Elton John & Nile Rodgers Voice Concerns Over BBC Introducing Radio Merger: Musicians Speak Out Against Cuts and Job Losses
The update shared by the musicians follows an announcement made by BBC Local radio presenters back in January, in which they confirmed that there were some significant changes underway for BBC Introducing programming.
The restructuring is set to see the BBC Introducing local network in England and the channel islands cut back from 32 shows to 20 – and numerous presenters and production staff out of their jobs. Sir Elton John has called it a “a worrying step” that shows a “neglect of musicians”, whereas Nile Rodgers shared ““It’s an essential part of turning today’s wannabes into the culturally important phenomenons of tomorrow” If you would like to have your say: write to your local MP or you can go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact/complaints. You can also call: 03700 100 222
Chart-Topping Pirate 220 Kid’s Unforgettable Tomorrowland Moment with Surprise Guest
Herefordshire’s chart topping pirate says he’s still “absolutely buzzing” from performing on the main stage of one of the world’s biggest dance music festivals. Will Graydon – better known as 220 Kid – went to #1 with his remix of The Wellerman two years ago – and in the midst of festival season this summer, was supporting James Hype and Alesso at Tomorrowland in Belgium.
The Weobley act said on his Instagram that the show was made even more special, after bringing out special guest, his 72-year-old dad Ken!
Bromsgrove Artist Lucy Shaw Releases Debut Album Shaped by Social Media Influence
A Bromsgrove artist has just released her debut album, after picking up funding from the Arts Council, allowing her to record and play in Nashville, twice! She’s our artist of the week – and yesterday Lucy Shaw unfurled ‘Go Girl’ in to the world.
The former Wasely Hills primary school student, and Bromsgrove footballer, says that whilst the album is deeply personal, it’s also been shaped by her followers on social media.
Ludlow Busker to Bastille Singer: Macy O’s Unexpected Journey from Streets to Stage
She’s a former BBC Music Introducing artist of the week who was busking in Ludlow one minute – and the next ended up singing with Bastille! Macy O – went to school in Abberley – and the BBC loved her music so much, they invited her to perform on the Introducing stage at HowTheLightGetsIn Festival in Hay-on-Wye.
However, whilst performing at her parents’ market stand the band were walking past, heard her, and got her to sing again at their show that night.
Worcester’s Scala Theatre Redevelopment Over Budget: Labour Group Calls for Review
The Labour group in Worcester has promised a review into how the redevelopment of the city’s Scala Theatre went £3.5m over budget, leading to a major downgrading of the project. The City Council says inflation and rising construction costs mean it’s now likely to become a 300-seat arts venue – rather than the 500-seater originally proposed. The Council’s Labour co-leader Lynn Denham says the plans were never realistic to begin with.
Iconic Crop Circle Reappears Near Led Zeppelin Drummer’s Grave: Mystery Surrounds Its Creation
A RECREATION of an iconic crop circle that inspired a Led Zeppelin album cover has appeared near the grave of drummer John Bonham. Nearly 33 years since the famous Eastfield Pictogram first appeared in Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, the form has materialised once again in Rushock, near Droitwich. The image of the mysterious 1990 crop circle was used on the cover of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin’s Remasters album. Well… there’s been speculation it was a paid commission, but there seems to be no evidence… so who actually did it?!
Meanwhile, rock star Robert Plant has been made a companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). The former Led Zeppelin legend from Wolverley nr Kidderminster, who visited LIPA in November for a session with students, was presented with the accolade by Sir Paul McCartney. The singer was one of nine arts and entertainment luminaries to be awarded at the annual graduation ceremony. LIPA awards companionships for outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning.
Worcester’s Pubarotti Makes BBC Proms Debut at Royal Albert Hall
A Worcester singer has made his BBC Proms debut! Luke Swatman – known as Worcester’s Pubarotti – was spotted singing opera in a pub. As part of the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Choir, he was singing Carmina Burana for his first appearance on stage, at the Royal Albert Hall.
You can hear Luke’s performance on BBC Sounds.
Music Spoken Here: Worcester’s Genre-Bending Live Music Night Aims for Iconic Status
The organisers of a trend setting, genre bending live music night in Worcester say they want to establish Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s version of London’s iconic Ronnie Scotts. Music Spoken Here is the brainchild of Evesham native and Jazz Fusion enthusiast Dave Fuller – and every month they bring artists from across the country to blow their audience’s minds, throwing out any kind of expectations from your ‘usual’ jazz nights.
Herefordshire Songwriter’s Collaboration with Pop Icon and Theatre Legend Revealed
Speculation appeared last year when a photo of a Herefordshire songwriter and producer was seen with a pop icon and a musical theatre legend. Jim Eliot from Hay-on-Wye has quite the discography already after teaming up with Kington’s Ellie Goulding, Kylie Minogue, Olly Murs, Will Young, Ella Henderson, Cheryl Cole, the list goes on!
And what’s even cooler is that – for many of them – he brings them to write and record in his home studio – in and around the beautiful river town of Hay on the Welsh Border. Well, out now is that very collaboration. Known for her iconic role in Frozen, Idina Menzel has released her song Dramatic – which was written alongside the said pop icon Jake Shearers from Scissor Sisters and Jim Eliot.
Keeping the Jazz Alive: Midland Concert Orchestra Seeks Younger Members
The only big band orchestra in the West Midlands is on the look-out for some younger members – to keep the love of the genre alive. The Midland Concert Orchestra in Wolverley was set up in 1979 by former Come Dancing musician Les Pursey. It specialises in classics from the Great American Songbook classics.
University of Worcester Alum Composes Soundtrack for New Video Game ‘Curfew’
A former university of Worcester student says she’s living her dream after composing the soundtrack for a new video game. Grace Beverley already works as a technical artist for a developer in Manchester, but says she’s combining her two loves, for the dystopian surreal horror adventure epic, Curfew.
Provided by BBC Music Introducing in Hereford & Worcester, Weekends from 6pm on 94.7FM (Herefordshire), 104FM (Worcester), 104.4FM (Redditch), 104.6FM (Wyre Forest), DAB Digital Radio, Freeview 720, BBC Sounds & online at bbc.co.uk/introhw