Championing new music from across Greater Manchester is the focus of a new scheme from Mayor Andy Burnham on BBC Radio Manchester.
At the end of every month, during his weekly Hot Seat phone-in on the station, the Mayor will name his Artist of the Month and introduce a track from the act to close the show.
The Artist of the Month will be promoted across the Mayoral and BBC Radio Manchester social media channels, and will also get help to access new opportunities and upcoming festivals and live events.
This will include the unique chance to perform to fans at Co-op Live – the UK’s biggest indoor venue – in 2024.
New and emerging bands, groups, solo artists, and musicians from across Greater Manchester will be able to nominate themselves for the accolade. Submissions will be reviewed by members of the Greater Manchester Music Commission, made up of musicians, promoters, venues, and industry leaders, with the Mayor making the final decision.
The feature is open to all new and emerging acts, and will have a strong focus on representing the full diversity of backgrounds and musical genres that make up Greater Manchester’s thriving scene.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:
“Everybody knows how rich our musical heritage is. But it didn’t happen by chance. Our city-region was lucky to have someone like Tony Wilson who relentlessly promoted our music and got it heard around the world.
“We need to learn from what Tony did and do the same again. There’s so much new Greater Manchester music out there right now that deserves to be heard. I want to give our emerging talent a platform but also make sure more established acts are getting the recognition they deserve. That’s what the Mayor’s Artist of the Month is all about.
“We want to put the spotlight on acts that are just starting out, groups who are looking to break through and get that first radio play – indeed, anyone who is making music in Greater Manchester and wants to take the next step on their journey.
“Our music industry has a massive role to play, both in terms of boosting the local economy and in telling the story of who we are as a city-region. That’s why we’re working hard with the Greater Manchester Music Commission to do all we can to support artists to get on and access new, potentially life-changing opportunities.”
BBC Radio Manchester Executive Editor, Kate Squire adds:
“At BBC Radio Manchester we’re proud to be supporting this initiative of the Mayor’s in addition to our work promoting new bands through BBC Introducing in Manchester which has supported the likes of Blossoms, Aitch, Larkins … so much talent in Greater Manchester we’re proud to showcase.”
