Radio 1 announces BIMM alumna Gemma Bradley as new host of BBC Music Introducing
In the music industry, there’s perhaps no higher accolade than becoming a BBC Radio 1 presenter. BIMM Institute Dublin alumna Gemma Bradley is doing just that.
It’s been announced that Gemma will replace Huw Stephens in the BBC Radio 1 family, presenting the esteemed BBC Music Introducing show on Sunday nights. Prior to securing this amazing position, Gemma had a short stint running the Across The Line show on BBC Radio Ulster, where she played the freshest new musical talent from Ireland, spanning indie, hip hop and everything in between. Gemma’s own music has been doing really well, too. Her latest single Obsessed is doing numbers on Spotify and we featured her on our Dublin’s Artists to Watch 2021 list.
BBC Music Introducing has been dedicated to discovering and supporting new music since its launch in 2007. There have now been over 470,000 tracks uploaded to the BBC Introducing website and 190,000 registered artists — that’s over three years’ worth of music. Incredible! BBC Music Introducing also provides up-and-coming artists with broadcast opportunities on television and online, and the chance to perform at major festivals and showcases. And now, Gemma Bradley will be in control!
It’s crazy to think a whopping 58% of the acts that performed at Reading and Leeds Festival in 2017 initially uploaded their music to the BBC Music Introducing Uploader. If you’re not registered, you can do so here. Who knows, Gemma might give one of your tracks a spin on her first show at the start of 2021.
Interviewing Gemma Bradley
We caught up with Gemma to ask her a few questions:
What were you doing when you found out?
I was in BBC Radio Ulster prepping for my show: ATL Introducing.
How does it feel being a part of this new ‘wave’ of Radio 1 presenters?
I am so excited to be joining the Radio 1 family. It’s a dream come true. I am a massive fan of Radio 1. And I can’t thank the BBC Introducing team and Aled Haydn Jones enough for nurturing and giving opportunities to new presenting talent.
You’ve become a champion for local talent and a role for the next generation already via your music. Do you plan to still keep creating music alongside your new radio position?
Yes, I still plan to release music alongside the new role. All I can say is watch out for new music 2021!
“I am looking for music that stands out and punches you in the face. The type that you can’t stop listening to. Something new and unique that I haven’t heard before.”
Is there any particular music you’re looking for/that will spike your interest from the tunes uploaded to BBC Introducing each week?
Can’t say there is, genre wise-anyway. But I am looking for music that stands out and punches you in the face. The type that you can’t stop listening to. Something new and unique that I haven’t heard before.
Any big plans for your first show?
Yes, I definitely have big plans for the first show. I can’t share too much as I want it to be a surprise – but just know that it will be epic and we’ll have lots of great new music from the BBC Introducing Uploader. So make sure to tune in!
“BIMM really helped shape me as a musician and as a young creative and I believe I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t attended.”
How has BIMM helped you in your career?
BIMM taught me a lot. Especially when it comes to songwriting, music business and of course networking (which are all really important!). BIMM really helped shape me as a musician and as a young creative and I believe I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t attended.
Check out more student success stories here. You can listen to Gemma’s BBC Radio Ulster show here. We’re confident in saying that this won’t be the last time you’ll hear about Gemma Bradley!
