6 Music Festival: BBC Introducing Takeover Night Showcased the Undiscovered Gems in the North

A longtime champion of the finest new music, BBC Introducing has become synonymous with being the platform to discover future festival headliners, and their hotly tipped showcase held at Manchester’s Yes was to be no different. Bringing together a range of artists supported by BBC Introducing in Leeds & Sheffield and BBC Introducing in Manchester, it quickly became another testament to the talent present across the North.

(Image Credit: BBC Radio 6 / Sam Nahirny)

Not a name some people may recognise, but utter the name ‘Adult DVD’ to industry tastemakers and local music scene insiders, and it’ll produce an instant moment of both recognition and approval. Despite being fairly new to the industry, the Leeds-based dance-rock band have been consistently making waves. Managing to fit all six of the band onstage, the crowd were immediately nodding their head after being introduced by BBC Introducing presenter, Emily Pilbeam. Frontman Harry Hanson might initially draw some comparisons to Liam Gallagher due to his quietly confident stature. However, as the set went on, it was obvious that the band prided themselves on creating an atmosphere that encouraged the audience to join them in having a good time, and on the metaphorical dance floor.

They opened with the explosive ‘Yacht Money’,  charging through a high-octane run of tracks including the swaggering ‘Hot Set’, and the clear crowd-pleaser, ‘Doomsday Prepper’. Winning the crowd over in a matter of minutes, their performance was a masterclass in showmanship and how to produce a slick performance. Despite having six members, they were truly in sync with each other.  Dogs in the Sun’ brought a slightly dreamier moment but without losing their edge. Launching into the anthemic ‘Do Something’, made it even clearer that their charming lyrical playfulness is directly crafted from their lively personalities. 

After thanking BBC Introducing, Radio 6, and rightly coining Emily as “a legend, they ended on ‘Bill Murray’, which featured cowbells. Containing an eclectic mix of instrumentals, it could almost be described as what Friends’ main character Ross Geller’s music could’ve been if he’d actually got it right.  

(Image Credit: BBC Radio 6 / Sam Nahirny)

Taking us in more of an R&B direction, Renee Stormz took to the stage with a sound rooted in hip-hop elements, and deep personal narrative. A true multi-hyphenate, she’s an MC, producer, and singer-songwriter, who is currently based in Manchester. From the beginning of her set, she immediately drew the crowd into her world, opening up about identity, empowerment, and her journey so far.

Her track ‘No Contest’, featuring long-time collaborator Lashimba, was a soulful and uplifting anthem which highlighted the importance of women empowering each other. Cementing herself as a force to be reckoned with ‘Never Again’ brought powerful harmonies.

A standout moment was her live performance of ‘Omo Naija’, a searing reflection on her Nigerian and British heritage, delivered with honesty, conviction, and the lyrical prowess she is quickly becoming known for. Other unreleased tracks, such as ‘It’s Just Me’, revealed a deeply introspective new direction with the new project. Due out on the 4th of May, it is clearly set to resonate with others.

(Image Credit: BBC Radio 6 / Sam Nahirny)

Fronted by Jasmine Cruikshank, Jasmine.4.t is a name you’ll be hearing more of. As the first UK artist signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records, the Manchester-based artist blends lo-fi folk with delicate indie-rock, crafting songs that teeter between heartbreak and healing.

Her set was a deeply personal journey, opening with the soul-stirring ‘Kitchen’ and moving through raw, emotional territory. ‘You Are The Morning’ was a haunting standout, featuring a violin so beautiful it felt almost cinematic.

Speaking candidly to the audience about facing a hate crime early in her transition, the difficulty of accessing healthcare, and the strength found in the community, were an added layer of how intimate a live performance can be in its two-way conversation. Hearing her declare to the crowd “I am, in my soul, a woman” and have them cheering back was incredibly moving to witness. 

Bringing her friends onstage for the warmly nostalgic, ‘Best Friend’s House’, was a sweet celebration of her chosen family. Explaining how her guitar was able to pick up train frequencies due to its age, paired with the ‘No Swearing’ sign at the barrier were key reminders that the live experience could never be replicated by streaming the songs alone.  

Sharing that ‘Tall Girl’, which was featured on her latest album and recently played on BBC Radio 6, was actually written and recorded off-the-cuff at LA’s iconic Sound City Studios with Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, was another sentiment to the beauty of collaboration and unexpected journeys.  

As the night was coming to an end, she closed with a defiant cover of System of a Down’s ‘Toxicity’, which was intensely cathartic for those on and off-stage.  Friends and fans alike surrounding her in a fierce moment of camaraderie was the quintessential way to finish the evening. Rallying the crowd to do what they could to support trans rights further left a glowing feeling of hope in the air, long after the amps had stopped blaring. 

It has never been clearer that music has the power to not only uplift people’s moods but also empower and connect us as a whole. Long may BBC Introducing continue amplifying the next generation of talent to make sure that unreplicable talent such as these don’t become overlooked.

Featured Image: BBC Radio 6 / Sam Nahirny