BBC Sound of 2015: Wolf Alice, Years & Years make longlist

BBC Music has announced its Sound of 2015 longlist, compiling fifteen acts tipped for success by a range of tastemakers.

Among the initial longlist is James Bay, Years & Years and George the Poet, all three being nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.

Elsewhere, Wolf Alice (pictured) and Slaves are recommended for 2015. There’s also Derry songwriter SOAK, XL-signed artists Låpsley and Shamir, and grime newcomer Novelist.

The final top five will be released from Monday 5th January 2015, with the winner confirmed on Friday 9th January.

2014’s winner was Sam Smith, with previous victors including HAIM, Ellie Goulding, Adele and everyone’s favourite, The Bravery.

139 tastemakers contributed to the voting. Each voting member - including those from DIY - was asked to choose three new acts, the only specification being that they couldn’t pick up a top 20 single or album before 27th October.

See the full longlist below.