#jackgarrett

Congrats to artist-producer and multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt who has kicked the competition to the kerb and come out on top with the most votes to win the BBC’s Sound of 2016.

Around 140 influential music industry experts including DJ's, critics, broadcasters and bloggers named their top three favourite new acts from any musical genre. MixRadio’s very own Mark Lampo, global music editor extraordinaire was one of the experts invited to take part. We caught up with Mark to ask him about his involvement and find out what new music means to MixRadio in 2016.

Hi Mark, can you explain what the BBC Sound Of is?

Mark: The BBC Sound Of initiative is a great vehicle for talented emerging artists to gain even more momentum, advocated by industry experts. With the BBC’s support, they’re broadcast to huge engaged audiences that may not have otherwise have discovered them. It’s a real honour to be a part of the process, picking three artists that we (MixRadio) are really feeling and watching all the artists grow with the help of the BBC throughout the year.

What does the BBC Sound Of mean to MixRadio?

Mark: It’s a brilliant start to the year. We finished reviewing all the great musical moments of 2015 with our ‘Best of 2015’ campaign and the BBC Sound of 2016 is a catalyst to celebrate what’s to come. Keep an eye out for our ‘Ones To Watch’ series!

Without revealing who you voted for, can you tell us which artists on the longlist have got you excited for 2016?

Mark: I can’t reveal who we picked, but I’m pleased to say that all three made it to the top 5.

What are your thoughts on the winner?

Mark: Congratulations to the hugely talented, homegrown, multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt for an expected and deserved win. His debut album Phase, due to drop in February will verify this. Keep your eyes peeled and check out MixRadio to listen to all the finalists.

Started in 2003, the BBC list has a history of predicting the acts that will make it big. The top 15 nominated artists for 2016 were:

• Alessia Cara

• Billie Marten

• Blossoms

• Dua Lipa

• Frances

• Izzy Bizu

• Jack Garratt

• J Hus

• Loyle Carner

• Mabel

• Mura Masa

• NAO

• Rat Boy

• Section Boyz

• WSTRN

You can find all of these artists in MixRadio now - why not catch Jack Garrett and the other nominee's in this mix > http://mixrad.io/mixes/101164183