War Child to recieve ‘BEMOBO’ Award

Today the MOBO Awards are delighted to announce, ahead of their 14th annual ceremony on the 30TH September, that the ‘BEMOBO’ Award will be presented to War Child. Selected for its ongoing commitment to children suffering from the most brutal effects of war in the world’s harshest war zones and the outstanding results it has achieved through music and music therapy since its inception in Continue reading →

Young London: Into Music new urban youth festival

Young London: Into Music – a new urban youth festival aimed at developing the next generation of talent in east London – was announced today. A series of five individual events – produced and delivered in the five Olympic and Paralympic Host Boroughs of Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest – takes place between 26th June and 2nd August 2009. Young London: Into Music is delivered in partnership with Biggafish, Continental Drifts, Music Matrix, Rising Tide and Urban Development. Over 100 young people between 14 and 25 years old will receive professional mentoring and the chance to work with established artists. Each event will showcase some of the boroughs rising stars, alongside the hottest names in grime, dance, dubstep and indie. So far artists such as Bashy, Ms Dynamite, Roachford, Leon Jean Marie, Double S, Ghetts and MOBO award winning Akala have been confirmed as performing artists. A large part of the group who will be mentored by Young London: Into Music fall under the socially excluded banner and are ‘Not in Employment, Education or Training’ (NEET). By working with industry professionals, the young participants will be inspired; engage in the development of new music content; curate, produce and promote a series of events alongside high profile artists. ‘Young London: Into Music’ will be created by young people, for young people. The project will foster links between participants and record labels, publishers, promoters, broadcasters, producers and artists; in addition to instilling self-confidence and professional work experience to all its youth contributors. Young London: Into Music is a key strand of CREATE09 – the multi-genre, multi-event festival of culture that will be celebrating a wealth of music and art in all its glory in the Olympic and Paralympic Host Boroughs between 22nd June and 2nd August 2009.

World class DJs line up at Radio 1’s Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1 has announced the rest of the line-up for Radio 1′s Big Weekend, at Lydiard Park, Swindon on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May. Kicking off this year’s festival season, the station’s annual free flagship event gives 40,000 lucky music fans the chance to enjoy music from four arenas in the park – the Main Stage, the Outdoor Stage, the In New Music We Trust Stage and the BBC Introducing Stage. In addition to the Main Stage and In New Music We Trust stages whose line-ups have already been confirmed, there’s the Outdoor Stage – featuring a world class line-up of DJs and a fantastic line-up of unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musical talent from around the UK on the BBC Introducing stage. Radio 1’s Zane Lowe revealed who will be on the Outdoor Stage during Scott Mills’ show today; and Huw Stephens named the bands that will perform on the BBC Introducing Stage in Zane’s programme.

Saturday 9 May
Outdoor Stage, Tim Westwood,Rob Da Bank , Zane Lowe, 2ManyDJs, Pete Tong ,vs, Vernon Kay, Eric Prydz,
Kutski, Nerm and D-Code, Annie Mac.

Sunday 10 May
Outdoor Stage, Trevor Nelson, Jaguar Skills, Zane Lowe (on the picture left), Mistajam featuring Wiley, Bashy, Chipmunk, Skepta & Boy, Better Know, Fabio & Grooverider, Chris Moyles v Tim Westwood, David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland,
Chase & Status (DJ set) , Kissy Sell Out, Jaymo and Andy George, Judge Jules

Radio 1’s Pete Tong says: ‘I play at festivals all over the world but I have to say that the Outdoor Stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend is on another level – truly amazing atmosphere, just massive, and the line up for this year looks like it’s going to stay that way.

The BBC Introducing Stage is back at Radio 1’s Big Weekend after its debut last year. Hosted by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens the stage will showcase nine bands a day across the weekend.

Saturday 9 May
BBC Introducing Stage
Stornoway
Baddies
The Temper Trap
Master Shortie
Bombay Bicycle Club
Swound
Goldteeth
Wretch 32
Kazz

Sunday 10 May
BBC Introducing Stage
Thee Vicars
Gallops
Kid Love Lies
Marina & The Diamonds
Little Comets
Sound of Guns
Double S
Elephants
BeatBullyz

Huw Stephens says: ‘Radio 1’s Big Weekend was raised up a gear with the BBC Introducing Stage last year, and it’s great that we’ll be there at Swindon. The stage showcases some of the best new up and coming artists from across the UK and from the Swindon area – it’s new music a go go!’