BBC Radio 1 – Brit List

16 January 2017 - Press release

Radio 1 has always been committed to helping break British artists. As part of this ongoing commitment, Brit List is a brand-new playlist initiative aimed at giving new, UK artists the best possible chance of long-term success at home and internationally. It’s a three-single playlist commitment for up to six of the best UK newcomers, aiming – by the third single, possibly sooner – to develop them to the Radio 1 ‘A list’ over the course of a debut campaign. Along the way we’ll look to add in other editorial opportunities such as live sessions, visual assets etc., working in partnership with artists and their teams on a case-by-case basis.

Who’s eligible?
- New artists from the UK, signed or unsigned.
- ‘UK’ is defined as being from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
- ‘New’ is broadly defined as not having released an album prior to the Feb 3 submission deadline. (Recognising that not all artists release albums, eligibility will be judged on whether they are on their debut campaign.)

What we need from you:
- For each artist, on a single-page PDF document:
- Links to three singles, presented in order of intended release with approximate dates. Where possible please send finished music, but we’ll consider unmixed/unmastered songs as necessary. We understand that single choices can shift; we’re happy to discuss changes with successful Brit List applicants on a case-by-case basis.
- Some background on the artist. Stats are interesting, especially if it’s information we can’t find ourselves, but we’d prefer you use your precious page of A4 saying why you think your artist is important.
- Please email your submission(s) to Ty.Powell@bbc.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 3rd February, subject ‘Radio 1 Brit List Submission (Artist Name)’.
- One email per artist please, and no more than two artists per submitter. We aim to announce our first group of Brit List artists by Friday 17th February.

Some guidance on submitting your artist(s) for Brit List consideration:
- Your Brit List hopefuls are very likely to have been played on Radio 1’s specialist shows, on 1Xtra or the Asian Network. (We recognise that this won’t always be the case, for pop acts in particular.)
- There’s a good chance we’re already aware of them. If your artist is completely new to the Radio 1 playlist team, please carefully consider whether they are ready for Brit List consideration.
- Given the relatively small number of spaces available, major labels and large independent label groups may wish to consider submitting by group.

What else do you need to know?
- Brit List is an unbranded, off-air initiative. For now you won’t hear Radio 1 presenters referring to ‘Brit List Artist X’.
- The plan at the moment is to open a second window for a further six artists some time over the summer.
- Think of Brit List as being in beta. Timings and definitions may change, but the fundamental objective – of giving new, UK artists the best chance of success at home and internationally – won’t.
- We want to know how Brit List is working for our partners in the artist and label community; feedback is always welcome, whether or not you’re successful in securing a place.
- If your artist doesn’t make Brit List this time, their future chances of being added to the Radio 1 playlist are unaffected.
Exceptional songs and artists will always be recognised by Radio 1, wherever they come from.
- In the event of disagreement about the nationality or ‘newness’ of any artist submitted, the final decision as to Brit List eligibility rests solely with Radio 1.