music
Reading and Leeds have dropped BBC Introducing for a new ‘nepo baby stage’. Where does it leave DIY artists?
As R&L replace the BBC’s unsigned artists stage with one filled with rock scions and a Simon Cowell boyband, many are decrying disappearing opportunities for grassroots acts
TL;DR
- Reading and Leeds festival replaced the BBC Introducing stage, a platform for unsigned artists, with a new stage called the Canopy.
- The BBC Introducing stage had supported emerging artists for nearly 20 years and was crucial for many bands starting out.
- The Canopy stage has drawn criticism for featuring artists with famous parents (e.g., Violet Grohl, Cruz Beckham, Gene Gallagher) and a boyband formed on a reality TV show.
- Critics have nicknamed the Canopy stage the 'nepo baby stage' and decried the rising use of famous names over new talent.
- Festival Republic stated the Canopy stage is open to emerging artists from all backgrounds, whether independent or signed.
- BBC Introducing editor Kelly Betts noted that programming decisions for the stage are made by festival organizers.
- The closure of the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds, along with Glastonbury's fallow year, reduces opportunities for young artists.
- BBC Introducing continues to support artists through radio shows, other festival stages, and upcoming live events.