Andrew Marston introduces Barefoot In Baltimore (Redditch)

This year, we celebrate 10 years on-the-air and continuing our Christmas and New Year festivities, once again, we're playing nothing but live music again on this week's episode!
 
In 2014, we continued to take the show on-the-road to some of the biggest events and most happening places in Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
 
This week, hear some of the performances we recorded at SnodFest (Pershore), LakeFest (Evesham), KJM Studios (Hereford), The White Lion (Leominster), Nozstock (Bromyard), The Jailhouse (Hereford), Wychwood Festival (Cheltenham) and the Droitwich Festival.
 
All of our live studio sessions and festival gigs since 2005...

Barefoot in Baltimore are a boy/girl band from 'the least musically sophisticated town in Britain' according to the Daily Mail.
 
Of course, we're talking about Redditch. But actually, in the last few months, it's where some of the hottest acts in our region have come from. Musicians such as Byron Hare, Abel Gray and LOSTatHOME.

Soulful synth-pop trio Years & Years have come top of the BBC Music Sound Of 2015 list, which highlights the best new artists for the year ahead - AND they've got Hereford roots!
 
The list was compiled using tips from 139 UK-based critics, broadcasters and bloggers. Previous locals include Ellie Goulding and Peace.
 
Lead singer Olly Alexander studied Performing Arts at Hereford College Of Arts and became the lead singer with Years & Years after meeting at a house party and was overheard singing in the shower! He then went on to support last year's BBC Music Sound Of winner Sam Smith.
 
We caught up with them in the studio as they were laying down some of their latest beats...

Musicians in Stourport are getting the chance to perform in front of up to 400 people, thanks to a new event.
 
Live Local, which is being held at the Civic Centre once a month, will see three bands performing 45 minute sets.
 
Kevin Wrench came up with the idea and he says the event is not a competition, but a chance to showcase talented acts from the area.
 
More interviews...

Way back in the summer, at the end of our festival coverage, we put an appeal out online asking for music venues to get in touch if they were interested in hosting a BBC Introducing recording session.
 
We were absolutely inundated - and throughout the first few months of 2015, we're going to as many towns and cities as we possibly can before the festival season hits again!
 
One such place that invited us along was The White Lion in Leominster - a traditional pub with oak beams and an open fire - and that's where our live sessions come from this January.

This week, Andy O'Hare reviews... 

• Boozestock Day Two: Prism, Electric Soup & Doctor Wolfe at The Marr's Bar, Worcester.
• Open Mic: Bryn Teeling, Jen Robins, Ben and Stu Green, Sean Hanford & John Quinn and The Troublesome Trio at The Cock & Magpie, Bewdley.
• Das Sexy Clap, Holy & Doctor Wolfe at The Marrs Bar, Worcester.
• Tina V & Mike Mann at The Cap 'n' Gown, Worcester.

It's the end of an era for a famous record shop in Redditch.
 
Reddington's Rare Records has closed down for the final time after more than 50 years of trading.
 
Today was the last day the shop will be open but at the start of the day, there were still 40,000 records left for collectors to snatch up.
 
Find out about our local musical history...

The Roving Crows, from Ledbury, have been on BBC Hereford & Worcester talking about their plans for 2015.
 
They're an amazing Irish fiddle band that have supported Jamie Cullum in the past, thanks to BBC Introducing.
 
But if you've never met the group before - like our afternoon show presenter Kate Justice hadn't - then just who are they?

BBC Introducing supports the very best unsigned, undiscovered and under-the-radar musicians.
 
Every month, we take the show on the road to showcase some of the very best acts from our area. 
 
On Sunday 1 February, we'll be rolling up to The Marr's Bar in Worcester to record four acts who we've been playing on BBC Hereford & Worcester recently.
 
We'll bring the bands - all we need now - is the fans! 
 
None of these artists knew they were being considered for a live session - they were chosen based on the tracks they uploaded to us.
 
So if you'd like to Be Part Of It then simply turn up on the day - it's free to get in - but you must be prepared to make lots of noise for local music!