Molly flies the flag for BBC Introducing at Eurovision
Dean Jackson
BBC Introducing presenter
An
important role of the BBC Introducing programmes on local stations is to alert
others to talent that comes our way.
In particular, we might forward strong tracks to National supporters like Huw Stephens or Tom Robinson.
Perhaps we could 'pitch' for a playlist place on Radio 1 or 1Xtra. Or maybe
help secure the local artist a prestigious slot on a BBC Introducing stage at
one of the summer's festivals.
But a seldom talked about little gem is the BBC Introducing Uploader's
"genre boxes." Here, great songs that don't neatly fall into a
very definite category can be stored awaiting the right moment to be unleashed.
Back in 2011 I started to receive tracks from a local (Leicestershire) singer
called Molly. Her voice, lush and alluring, had a timbre rarely heard in
unsigned artists. The popularity of her songs - upbeat but with a unique
haunting quality - was clear to see from the response obtained every time one
hit the airwaves. Over the next two years, I would go on to play five of
Molly's songs, each to greater adulation than the previous one. And I would pop
these into the aforementioned "genre boxes".
Unbeknownst to me, Guy Freeman, Executive Producer of the BBC's Eurovision
coverage had hit upon the idea of having a newcomer represent the UK at the
contest this year. He approached BBC Introducing to explore the calibre of the
"unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians" and was guided
to the Uploader. And there, amidst a plethora of other talent, he found Molly.
Several conversations, meetings, writing and recording sessions later, Molly
unveiled "Children Of The Universe" to her unsuspecting family and
friends at a private gig. Until this point (in March) not even her nearest and dearest knew of
the plan for global domination!
And this Saturday, 10th May 2014 Molly will step out to perform in Copenhagen
to a world-wide audience in excess of 150 million!
Not bad for the girl who was working in the local shop to fund studio time for
the tracks she was uploading.
The moral of the story? Upload your music to BBC Introducing. Where it - and
you - could end up, well the sky's the limit.