Sound of 2016 – Day 1
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To kick things off for the Sound Of 2016, let’s have a look at some of the artists specializing in soul and R’n’B. The artists today are Izzy Bizu, Jack Garrett and Mabel McVey.
Name: Izzy Bizu
Age: 21
Label: Epic Records
While she may have toured with the likes of Sam Smith (previous accolade winner), and achieved a diploma in singing from the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, Izzy used to be too shy to sing in public. Instead, she moved to a career as a pop writer – until she entered an open mic night on a whim… and won. Producer Naughty Boy even said he was a fan, after being in the audience.
Her inspirations are Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, and Marvin Gaye, who are really reflected in her music style.
Name: Jack Garratt
Age: 24
Label: Island Records
With his roots in a small village in Buckinghamshire, Jack has a knack for blending styles and genres together, into a unique formula of electro-pop, with a heavy splash of soul. He essentially performs as a one man band, amazing his massive fan base with his multitasking skills and energy on stage. Garratt got his break after posting music to the BBC Introducing Uploader in 2009, which led to his first radio play on BBC Introducing in Beds, Herts and Bucks.
Garratt has been on Radio 1’s live lounge regularly, and after his performance at Radio 1’s Future Festival earlier this year, it’s clear that the 24 year-old is on the up and up.
Name: Mabel McVey
Age: 19
Label: Polydor Records
Daughter to Massive Attack producer Cameron McVey, and nineties singer Neneh Cherry, Mabel was inspired by the R’n’B routines of Destiny’s Child and Lauryn Hill, and was surrounded by music all her life. As an early teenager, she avoided the music route her parents had taken, but enrolled to study production and music theory at college in Stockholm, and up until recently, refused to share her songs with anyone but her close friends.
Thankfully, she now shares her music with the world, with her debut ‘Know Me Better’ spreading fast among new fans. It has even made its way into Radio 1’s track of the day.
Tune in next time for the next three acts on the Sound Of 2016!