BBC gives unsigned stars airplay

Bands will be able to perform on Steve Lamacq's show

BBC Radio 1 is offering a unique chance to unsigned music stars to be heard across the UK.

Potential acts of all kinds are being encouraged to send demos and discs to the station, and the best will be played on OneMusic Day on 6 May.

The date will also see the relaunch of the station's website - www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 - which will include a section giving advice to hopefuls.

It is designed to help new acts get in touch with musicians and experts in the industry.

Music-makers are being encouraged to send in their contributions from Monday, and some of the acts will be invited to play live during DJ Steve Lamacq's The Evening Session show.

Radiohead have featured on The Evening Session

Lamacq's programme has been at the forefront of guitar-based music for 10 years and regularly features live music from top UK bands including Radiohead, Oasis and Coldplay.

Radio 1's music policy editor Alex Jones Donelly said OneMusic Day is not a talent contest.

"It is about making sure new music gets recognised and nurtured as much as possible," he said.

"OneMusic is about making sure music lovers get heard by the right people and that's very important to Radio 1."

The music entered for OneMusic Day is being split into three music genres.

• Band - Music that could be performed live at a gig based around a band or solo musician

• Urban - Covered by the Radio 1 Online Urban section and forthcoming Radio 1 sister station 1Xtra - eg RnB, hip-hop, UK Garage, Drum & Bass

• Bedroom - Music put together on computers using technology. Also includes dance music

Only music made on CD or White Label will be accepted.

It is not the first talent initiative by the BBC this year.

Last month BBC Talent was launched, in the corporation's annual attempt to find the radio and TV stars of the future.

Radio 1 is taking part in the scheme and is offering 15-month contracts to 10 people over the age of 18 who have a passion for radio.

According to the latest listening figures, Radio 1 has an audience of 10.8 million a week.