The category, ‘Next Big Thing’, is aimed at celebrating “the band or artist Q believes to be the outstanding new talent of 2011,” said Editor-in-Chief, Paul Rees.

The shortlist was chosen by a guest panel consisting of:

• Times columnist, Caitlin Moran;
• Radio 1’s, Huw Stephens;
• The Sun’s Showbiz Editor, Gordon Smart
• And Paul Rees himself.

The winner will be announced at the Q Awards on Monday, October 25.

The shortlist, narrowed down from a long list of 20 acts, is as follows:

• Alice Gold
• Clare MaGuire
• Esben and the Witch
• Fenech-Soler
• Mona
• Murray James

Watch the video for Esben and the Witch's ‘Marching Song’ below: