BBC Introducing today announces that 20,000 artists have submitted their music through its uploader tool, which gives musicians the chance to be showcased across BBC radio, television and online, perform at music festivals and follow in the footsteps of acts like Florence and the Machine and Chipmunk.
Since its launch in February 2009, the uploader tool has been key in developing new music, with over 45,000 tracks being submitted for review. The multi-platform initiative encourages bands and artists to upload their music on the BBC Introducing website - www.bbc.co.uk/introducing, giving them invaluable opportunities for exposure across the BBC.
Jason Carter, Editor, BBC Introducing says: ‘For the BBC Introducing uploader to hit 20,000 artists is a really big moment. It’s great that so many brand new artists have had their first BBC broadcast because they’ve simply uploaded their music through the site. It is a sign of the strength of the networks and the BBC’s commitment to supporting new music that tracks can be shared between local and national stations, which then lead to these talented artists being showcased at Maida Vale, across radio and television, at festivals and at www.bbc.co.uk/introducing.
The BBC Introducing stage returns to the summer festivals this year, where new artists will get the opportunity to play at Radio 1's Big weekend, Glastonbury, T in the Park, Reading and Leeds and for the first time ever, at the London Mela. Also for the first time, the BBC Introducing stages will feature a returner’s slot. Artists who have played the stages in previous years, who have now started to find a wider audience, will be given the chance to return to the stage where it all started and perform a headline slot.
The first line up of the summer for BBC introducing will be announced on Monday 26 April as part of BBC Radio1's Big Weekend announcement.
As well as the uploader tool, the BBC Introducing site also offers a hub of practical advice and information for new artists wanting to take the next step in the industry. It features over 100 videos from BBC talent, industry experts including agents and managers, publishers and promoters, as well as videos from established acts such as the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and BBC Introducing success stories Chipmunk and The Temper Trap. The site also highlights artists who have uploaded their music, with videos from those who have gone onto perform at festivals and record Maida Vale sessions.
