This week’s free downloadable BBC Introducing Mixtape previews tunes by artists appearing on the BBC Introducing stages at Reading & Leeds festivals this coming weekend: ALL WE ARE, BILLIE MARTEN, CRYSTAL SEAGULLS, DANCING YEARS, HAPPYNESS, HEAVY PETTING ZOO, HELLO OPERATOR, JACK GARRATT, JOHN J PRESLEY, JUDGE AND THE JURY, JUNIORS, MOKO, MOTHER, OH VOLCANO, PRIDES, REBECCA CLEMENTS and THE BULLETPROOF BOMB.
The BBC Introducing Mixtape is a 60 minute radio show broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music from 2-3am every Sunday night/Monday morning. Each programme is then downloadable in podcast form at the BBC 6 Music downloads page for the next 30 days. Full tracklists and start times for each track are published here at Fresh On The Net. Previous tracklists can be found via the MIXTAPE tab above or on the BBC website.
A longlist of artists supported by BBC Introducing during 2014 were nominated to appear at the Reading and Leeds festivals this coming weekend. From a longlist of around 70-80 candidates, a panel of DJs and other music experts chose 28 finalists for our BBC Introducing stages at the festivals. I’ve put together this mixtape from my own personal favourites on that list. You can see the complete lineup of bands and artists appearing on the BBC Introducing Website. These are the listings for the BBC Introducing Mixtape broadcast overnight on Sunday 17th August (technically 2am on Monday, 18th August 2014…)
THE BULLETPROOF BOMB – Five Green Bottles [starts 0:17]
https://www.facebook.com/tbbuk
Supported by BBC Introducing in London. The Bulletproof Bomb are a South London five-piece who produce raucous, heartfelt anthems. They’ve enjoyed support from BBC Introducing in London and also from Zane Lowe, in the form of a Next Hype play on BBC Radio 1. Their first two songs ‘Suitcase’ and ‘Spaceman’ were produced and mixed by Rory Attwell (The Vaccines, Yuck, Palma Violets). Both tunes feature infectious melodies and bundles of energy. ‘Suitcase’ in particular carries the tempo of Jamie T’s debut material, along with the crunch and jangle of The Libertines and sweet pop hooks that the Kooks would be jealous of. Come and find these guys on our stage at Reading and Leeds, it’s going to be so much fun. This second single Five Green Bottles is released on September 8th after a string of dates they have lined up which include London shows at Half Moon, Putney (Aug 25) and Water Rats (Aug 29) plus Bestival (Sep 5).
BILLIE MARTEN – I’d Rather [starts 04:03]
https://www.facebook.com/billiemarten
Supported by BBC Introducing in York and North Yorkshire. Fast becoming a sensation at festivals and venues around the UK, Billie Marten is set to bring spellbinding acoustic brilliance to our stage at Reading and Leeds. Hailing from Ripon, North Yorkshire, she’s only fourteen and has produced a wonderful EP ‘Ribbon’. BBC Introducing in York and North Yorkshire are fans, as is Tom Robinson, who has played Billie on his Introducing Mixtape for BBC 6 Music. Billie has music in her blood, inspired by family car journeys listening to Damien Rice. Make sure you catch her on our stage this summer.
DANCING YEARS – Borderline [starts 7:49]
http://www.dancingyears.com
Supported by BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire. Fronted by the vocals of David Henshaw and hailing from Leeds, Dancing Years are a five-piece set to captivate our stage at Reading and Leeds this summer with their mix of delicate and epic. They received their first play from BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire last year and have gone on to land plays from Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music and Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1. On the live circuit they’ve played some rather special shows indeed, previously supported the likes of Dry the River and Benjamin Francis Leftwich and embarking on a UK tour with George Ezra. Think Sigur Rós, Damien Rice and Elbow, all rolled together to produce a truly unique, awesome sound, that’ll leave you wanting more.
JUNIORS – Declare & Surrender [starts 11:33]
http://facebook.com/juniorsband
Supported by BBC Introducing in the East Midlands. From former members of Junior Fencing Club, Juniors are an alternative outfit from Leicester, representing Robot Needs Home. Their influences vary from bands such as Biffy Clyro, The 1975, and everything in between. Dean Jackson first played them on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands at the start of 2013 and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength, sending several cracking tracks to the Uploader. The songs mix sparkling distorted guitars, playing complex melodies over uplifting vocals and pounding drums. Catch Juniors before they make the move up to the senior stages.
HEAVY PETTING ZOO – Inherent Vice [starts 15:08]
http://heavypettingzoo.co.uk
Supported by BBC Introducing in Wales, prepare yourself for Swansea’s very own specialists in dark surf rock. The band stormed SWN Festival in 2013 with a 9/10 rated set from the NME and gained support from Huw Stephens, Tom Robinson and Jen Long for their debut single Broken Bone. This year they have returned with ‘Crash’ the hard hitting single released on the esteemed Too Pure Singles Club, whilst a split single with The Joy Formidable is set for release later this year. Make sure you catch them live, where they’ve built up a reputation for their frenzied shows, including the bewildering and outlandish dancer Jon. Yes, they have a dancer, who will no doubt enjoy being in front of the Reading and Leeds crowds. They just played the Rising stage at Green Man this Saturday so if you are at Reading or Leeds next weekend, be sure to get to know Heavy Petting Zoo.
HAPPYNESS – Great Minds Think Alike, All Brains Taste The Same [starts 18:39]
http://www.facebook.com/happynessmusic
Supported by BBC Introducing in London. Happyness are a South London three piece, set to bring glorious sun kissed indie to Reading and Leeds. Forming in 2013, Ash, Benji and Jonny have been perfecting a blend of laid back, immersive songwriting, filled with swirling melodies and fuzzy guitars. It’s a beautiful mix of Yo La Tengo, The Kinks and newer bands like Real Estate. They’ve enjoyed support from Huw Stephens and have been busy playing festival shows up and down the UK. Take some time out from the chaos of Reading and Leeds to dive into the sounds of Happyness.
REBECCA CLEMENTS – Coma Boy [starts 20:35]
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaclementsmusic
Supported by BBC Introducing in the West. Working with Iain Archer, the producer behind BBC Introducing’s own Gabrielle Aplin and Jake Bugg, Rebecca Clements is making a name for herself as one of the UK’s most exciting new songwriters. Hailing from Bristol, her music has raised comparisons with the likes of Adele and Daughter and gained props from The Line of Best Fit. Despite only being 19 years old, her first singles Wildlife and Coma Boy belie an honest vulnerability that speaks of a wise old soul. Get ready for some stunningly heartfelt melodies emanating from the Introducing stage.
CRYSTAL SEAGULLS – Play Dead [starts 23:41]
http://www.crystalseagulls.com
Supported by BBC Introducing in London. Crystal Seagulls are a North London based four-piece, playing an infectious mix of iconic sixties rock, folk, Britpop and punk – the band describe their sound as “everything and nothing you’ve heard before”. Blending the sounds of Bob Dylan, The Jam and Oasis, they’ve hit the gigging circuit hard and played a series of well-received shows across London and beyond. Their captivating energy bagged them support from BBC Introducing in London, who played their track ‘Time’ earlier this year. Bringing the guitar to the front and centre and backing it with a mass of energy, mark your cards with Crystal Seagulls this summer.
JOHN J PRESLEY – Left [starts 26:49]
http://www.johnjpresley.com
Supported by BBC Introducing in the West Midlands. John J Presley is a powerhouse of fuzz fuelled garage blues. Hailing from Birmingham, he released his debut single in May and has already enjoyed support from BBC Introducing in the West Midlands, Tom Robinson, Phil Taggart, Alice Levine and Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1. Think of a sinister twist between Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Jack White, but with a unique touch and special sound that we can’t quite put our finger on. His live show is set to stun Reading and Leeds, followed by a quick turnaround to take to the road with The Jim Jones Revue for their last ever tour throughout mainland Europe and the UK. A second single is waiting in the wings.. with a September release date still to be confirmed.
JACK GARRATT – Worry [starts 29:13]
https://www.facebook.com/jackgarrattmusic
Supported by BBC Introducing in Beds, Herts & Bucks. Jack Garratt is a 22 year old singer and multi-instrumentalist who started his musical career in Buckinghamshire. He’s enjoyed support from BBC Introducing in Beds, Herts & Bucks and BBC Introducing in London. His powerful song writing and incredible vocals have set blogs around the world alight with excitement. Leading him to a number of festival appearances this summer, alongside sold out London headline shows of his own. Jack has crafted a mesmerizing live show, triggering samples, throwing out guitar solos and delivering spellbinding vocals. Witness something special and catch Jack Garratt before he’s playing the big stages next year.
ALL WE ARE – Utmost Good [starts 32:51]
http://www.facebook.com/thisisallweare
Supported by BBC Introducing in Merseyside .A Liverpool based 3-piece blending ambient soul and psychedelic RnB. All We Are consist of Richard ‘O Flynn (drums, vocals), Guro Gikling (bass, vocals) and Luis Santos (guitar, vocals). Just over a year ago they uploaded ‘Utmost Good’ and immediately picked up plays from BBC Introducing in Merseyside and Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape. They’ve also had tracks broadcast on several shows at BBC 6 Music and plays from Jen and Ally on BBC Radio 1. The band have toured Europe with Warpaint and played several festival shows across the UK. Their live shows are visually captivating, pulling you in with a hypnotic mix of melodies and energy. So if you’re heading to Reading or Leeds, prepare for something special.
MOKO – Summon The Strength [starts 35:50]
http://www.mokomokomoko.com
Supported by BBC Introducing in London. Moko is a 22 year old South Londoner, based in New Cross, producing and performing music that blends 90’s inspired house beats and soulful vocals, full of heart and spirit. When she first sent her music to BBC Introducing in 2013, a whole host of presenters and producers jumped at the change to play her songs on the radio. Huw Stephens, Jen & Ally and BBC Newcastle Introducing in the North East have all supported her. Since then, the music has kept on coming, a glorious mix of songs, influenced by a childhood of gospel singing and an obsession for soul and pop. In 2013 Moko performed on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury and has since played a host of high profile gigs, include supporting Australian band Jagwar Ma. Her headline sets and Reading and Leeds this year on our stage are set to be uplifting, soulful and powerful – we’re very excited and you should be too.
JUDGE AND THE JURY – She Said He Said [starts 39:36]
https://www.facebook.com/judgeandthej
Supported by BBC Introducing in London. The self-proclaimed Judge is a 26 year old songwriter from South East London, joined by his band The Jury. The music is a unique mix of acoustic styled street music, amplified by a full live band. Taking in everything from jazz to jungle, it’s a very special blend that would easily impress fans of hip hop, rave and spoken word. This is exciting, distinctive stuff, but don’t take our word for it, come and pass your own verdict.
MOTHER – Jingle Jangle [starts 42:39]
https://www.facebook.com/mothermusicuk
Supported by BBC Introducing on Radio Humberside, Mother hail from a city of culture – THE City of Culture, that’s official (©2017): Kingston upon Hull. It has a better bridge than San Francisco and higher unemployment than Detroit, so it shouldn’t really be a surprise that these five individuals got together and formed a dirty, heavy, garage rock band. In a little over twelve months they have thrashed out a jaw dropping live show. Think of MC5 meeting Black Flag via the Modern Lovers. Razor sharp guitars, fuzzed up bass, thick, muddy Farfisa and a venomous vocal delivery. A real band for troubled times. Upcoming gigs: London, The Garage (Aug 21), Leeds, Galtres and Reading Festivals (Aug 22, 23, 24), Hull Freedom Festival (Sep 6) and a return to The Garage in London (Sep 20).
HELLO OPERATOR – Wiser Than A Fool [starts 46:06]
https://www.facebook.com/hellooperatorband
“Hello Operator write, record and perform all of their own music independently creating a sound reminiscent of Blues Rock. With criminally meticulous riffs and jaw dropping melodies that will deprive you of sleep there’s no doubt that this band will take you into their own personal dimension of uncensored resonance. ‘One of the best bands to come though York’s music scene in a long time says Jericho Keys of BBC York Introducing. Simon Pattinson of Encore Magazine goes further: ‘Top class sex to my ears!’. Currently, we’re looking forward to our performance at the Leeds & Reading festival on the BBC Introducing stages. We’re also working on a new album following the successful release of our EP Blood Stained Bill.”
PRIDES – Out Of The Blue [starts 50:52]
http://www.pridesband.com
Supported by BBC Introducing in Scotland. Prides are Glasgow’s very own infectious synth-pop trio, full of energy, innovation and melodies. The band stepped out with track ‘Out of the Blue’ last year, sending it to the BBC Introducing Uploader in April. Since then, they’ve not looked back, landing a playlist spot on BBC Radio 1 and gaining support from numerous other shows. They smashed our stage at Reading and Leeds last year, but we have a feeling this year will be even more special. You cannot miss this.
OH VOLCANO – Oceans [starts 55:00]
https://www.facebook.com/OhVolcanomusic
“Supported by Across The Line in Northern Ireland. We are a new band consisting of brothers Owen and Enda Strathern. We have been writing for this band for a year and final put out a track in April time this year. Oceans was the first music from the band and gained plays on bbc radio 1’s introducing show with Jen and Ally as well as plays on Phil and Alice’s show. We’re playing our 4th and 5th shows ever at Reading and Leeds on the BBC Introducing stages and recently put up a video for our second song See No Evil.” “Bound to spark something big,” adds BBC Introducing, “Oh Volcano’s brooding indie-pop reaches an eager audience later this summer.”
ARTISTS: A Word Of Warning…
At least one PR company sends out an identical email to every single artist who appears on The BBC Introducing Mixtape. It says that the company heard your track on our show, they thought it “sounded fantastic”, and are wondering if you’re looking for promotion for your releases.
Before responding, please check out The Pros And Cons Of Pluggers. We strongly urge you to be wary of unsolicited email from anyone who claims to like your music and then suggests that YOU should pay THEM for services of any kind.
