Press Releases

BBC Electric Proms: Next Stage - a platform for new and emerging talent

Category: Proms & Orchestras
Date: 17.07.2006
Printable version

The BBC today announced details of BBC Electric Proms: Next Stage, an exciting new strand of the forthcoming BBC Electric Proms festival this Autumn which will celebrate new music talent and build on the unique relationship that the BBC has with emerging music artists around the UK.

Throughout July 2006, panels from 13 national and regional stations across the BBC will be shortlisting up to six artists who they would like to see embark on the 'next stage' in their professional development.

They will select bands and acts who they feel have got what it takes to make it as performing artists, but perhaps need help to make the leap to the next level of their careers in the music business.

At the end of August, each network will select one band from each of their shortlists and ask them to select an area to be intensively workshopped - eg lyrics, performance, recording, sound, vocals or mixing.

The BBC Electric Proms: Next Stage team will then programme and connect the talent with mentors and industry experts who can provide invaluable advice to help them improve their acts.

The BBC Electric Proms team is providing an unique chance for artists to gain direct access to some of the most influential and experienced music industry talent for masterclasses which could revolutionise their careers.

Each of the 13 acts will work towards honing their performances for their chance to perform as part of the BBC Electric Proms festival, where they will appear alongside some of the UK's most established acts.

BBC Electric Proms Festival Director Lorna Clarke said: "The BBC has an outstanding network of access and support for new and emerging talent in the UK.

"BBC Electric Proms: Next Stage shines a light on new music talent who will receive world class support and get the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at the BBC Electric Proms this Autumn."

Notes to Editors

• The BBC Electric Proms take place from 25 to 29 October 2006
• The BBC Electric Proms will focus on rock and popular music genres
• The BBC Electric Proms will take place at The Roundhouse, Camden, London
• There will be musically-themed film screenings and masterclasses running during the daytime
• There will be further BBC Electric Proms events staged at The Barfly, The Enterprise Rooms and The Electric Ballroom in Camden, London
• Full line-up and ticket details will be announced on 15 August 2006
• Highlights of the festival will be available on BBC TV, Radio and Online
• Networks covering the event will be BBC TWO, BBC THREE, Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, 6 Music, 1Xtra, BBC Asian Network and BBC World Service
• Digital viewers will also be able to enjoy performances on demand at the push of the red button during and following the staging of the event.