New ‘Artist of the Month’ competition could feature emerging Rochdale music arts

A new ‘Artist of the Month’ feature launched by Mayor Andy Burnham could feature emerging Rochdale music acts.

New and emerging bands, groups, solo artists, and musicians from Rochdale and across Greater Manchester will be able to nominate themselves for the accolade.

Mayor Andy Burnham’s new scheme will champion new music on BBC Radio Manchester.

At the end of every month, during his weekly Hot Seat phone-in on the station, the Mayor will name his Artist of the Month and introduce a track from the act to close the show.

The Artist of the Month will be promoted across the Mayoral and BBC Radio Manchester social media channels, and will also get help to access new opportunities and upcoming festivals and live events.

This will include the unique chance to perform to fans at Co-op Live – the UK’s biggest indoor venue – in 2024.

The feature is open to all new and emerging acts, and will have a strong focus on representing the full diversity of backgrounds and musical genres that make up the region’s thriving scene.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Everybody knows how rich our musical heritage is. But it didn’t happen by chance. Our city-region was lucky to have someone like Tony Wilson who relentlessly promoted our music and got it heard around the world.

“We need to learn from what Tony did and do the same again. There’s so much new Greater Manchester music out there right now that deserves to be heard.

“I want to give our emerging talent a platform but also make sure more established acts are getting the recognition they deserve. That’s what the Mayor’s Artist of the Month is all about.”

Visit www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/artistofthemonth to find out more and submit a nomination.