The BBC's Sound Of 2009 list launches today (5 January), nominating five artists tipped for stardom in 2009.
The Sound Of 2009 lists the best new music by asking critics and broadcasters to name their favourite up-and-coming artists.
Number 5 on this year's list are London synth duo La Roux (pictured above). Jackson and production partner Ben Langmaid are heavily-influenced by '80s synth/electro acts such as like Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Heaven 17, Prince and Blancmange.
"I think guitar music has had its day, for now anyway... I think it's definitely time for some serious synth action" La Roux's Elly Jackson
"We don't listen to anything apart from '80s music," explains Elly Jackson of the duo. "I think guitar music has had its day, for now anyway... I think it's definitely time for some serious synth action."
One act from the Top 5 will be revealed every day until Friday 9 January, when the winner will be announced.
While you might be cynical about such critics' lists, it is often a good pointer to forthcoming commercial success.
Last year's Top 5 included the UK's best-selling album artist of 2008, Duffy, plus Adele, Ting Tings and Glasvegas.
50 Cent, Keane and Mika are all past winners of the list.
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“There’s three of us playing guitar in Foo Fighters… A lot of tone details can get lost, which is what drew me to the Cleaver – that P-90 cut”: Chris Shiflett on how he found his weapon of choice with his Fender Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe
“People have used it as their wedding song. I often think, ‘Hey, did you listen to the lyrics?’”: The classic number one hit with a sting in its tail
