Electro-pop singer Little Boots is new sound of 2009

The sound that should be on your iPod in 2009

Wondering what you should be loading onto the iPod in 2009? A little-known electro-pop singer who goes by the name of Little Boots, according to the BBC’s Sound of 2009 list. The 24-year-old up and coming talent – real name Victoria Hesketh – hails from Blackpool and counts David Bowie, Gary Numan and Kate Bush among her biggest influences.

The singer and keyboard player topped the BBC list based on tips from 134 leading UK trend forecasters, who named their three top favourite acts.

Last year’s top three included Adele, Duffy and The Ting Tings, who all found huge success in 2008 with best-selling albums and huge support across the summer festival season.

In 2009 Little Boots sits in the company of dark London rock trio White Lies and singer-songwriter Florence and the Machine, as well as fantasy pop duo Empire of the Sun.

The list’s queen was previously a member of indie trio Dead Disco before taking on her Little Boots alter ego a year ago.

Spotted by Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard, Hesketh is clearly bowled over by her rapid rise to stardom.

‘It is amazing that so many people want to write about me and give me opportunities, and I'm so grateful for that. For enough of those pundits to pick me as their favourite act is absolutely incredible and really mindblowing.’

Described by BBC Two music producer, Alison Howe as a ‘Debbie Harry from Blackpool who plays the synthesiser’, Little Boots is set to dominate the download charts in 2009.

And if you need further convincing, Popjustice.com’s Peter Robinson says of the new sensation: ‘She knocks out great tunes and takes her music seriously while celebrating the giddy heights of pop at its best.’