Norfolk bands attend BBC Introducing music masterclass

Norfolk artists such as Context MC and C.O.L.L. were invited to Abbey Road

Up-and-coming musicians from Norfolk have been learning the tricks of the trade at a BBC Introducing masterclass at London's Abbey Road Studios.

Music stars such as Tinchy Stryder and The Kaiser Chiefs were on hand to offer advice to Norfolk bands on 3 February.

"This kind of support is fantastic - you're not just struggling away on your own," said The Barlights' Graham Horne.

The bands attending the event were put forward by BBC Introducing teams from around the country.

C.O.L.L., Context MC, The Barlights, The Great Shakes and We Can't Dance were selected by the BBC Introducing in Norfolk team to take part in the event and benefit from the experience of established acts.

"I wouldn't have known about this without Introducing putting us forward," said Graham.

"There are networks and people in place who believe in what you do and want to support it," he added.

Universal lessons

Other leading lights from the music world in attendance included Mark Ronson and DJs Zane Lowe, Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq.

Graham Horne from The Barlights met leading musicians

"What's really important about today is there are lots of big name artists and DJs, but there are universal lessons to be applied which all our Introducing artists are picking up on," said BBC Introducing producer Zoe Applegate.

The workshops took place at the famous Abbey Road Studios, synonymous with The Beatles and used by the likes of Pink Floyd and Blur, and the BBC's Maida Vale Studios.

"[Abbey Road has] got that aura about it - you know what's been done there and you're standing in a little piece of history," said Graham.

"I walked across the zebra crossing when we got here but I didn't stop!

"It's pretty amazing."

Videos from the BBC Introducing Musicians' Masterclass are available at bbc.co.uk/introducing