London based indie ensemble The Holloways have spoken out over the situation surrounding BBC 6Music.
Founded in 2002, BBC 6Music has built a devoted fan base through its freeform broadcasting and commitment to new talent. More than one hot new group has passed through its doors, gaining vital support via a well timed session or interview.
However with the BBC attempting to tighten its purse strings, the station’s future has been put under threat. Sparking widespread fury, a Facebook group uniting fans in protest has secured over 150,000 members.
Domino Records issued a statement of support, with artists such as Panda Bear, Lightspeed Champion and The Kills throwing their weight behind BBC 6Music,
Now London indie types The Holloways have revealed their debt of gratitude to the station. The group were championed by the station, and recently performed at a benefit show for the station.
Lead singer Bryan Fowler spoke out after the show. “It is a great station, and vital to new music”, the singer said.
“And it is also not just one genre – it has a huge range and it is both new music and old music. When you look at the figures they say Radio 3, for example, costs more per listener and per hour than 6 Music, but this is just not discussed.”
“Our last single got play-listed on it, whereas we got very little airplay on Radio 1 and 2.”
Continuing, the Holloways singer argued that BBC 6Music performs the same role that 1XTra does, but for a different musical community. “It is the same job 1Xtra does for urban music. Not everything can go on Radio 1. There is a real niche for it. They play stuff you just do not hear anywhere else, from different eras” he claimed.
The BBC is currently reviewing 6Music’s funding, alongside that of the Asian Network.
