Sounds of 2013

BBC 6Music recently covered a collection of acts tipped for success in 2013, a suitable bookend to follow its Top 15 of 2012 compiled in December. As usual the list explores the depths of contemporary craft, coming up with a selection of developing names which may take the step to stardom this year.

Angel Haze entered at number 3, the Detroit-born rapper tipped to rival last year’s breakthrough Azealia Banks for Queen of east coast hip hop. Coming across as cool and witty in interviews, Angel Haze brings a unique blend of rap to the table. Her slick delivery keeps tracks ticking as showcased in the song New York, while a cluster of rhythms and subtle production complete the backdrop. Twangs of reggae affect the beat and vocals, all styles blend together seamlessly and increase her appeal to those of an eclectic persuasion.

AlunaGeorge, at number 2, have received airplay in the last few months particularly for Your Drums, Your Love. The London-based double act - made up of Aluna Francis (vocals) and George Reid (production) – fuse ambience and retro synths with RnB. Aluna’s vocals are excellent; at once sultry and distant, they seem ghostly against the cold production – an icy landscape that is immersive and stark in equal measure. These guys will be around a lot in 2013, with debut album Body Music set for a June release.

Coming out top is Los Angeles act Haim, formed in 2006 by three sisters (Este, Danielle and Alana Haim) but who only started releasing music in 2012. Labelled as contemporary RnB, it is impossible to pigeonhole this group any way, although it is easy to enjoy. Whether you hear any of Haim’s tracks on the radio, in a cafe or in a club, it sounds good and fits any stage. They will be a festival mainstay in no time and tunes like Falling and Don’t Save Me are original but radio-friendly offerings. This music will be on every mainstream radio station and will please purists. There is no hint of derivation and the trio is charismatic, charming on television and airwaves alike. Watch out for an album that may follow Florence + the Machine step-by-step to stardom but, dare say it, offers more to a wider audience.

As they say for previews, watch this space.