Radio 1 Has A New ‘Use Your Ears’ DJ Policy – Here’s Who They Should Be Playlisting

Even in the current era of on-demand music streaming, radio continues to be a major player in the music industry. Exposure on the airwaves can still make or break a band or artist, and, with the brave success of Beats Radio serving as a shining example, the format has proven that it can still compete in 2016 with the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal.

But what do we make of Chris Price, head of music at BBC Radio 1, telling The Financial Times that employees “should be making decisions about music using your ears, rather than data served up by third-party sources”? They’re encouraging words for sure, especially when we take them in consideration with the insistence made by Radio 1 in January that Price’s arrival (many were sceptical over his “music content strategist” job title) would not see the phasing out of DJs to make way for our soon-to-be data overlords when it came to choosing what music to play on the station. Indeed, if the top brass at Radio 1 are trusting their employees’ music tastes over hyper-sensitive and far-too-intelligent algorithms (the weapon of choice for the likes of Spotify), then that’s surely a good thing.

With over 10 million listeners and 50 spots on the station’s hallowed weekly playlist up for grabs, this declaration has surely opened the door to a number of new bands and artists to demand the attention of Radio 1’s tastemakers. And so, what better chance do we have to influence those in-the-know than by giving props to 10 artists who deserve to be heard either side of Scott Mills’ innuendo bingo?

1. Isaac Gracie

Sounds like: Not James Bay.

We said: “An under-confident kid from Ealing [who’s] causing the biggest ruckus the UK’s new music scene has witnessed in years.”

Best track: ‘Terrified’

2. Kevin Morby

Sounds like: Bob Dylan reincarnated – and that’s a very good thing.

We said: “His debut album both warm and prickly, evoking Lou Reed and Bob Dylan and casting the 27-year-old as a storyteller in the vein of Kurt Vile.”

Best track: ‘I Have Been To The Mountain’

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1305548612001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAABumiUU~,CmZu1qzq0NxeK5dYcW5EDPxuNrmWNe9J&bctid=4822744646001

3. Sheer Mag

Sounds like: Thin Lizzy, with extra scuzz.

We said: “One of the most exhilarating new bands to emerge in years.”

Best track: ‘Can’t Stop Fighting’, but you should listen to/download their fantastic set of EPs here.

4. Anderson .Paak

Sounds like: Frank Ocean, if he was into dancing

We said: “[Bringing] a rich mix of future-facing R&B and uplifting, narrative-driven hip-hop, .Paak is marking himslef out as a remarkable new songwriter who isn’t afraid to write with the mentality of a rapper.”

Best track: ‘The Season / Carry Me’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lThLehzIqc

5. Whitney

Sounds like: Not like Whitney Houston.

We said: “Whitney are a proper gang and their sound is a peaceful mix of falsetto vocals, percussion, brass, keys, twanging guitar and plenty of hopeless heartbreak. Their songs sound timeless. There are shades of Neil Young, and of the introverted spirit of UMO.”

Best track: ‘No Woman’

6. Downtown Boys

Sounds like: Like if The Specials invited Bruce Springsteen into their gang.

We said: “They’re angry, but there’s optimism and positivity in everything that they do. Write them off at your peril.’

Best track: ‘Monstro’

7. Crows

Sounds like: Brutal, breathtaking, and brilliant.

We said: “Their debut EP is five tracks, recorded live and designed to segue seamlessly into each other. It’s not only the biggest release Crows have done, but also their finest – a mini masterpiece of howling garage riffs.”

Best track: ‘Whisper’

8. Jay Prince

Sounds like: A soulful but fast-talking storyteller.

We said: Hailing from east London, Jay’s going from strength to strength: he’s worked with Kanye favourite Allan Kingdom, and is currently in the running to feature on XXL Magazine’s feted ‘Freshmen’ list.

Best track: ‘Polaroids’ – although his breakthrough EP ‘Befor Our Time’ demands your attention.

9. LISS

Sounds like: The right mix of ’80s-era soul and spritely pop hooks – ideal for filling in the gaps between Greg James’ links.

We said: “Clearly, Liss know they’re good though… Give it a few months and you’ll fall under their spell.”

Best track: ‘Try’

10. Nap Eyes

Sounds like: A hazy summer’s afternoon.

We said: “Subtle and intricate, they’re an impressive outfit, and in my mind they already rival those other great up-n-coming summer kingpins Whitney when it comes to the good time vibes.”

Best track: ‘Mixer’