A Maidstone band have been shortlisted for a prestigious music award after enjoying a hugely successful year which has seen them signed to a major label and performing in sold out venues.

Two-piece punk outfit Slaves, who were signed to Virgin EMI in March, have been included on the longlist for this year’s BBC Music Sound of 2015.

Last month the band, which is made up of 21-year-old Laurie Vincent, from Maidstone, and Isaac Holman, 23, from Tunbridge Wells, went on tour with indie supremo Jamie T and played two sold out headline shows in Norwich and London.

Previous winners of the award include Jessie J, Adele and Sam Smith, whose first album In The Lonely Hour debuted at number one in the UK chart this year.

In October Slaves appeared alongside Smith and Irish megastars U2 on BBC Two’s late-night live music show Later... With Jools Holland.

The duo’s latest single The Hunter has received glowing reviews after being debuted on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show last month.

The DJ declared the three-minute track his hottest record in the world before playing it three times in half an hour and interviewing former Oakwood Park pupil Laurie.

Laurie, vocalist and guitarist for the band, heralded next year as particularly significant with a debut album due for release.

The song was also named the station’s track of the day on Wednesday and was played multiple times by a number of DJs.

A total of 139 industry experts helped select the 15 brightest new acts for the coming year.

DJ Huw Stephens will announce the top five acts, counting down to the winner, live on the Radio 1’s breakfast show each morning from January 5.