News

Radio1 DJ To Host Independent Chart

• 16th Feb 2011

BBC Radio 1 broadcaster Rob da Bank is to launch a brand new, free, monthly podcast based around the UK’s Official Independent Charts.

Content will include guest appearances from iconic independent label bosses for interviews and song picks, live acoustic performances from the latest indie acts, profiling the best interesting new music as well as a monthly round up of the Official Independent Charts (as compiled by the Official Charts Company), highlighting key new entries and interesting stats.

Confirmed for the first instalment are music producer and Mute Records founder, Daniel Miller, an exclusive performance from British beatbox extraordinaire, Beardyman. Plus a live acoustic performance by the incredible Connan Mockasin, who is signed to Erol Alkan’s label.

The podcasts will be available from link with the first one available on Tuesday 15th February. The podcast will be partnered exclusively by The Guardian at link and supported through their twitter feed, as well as being supported by Music Week, which publishes the Official Independent Charts every week.

Video content from the performances and interviews will also appear alongside the main podcast. The show plans to go fortnightly within six months.

Rob da Bank, who also founded and runs his own independent label, Sunday Best Recordings and the Bestival family of festivals, has pioneered the project with his manager Ben Turner, who felt there was an opportunity to shine a light on this valuable content and property owned by OCC. It has been produced by Karen P and the team at Folded Wing, to bring focus back to the Official Independent Chart. The free podcast will be a celebration of the indie sector’s vital part in the UK music industry.

Rob da Bank, said: “Looking back over the last 30 years of the Independent Chart makes me very nearly weep with how much good music I’ve lived through… and the most fantastic part is that it’s still going, we've all just forgotten it’s there, so I'm very proud to be drawing attention back to what I’ve always passionately believed in – independent music made by independent musicians for an independent label! Long live the Independent Chart!”

Official Charts Company Managing Director Martin Talbot commented: “More than 30 years after their launch, the Official Independent Charts remain the barometer of success for the smallest and most creative labels in the UK – and this new podcast is a fantastic way of highlighting the big new artists who feature in them every week. As a leader of independent festivals and one of Radio One’s most cutting edge DJs, Rob da Bank is the perfect face (and voice) for this.”

Alison Wenham, Chairman and Chief Executive of AIM, the trade body representing independent music companies said: “The independent chart is where you are going to find the newest, the brightest and the best musical talent. Rob’s passion for our music is much appreciated, and his championing of the independent chart is great news for the companies and artists who live and work in the independent sector”.

Julian Wall, BPI Director Independent Member Services, said: “The indie chart has always been an influential showcase for alternative and non mainstream music and the podcast is a great vehicle to carry it.”