As much as December is filled with lists of what was good in the year just gone, January has now become filled with predictions of what will rock our collective worlds, in the year ahead! BBC heads the list with their ‘Sounds of 2012’ list becoming something that a lot of people pay attention to.

As you can see here, the beeb did a pretty good job last year, with names such as Jessie J and James Blake fronting the list, that became well established names in the year in question. I guess there is something of a self fulfilling prophecy here though, as if the BBC says they like your new music and start playing it, the world will start paying attention.

Most of the names on this year’s list do not grab my attention, but Michael Kiwanuka at number one is a nice choice. He plays the Sugar Club on Feb 11th, if you want to check out if he deserves the hype. He certainly has a lovely voice even if his music is a little straight forward.

The rest of the list is as follows:

1. Michael Kiwanuka

2. Frank Ocean – Son of Billy Ocean, this r&b/ soul singer… ok, he’s not, but we can pretend and do tell others that! He’s actually a member of Odd Future, even if he particularly sound it. You can hear it in the lyrics i guess.

3. Azealia Banks – more music I wouldn’t dream of listening to myself, but I can see the BBC playing it.

4. Skrillex – I just know he’s going to be huge, but I wish I could do something to stop it!

5. Niki & The Dove – These are actually on 4AD, (see below), and sound a bit like James Blake, but are a bit more funky I guess.