Reading and Leeds have dropped BBC Introducing for a new ‘nepo baby stage’. Where does it leave DIY artists?

<p>As R&amp;L replace the BBC’s unsigned artists stage with one filled with rock scions and a Simon Cowell boyband, many are decrying disappearing opportunities for grassroots acts</p><p>This year’s Reading and Leeds festival lineups are a testament to the catholic tastes of a generation who have little regard for musical tribalism or the concept of genre: brash pop stars rub up against drum’n’bass acts, underground rappers, meat-and-potatoes indie bands and much more.</p><p>What at least 70% of those acts have in common, however, is that early on in their careers they were supported by the BBC’s Introducing scheme, a combination of regional and national radio shows playing music submitted by unsigned artists and festival stages that platform them. For almost 20 years, a BBC Introducing stage has been a core part of Reading and Leeds – until it was scrapped last month.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/28/reading-leeds-festival-bbc-introducing-canopy-stage">Continue reading...</a>