Female artists topped the charts for the third year running as Wales' Marina & The Diamonds claimed 2nd place behind Hereford’s Ellie Goulding in the Sound Of 2010.
Goulding’s career began through collaborations with producer friends Starsmith and Frankmusik on early tracks such as Starry Eyed and Wish I Stayed, recorded on a break from her University studies. These captured the attention of Polydor records and a tour in support of 2009 winner Little Boots helped the fledgling singer find her way to a surprise slot on Later... with Jools Holland in October 2009. Her debut album Lights won praise from the likes of Pitchfork and The Times, while singles Starry Eyed and The Writer have received widespread radio play.
2010 was the first year that the Sound Of chart was reduced to a Top 5, with New York's The Drums and Manchester bands Delphic and Hurts making up the remainder of the list. Notable inclusions in the fifteen strong longlist were US synthpop artist Owl City, who hit number one in the UK and US charts with single Fireflies, and Northern Irish electro-pop trio Two Door Cinema Club. Also longlisted were producers Joy Orbison and Gold Panda who have been credited by many as spearheading the post-dubstep and chillwave genres.
