Critics' pop picks 2012
The Guardian and Observer's pop and rock critics have met the new acts they're tipping for success in 2012
Conor Maynard meets Rosie Swash - video
Brighton-born Conor Maynard, who is billed as the UK's answer to Justin Timberlake and one of our tips for 2012, speaks to Guardian music writer Rosie Swash
Al Spx of Cold Specks talks to Rebecca Nicholson – video
Canadian 'doom soul' artist Al Spx of the band Cold Specks talks to Guardian critic Rebecca Nicholson
Dot Rotten talks to Tom Happold – video
Dot Rotten is known for a wide selection of musical influences and this year he's tipped to break into the mainstream. Tom Happold caught up with him to discuss his plans for 2012
The Staves talk to Michael Hann – video
Our latest tip is the Staves, a band of three sisters who have been singing together all their lives. Guardian and Observer critics are predicting great things for the group in 2012, and here Michael Hann talks to them about growing up, their parents' influence and working with producers Glyn and Ethan Johns
Ren Harvieu talks to Tim Jonze – video
Ren Harvieu's debut album will be out next year following the release of her single, Through the Night. For the second of our pop picks for 2012, Tim Jonze caught up with her to talk about growing up in Salford, musical influences and breaking her back
Spector talk to Kitty Empire – video
Our critics have met the acts they're tipping for success next year, and here Kitty Empire gets to hang out with Fred MacPherson and Danny Blandy from Spector. They talk about the association with Phil Spector, writing love songs and their new album