Tag: Years & Years

Years & Years win BBC Sound of 2015

years and years

Years & Years winning the BBC Sound of 2015 was a no brainer for me – I’m a huge fan of this synth-pop trio. Looking forward to seeing how the next twelve months unravel for them.

2014’s Random List

Another year of music comes to an end, and with it comes the annual Random List. I’ve listened to the good, the bad, and everything in between. As usual, Alfitude bucks the trend with blog ‘best of’ posts to come up with a random list of highlights from the past twelve months. For previous years, check this out.

 

Biggest Trend Of The Year

This was the year that the male duo made a comeback like no other, with acts like HONNE, CHPLN and Whilk & Misky all making considerable impact.

chpln

 

Best Use Of Drugs In Lyrics

The bulk of Tove Lo’s album involves songs about love, misunderstanding or heartbreak. All three of which are better understood via narcotics and general misdemeanours through her lyrics. In all fairness though, it’s done so well that it all seems to make sense in the end.

tove lo

 

Best Song That Should Have Done Better

Becky Hill didn’t take off as well as I had hoped this year. This song, penned by Alfitude favourite MNEK, really should have been heard by more people. It’s a sexy piece of pop.

becky hill

 

Best Use of Primary-School Instruments

This track from Made In Heights was perfectly ‘on-trend’ this year while still managing to sound super cute through using a bunch of sounds you probably haven’t heard since you were at school.

Made In Heights

 

Most Epic Gig Of The Year

This was a tough one, but in retrospect, it has to be seeing Rag’N’Bone Man in London back in July. Big man, big voice, and an immense sound. I really hope 2015 is his year. Speaking of gigs, follow the Alfitude Instagram for pictures, if you like.

rag n bone man london

 

Funkiest Scandi Act Of The Year

Danish Scarlet Pleasure have long been a favourite of mine, and 2014 saw the release of an EP which I’ve listened to far more than I’d like to admit.

scarlet pleasure

 

Happiest Yet Moodiest Song Of The Year

This song from T.O.L.D is one of my favourites this year. Only because it’s such a headf**k to listen to. It’s sad and dreary, but it’s happy and uplifting at the same time. It’s confusing and beautiful. Kinda like life. Deep…

TOLD SINGER

 

Most Exciting Major Debut

Seinabo Sey. I can’t fault anything this new soul powerhouse is doing right now.

seinabo sey

 

Best Song To Make Babies To

Huntar managed to come up with the sexiest song of the year (in my reckoning, anyway).

huntar

 

Hottest Scandi Act

Swede Snoh Aalegra made a big impact both across Eurpoean and American blogs this year with her unique mix of RnB and soul.

Snoh Aalegra

 

One To Watch

I’m 99% certain that Years & Years will be 2015’s biggest newbie. It’s as good as British pop gets right now.

years and years

BBC Sound Of 2015 longlist revealed

bbc sound of 2015
bbc sound of 2015 longlist

With the year finally winding down, the BBC has revealed it’s longlist for the Sound of 2015. The winner from this poll almost always ends up being a household name. Here’s the longlist of talent, with a link to their first feature on Alfitude when relevant – although bear in mind some of these posts are so old that the media’s probably not up any more:

On a personal note, I think it’s a much stronger selection than the last couple of years. My bets go on James Bay, Shura, Rae Morris, Kwabs, Sunset Sons or Years & Years (my favourite) to win. But it’s hard to call just yet… A countdown to the shortlist leads to the winner being announced on January 9th 2015. Listen to the music here.