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BBC Introducing…

In 2007, the BBC had just launched the grassroots music campaign – BBC Introducing. The initial idea was to introduce a BBC new music discovery proposition consistent across all local and network radio.

The aims of BBC Introducing, were to find, resource, promote and support grassroots music from across the UK, each working within their local BBC Introducing channels and feeding into the national narrative. In essence the national station has access to local experts across the country who are able to act as a filter and recommend artists for national attention. For big events, such as the BBC Introducing stage at theGlastonbury festival local show producers submit acts for consideration to a central panel

At first, the BBC Introucing, as well as uniting the regional local music radio shows, also provided a big stage, at last on the national scene hosting their very own stages at major UK festivals

BBC Introducing has hosted a stage at Glastonbury Festival every year since 2007. The 2011 incarnation featured Ed Sheeran, The Good Natured, Sharks Took the Rest, Vessels, Shammi Pithia amongst others.

BBC Introducing has also hosted stages at the Reading and Leeds festivals since 2008, Radio 1’s Big Weekend since 2008 and T in the Park since 2009.

During February 2009, an upload tool was launched on the BBC Introducing website to allow users to upload their music direct to BBC Introducing producers and presenters. Artists/bands enter their postcode at the point of registering and notifications about any songs they upload are sent to BBC staff working on their nearest Introducing radio show, as well as their choice of national show on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1Xtra or BBC Asian Network.

opportunity
Although, the strong start to the BBC Introducing, with stages at Glastonbury – an opportunity arose for an even more grassroots and localised movement, that could further promote and unite local bands and producers. The concept of hosting small stage local BBC Introducing live shows, allowing a greater access for local bands to get involved and actively take a part in the BBC Introducing’s network. We pitched, though our live music promotion brand – mrblindpig.com (now EMBEEPEE) to develop, fund and facilitate such a show.

strategy
For the concept to start apart from another local live music show, we needed to develop a strategy that allowed clear steps for local bands to take, including promoting the BBC Introducing’s vehicles and directing these bands to these services and feeding our knowledge and advise on the bands that we would be selecting directly back into the BBC Introducing.

We worked through our line ups and inclusions with the BBC Introducing regional team – in this case Berkshire, which was also home to the Reading Festival.

A weekly 5 minute slot was set up for the BBC Introducing live promoter spokesman on the local BBC Introducing (then called The Session) where we would review tracks submitted by bands.

With the BBC, needing a platform that was accessible and that would allow for a free entry audience, was essential. Also, the venue would need to be able to support the show with the sound, lighting, riders and promotion needed to hold such a show without the income from the door charge.

development
Uploader
By 2009, the BBC Introducing Uploader had been launched and the local radio stations had also changed their brands finally to the BBC Introducing banner.

Venue upgrades
A venue upgrade was decided, and we rehoused in a more appropriate live music venue, renown for their live music and quality equipment.

Guest acts – from other BBC Introducing regions were introduced from time to time to help keep the event at the forefront of the music scene. Some of the now more established BBC Introducing acts from across the UK were brought in as ‘special guests’, including: Bastille, I Blame Coco, Lauren Prittchard, Eliza Doolittle, The Big Pink, Bear’s Den, MNEK.

Large End of Year Party
To offer further steps and opportunities for the local bands, aside from the major festivals and national radio play – something we could offer in a localised capacity – we introduced the large special end of year party.

We aligned with a large scale music venue, and agreed for them to host the spectacular and cover the costs whilst still keeping the event free of charge.

6 acts are selected to perform from the past years ‘best bits’ and future years ‘top picks’. The bands were able to see a localised gain, by the vast audience numbers watching and also the improved and heightened media (social and regular) imprint.

The Future
BBC Introducing Tour

We are currently in the process of organising a BBC Introducing tour, allowing for us to reach further into the Berkshire area, touring each regional town finding and bringing more grassroots talent under the BBC Introducing brand, and allowing further opportunities thereforth.