New Music: HAIM Top BBC Sound of 2013 Longlist

Earlier this week it was announced that HAIM had topped the BBC Sound of 2013 longlist, fending off stiff competition from AlunaGeorge, Angel Haze, Laura Mvula and BRIT Critics' Choice winner Tom Odell - who, surprisingly, didn't even make the cut for the 'Top 4'. Formulated by some of the music industry's big-wigs and 'movers-and-shakers' - The BBC Sound of... poll has proven to be a crucial indicator for discovering who will be the year's biggest breakthrough artists. Winners of the gong include Adele, Jessie J, 50 Cent and Ellie Goulding to name a few.

Triple Act: The three sisters have been tipped to have a successful 2013

Having already done a post on HAIM in mid-December, before we dissolved for our 'Christmas recess', we had already staked our claim on HAIM having a realistic shot at seizing the title - and they have. 'Don't Save Me', 'Forever', and 'Better Off' caught our eye as we approached the summit of 2012, and we're sure the Los Angeles sisters have so much more to bring to the table this year, having largely impressed already. AlunaGeorge, Angel Haze and Laura Mvula are all very worthy runner ups and are definitely worth checking out as well. Be sure to watch the video above featuring an interview from Huw Stephens with HAIM.

Read more about it on the BBC Sound of 2013 website.

In Popular Culture: X Factor Winner Clinches #1 Spot With Debut

Calm: James Arthur took debut #1 announcement in his stride

It was no real surprise when on Sunday night X Factor winner James Arthur clinched the number 1 spot on last weeks Official Chart. After indicative sales prediction placing him miles ahead of any other act last week, the stage was well and truly set for the X Factor winner to claim this weeks official number 1 with his debut single 'Impossible' which was also named the fastest selling single of 2012 shifting over half a million copies. James Arthur seemingly played it cool as Reggie Yates made the announcement live on BBC Radio 1 around about 7pm, and he seems to have his feet on the ground at least. Knowing that every male singer to have won The X Factor has gone on to be dropped will be a sobering reminder that this really is just the start. Check out the video to 'Impossible' below if you haven't seen it already...

• Impossible - the debut single by James Arthur, is available to download now with profits going to the charity Together for Short Lives. 

In Popular Culture: Bradley Wiggins Named BBC 'SPOTY' 2012

DESERVED: Bradley Wiggins holds the BBC Sports Personality of the Year gong proudly aloft

In a star-studded ceremony last night at the ExCeL Arena in London, cyclist Bradley Wiggins staved off stiff competition from the likes of Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah, Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Murray to pick up the BBC Sport Personality of the Year gong in what has been described as the most competitive line-up in modern history. After becoming the first Brit ever to win the Tour de France, winning Olympic gold in the time-trial and becoming the most decorated Olympian in British history (for only a short period during the Olympics before surrendering the title to fellow cyclist Sir Chris Hoy), it was almost inevitable that Wiggins would clinch the much coveted title. Heptathlete Jessica Ennis who won Olympic gold at London 2012 came a close second, with Andy Murray, who was training for the upcoming tennis season in Miami received the third place prize via a video link. 

ROLE MODEL, OR MODEL ROLE?: Bradley Wiggins is the complete package

Wiggins looked the complete package last night in a bespoke Mark Powell double-breasted velvet suit completed with a silk pocket square and tie, the 60's mod inspired sartorial was a dazzling touch to complete a memorable night in the Olympic host-city and venue. After being handed the GQ Lifetime Achievement Award in September of this year by Liam Gallagher, he showed exactly why whilst adding another accolade to his resume. Given the magnitude of achievement at this year's Games it was always going to be a deserved win for whoever picked up the night's top prize, but Bradley Wiggins' speech at the beginning of the night almost made it impossible for anyone else to follow up with a speech as meaningful as his. Wiggins thanked everyone who made it possible for him to reach the pinnacle of sporting greatness stating that without his backroom team behind him nothing would have been possible, not only for him but for all budding athletes. 

UNFAZED: Wiggo holds his own next to style icons David Beckham and the Duchess of Cambridge

Wiggo held his own the company of two British style icons, bringing a flourishing touch next to Becks and Kate. His speech was poignant, charismatic and captivating, the 32 year old saluted his fellow Team GB compatriots and everyone who voted. Make no mistake, 2012 will be a year that will live long in the memory and will go down in history as one of Britain's greatest sporting years. London 2012 chairman Lord Coe deservedly picked up the Lifetime Achievement gong after a seamless delivery of this summers' Games. With Team GB and Paralympics GB exceeding anyone's expectations picking up record numbers of gold, silver and bronze medals, we can only be proud that we staged what is being touted as the greatest Games ever. As for Bradley well we commend him and his vivacious style, and we're sure it will not be long before we are referring to him as Sir Bradley Wiggins when the New Years Honours list is revealed in a few weeks time.

Images: Press Association (PA)

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Boon! Apparel are a label we just discovered on the off chance whilst scouring the net in pursuit of the freshest in up-and-coming independent brands. They are North Lincolnshire (UK) based outfitters consisting of two friends with the same vision, to 'see people wearing their clothes'. This has been made possible through their work ethic and determination achieving their goal in some style working by their motto '#youthismyexcuse'. Boon! Apparel pride themselves on their quality and affordability, and this is clearly evident through this fresh array of garms.

Boon! have a very appealing contemporary style, they casually go for the 'less is more' in some of their garments, with others brandishing intricately bold graphic designs which will easily draw the eye. Having featured in Front Magazine as well, it is clear that this is an independent brand that are moving in the right direction and are receiving their well deserved recognition. The selection of tees, jumpers and hoodies we have picked from their site are a few of our personal favourites, but they have a well rounded collection which is available for you to browse through on their site. Get involved.

Twitter: @BoonClothing
Facebook: Boon! Apparel
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New Music: HAIM - Don't Save Me

If you've read our previous post on the BBC Sound of 2013 poll you will know HAIM are one act we're very excited about here at OBWD. After learning of the Los Angeles sisters through Radio 1 a few months back from their single 'Forever', we've immediately grown fond of the trio and their latest single 'Don't Save Me' is a quality follow up. The namesake band consists of sisters, Este (24), Danielle (22), and Alana Haim (19). The three girls grew up in the San Fernando valley playing in their parents family band who went by the name of 'Rockinhaim'.

HAIM describe themselves as being a "nu-folk–meets–nineties-R&B" pop group from LA, California and you really do feel that all-American vibe in this record, but at the same time you get a real taster of their creative talent and energy as the three sisters seem to just understand each other vocally and instrumentally. 'Don't Save Me' has a very unique sound, the link to folk is unmissable, but at the same time you do feel that Rhythm and Blues element to their game which makes them a very unique ensemble and places them as prime contenders for the Sound of 2013 prize. Definitely ones to watch for the New Year.

Twitter: @HAIMtheband

*Read more about HAIM on their BBC Sound of 2013 bio page.

New Music: BBC Sound of 2013 Longlist Revealed

Movers + Shakers: The definitive list of what to expect in 2013

Earlier this week the BBC Sound of 2013 longlist was announced by BBC Radio 1. The Sound of 2013 is a compilation of artists who are set to take 2013 by storm, and is put together by some of the music industry's savvy talent spotters. Winners of the BBC's Sound of... poll have gone on to a achieve great successes in the past, some of which include Ellie Goulding, Adele, Jessie J and even 50 Cent. On this year's list we have:  AlunaGeorge, A*M*E, Angel Haze, Arlissa, Chvrches, Haim, King Krule, Kodaline, Laura Mvula, Little Green Cars, Palma Violets, Peace, Savages, The Weeknd and Tom Odell. Usually the poll includes a varied mix of genres, and this year is no different.

We've listened to and already heard of a few of the acts on the list already and we can tell you that Haim, The Weeknd, AlunaGeorge and classically trained Tom Odell are definitely ones to watch. Those are a few we're feeling a lot at the moment. We've managed to locate a breakdown guide into the longlist by BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens below, if you're learn more about some of the artists on the list. The end of the year is always an exciting time for music as we prepare to usher in a new wave of musicians and try to predict which genre will define the year. With many tipping guitar music to make a comeback for 2013, the Sound of 2013 will give you an insight into what to expect in the new year.

*Read more about the longlist and learn about the artists included on the Sound of 2013 website.

Bespoke Attire: PRESENT Apparel

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We are delighted to be able to bring you another up and coming hot prospect brand who go by the name of Present Apparel, and they're bringing some fresh threads to the table right now. With a clean cut approach coupled with an edgy streetwise look, the Birmingham ensemble appear to be fully grounded with their sharp designs. 

Here's what the guys at Present have to say about themselves...

Straight out of Birmingham UK, we bring you Present Apparel. Giving you the fix you need of dope, fresh designs from a rapidly evolving range of products. Our brand promotes and encourages extraordinary living from extraordinary people. Those unforgettable heroes and heroines bending the rules with those genius talents. Icons both men and women of our society: Tupac, Winehouse, Warhol, Lohan and Jagger. Only a handful of characters to not allow society to change their passions, But allowed their passions to change society. Nothing can cause more controversy than the culturally bold. We expect nothing less from our clique. Be Present.

So yeah, if you're feelin' Present Apparel and you're liking what you see in the images above, look no further than their site if you're looking for a wardrobe update.

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