Introducing

So far this year we've seen David Simon, Lostaura, Rubylux, Stereo Decade, Angry Vs. the Bear and more take to the session floor at BBC Essex Introducing, playing live music and giving us the low-down on what they're up to around the county and the country!

All these acts are working towards getting their music to the masses and in some ways hoping a record contract of some sort will at some point become part of their reality.

For 23-year-old Ben Esser, from Chelmsford, that has become his reality.

Esser

With his debut album released last Monday and his new single being played by anyone who is anyone (Rob da Bank, Steve Lamacq, 6 Music, Radio 2 and Radio One), 2009 is this guys year!

Esser will perform his new single, 'Headlock'

And Esser is a perfect example of an act who is integral in Essex's music scene, with thanks in his debut album to "'The Army & Navy', 'Chelmsford Ravers' and 'BBC Essex'.

Chelmsford has obviously given him a lot, Esser's dad is even Ollie's Head of Year at college!

The album, where every track brings a new, individual sound to the musical table, has been described as "a refreshing world away from the gloating small-minded Lily Allen" and anyone who is anyone is tipping him for this year.

We are lucky enough to have him in session, with his band, playing two tracks from the debut album, including his new single, 'Headlock'!

Check him out:

It was a Big Weekend for Baddies

The Baddies

Southend act, Baddies, played at the Radio One's Big Weekend for BBC Essex Introducing. Watch their video here:

We'll be bringing you live music from the Big Weekend from the Baddies, who amazingly, join us next week live in session. Two big bands, two weeks, one big show!

Send us your music!

Mike & Ollie
BBC Essex Introducing
PO Box 765
Chelmsford
CM2 9XB

On the show you'll hear:

Kings Cross - 'Never Say Never'
Esser - 'I Love You'
David Simon - 'Dilemma' (Session highlight)
Baddies - 'Holla for my Holiday' (R1BW live highlight)
Baddies - 'Battleships' (R1BW live highlight)
James Berryman Band - 'Father'
MDMA - 'Welcome to Britain'
Esser - 'Stop Dancing' (Session)
Esser - 'Headlock' (Session)
Uploader track
24Vision - 'Sharon'

Gig ideas

Friday, 15, May

Club Riga Music Bar, Westcliff-on-Sea
The Jay Tamkin Band and Martin McNeil

The Barhouse, Chelmsford
Redwire, Ja Ja Wonderbra, DJ sets from Badspellar, Craig Fury, Liam Young & Mantango

The Twist, Colchester
To Kill a Rose, Eden Eclipsed and Trash Monroe

Saturday, 16, May

Essex Uni, Colchester
Red Faced Robot, Hounds, Audio Hazard

Uploader Festival, Civic Hall, Grays
An all day event with: Enter Shikari, DJ PDEX, Exit Avenue, Arms of Atlas, Innocence Within, Murikami, Mum Locked in a Castle, The Flavours, Kid Icaris V Myst, The Tenners and All Systems Go.

Shaksters RNR Riots, The Fleece, Chelmsford
Shakster Records 2nd  Birthday: Foot in Mout, Rubella, Lost Without Cause, We Rock Like Girls Don't

Chinnerys, Southend on Sea
Jackson Warehouse, Lazy Curtis and In The Pipeline