Izibor, The Answer on HMV tips for 2009

Dublin singer Laura Izibor and Co. Down band The Answer have been included on a top 10 list of “unknowns” tipped to break through this year and released by music chain HMV.

In the past, the store has predicted the success of Franz Ferdinand, The Arctic Monkeys and Duffy.

HMV music buyer Rob Watson said: “There’s perhaps not one stand out name that’s on everyone’s lips, as we saw with Duffy last year, but that’s more than made up for by the sheer number and quality of the new acts in the frame.

“There’s a bumper crop of fresh faces out there, and 2009 promises to be a vintage year for new music.”

Also included on the list are Filthy Dukes, Florence and the Machine, Gary Go, Keri Hilson, Lady Ga Ga, Little Boots, Red Light Company and White Lies.