BBC - Introducing http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/ Introducing is a collective blog about unsigned music from the BBC. en Copyright 2009 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:21:51 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss T in the Park! Yes, it's time for T. For the first time, the BBC Introducing stage will be at Scotland's biggest festival this weekend with another two days of incredible new music from across the BBC Introducing network.

Check out the Introducing site for all the details of who's on Saturday and Sunday, and check back for highlights next week.

Sadly, the wonderful Orphans and Vandals had to pull out due to illness, and we're grateful to fresh-faced Scottish newcomer Alex Gardner who agreed to step up at the last minute.

It's a mighty strong line-up, with the likes of Dananananaykroyd, Broken Records, Brighton's Telegraphs, London-based MC, Lowkey and many more all appearing over the weekend.

Me and Vic Galloway will co-present highlights too, next Wednesday 12-2am on Radio 1. And if you're going, see you there!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/07/t_in_the_park.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/07/t_in_the_park.shtml Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:21:51 +0000 Here We Go to Glasto!
Ready? Got your wellies and suncream etc packed? No? Well don't worry because we will be recording all the sets on the BBC Introducing Stage this year, and you can hear the highlights on the show next week. I'm excited about so many of the artists on the stage this year, it's a varied line up and that's what the legendary festival is all about. Enjoy yourself, whether it's from the comfort of your own sofa or actually in the field!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/here_we_go_to_glasto.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/here_we_go_to_glasto.shtml Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:45:39 +0000 Sonar 2009 I'm back from Sonar festival in Barcelona, and it was yet another essential year for new music out there. Folks from all over Europe head to Sonar for the latest in beats, bass and bleeps, and the BBC Introducing showcase went down well spectacularly well. Edinburgh's Young Fathers played a great set with their fast rhymes and faster moves. La Roux was well and truly Introduced to the rest of Europe, with everyone cramming in to the village area (the biggest stage) to see them). And dubstep-trombone-maestro Bass Clef got everyone dancing in a wonky fashion during his set.

You can hear highlights from these, and from Mary Anne Hobbs' showcase with Martyn, Joker and the Gaslamp Killer, on the show this Wednesday at 9pm and from midnight across England.

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/sonar_2009.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/sonar_2009.shtml Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:33:21 +0000 Venezuela! I've just come back from Caracas, Venezuela! I was there through the British Council who'd invited me and producer Clare out to hold radio workshops in the community radio stations out there, and to dj at a few nights.

The workshops were fun, and it was interesting to see what programmes, music and elements of radio they are into out there. www.incubatormix.com is the place to find out more about the project across South America. You can see me djing on this video, it was hands down one of the most bizarre and nerve racking experiences I've had as a dj; some 3000 Caracas folk bouncing up and down!

We were there also to make a programme for the next International Radio 1 which will be broadcast in October. I'll remind you again before then though!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/venezuela.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/06/venezuela.shtml Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:58:56 +0000 Great Escape... It's the name of one of those films that's always on at Christmas, it's the name of a Blur album that didn't get very good reviews back in the day, and it's the name of a wicked festival in Brighton that's on from today untill Saturday. Happening in venues across the city, with hundreds of bands playing, the list of who's on is massive, it reads like a who's who of new band round at the moment, and it's gonna be ace.
One things for sure, The XX written about here on the Newsbeat Music pages, will be a hit. They're mesmerising live. Might have to see them again between stopping n fish and chips shops!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/great_escape.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/great_escape.shtml Leftfield Thu, 14 May 2009 11:40:33 +0000 BBC Introducing Stage Highlights! Swindon you rocked!

Thanks to all who came to check out the ace new bands and artists on the stage in Swindon over the weekend. If you weren't there, the website is the place to see and hear everything, so many highlights from the weekend. That's what was on the show this week, only live music from the stage; Master Shortie, Little Commets, Marina and the Diamonds, Swindon's very own Beatbullyz and....well the list is endless - check out the show here!

There's a brilliant video showing the offstage goings on at the BBC Introducing stage all weekend here too and do check out all the performances of the bands who played online. There's a free download of Kids Love Lies and Master Shortie too!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/bbc_introducing_stage_highligh.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/bbc_introducing_stage_highligh.shtml Introducing... Thu, 14 May 2009 01:27:28 +0000 The Fringe is On!
Yup, before the Big Weekend, the Fringe gigs started in style on Monday. I popped down to the 12 Bar to see the four bands playing on Monday, and the place was rammed! The Karlucci March were on first and played a belter, really filling the stage and obviously have a huge local following. The Volt, from Bath, played bluesy rock'n'roll incredibly well, mixing it with their own touch, and have bee really busy promoting themselves over the last year.
The Shebeats are three girls who most certainly know how to pen a fuzz rock tune or two too. Healdiners The Alfonz seem to be the toast of Swindon at the moment, and rightly so; they were confident, have good tunes, and left us wanting more. Their subtle indie sounded good at this great venue, which has a few brilliantly named cover bands coming up like Mentallica and Purple Rain (Prince innit!)

Click here to find out who else is on at the Fringe in Swindon.

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/the_fringe_is_on.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/the_fringe_is_on.shtml Tue, 05 May 2009 13:43:48 +0000 Swindon Fringe Greg James is in Swindon already, and I'll be there tomorrow for the first night of the Fringe, a week of gigs leading up to the Big Weekend. Celebrating the local music scene In Swindon and the surrounding area, the first night is Monday 4 May;

I'm looking forward to seeing

The Alfonz myspace.com/thealfonz

The Volt myspace.com/thevolt

The Shebeats myspace.com/theshebeats

The Kulucci March myspace.com/thekuluccimarch


It's at the The 12 Bar, you must be 16 years or older to attend, and it's on from 7.30pm-11pm. Might see you there!

Last night I was hosting the Cardiff Student Media Awards; big up the winners and nominees! Tonight I'm off to Salford for the Sound from the Other City festival where I'm putting on a gig with Marina and the DIamonds, Peggy Sue, Sweet Baboo, Salford's Tombots, Nia Morgan and Gallops in a Church. Let the train journeys commence!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/swindon_fringe.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/05/swindon_fringe.shtml Introducing... Sun, 03 May 2009 11:24:54 +0000 Radio One's Big Weekend; Introducing... May 9th and 10th; Introducing hits the One Big Weekend hard!

The line up for the stage is awesome from Kids Love Lies to Master Shortie, Bombay Bicycle Club to Marina and the DIamonds, see the full ine up here !

I'm excited about the Fringe too; no, not the foppish haircut that covers your forehead, but the week of gigs happening across Swindon with bands from the Wiltshire area from Monday 4th May to Thursday 7th May! The gigs are on at the 12 Bar, the Vic, the Furnace and Rehab.

There's 16 brand new bands playing; see who's on where here .

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/one_big_weekend_introducing_1.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/one_big_weekend_introducing_1.shtml Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:23:46 +0000 Record Store Day This Saturday April 18th is Record Store Day . You know Record Stores, those shops and buildings that sell those cd's and vinyls in your nearest town centre. I see them as culturally important, be they indie rock n roll, dance or everything, a snaphot of what's going on in the scene around the world and locally. Try getting a new band's single or album on a DIY label into a chain store at it can be difficult. These independent shops will most probably stock them, advertise them and sell them. With downloads and online shopping threatening these shops, this Saturday will see bands play instore gigs, special releases only available in the shops, and a general vibe of excitement. The whole thing started in America, and has spread across the world. A good excuse to pop into your local shop and ask them to recommend a good new local band for you! Do it!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/record_store_day.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/record_store_day.shtml Radio 1 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:10:02 +0000 Double Session Tonight! I'm in for Zane tonight from 7 with Golden Silvers in session. You'll know by now I'm a little bit obsessd with the thrifty three piece. Can't wait to hear them tonight, with a chat with the band who played the Introducing Stage at Radio One Big Weekend last year. This year's line up is ace; check out who's playing here..

Then from 9pm, Rose Elinor Dougall is in session. She makes deep and bold pop songs of the highest order, gigs lots and lots, was in the Pipettes, and is very pleasant.

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/double_session_tonight.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/double_session_tonight.shtml Introducing... Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:03:00 +0000 A New Band Called Delphic.... Their new single Counterpoint is a big blasting electro-building corker of a record. They were in session for Mr Steve Lamacq a little while back on his Monday night show, and they're definitely ones to listen out for this summer.

My Introducing night is on at the Social tonight, Little Portland St in London with Beth Elfyn bringing Frederick Stanley Star, Silver Gospel Runners, Meilir, Plyci and Decimals all playing.

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/a_new_band_called_delphic.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/a_new_band_called_delphic.shtml Introducing... Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:26:35 +0000 Bank Holiday Takeover! I had a very nice doing the Bank Holiday Easter Monday takeover show today.
I played all these songs;

Bank Holiday Monday 13th April 2009

10:00

Prince - 1999
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Riz MC, Sway & Plan B - Shifty
Girls Aloud - The Promise
Pulp - Disco 2000
Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You
MIA - Paper Planes
MIA - Paper Planes (James Murphy remix)
Phoenix - Lisztomania
Florence And The Machine - Youve Got The Love
Pendulum - Slam
Pulled Apart By Horses - E=MC Hammer

11:00

Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
The Wombats - Lets Dance To Joy Division

Changing Track
Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence

Murph From The Wombats Phoner

Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers
Gossip - Standing In The Way Of Control

Delphic - 'Counterpoint'
Weezer - 'Buddy Holly'
Elbow - 'One Day Like This'

Introducing Session
Noah & The Whale - 5 Years Time

Young Fathers - Straight Back On It
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

Chill Out Track
The Low Anthem - Charlie Darwin

12:00

Beyonce - Single Ladies
Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA

Chipmunk Phoner
Ironik Feat. Chipmunk - 'Tiny Dancer'

La Roux - 'In For The Kill' (Skream's Lets Get Ravy Remix)
Little Comets - 'One Night In October'
Estelle - 'American Boy'
Lost Prophets - 'Rooftops'
Sugarhill Gang - 'Rappers Delight'
Marine And The Diamonds- 'I Am Not A Robot'
London Elektricity - 'All Hell Is Breaking Loose'
Lil Wayne - 'Dr Carter'
Golden Silvers - 'The No9 Blues (True Romance)'


]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/bank_holiday_takeover.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/bank_holiday_takeover.shtml Radio 1 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:04:18 +0000 Easter songs... Hello

I'll be on Radio 1 this Easter Monday from 10am - 1pm, and I can play whatever I want! It's gonna be MEGA! Make sure you tune in Monday morning/afternoon !

I thought as it's Easter, I'd think of some songs to do with eggs and what not. So here's a band called The Lovely Eggs. Check out their tour dates coming up; there's loads! And an Easter gig on Sunday with a nice poster. They sound and look like this;

There's the now classic Mistajam video Eggs, Soldiers, Beans and Toast...

Happy Easter!

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/easter_songs.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/easter_songs.shtml Introducing... Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:02:35 +0000 A new band called Gentle Friendly.... This weeks session guests on my show make unpredictable, noisy, feedback-drenched, sporadically melodic tunes. They're a duo, Dave and Daniel, based in London who are unlike anyone else about at the moment. A nice change, I hope you agree..
Find Gentle Friendly here...

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=154769123&albumID=1342367&imageID=25831426

]]> Huw Stephens http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/a_new_band_called_gentle_frien.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/introducing/2009/04/a_new_band_called_gentle_frien.shtml Introducing... Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:55:23 +0000