This week’s free downloadable BBC Introducing Mixtape features tunes from the BBC Introducing Uploader by SONS, BELLATRIX, JAKE HOULSBY, JOSEPHINE & ARTIZANS, ORGANISED SCUM, ANNIE & THE MAKE BELIEVE, BIRDPEN, LYVES, BRØR, PATAWAWA, THE ANCHORESS, CaStLeS, OUR KRYPTON SON, ROXANNE DE BASTION, KING NO ONE, TIRIKILATOPS and THE WINACHI TRIBE handpicked by Tom Robinson.
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 downloadable in podcast form at the BBC 6 Music downloads page for the next 30 days. Full tracklists and track start times are published here at Fresh On The Net – together with info about the music provided by the artists.
All tracks are sourced from the BBC Introducing Uploader – some recommended to me by BBC colleagues while the rest are chosen from submissions to our Fresh On The Net inbox. Click here for more info – artists please also see the request at the bottom of this page. These are the listings for the episode broadcast in the early morning of Monday, 5th December at 2am.
SONS – Reptiles [starts 00:17]
https://www.facebook.com/sonsbanduk
“Lee Meldrum (guitar, vocals) and Nick Meldrum (drums, vocals) are Sons, a two-piece from Brighton who have been together since January 2016. We’ve been extensively gigging all year and we will be releasing our first single Reptiles on 10th February 2017 through End of the Trail Records/Rough Trade Distribution.”
BELLATRIX – Still Lookin For [03:13]
http://www.bellatrixmusic.co.uk/
“Bellatrix is a beatboxing bassist who writes songs and sings them.”
JAKE HOULSBY – Circus Child [starts 06:52]
http://www.jakehoulsby.com
“Described by BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne as ‘sublime’, Newcastle singer-songwriter Jake Houlsby is becoming a master at weaving haunting soundscapes using just voice and intricate guitar melodies. Since releasing his debut EP Yannina in 2015, Houlsby has been championed not only by Laverne but also by Tom Robinson, and has received extensive coverage on renowned music blogs across the world. His sincere songwriting and adaptable playing style has seen him play with artists as diverse as Gaz Coombes, The Lone Bellow and Paper Aeroplanes in recent times. His second EP, Bloom, will be released on Tipping Point Records in 2017.”
JOSEPHINE & THE ARTIZANS – One Night One Life [starts 10:06]
http://www.josephineandtheartizans.com
“Consisting of Josephine Permaul (Lead Classical Vocalist), Jermaine Davidson (Rapper), Michael Wordley (Rapper), Tanya Cracknell (Violinist), Laura Dodds (Electric Cellist), Marianne Hardisty (Cellist), Debs Spanton (Bassist), Thom Rowlands (Keyboardist), Josephine & The Artizans are a London based Hip-Hopera band. Classically trained Josephine was growing increasingly tired of the cultural gap between the pop-scene and classical world so she decided to create something which is neither classical or commercial, but a blend of both. Josephine & The Artizans have received widespread acclaim since playing main stage and headline slots at some of the UK’s top music festivals.
The band have received exceedingly positive reviews and airplay on national radio stations from such reputable sources as Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music, BBC 3 Counties and Premier Radio as well as an overwhelming response from online and printed press, for example Fresh On The Net, Music Week, Aesthetica Magazine, Love Music Magazine and The Times. The group have also been creating a buzz with their unforgettable live show in their hometown, London, with performances on the main stage at the massive O2 Islington, the legendary Bush Hall, Brixton’s award winning Hootananny and Camden’s world famous Jazz Cafe.”
ORGANISED SCUM – So Much Bottled Water… [starts 13:40]
http://www.organisedscum.co.uk
“Tom Duggins (Guitars/Vocals), Sean Canty (Drums). Despite their almost complete absence from social media and sonically-misleading name, Organised Scum have already received support in the UK from NME, The Line of Best Fit, Drowned in Sound, and from PRS for Music Foundation. Comparisons to Mac Demarco, Blur and XTC.
Upcoming gigs: Sat 17 Dec Underbelly Hoxton, London, UK ; Sat 04 Feb 2017 The Cluny 2, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK”
ANNIE & THE MAKE BELIEVE – Shivers [starts 15:54]
https://soundcloud.com/anniemakebelieve
“Annie Morris, Ciprian Davidescu, Richard Wheeler, Jack Broadbent and Keiran Pearson are Annie & The Make Believe, a semi-acoustic 5 piece pop/folk band based in London. The band have a groove centred around Annie’s sometimes powerful sometimes fragile vocals and heart breaking lyrics. With a mix of acoustic guitar and ukulele, Aussie singer/songwriter Annie writes sweet catchy tunes that are sure to have you tapping your feet.”
BIRDPEN – O MIGHTY VISION [starts 19:10]
http://www.birdpen.com/
“Mike Bird and Dave Pen who are BirdPen certainly show no signs of falling off the solid perch they have built for themselves up until now and O’ Mighty Vision’s eight tracks of stories from the underground will take you on a journey of high end city rollers skimming millions off the top, drug crazed chairmen at the controls of it all, the promises, promises, promises, the lies, the need to fight back, shady deals, murder, and the ongoing strength from within to be free, because sometimes you can’t give a fuck, because there is madness everywhere.”
LYVES – No Love [starts 24:49]
https://www.facebook.com/lyvesmusic
Lyves is the alias of Francesca Bergami. It’s the songwriter’s emotive lyrical themes and alternative route into performing that set her apart from the rest. Born in Aylesbury to an Australian mother and an Italian father, before spending most of her younger years on the move, Francesca is fluent in Portuguese and Italian. The world started to take notice when Francesca publicized her first release Visions, via Soundcloud two years ago, that paved the way for her upcoming EP Like Water, set to be released in January 2017. With a voice that can be both emotive and empowering at once, Francesca sings of loss, adaption, and survival.
‘That’s my aim, to be as honest and real as possible, then hopefully people will feel something from it,’ says Francesca. ‘When I worked in mental health I had a lot of people really open up to me, really let it all out – there’s something really beautiful and courageous about that. I really hope to offer something to people who might be going through a difficult time. I don’t want it to be about me. I want the music to speak for itself and possibly give something. That’s what fuels my passion'”
BRØR – Something New [starts 28:47]
https://www.facebook.com/brortheband/
“BRØR are an alt-rock two piece from Armagh City, Northern Ireland. Their debut single Something New was recorded in Belfast’s Start together Studios by the two brothers (Ben & Johno Whittington) and a makeshift choir of their musical friends. The first music video for Something New will be released in December ahead of a string of UK shows yet to be confirmed.“
PATAWAWA – Could Be Love [starts 31:44]
http://www.patawawa.com/
“Patawawa, otherwise known as Sam, Rory and Beth, are a trio from Matlock. They’ve been playing together for about 2 years now and recently spent the summer performing at festivals including Fieldview, Dot 2 Dot, Y-Not and 2Q Festival (courtesy of BBC Introducing via Dean Jackson) and supporting acts such as Youngr, The Go! Team and EKKAH. They’ve been endorsed by Paul Lester (Guardian’s Band of the Week) and have had huge support from Dean over the past couple of years. Could Be Love is the latest single off their EP, Hold Tight, out on 2nd December 2016 through Soundplate Records and features remixes from French Horn Rebellion, TWOGOOD and more.”
THE ANCHORESS – What Goes Around [starts 34:45]
www.iamtheanchoress.com
“Following a whirlwind eight months since the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Confessions of a Romance Novelist, Prog-popster The Anchoress aka Catherine Anne Davies has received her first award (Best Newcomer at this year’s PROG Awards) alongside an album prize nomination from her motherland at this year’s Welsh Music Prize. Her album, originally released to critical acclaim in January 2016, has now been lovingly remastered for vinyl by Jon Astley (Tori Amos, The Who). This expanded, second edition of the album includes 5 brand new acoustic versions of songs from the album, featuring string arrangements from Gillian Wood.
She will also be playing special one-off live show at London’s Kings Place on December 17th.”
CaStLeS – Amcanu [starts 37:41]
https://castlesband.bandcamp.com
“CaStLeS are a three-piece band from North Wales. We//Are//Animal brothers Cynyr and Dion Hamer switch instruments and are joined by Calvin Thomas on bass. Their debut EP PartDepart was inspired by their studio’s surrounding wilderness, which sits high up in the hills overlooking two castles. They describe their music as an infusion of psychedelic rock and electro. CaStLeS were recently successful in receiving funding from the Horizons Launchpad Fund which will contribute towards their debut album release this year.”
OUR KRYPTON SON – Winter Taunts Spring [starts 41:24]
https://www.ourkryptonson.com/
“Our Krypton Son is the alter ego of Christopher McConaghy. His self-titled debut album was produced by Sam Williams (Supergrass, The Go Team, Gaz Coombes) and released in 2013 to great acclaim. Ou Krypton Son returns with a sophomore release Fleas And Diamonds and a brand new single Everything Reminds Me Of You. He hails from Derry, and is signed to Smalltown America”
ROXANNE DE BASTION – Run [starts 43:49]
http://www.roxannedebastion.com
“My name is Roxanne de Bastion and I’m a singer/songwriter. I was born and raised in Berlin, where I grew up listening to the Beatles, learning guitar and attempting to write and perform my own songs. Once I finished school I decided it was time to move into my own life of music and so I packed a bag, my guitar and flew to London with a one-way ticket in 2007. Since then I’ve been fortunate to be able to play my songs across the country and pave my own musical path. I’m now based in London, but spend most of my time on trains across the UK playing in as many different nooks and crannies as possible. Although it’s not always easy, I am infinitely thankful to be able to practice what fulfils me most, to make and perform music, and for all of you who have found enjoyment in my songs and journey. Thank you so much for coming to my shows, listening to my words and for your support!”
KING NO ONE – Alcatraz [starts 47:01]
http://www.kingno-one.com
“Zach Lount (vocalist/guitarist), Joe Martin (guitarist), James Basile (drummer) and Alex Townsley (bassist) are King No-One, an indie Rock band from York.
Upcoming gigs: Dec 06 The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham; Dec 07 Sound Control Bar, Manchester; Dec 08 Exchange, Bristol; Dec 09 Boston Music Rooms, London; Dec 13 Mama Roux’s, Birmingham; Dec 14 King Tuts, Glasgow; Dec 15 The Wardrobe, Leeds; Dec 16 Fibbers, York.”
TIRIKILATOPS – Walking Bee [starts 50:38]
https://tirikilatops.bandcamp.com/
“Born of a fossilised egg discovered on a Korean mountainside during a heavy thunderstorm, Tirikilatops mash up de place with a combination of kimchi beats, offbeat lyrics of Bom Carrot’s adventures, dayglo colours, hacked keyboards, rice wine, halloween attitudes and earworm melodies. Tirikilatops have recently played gigs in the UK, South Korea and Japan. Also recently featured on BBC Radio Lancashire’s ‘best of 2015 BBC Introducing’ show and received airplay on BBC Radio 1 Huw Stephens show. So far, 2016 has see them playing Other Worlds Festival, Uk, Sounds from the other City Festival Uk, Beatherder Festival Uk, BBC Introducing live, Zandari Festival S Korea and many more.”
THE WINACHI TRIBE – A Room With A Zoo [starts 55:03]
http://artistecard.com/thewinachitribe
“The Winachi Tribe are sonic soul collective who adhere to no boundaries or formulas, either musically or culturally. Lyrically explosive, musically diverse, the Electro Funk hybrid are an exceptional band of musicians and producers who have collaborated and toured with artists as diverse as Ian Brown to Danny Saber.
Upcoming gig: December 6th Live in Session for Graeme Park & Glyndwr TV, Wrexham.”
ARTISTS…
In the music industry, as in life, it’s best to treat unsolicited emails asking for money with extreme caution. You may hear from a PR company who have “worked with some of the most original and exciting artists in the UK” who “found you online and after having a listen would be interested in working with you”. Please be aware you haven’t been sent this because you are special – it’s a form email, regularly received by artists who appear on this blog – and it’s from a company who are trying to sell you their services.
There are literally hundreds of plugging and PR companies in the UK – many of whom have equally impressive lists of clients and who would be glad to have your business. You don’t neccessarily have to choose the first company that happens to get in touch with you. See our advice on Sending CDs to Radio and The Pros And Cons Of Pluggers – it’s possible you might not even need professional radio promotion at this point.
And if you do decide to pay for a PR company, don’t take their word for how good they are – get some personal recommendations from their clients. Before parting with your hard-earned cash why not email a few of the indie labels who regularly get their own artists on the radio – and ask which PR companies they use.
… ALSO
If we’ve featured you on the BBC Introducing Mixtape recently, please do us a favour and wait 12 weeks before sending us another track. That will give us space to help a few other deserving artists in the meantime. But I’d love to hear another great new tune from you in three months’ time.
Tom Robinson
