Young Turks artist tipped for big things this year
Gaby Whitehill

09:03 7th January 2014

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Young Turks artist and Drake collaborator Sampha has finished fourth in BBC's Sound of 2014 list.

The South London singer and producer first shot to fame when he featured heavily on electronic musician SBTRKT's eponymous record. His star grew even bigger this year when he appeared on two songs from Drake's massive Nothing Was the Same album, 'The Motion' and 'Too Much'. 

The artists who have made the BBC Sound of 2014 shortlist are being revealed day by day, with singer-songwriter George Ezra kicking off the top five yesterday (January 7). Other artists featured on the longlist include Banks, FKA twigs, Chance The Rapper, Say Lou Lou and Sam Smith.

Listen to Sampha's 'Too Much' below:

Sampha released EP Dual in July 2013, and double sided single 'Too Much'/'Happens' in November. He also features in the Drake-assisted Beyonce track 'Mine' from her recent self-titled album.

Below: 16 bands that should be on the BBC Sound of 2014 list

  • Temples: After storming the festival circuit with their hazy and dreamy pscyh-rock sounds, Temples dropped a string of critically acclaimed releases this year - earning them a dedicated following and fans in the likes of Primal Scream, Kasabian and The Vaccines. Debut album Sun Structures will be released in February 2014. Surely they were worth a nod for achieving huge things in the year ahead?

  • Thumpers: Having recently supported Chvrches on their UK tour, Thumpers left a lasting impression on thousands across the nation. The London newcomers offer a multi-instrumental onslaught of sweet five-way harmonies, relentless rhythms, brass, handclaps and searing rhythms that brings to mind the shameless pop lunacy of The Go Team and Los Campesinos. They've got everything it takes to follow in Chvrches footsteps and go on to great things next year.

  • Sisters: Sisters are a raucous but awesome three piece from Limerick, Ireland. Bringing a DIY attitude back to the fore, when you're told they're 'ones to watch', it's for all the right reasons. There's no style over substance, just phat and beefy fuzz-rock done properly. You're going to hear a lot of 1990s references, but Sisters kick shoegaze up the arse and bring the halcyon sounds of yesteryear racing into the future.

  • Arthur Beatrice: They've been compared to everyone from The Smiths, The xx and Prefrab Sprout to Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris. Pretty confusing eh? Well, ignore that - they sound only like Arthur Beatrice. They're a band that have very staunchly trodden their own path. There's been a buzz about them as a 'new band' since 2011. The long wait comes from taking their time to bypass hype and self-produce their hotly-anticipated debut album. It's safe to say that the spirit of independence is very much alive in this articulate and charming young foursome.

  • Kids Of The Apocalypse: Epic dance music taken to the Nth degree of extreme with sheer awesomeness. The few tracks they've released this year point towards them dominating dancefloors and the airwaves next year, and by remixing the likes of London Grammar, you can tell they know EXACTLY how to get listeners moving.

  • Benjamin Clementine: He stunned the nation with his breathtaking performance on Later With Jools Holland earlier this year - one of the few artists to do so without a record deal. With a whole lot of soul and one hell of a set of lungs on him, Mr Clementine's debut album is expected next year, and likely to win over plenty more hearts, minds and ears.

  • Asgeir: Iceland knows a thing or two about epic-sounding pop and rock music, with stars such as Bjork, Sigur Ros and most recently Of Monsters And Men hailing from their shores. Next export is Asgeir, a solo star with a more acoustic take on the glacial tones of Sigur Ros, mixed with the guitar-led warmth of OMM. He's brilliant, and the English translation of his utterly eargasmic debut album is due for release in January.

  • Radkey: Rocking the cobwebs off Later With Jools Holland to bring a welcome dose of hard and brutal noise to the attention of UK viewers, these three brothers from Missouri proved themselves as ones to keep a close eye on the year ahead. 2014 won't be the year of punk, but it could certainly be the year of Radkey.

  • Phoria: Brighton collective Phoria made waves with their 2013 EP Bloodworks, and are set to follow in the epic, downtempo footsteps of the likes of James Blake with their gloomy yet euphoric sounds. Perfect for lazy Sundays, hungover Wednesdays and, well, any other day of the week, basically.

  • Bondax: Prodigy producers Bondax are as young as they come. With a totally fresh airy take on disco/house production, they're a shoe-in to steal a top spot next year with the potential of seizing the throne from Disclosure. Currently working on the live show and no doubt a debut album, the duo have a huge amount to offer in the coming months.

  • Jacob Banks: Signed and discovered by Wretch 32, Jacob has been cropping up on a few features this year, including Chase & Status and Wretch himself. With a distinctly powerful voice, Banks is bound to tear it up from stripped down tracks all the way to future rave classics.

  • Skaters: These three NYC rockers describe their sound as 'humblecore'. They may not have big egos, but their potential knows no bounds. With a free and easy garage rock sound, they've been compared to The Strokes - but hopefully with a much longer shelf-life.

  • Fryars: Specialising in thoughtful, electronic pop, Londoner Ben Garrett has been on the scene for several years, but like a number of new artists for 2014, has only really hit his stride in the past year, dropping spectacular singles 'In My Arms', 'Cool Like Me' and most recently, 'The Power'.

  • NONONO: This Swedish electro outfit have have success written all over them. Inspired by the likes of Oh Land and the Knife, their single 'Pumpin Blood' is making consistent waves all over - with much bigger and better things to come.

  • Flyte: Londoners Flyte specialise in jaunty, upbeat guitar pop, as was evidenced on recent release 'Words Come Easily', but will truly kick up some dust next year when they drop huge ballad, 'Faithless'. An indie anthem in the making.

  • Joel Compass: Britain's answer to The Weeknd is so much more than that. Offering the know how to take the cringe inducing R'n'B' genre to new heights, Compass signed to the prolific Black Butter label where Rudimental and Gorgon City began. Joel is definitely one to watch.

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