IT’S tip time.

The BBC has announced the results of their Sound of 2014 poll this week.

Industry insiders have named a list of artists tipped for the top next year.

And this time around, they’re all solo artists and duos – everything from ‘the new Lily Allen’ Chloe Howl to Rudimental, Naughty Boy and Bastille featured Ella Eyre.

That’s not to say there’s not some great bands out there, it’s just it was sister trio Haim’s turn last time out and now solo artists are in vogue.

The record industry is desperate for another Adele because that’s where the big bucks are. And they are happy to throw money at it.

Take 2010’s winner Ellie Goulding for example.

Now, I’m a big fan. Her beautiful rendition of Elton John’s Your Song was the first dance at my wedding this summer, one thing my husband and I have in common with the future King of England and his bride.

But she didn’t get where she is through talent alone. Quite apart from the influence of Wills and Kate, it was a classic, used in that fuzzy feelgood festive John Lewis advert, which took her to the top.

So don’t expect anything risky from a cynical industry.

The winner of the poll is announced in January – and by the following morning tickets for their big money tour will be on sale.

In music these days, fortune rarely favours the brave.

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