BBC Sound of 2013 countdown begins

Pop group Chvrches have come fifth in the BBC's Sound of 2013 list, which aims to showcase the best rising music stars for the year ahead.

The trio, based in Scotland, are the first act to be revealed in this year's countdown.

One artist will be named every day this week, with the winner announced online and by DJ Huw Stephens on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show on Friday, 4 January.

Previous winners include Adele, Jessie J, 50 Cent, Mika and Ellie Goulding.

Last year's winner was soul singer Michael Kiwanuka. His debut album, Home Again, went on to reach number four in the UK chart and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.

Chvrches are Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty.

They caused a stir online last year with two limited-edition singles, Lies and The Mother We Share, which combined their love of 80s-era Prince with bruised electronics and bold pop melodies.

Formed last October, they were one of the newest bands on the 15-strong Sound of 2013 longlist.

"It's quite surreal," said Mayberry, the band's petite lead singer, of their sudden thrust into the limelight.

"We've not been together a hugely long time," she added. "But we were very lucky with the response".

The Sound of 2013 list was compiled using tips from 213 critics and music journalists, radio DJs, TV presenters, TV and radio producers, website editors and music bloggers.

Each was asked to name their three favourite new acts, who could be from any country and any musical genre.

The successful acts cannot already be well-known to the UK public, for example through featuring on the final stages of a UK TV talent show or having already been a member of a successful band.

They must also not have had a UK top 20 single or album before 11 November 2012.

One act from the Sound Of 2013 top five will be announced every morning on BBC Radio One, the BBC News website, and the official Sound Of 2013 website.