DERRY folk artist Soak has made the longlist for the BBC Music Sound of 2015.
The 18-year-old singer - aka Bridie Monds-Watson – is known for her songs Explosion and Sea Creatures.
She broke onto the music scene in her hometown when she was just 14 and has since been compared to Joni Mitchell for her vivid portraits of teenage life.
Among the 15 nominated acts are three BRIT Awards 2015 Critics’ Choice Award nominees, George The Poet, James Bay and Years and Years.
Also included are band Slaves, Grime MCs Stormzy and Novelist. Solo artists Raury, Shamir, Kwabs, Låpsley, and Bombay Bicycle Club collaborator Rae Morris join them in contention.
The list was compiled by a panel of DJs, critics and broadcasters and showcases the best new acts for year ahead.
Stay With Me singer Sam Smith won the award last year, with previous winners including Adele and Haim.
The longlist will be narrowed down to five in the week of January 6 and the winner will be announced on January 11.
- James Bay
- George The Poet
- Kwabs
- Lapsley
- Rae Morris
- Novelist
- Raury
- Shamir
- Shura
- Slaves
- Soak
- Stormzy
- Sunset Sons
- Wolf Alice
- Years & Years
