Culture

Jason Carter, The Man Behind BBC Introducing

One of our favourite past times is discovering new artists, bands and music. When you discover new music, it feels like you have stumbled across a well kept secret, you’re torn between telling everyone you know and keeping it all to yourself. BBC Introducing has been our first port of call for new music since its inception in 2007, a thriving hub of fresh sounds and excited bands dipping their toes into the water of the music industry.

With the imminent launch of the first BBC Introducing compilation album, we caught up with the man behind the music, Jason Carter. As Head of Popular Music, Live Music and Events Jason was tasked with setting up BBC Introducing from the beginning so there’s no one better to grill.

Question: How did you end up choosing the artists which feature on the album?
Answer:

We were keen to reflect not only some of the artists who started their radio journey through BBC Introducing and went on to great things, but also some rising stars that we believe have great futures ahead of them. We had an extensive search through our archive of live performances and sessions and chose some of our favourite performances from over the years. It’s a nice mix of the already hugely popular to the still relatively unknown.

Question: Which of the artists featured do you see following the rise of the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club and Ed Sheeran?
Answer:

The first CD on the compilation consists of sixteen hotly tipped artists that have really caught the attention of our BBC DJs and producers over the last couple of years. Ranging from Låpsley to Slaves, we believe these artists will soon be selling out headline tours and featuring at the top of festival bills in the UK and abroad.

Question: Have there been any stand-out moments from acts you have supported that you’re particularly proud of?
Answer:

Seeing Catfish and The Bottlemen play live in a primetime slot at the BBC Music Awards was a really thrilling moment. It was a superb opportunity to highlight what we do to an audience of millions. Another moment I’m really proud of was seeing Jake Bugg go from playing the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury to headlining the Other Stage only three years later.

Question: Are there any new artists you can see featuring on the next volume of the album already?
Answer:

Absolutely. We’re currently booking our lineups for the summer festivals and the quality of artists being put forward by our local BBC Introducing shows is incredible. We’re also at South By South West next week for a special showcase with PRS For Music Foundation. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of our BBC Introducing artists crop up on Volume 2!

Question: What advice would you give to up and coming musicians thinking about submitting a track to BBC Introducing?
Answer:

It couldn’t be simpler to get your music to BBC Introducing – just head to our website and upload your mp3. Make sure you have put your contact details and a short biography and your track will be listened to by your local BBC Introducing team. Keep uploading songs when they’re ready and you might be chosen to play one of our festival stages or to record a session at the BBC Maida Vale studios.

Interview by Clare Potts. Images property of BBC Introducing



Clare Potts

Clare Potts

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