BBC Music Introducing
BBC Music Introducing is a platform operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that was launched in 2007 to discover, support, and promote unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar musicians across the United Kingdom.[1] It functions as a unified brand encompassing local and national BBC radio stations, providing emerging artists with opportunities for airplay, live performances, and exposure through festivals, television, and online features.[2] In 2023, the number of dedicated Introducing shows on local radio stations in England was reduced from 32 to 20 as part of BBC's service modernization, while maintaining programming in the nations.[3] Artists submit their music via an online uploader tool, where tracks are reviewed by local BBC radio presenters and producers for potential broadcast on stations such as BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6 Music, Radio 3, Asian Network, and the World Service.[2] As of recent reports, over 240,000 registered artists have uploaded approaching one million tracks to the platform.[4] The initiative's core purpose is to nurture new talent by bridging the gap between grassroots artists and wider audiences, often propelling them onto national stages and playlists.[5] Key features include dedicated Introducing shows on local BBC radio, which feed into national programming; performance slots at major events like Glastonbury Festival's Introducing Stage, Radio 1's Big Weekend, and South by Southwest (SXSW); and exclusive sessions recorded at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios.[1] Selection for national playlists, such as those on Radio 1 and 1Xtra, involves input from local teams and expert panels, ensuring a rigorous yet accessible pathway for submissions—limited to two tracks every 30 days per artist.[1] Additionally, the platform curates BBC Sounds mixes and mixtapes, offering ongoing digital visibility for featured tracks.[6] BBC Music Introducing has significantly impacted the UK music scene, with seven of the top 10 biggest-selling songs of 2022 originating from artists supported by its local shows.[2] It has kickstarted careers for numerous prominent acts, including James Bay, whose early track "Move Together" was uploaded in 2013, leading to playlisting and a BRIT Critic’s Choice Award win in 2015; Florence + The Machine, who recorded their first Maida Vale session in 2008 and later headlined Glastonbury in 2015; Catfish and the Bottlemen, playlisted from a 2009 demo and awarded BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year in 2014; Jake Bugg, featured from a 2010 upload and performing at Glastonbury in 2011; and Blossoms, who debuted at SXSW in 2015 after a 2013 submission.[5] Other beneficiaries include George Ezra, Slaves, Izzy Bizu, The Shires, and Jack Garratt, many of whom credit the platform's early exposure for major breakthroughs like festival slots, label deals, and chart success.[5] Through these efforts, BBC Music Introducing continues to serve as a vital ecosystem for the UK's independent music landscape, emphasizing diversity and innovation in genres from indie rock to electronic and hip-hop.[2]Origins and Development
Launch in 2007
BBC Music Introducing was launched in June 2007 as a unified platform to support and showcase unsigned and emerging UK artists, consolidating the BBC's existing new music initiatives under a single brand.[7] The initiative aimed to provide greater exposure for under-the-radar musicians by integrating radio broadcasts, online resources, and live performance opportunities, addressing the challenge of discovering talent without major label backing.[1] The launch was marked by the debut of a dedicated BBC Introducing stage at the Glastonbury Festival, announced on 14 June 2007, where 24 artists performed after being nominated by BBC new music shows and selected by a panel including DJs such as Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, and Bobby Friction, alongside Glastonbury co-organizer Emily Eavis.[7] This stage represented the BBC's commitment to live events as a core component from the outset, offering emerging acts a high-profile platform to reach audiences. Jason Carter, Editor of Live Events for BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, led the project, emphasizing the platform's role in nurturing talent through accessible opportunities.[7] Complementing the festival debut, the launch included the establishment of a central website at bbc.co.uk/introducing, serving as a hub for uploading tracks, discovering new music, and accessing related BBC radio shows.[7] On the radio front, Huw Stephens' existing program on BBC Radio 1 was rebranded as Huw Stephens' BBC Introducing, becoming the first national show under the banner, while local BBC Radio stations across the UK began featuring weekly Introducing segments to highlight regional talent.[7] This multi-platform approach from day one enabled artists to submit music digitally and potentially secure airplay or live spots, setting the foundation for the platform's growth.[1]Key Milestones and Expansions
BBC Music Introducing launched in June 2007 as a unified platform to support unsigned and emerging UK artists, consolidating existing local BBC radio shows into a national network for music discovery and promotion.[8] This initiative marked a significant shift by providing a centralized uploader tool on the BBC website, allowing artists to submit tracks directly to producers and presenters across BBC Radio for potential airplay.[9] By April 2010, the platform had seen substantial growth, with over 20,000 artists uploading more than 45,000 tracks, demonstrating its rapid adoption as a key entry point for new talent.[10] Early international outreach began in 2008, when artists like Florence + The Machine performed at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, through BBC-organized showcases.[5] In 2013, expansions included dedicated stages at major UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and T in the Park, alongside over 15 masterclasses for artists and a country music showcase in Nashville hosted by presenter Bob Harris.[8] The platform continued to evolve with live event integrations; in 2014, BBC Music Introducing Live was introduced, culminating in a major showcase at the O2 Academy Brixton.[5] By 2017, marking its 10th anniversary, the initiative celebrated with a special birthday event highlighting supported artists like George Ezra and Slaves, while having facilitated over 250,000 track uploads since 2013, along with 17 major label signings since 2013.[8][5] In recent years, regional expansions have emphasized localized support; in February 2025, BBC Introducing partnered with North East England organizations including The Glasshouse and Tees Music Alliance to offer gigs, development opportunities, and a dedicated stage at the Stockton Calling festival, marking the first such region-wide collaboration.[11] This builds on ongoing commitments to UK-wide coverage, with annual festival presences and integrations into BBC Sounds for broader digital reach. In September 2025, BBC Introducing unveiled the full lineup for BBC Introducing LIVE 2025, a tour across the UK including a special event in Bradford as part of the UK City of Culture 2025, featuring live performances, workshops, and open mic sessions.[12]Platform Components
Radio Network Coverage
BBC Music Introducing maintains an extensive radio network across the United Kingdom, featuring dedicated shows on both local and national BBC stations to promote unsigned and emerging artists. The platform's coverage begins at the local level, where approximately 20 dedicated BBC Introducing shows air weekly across various BBC Local Radio stations in England and the Channel Islands. These shows typically broadcast on Saturday evenings starting at 8pm, allowing regional presenters to spotlight talent specific to their areas by selecting tracks from the BBC Introducing Uploader.[13] In addition to England, the network extends to the home nations with tailored programming. In Wales, BBC Radio Wales features two shows: one hosted by Bethan Elfyn on Saturdays at 8:30pm and another by Adam Walton at 10pm. Scotland's coverage comes via BBC Radio Scotland on Fridays at 8pm, while Northern Ireland has dedicated slots on BBC Radio Ulster on Saturdays at 7pm and the Beatseekers programme on Thursdays at 9:30pm. This regional structure ensures geographically diverse representation, with local shows recommending standout tracks to national DJs for broader exposure.[13] Nationally, BBC Introducing integrates into several prominent BBC Radio networks, amplifying local discoveries to a wider audience. Key shows include BBC Radio 1's Sunday slot at 11pm hosted by Jess Iszatt, Radio 1 Dance on Thursdays at 1pm with Jaguar, and Rock on Radio 1 on Tuesdays at 1am presented by Alyx Holcombe. BBC Radio 1Xtra airs its programme on Sundays at 10pm with Theo Johnson, while BBC Asian Network features Tuesdays at 8pm hosted by Jasmine Takhar. BBC Radio 6 Music rounds out the national lineup with the Introducing Mixtape on Mondays at 2am, curated by Emily Pilbeam. These national broadcasts draw from local recommendations and the Uploader, supporting stations like Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3, 6 Music, and Asian Network to foster artist progression.[13] The network's design facilitates a pipeline from local airplay to national recognition, with over 20 local shows collectively playing music discovered via the Uploader each week. This coverage has evolved, notably with reductions in local shows from 32 to 20 in 2023 amid BBC budget adjustments, yet it continues to provide comprehensive UK-wide access for new music.[13][14]Upload and Discovery Tools
BBC Music Introducing provides artists with the BBC Introducing Uploader, a web-based tool launched in February 2009 that allows unsigned musicians to submit their tracks for potential radio play across the BBC network.[15] To use the uploader, artists must first create or sign into a BBC account, providing details such as date of birth, email, postcode, and gender, then establish a music profile including artist name, genre, and location.[15] Tracks can be uploaded in WAV or MP3 formats directly via the platform at bbc.co.uk/introducing/uploader, accessible on desktops, smartphones, or tablets without additional software.[15] Submissions require agreement to the BBC's terms of use and are limited to UK-based artists, verified by postcode to route music to relevant regional Introducing teams.[16][15] Once uploaded, tracks enter a discovery process managed by BBC radio producers who review thousands of submissions weekly to select material for airplay on local, regional, and national stations.[17] The system organizes uploads by geographic area, linking them to the nearest BBC Introducing radio show based on the artist's postcode, enabling localized curation that supports emerging talent in specific regions.[15] Producers prioritize high-quality, polished tracks—typically 2-3 minutes in length to fit radio slots—along with complete artist profiles featuring compelling bios, high-resolution images (ideally 1920x1080 pixels in landscape orientation), and clean versions free of explicit content.[17] Selective uploading is encouraged, with artists advised to submit only their strongest, ready-for-broadcast material to maximize chances of selection.[17] Beyond initial producer review, BBC Music Introducing integrates discovery through BBC Sounds, where selected tracks feature in curated mixes and playlists, and via events like live showcases that amplify exposure.[6] In 2024, the BBC piloted Orbit, an experimental discovery service that organized recently played Introducing tracks for user exploration using audio-led navigation on a 2D plane of musical descriptors, allowing listeners to uncover new music handpicked by local teams.[18] This tool emphasized organic discovery by processing over 7,000 tracks and handling over 1,000,000 audio sample requests during its three-month run from September to December, after which BBC R&D evaluated user engagement data (from 159 users) for potential future developments.[19][20][21] Overall, these tools democratize access, having supported thousands of artists in gaining BBC airplay and advancing their careers.[22]Live Events and Festivals
Festival Stages and Showcases
BBC Music Introducing operates dedicated stages and showcases at major music festivals in the UK and internationally, providing emerging artists with high-profile performance opportunities to gain exposure and advance their careers. These events are integral to the platform's mission of discovering and supporting unsigned talent, often selected through uploads to the BBC Introducing website or recommendations from the network's approximately 23 regional radio shows. Artists perform live sets, participate in interviews, and receive airplay, helping to bridge the gap between local scenes and national recognition.[23][24] The initiative began featuring festival stages in 2007 at Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, where it has since maintained a dedicated area for undiscovered UK acts, contributing to breakthroughs for artists such as Florence and the Machine and Lewis Capaldi. By 2015, the program expanded to include multiple UK events like Reading and Leeds Festivals, T in the Park, Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park, and the CMJ Music Marathon, alongside international showcases at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in partnership with PRS for Music Foundation. This growth reflects BBC Introducing's commitment to year-round live programming, with selections based on artistic merit and potential impact as determined by BBC producers and regional teams.[24][23] Today, BBC Introducing maintains stages or dedicated artist slots at key festivals, enabling hundreds of performances annually. Notable venues include:- Glastonbury Festival (Somerset, UK): A flagship stage since 2007, hosting emerging acts across genres and connecting them to BBC radio broadcasts.[24][25]
- Reading & Leeds Festivals (UK): Annual showcases for rock, indie, and alternative artists, with live sessions aired on BBC platforms.[23][26]
- The Great Escape (Brighton, UK): Focuses on new talent discovery, often featuring international acts scouted via the platform.[25]
- Latitude Festival (Suffolk, UK): Integrates music with arts, providing slots for diverse genres including electronic and folk.[26]
- BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend (varies, UK): Rotating location event with high-visibility performances for selected Introducing artists.[25]
- BBC 6 Music Festival (Greater Manchester, UK): Emphasizes alternative and experimental music, with stages curated for niche audiences.[26]
- SXSW (Texas, USA): International showcase since 2008, aiding UK artists' global reach through networking and performances.[23][25]
- Eurosonic Noorderslag (Groningen, Netherlands): European platform for exporting UK talent, with dedicated Introducing slots for cross-border exposure.[26]
Gigs and Regional Events
BBC Music Introducing facilitates live performance opportunities for emerging artists through a network of regional gigs and events, emphasizing grassroots exposure across the UK. These initiatives complement the platform's radio and online discovery tools by providing stages for unsigned talent to perform, network, and receive feedback from industry professionals. Regional events are curated by local BBC teams to highlight area-specific artists, often integrating with existing festivals and venues to maximize accessibility and impact.[25] A cornerstone of these efforts is the annual BBC Introducing LIVE series, which in 2025 expanded to its largest scale with events in nine cities from October 2 to 24. Held in locations such as London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Lancaster, Manchester, Belfast, Bradford, Liverpool, and Newcastle, the series features free gigs, workshops, open mics, and panel discussions tailored to aspiring musicians. For instance, the Glasgow event on October 11 at Barras 2 showcased seven Scottish artists including The Rooks, Tanzana, and waverley., while the Lancaster program from October 11–12 at The Storey included performances by acts like Callinsick and Charlotte OC alongside development sessions. These multi-city showcases tie into broader regional festivals, such as Cardiff's integration with the Cardiff Music City Festival, fostering connections between local scenes and national BBC platforms.[28][12] Beyond the LIVE series, BBC Introducing supports ongoing regional gigs through partnerships with local venues and organizations. In the North East, a collaboration with Generator and entities like The Glasshouse relaunched the "From The Glasshouse" gigs in April 2025, featuring emerging acts such as Lizzie Esau, and introduced a dedicated stage at the Stockton Calling festival. Similarly, in Bradford, four 2025 gigs at The Underground venue spotlight unsigned artists from the district, selected by BBC Introducing curators, as part of the city's 2025 cultural initiatives. These efforts aim to build sustainable local ecosystems, offering performance slots that can lead to broader festival appearances.[29][30] Artists selected via the BBC Introducing Uploader often secure slots at major UK festivals, bridging regional events to national stages. Opportunities include dedicated Introducing stages at Glastonbury in Somerset, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Latitude in Suffolk, and the 6 Music Festival in Greater Manchester, where performers gain exposure to large audiences and BBC broadcasts. International extensions, such as at Eurosonic in the Netherlands and SXSW in Texas, further amplify regional talent on a global scale, with selections made by regional show producers to reflect diverse UK scenes.[25]Awards and Achievements
Artist of the Year Award
The BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year Award is an annual accolade presented by BBC Music Introducing to honor an emerging musician who has demonstrated exceptional promise and impact through the platform's support, including radio plays, live performances, and uploads to the BBC Introducing uploader.[31] Launched in 2014, the award recognizes artists who have been championed by regional and national BBC Introducing teams, often marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory by amplifying their visibility across BBC radio, festivals, and digital platforms.[32] The selection process involves BBC Introducing presenters and producers evaluating artists based on their musical output, audience engagement, and contributions to the UK's grassroots music scene, without a public vote.[33] Recipients of the award frequently gain significant exposure, such as performances at major events like Glastonbury Festival or BBC's Later... with Jools Holland, and many have gone on to achieve broader commercial success, including Mercury Prize nominations and BRIT Awards.[34] For instance, the award has spotlighted diverse genres, from indie rock to electronic music, underscoring BBC Introducing's role in nurturing underrepresented talents.[35] In 2022, Nia Archives became the first electronic artist to win, highlighting the platform's evolving support for dance and club scenes.[35] Similarly, Jacob Alon, the 2025 recipient and the first Scottish winner, was celebrated for their Mercury Prize-nominated album In Limerence and performances at venues like the Barrowland Ballroom.[36] The award's winners reflect a broad spectrum of UK talent, often from regional scenes, and have included artists who started by uploading demos as teenagers.[37] Below is a list of recipients since its inception:| Year | Artist | Notable Achievements Post-Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Catfish and the Bottlemen | Performed at BBC Music Awards; debut album The Balcony topped UK charts.[32] |
| 2015 | Jack Garratt | Multi-instrumentalist; won BRIT Critics' Choice Award in 2016.[38] |
| 2016 | Izzy Bizu | Performed at BBC Music Awards; featured on Later... with Jools Holland.[39] |
| 2017 | Declan McKenna | Indie-pop breakthrough; addressed social issues in music.[40] |
| 2018 | Tom Grennan | Soulful vocals led to chart success with Lighting Matches.[31] |
| 2019 | Celeste | Won BRIT Rising Star; debuted on Later... with Jools Holland.[41] |
| 2020 | Arlo Parks | Mercury Prize winner for Collapsed in Sunbeams; BRIT Best New Artist.[42] |
| 2021 | Self Esteem | Critically acclaimed Prioritise Pleasure; Glastonbury performer.[37] |
| 2022 | Nia Archives | Pioneered electronic jungle revival; first in genre to win.[35] |
| 2023 | Olivia Dean | Nominated for Mercury Prize; supported by BBC since early uploads.[43] |
| 2024 | Myles Smith | Stargazing went viral; BRIT Rising Star nominee.[44] |
| 2025 | Jacob Alon | First Scottish winner; Mercury Prize nominee for In Limerence.[36] |
Notable Success Stories
BBC Music Introducing has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous artists, providing early exposure through radio plays, live sessions, and festival opportunities that propelled them to international success. One of the platform's earliest and most prominent breakthroughs was Ed Sheeran, who registered in March 2009 at age 18 and received his first radio play the following month on BBC Radio 1. This initial support led to Sheeran headlining the BBC Music Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2011, marking a key milestone before his global rise with albums like + (Plus) in 2011.[45] Florence + the Machine exemplifies the platform's impact on indie and alternative acts, with backing starting in 2007 that included performances at SXSW in 2008 and sessions at Maida Vale Studios. These opportunities helped build buzz for her debut album Lungs (2009), which achieved multi-platinum sales and critical acclaim, culminating in a Glastonbury headline slot in 2015. Similarly, The 1975, initially known as Drive Like I Do, gained traction through frequent Manchester studio visits and national airplay for tracks like "The City" in 2009, evolving into festival headliners.[45][46] In hip-hop and rap, Little Simz stands out as a success story, having joined at age 16 in 2010 and securing pre-debut plays at SXSW. The platform's endorsement contributed to her Mercury Prize win in 2022 for Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, alongside multiple Brit Award nominations and collaborations with major artists. IDLES, who uploaded a demo in 2009 leading to their first radio play, credit BBC Introducing for early validation; this support paved the way for their punk revival, including curating Glastonbury's Introducing stage in 2022 and Grammy nominations for Crawler (2021).[45][46] Other notable examples include George Ezra, whose first play in February 2012 and live debut of "Budapest" at BBC Bristol in 2013 launched him to chart-topping success, and Wolf Alice, supported since 2012, who won the Mercury Prize in 2016 for My Love Is Cool and later curated Glastonbury's stage in 2022. These stories highlight how BBC Music Introducing's ecosystem of uploads, regional scouting, and live showcases has consistently identified and nurtured talent.[45][46]Programmes and Presenters
National Programmes
BBC Music Introducing features several dedicated national radio programmes across BBC's network, which aggregate and showcase emerging talent discovered through local shows and the Introducing Uploader platform. These programmes provide a platform for unsigned and under-the-radar artists to reach a wider UK audience, often selecting tracks from regional submissions for national airplay.[47] One of the flagship national shows is BBC Introducing on Radio 1, hosted by Jess Iszatt, which airs weekly and highlights brand new artists breaking through from local Introducing shows across the UK. The programme focuses on diverse genres and includes interviews and live sessions, helping to propel artists toward mainstream recognition. Since January 2011, it has included a weekly spot on Radio 1's daytime playlist, amplifying exposure for selected tracks.[48][16] Complementing this is BBC Introducing on Radio 1 Dance, presented by Jaguar, which specializes in emerging dance music talent. Airing on the Radio 1 network, the show features back-to-back mixes and spotlights exciting new dance tracks from the Introducing ecosystem, often simulcast for broader reach. It emphasizes innovative electronic sounds and has become a key entry point for dance producers seeking national breakthrough.[49] On BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Introducing on 1Xtra, hosted by Theo Johnson, delivers two hours of the best new and under-the-radar music, with a focus on urban genres, rap, and R&B. The show includes segments like "Track of the Week," artist profiles such as "Step Up," and regional picks, fostering connections between local discoveries and national audiences. It plays a vital role in supporting diverse voices in contemporary urban music.[50] BBC Radio 6 Music hosts The BBC Introducing Mixtape, curated by Emily Pilbeam, which airs weekly in the early hours of Monday mornings as a one-hour selection of fresh tracks from the Introducing platform. This programme offers a personal, eclectic curation across genres, providing listeners with an intimate introduction to up-and-coming acts without interruptions. It has been a staple since its inception, evolving from earlier formats to spotlight handpicked talent.[51] Additionally, BBC Introducing on Asian Network, presented by Jasmine Takhar, broadcasts every Tuesday from 8-10pm, focusing on new, unsigned, and under-the-radar British Asian music. The show explores emerging artists in South Asian genres, including bhangra, desi hip-hop, and fusion sounds, while featuring interviews and thematic explorations to celebrate cultural diversity within the Introducing network.[52] These national programmes collectively form the upper tier of the BBC Music Introducing ecosystem, bridging local talent to broader opportunities like festival stages and awards, and have supported artists such as Jacob Alon, named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year 2025, the first Scottish winner announced on November 11, 2025.[47][53]Regional and Local Programmes
BBC Music Introducing maintains a network of 20 regional and local radio programmes across the UK, broadcast weekly on BBC local radio stations to spotlight unsigned and emerging artists from specific geographic areas.[13] These shows serve as the primary entry point for new music submissions via the BBC Introducing Uploader, where artists upload tracks tagged by postcode to route them to the relevant local team for review.[54] Regional presenters curate playlists featuring airplay of selected tracks, artist interviews, live sessions, and gig announcements, while recommending standout talent to national BBC platforms like Radio 1 and 6 Music for broader exposure.[13] The structure emphasizes grassroots support, with programmes tailored to England's local stations, the Channel Islands, and the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In 2023, the BBC reorganized its local radio output, reducing the number of Introducing shows from 32 to 20 to streamline operations and enhance digital integration via BBC Sounds, though the core mission of artist discovery remained intact.[3] Local teams prioritize diverse genres and underrepresented voices, often incorporating community events and festival tie-ins to foster regional music scenes.[55] Examples of these programmes include:- BBC Introducing in the North East (BBC Radio Newcastle), hosted by Shakk, airs Saturdays at 8pm and focuses on artists from Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, and County Durham, featuring sessions from acts like Hector Gannet and India Arkin.[56]
- BBC Introducing - The West (BBC Radio Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset), presented by James Threlfall on Saturdays at 8pm, supports unsigned talent across the West of England with a mix of indie, electronic, and folk sounds.[57]
- BBC Introducing - East Midlands (BBC Radio Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, and Stoke), hosted by Dean Jackson, broadcast Saturdays at 8pm, highlights emerging musicians from the region, including live performances and interviews with acts like Vona Vella.[58]
- BBC Introducing - West Mids & Warwickshire (BBC WM and CWR), led by Theo Johnson on Saturdays at 8pm, promotes artists from Birmingham, Coventry, and surrounding areas through track premieres and local gig spotlights.[59]
- BBC Introducing - Sussex & Surrey (BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey), live Thursdays 8-10pm with repeats Saturdays 8-10pm hosted by Melita Dennett, discovers and plays music from the South East, emphasizing intimate sessions and community-driven selections.[60]