 influential music industry experts, including bloggers, DJs, critics broadcasters and for the first time ever international pundits, who each picked their favourite three new acts, who could be performers from any country and any musical genre, whether or not they are signed. The top 15 are: 

AJ Tracey
Anderson .Paak
Cabbage
Dave
Declan McKenna
Jorja Smith
Maggie Rogers
Nadia Rose
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man
Ray BLK
RAYE
Stefflon Don
The Amazons
The Japanese House
Tom Grennan 

The top five will be revealed in January on BBC Radio 1, counting down one each day from Monday January 2 with the winner announced on Friday January 6 on Clara Amfo’s show. More information on this year's longlist can be found on the BBC Music website.

Chris Price, Head of Music, BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, says: “The BBC Music Sound Of panel, always the broadest and most objective list of new music tastemakers assembled each year - which now includes international voices too - has delivered yet another exciting and diverse list of new and emerging talent to look out for next year. These are the names that will capture the imagination of music lovers the world over in 2017, and I'm delighted to say that every single one has already received significant support on Radio 1 and 1Xtra, both in evening and daytime shows.

"They join former winners - and now household names - such as Adele, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith and Years & Years, continuing Radio 1 and 1Xtra's commitment to discovering and breaking new talent on the global stage. Judging by the crop of talent on this year's long list, there's no shortage of future stars to choose from."

BBC Radio DJ MistaJam added: “The BBC Music Sound of 2017 longlist shows that next year is already shaping up to be a big one filled with amazing music from homegrown talent that are already being supported across Radio 1 and 1Xtra. From the driving rock of The Amazons to Dave’s 18-year-old inner city street tales via Maggie Rogers’ Folk meets Electronic soundscapes; the list shows the breadth and quality of what we can all expect next year.”

The  BBC Sound Of list was started in 2003, with previous winners including Jack Garratt (2016), Years & Years (2015), Sam Smith (2014), HAIM (2013), Michael Kiwanuka (2012), Jessie J (2011), Ellie Goulding (2010), Little Boots (2009), Adele (2008), Mika (2007), Corinne Bailey Rae (2006), The Bravery (2005), Keane (2004) and 50 Cent (2003).