Radio 1 plans 'unsigned' week

The Hives found success partly thanks to Radio 1

BBC Radio 1 is to launch an unsigned band week next year, with new acts getting their songs played on the station.

Six bands will be chosen for the playlist, and their songs will be played five or six times during the week, which starts on 10 January.

It will be the first of several such events during theyear.

The week follows on from the One Music day held last May, which featured demos from unsigned bands. One of the bands, Mass, then went on to sign a deal with label Radiate.

Alex Jones-Donelly, the head of music policy at Radio 1, said: "When we ran One Music day last May, I always wanted to do even more, and so this is it.

"The One Music Unsigned List is part of the first playlist of the new year and it's brilliant to be able to give unsigned bands this kind of exposure.

"We're looking to do this several times a year so if your music doesn't get played now we want you to carry on sending it in."

One Music is the station's programme linking unsigned acts with the industry.

The announcement comes after the network axed its revered alternative music show the Evening Session, hosted by DJ Steve Lamacq, which championed bands such as Oasis, Radiohead, Elastica and Coldplay.

Lamacq, who continues with his Monday night Lamacq Live show, has just joined digital station 6 Music.

Radio 1 has not yet announced a replacement for the Evening Session.