THE POWER OF BBC INTRODUCING: SITTING DOWN WITH DAVE MONKS

We sat down with Dave Monks, the host of BBC Music Introducing in Merseyside, to discuss his journey into music, the unique role BBC Introducing plays in supporting Liverpool’s grassroots scene, and the success stories that have emerged from the platform.

With a passion for discovering new talent, Dave shares his insights on how local artists can get noticed and thrive in today’s music landscape.

Can you tell us how you first got into music and what led you to your role at BBC Introducing in Merseyside? What was it about this position that attracted you?

I have always been a media enthusiast with a passion for radio, music and podcasts and the power of audio. This, along with my committed passion to follow what is emerging musically across the Liverpool City Region, made me keen to bring the two together. I saw there was a definite need and gap for a designated local music programme on local radio. 

As the host of BBC Music Introducing in Merseyside, what do you think is the unique role BBC Introducing plays in nurturing Liverpool’s grassroots music scene.

Our aim is to find and discover the best new and emerging sounds from all styles and genres currently being produced on Merseyside and across our listening area and then support them on my weekly programme on Radio Merseyside and BBC Sounds.

What makes the programme unique is the fact that we have total control over the playlist each week. This means we can feature tracks straight from the bedroom or mixing desk to us via the BBC Introducing Uploader. It is great to have that instant connection with artists and bands who are making music right now.

Can you take us through the process of discovering new talent for BBC Introducing? What do you look for when selecting artists to feature on your show?

The process is quite simple and straightforward really. Any musician can sign up to BBC Music Introducing and upload the music they have created instantly. The system is based on where you are located in the UK so your song will be filtered to your nearest BBC local radio station. 

Personally I always listen out for good songs, the songwriting is key. The quality of the recording is also a consideration. We play music recorded at home as well as tracks produced at the many excellent local studios with top producers that we have across Liverpool. We are quite lucky that we have so much amazing talent in Liverpool and we are never short of music coming through which makes the selection process quite competitive.

You’ve supported many artists from Liverpool who have gone on to achieve great success. Can you share some examples of how BBC Introducing has impacted their careers?

Yes we have had lots of success stories from BBC Music Introducing on Merseyside and that consistency is something I am proud of. Just a few recent examples include;

Red Rum Club played Glastonbury Festival and became a force both locally and around the country. Supporting Lapsley at the beginning of her journey, Getting the first Circa Waves track to the nationals. Helping Pixey with lots of Radio 1 support, and she just played Glastonbury this summer. Seeing Michael Aldag develop and sign his record deal and be everywhere including Reading & Leeds Festival a few weeks back. Also connecting and helping many musicians who have come to the city to study who I have invited in for sessions and early support such as Jalen N’Gonda, Superlate, Torture and The Desert Spiders, Stealing Sheep and many more. 

What advice would you give to grassroots artists in Liverpool who are trying to get noticed by platforms like BBC Introducing?

Focus on the songwriting and the quality of your track first and foremost. Ask friends and family for their feedback and keep aiming to improve. Don’t give up.

Once you have enough good material,  try and build some momentum through playing live and through your socials. It is always a good idea to road test new music to an impartial audience and allow time to practise and develop new ideas. 

What are some of the biggest challenges that grassroots artists in Liverpool face today, and how can BBC Introducing help them overcome these obstacles?

Three things come to mind;

• Confidence: Sometimes overlooked but essential for fulfilling your potential. It is easy to doubt yourself when you’re just starting out.  I want BBC Introducing to inspire new musicians.
• Financial: The financial pressures can be difficult to contend with so I like to highlight that there are some options available on the programme.
• Support: Try to be encouraging and positive to other musicians. Collaborate if possible and learn from each other. I like our guests to talk about their own journeys and to offer advice about how they overcame their own barriers.

Liverpool has a rich musical heritage. How do you see the city’s music scene evolving in the coming years, and what role will BBC Introducing play in that evolution?

I think keeping our important local live venues is essential as they are key to the whole ecosystem and development of a music city.

Continuing to find the next group of emerging musicians and helping them grow along with trying to connect artists with other opportunities on top of the radio support.

You’ve been involved in Liverpool’s music scene for many years. What have been some of your personal highlights from your time at BBC Introducing?

I going to quickfire a few answers for this one – getting lots of Liverpool artists on Glastonbury Festival over the years, discovering the first Circa Waves track and sending it to Radio 1 for its first national play, seeing the rise of Red Rum Club from when I first backed early uploaded music to the band headline the M&S Bank Arena, consistently getting many locally supported tracks on Radio 1, 1Xtra, 6 Music and Radio 2 and hosting many key music events such as at Eurovision, LIMF, BBC Music Day, Introducing Live.