BBC Sound of 2011 report

The longlist for the BBC's Sound Of 2011 has been announced and it features fifteen rising stars recommended by more than 160 influential UK tastemakers. 

These tastemakers include TV presenters and producers, newspaper critics, magazine and website editors and respected bloggers. 

All participants were asked to name their favourite three new acts, who could be performers from any country and any musical genre. They must not have had a UK top 20 single or album by 14 November 2010 and must not already be famous, for example by featuring in the final stages of a TV talent show or being a member of a successful band.

Ellie Goulding was the winner of last year's Sound of and other previous winners include Little Boots, Adele, Mika, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Bravery, Keane and 50 Cent

The top five of this year's list will be revealed in the week commencing 3 January.

THE LONGLIST

James Blake 
Anna Calvi 
Daley 
Esben & the Witch 
Jessie J 
Clare Maguire 
Mona 
The Naked & Famous 
Nero 
Jai Paul 
The Vaccines 
Warpaint 
Jamie Woon 
Wretch 32 
Yuck 

But what does it mean to be on the BBC's Sound Of list? I took a closer look for 6 Music.