Bauer Media’s Big City Network is introducing a brand new approach to its existing music policy which will help to bring new music to its radio listeners.
The ‘Upfront List’ will launch across seventeen of the Big City local radio stations from this month - including Key 103, Radio City, Metro FM, Clyde1, and Cool FM. The 'Upfront' list will consist of three songs from new or returning artists.
Ric Blaxill, Head of Music for the Big City Network, explains:
“We want to add greater variety to our established playlists and introducing new releases from new or returning artists will help us to do this. It will also provide each of the artists or groups with vital support and backing, and most importantly, the chance to get their music heard by 4.4 million listeners across the UK.”
The Upfront List will be reviewed on an on-going basis by Blaxill and a Station Programmer where new songs will be chosen for inclusion.
Ric continues:
“We firmly believe in local stations compiling their own playlists so that they can really feel the music running through their stations and cities.
“However we believe the Upfront List, which will work alongside the station’s locally compiled A & B lists, will greatly benefit our music offering by bringing exciting new songs to our music loving listeners earlier.”
The first three songs to be included in the Upfront List and launched across the Big City Network will be: I’d Rather Be With You by Josh Radin, a new American singer and songwriter; Once by previous X Factor contestant, Diana Vickers; and Paris Nights / New York Mornings by Corinne Bailey Rae.
Andria Vidler, President of EMI Music UK and Ireland, comments:
“We applaud any station willing to embrace new music. Supporting new artists and connecting them with new fans is the cornerstone of what we do at EMI. This is a great new initiative for the industry.”
Damian Christian, Director of Promotions at Atlantic Records, adds:
“In the current climate, for a radio network to start such a playlist supporting new music is great news. All record labels, and more importantly new artists as well as established, will benefit from getting exposure on the Big City 'Upfront' List.
ENDS
For more information, please contact
Sarah Ewing on 07740 110 788 or sarah.ewing@bauermedia.co.uk
or Suzi Burns at Biss Lancaster on 07841 279 850 or suzi.burns@bisslancaster.com
