Tinie Tempah and Tom Odell among acts announced for BBC Radio 1 Academy events
BBC Radio 1 and BBC Learning have today revealed details of a week of inspiring events at this year’s BBC Radio 1’s Academy all aimed at helping 16-19 year olds kick start their careers in the creative industries.
The Academy will bring star studded Q&As, workshops, radio shows, Live Lounges and gigs to Devon ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
The Academy offers local young people the opportunity to engage with Radio 1 DJs Nick Grimshaw, Scott Mills, Greg James and Clara Amfo; a star studded list of musical talent including Tinie Tempah, Jake Bugg, Tom Odell, AlunaGeorge and Laura Mvula and top TV actors Tyger Drew-Honey, Jodie Comer and stars from BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
Radio 1’s Academy will also be offering attendees the chance to be a part of the Big Weekend team at Powderham Castle by applying for work placements in areas such as broadcast, live music and artist liaison. More details are available on the Radio 1 website: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/academy.
The Exeter events follow the successful start of BBC Radio 1’s Academy in Devon, which has seen the likes of Craig David and several Radio 1 DJs visiting Teignbridge for creative sessions with local 16 – 19 year olds.
As well as scheduled sessions, attendees can spend time in The Hangout, a drop in area full of hands-on-activity, daily live Radio 1 broadcasts, careers advice, demos, DJ decks, live music, 3D printing, virtual reality and 360 filming, speed meets and much more.
Tickets to Radio 1’s Academy will be available to residents of Devon on the 7th and 8th May before being released nationally at midday on the 9th May via the Radio 1 website: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/academy
The activities set to take place in Exeter include:
Tuesday 17th May - AlunaGeorge Radio 1 Live Lounge performance and workshop, plus Q&A with Tinie Tempah
The first of the events in Exeter will kick off with a Radio 1 Live Lounge performance from electronic music duo AlunaGeorge. They’ll also be hosting a songwriting workshop and jam session afterwards, sharing their writing and performing tips with the Academy attendees.
Brit and MOBO award winning MC, songwriter and record producer Tinie Tempah will also be talking to Radio 1’s Clara Amfo about his journey from underground artist to the most successful UK rapper in chart history, giving ticket holders the chance to put their questions to the man himself.
There will also be opportunities to network with TV industry insiders in a speed meet session; hear all about Radio 1’s Playlist - the most influential playlist meeting in the world – headed up by Radio 1’s Head of Music, Chris Price; speak to the producers of Radio 1’s The Surgery with Gemma Cairney and Dr Radha; and even contribute on air as part of an exclusive Radio 1 Academy audience.
Wednesday 18th May - Tom Odell Radio 1 Live lounge, special guest workshops and Q&A
Tom Odell continues the week of Live Lounges being broadcast live from the Exeter Phoenix with a special performance.
BBC Radio 1’s Scott Mills and Chris Stark will be on hand with the ultimate guide to making great radio, whilst a range of other workshops, Q&As and networking sessions are set to take place, designed to help those considering a career in the industry - from budding sound engineers to those aspiring to be top of the social media world.
Digital stars Niki ‘n’ Sammy and Chai will be helping attendees go big on Social Media with a Q & A hosted by R1’s Gemma Cairney.
A BBC Introducing gig will also take place, with local bands Muncie Girls, Tourists and Witterquick set to perform.
Thursday 19th May - Laura Mvula Radio 1 Live Lounge, plus Q&A session with Radio 1 DJs
Laura Mvula will be performing in Radio 1’s Live Lounge.
Greg James hosts as Radio 1’s Clara Amfo and Nick Grimshaw take to the stage to deliver some very personal insights into their careers. The station’s big boss, Ben Cooper will also join the discussion and attendees will get a chance to quiz the radio stars on what goes on behind the scenes at Radio 1.
Budding entrepreneurs and Dragons’ Den fans will have the chance to learn all about delivering a killer pitch before entering the Den and pitching for real to Dragons’ Nick Jenkins and Sarah Willingham.
Friday 20th May – Jake Bugg Radio 1 Live Lounge and ‘Lightning Bolt’ Guitar Masterclass
Jake Bugg will be performing in Radio 1’s Live Lounge and teaching the audience how to how to play the chords to one of the catchiest hits of the last few years, ‘Lightning Bolt’. There will also be a TV and Film workshop providing an exclusive chance to see how a Live Lounge comes to life at a workshop with Radio 1’s Visualisation team.
Adele Roberts will be hosting a TV and Film Q&A about how to get a job in TV with guests including BBC Three’s Tyger Drew-Honey, Jodie Comer from hit drama ‘Thirteen’, writers and directors from some of TV’s most well-known shows, and a Game of Thrones camera operator.
Saturday 21st May – Mura Masa Radio 1 Live lounge and live showcase with special guests
Mura Masa will be closing the week of Radio 1 Live Lounges from the Exeter Phoenix, as well as taking part in a Careers Workshop alongside a host of industry experts and influencers which will aim to help youngsters who want to get involved in the music scene.
The Prince’s Trust will be helping turn big ideas into a business reality, with a business workshop - with local entrepreneurs on hand to dish out advice on how to create a business plan and share their tops tips.
Closing the night will be a live showcase with special guests of Radio 1 making an appearance.
Scott Mills, BBC Radio 1 DJ says: “Radio 1’s Academy is a great opportunity for young people to get involved with the BBC, see how me and Chris do the show and learn about radio, TV and music making. I can't wait to meet all the budding presenters and musicians and share what we get to do on a daily basis with an enthusiastic Exeter crowd.”
Dan Gooding, Executive Producer, Radio 1 Academy at BBC Learning says: “We want Radio 1’s Academy to provide the inspiration that kick-starts the ambition of local teenagers, opening their eyes to the world of incredible opportunities that exists in today’s creative industries across the UK. We’re bringing some of the UK’s most high profile and talented musicians and the stars of Radio 1 to Exeter to provide young people with a unique opportunity to engage with them directly, quizzing them on how they took the first steps in their own careers and inspiring them to follow in their footsteps.”
Angie Pitt, Outreach Manager, Radio 1 & 1Xtra says: “We’re really excited to be bringing such an exciting programme of events to the young people of Devon. These sessions will inspire and empower 16 to 19 year olds to take their first steps in the creative industries and provide them with amazing opportunities to put their skills into practice with Radio 1.”
Val Wilson, Arts & Events Manager, Exeter City Council: “This is such a great opportunity for young people in Exeter to find out more about the music and broadcast industry. This is the real legacy of the Big Weekend coming to this great city.”
