NAO makes the BBC Sound of 2016 longlist
After releasing on Dummy, our very own NAO makes it into the BBC Soundpoll’s Sound of 2016 selections. The Guildhall School of Music & Drama graduate NAO was previously reluctant to share her music, spending time in the shadows as a backing singer. Finally loosening her musical inhibitions, NAO released her 'So Good' and 'February 15' EPs on Dummy. The 1.9 million SoundCloud plays on single So Good cement the London born singer's place in the Sound of 2016 ranks and see her placed alongside other Dummy favourites such as Loyle Carner, J Hus and Mabel.
The list, which is compiled by a panel of 144 DJs, critics and writers, highlights 15 rising acts for the coming year. Rules set by the BBC state that the acts should be well known to the UK general public, say through featuring in the final stages of a TV talent show or having already been a member of a successful band. They must also not have been the lead artist on a UK top 20 single or album before October 30th 2015, though guest vocalists are eligible.
With previous winners including Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Haim; receiving a nomination can be a pivotal career moment, and a chance to breakthrough into the mainstream.
The 15 deep longlist will be whittled down to five acts in early January, with the winner announced on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show on January 8th 2016. Get rooting for your favourite!
