As we storm full force into 2017 take a moment to enjoy some of 麻豆社 Music Introducing's most memorable 2016 highlights.
1. Sound Of 2016 - 7 Introducing artists on the list
We started the year with a winner! No less than seven of the acts that appeared on the 麻豆社 Sound Of 2016 longlist had previously shared their music on the Introducing Uploader and we couldn't have been more proud when Jack Garrett was announced as No.1. Watch this animation to find out more about his story from Uploader to Sound Of success, and beyond.
2. Smashing it at SXSW
In March 2016 we went stateside to SXSW with a mighty bunch of emerging artists discovered via the Uploader. Highlights included Isaac Gracie, ESTRONS, Billie Marten and a special 麻豆社 Radio 1Xtra showcase. We particularly love the moment when Steve Lamaq met Sheffield's finest new indie export The Sherlocks before their showcase performance.
3. Coldplay pay tribute to Viola Beach at Glastonbury
We鈥檙e going to create Viola Beach's alternate future and let them headline GlastonburyChris Martin, Coldplay
麻豆社 Introducing were devastated to hear of the passing of Warrington's Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry. In June 2016 Coldplay payed this stunning tribute to the band on the main stage at Glastonbury.
We came across the band after their lead singer Kris Leonard uploaded Love My Love to the 麻豆社 Introducing website. With their Warrington postcode, the band were soon picked up by their local 麻豆社 Introducing presenter Dave Monks from the Merseyside show, who became a huge supporter of the band. It was Dave who forwarded them for consideration for the prestigious Reading + Leeds Festival slot for August 2015. As a team we remember sitting in a room listening through to all the tracks and being blown away when we heard the song Swings and Waterslides. A true stand out track from an incredibly exciting new band.
We鈥檙e going to create Viola Beach's alternate future and let them headline GlastonburyChris Martin, Coldplay
4. 麻豆社 Radio 3 at Latitude Festival
The 麻豆社 Introducing stage made its debut at Latitude 2016 with a host of acts championed by Radio 2 and Radio 3.
Artists to perform at the inauguration of the stage included accordionist Iosif Purits, anthemic five-piece Firewoodisland, singer-songwriters Phoebe Troup and pianist Belle Chen.
5. Slaves play the main stage and Reading + Leeds
We were bursting with pride as Slaves made their main stage debut to a raucous crowd at Reading + Leeds. Always staying true to their roots the boys popped over to the 麻豆社 Introducing stage to thrash out a second set with no energy spared!
6. Ward Thomas and Blossoms score No.1 albums
Country music's twin sister duo Ward Thomas have been on 麻豆社 Introducing's radar since they first used the Uploader in February 2014. In September of that same year they played on the 麻豆社 Introducing stage at Radio 2's Festival in a Day. In 2016 they went to No.1 in the album charts with their second studio album Cartwheels.
They weren't the only ones to gain chart success. 麻豆社 Introducing favourites Blossoms also made it to No.1 in the album chart with their self-titled debut.
7. Catfish and the Bottlemen win British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards (and sell out Wembley!)
It's no surprise to us that Introducing alumni Catfish and the Bottlemen go from strength to strength every year. 2016 is no exception, not only did tthey win the British Breakthrough Award at the BRITs, they hit number one in the album chart with their second record The Ride and played a sold out show at Wembley Arena. Listen as Van from the band chats to Grimmy the morning after the show.
8. Vaults create the soundtrack to THAT Christmas advert
Vaults first came to our attention in 2013 and were supported by 麻豆社 Introducing in London very soon after. We were very excited to hear their stunning cover of Randy Crawford's One Day I'll Fly Away which accompanied Boxer the dogs festive message. Find out more about how Vaults leapt to success
For even more 2016 highlights from 麻豆社 Music Introducing wrap your ears around this playlist...
麻豆社 Introducing Class of 2016
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Grow
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Lay My Body Down
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Fair