2013 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award - Nominees Announced
With the most exciting music awards ceremony in Britain almost within touching distance, The BRIT Awards 2013 with MasterCard are pleased to announce the shortlisted artists for the 2013 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. This year’s shortlisted nominees are AlunaGeorge, Laura Mvula and Tom Odell. AlunaGeorge Producer George Reid and vocalist Aluna Francis effortlessly bring together multiple genres, resulting in a rich mix of indie-electronica. With influences ranging from Flying Lotus and Hudson Mohawke to the more R&B Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child they are creating their own brand of pop music. "We both feel incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for this award. Completely blown away, it's a great feeling to have our music recognised in such a big way. 2013 is going to be an incredible year for UK music"
Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula’s music fuses rich and complex melodies with poetic and emotional vocals giving nods to Nina Simone, George Gershwin and Björk amongst others. Debut single 'She' appeared out of nowhere, almost overnight, to huge praise from the cream of the UK music critics. Laura’s as yet untitled forthcoming album has been produced by Steve Brown (Rumer) and mixed by Tom Elmhirst (Adele).
"Wow, I'm speechless! It's unbelievable and I'm in total shock. I don't think I've experienced this kind of shock before. It's such a huge honour to be included in this prestigious shortlist, I don't think that I can put it in to words. Thank you"
Tom Odell
Ex-Brighton Institute of Modern Music student, 22-year-old singer/ songwriter Tom Odell burst on to the scene in late 2012. The West Sussex born Odell has been writing songs from the age of 13 and with the acclaimed release of his debut E.P ‘Songs From Another Love’, he has well and truly put himself on the map for 2013. Tom gave his debut performance on Later...With Jools Holland at the end of November 2012.
"I'm thrilled to be nominated and I feel privileged to be in the same company as previous nominees of the calibre of Adele, Emeli Sande, Michael Kiwanuka and Florence."
The winner of this incredibly coveted Award will be announced on Thursday 20th December. The second and third places will also be announced on the same day.
The Critics’ Choice Award is for new British acts tipped by critics for mainstream success in the forthcoming year. In previous years it has been awarded to Adele (2008), Florence and the Machine (2009), Ellie Goulding (2010) and Jessie J (2011).
2012’s winner Emeli Sandé has had a fantastic year. The Scottish singer/songwriter’s debut album ‘Our Version of Events’ scored a Number One in the Official British Chart; she has also had Number One singles with Professor Green and Labrinth. Emeli performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympic Games this summer.
The artists nominated for the Critics’ Choice Award are chosen by a team of experts including music editors of national newspapers, key music and lifestyle magazines and music websites plus the heads of music at major radio and music TV stations. The Award is open to artists with a recording deal who are set to release their debut albums in 2013; over 100 artists from a range of genres were considered for the award.
Upon today’s announcement of the shortlist, the three nominated artists have been inducted into the BRITs Voting Academy and are now eligible themselves to vote for The BRIT Awards 2013.
The BRIT Awards 2012 with Mastercard take place on Wednesday 20th February 2013 at The O2 Arena, London.
