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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing is embarking on a tour of the county this month, broadcasting live from two venues and putting on free gigs to showcase some of the hottest new musical talent from across the region.

The Thursday night programme on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Suffolk, presented by Graeme Mac and Richard Haugh, is going on the road and taking in the venues of The Swan in Ipswich on 11 February and The Fleece in Boxford on 25 February.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing is broadcasting live between 7.00 and 8.00pm from these venues, gaining a snapshot of what it is like to be involved in the county's music scene – speaking to bands, venue owners and gig-goers.

The Cads, Ideals, This Boy Wonders and Umbrella Assassins are all performing live as part of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing tour.

Graeme and Richard have been inundated with music sent via the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Uploader since launching the radio show in October 2009. The programme focuses on new music, gig listings and interviews with Suffolk bands, with regular live sessions.

Graeme says: "Since taking on the Introducing show, our eyes have really been opened as to how much amazing music is being made here in Suffolk, and across all genres too. We have it all and it would be nice if these talented people had a few more rooftops from which to shout from."

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Introducing is dedicated to supporting unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar music – with shows on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 6 Music, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ 1Xtra and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Local Radio stations. It has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2007 and now has a presence at most of the major music festivals in the country, including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and T in the Park.

Bands and artists can upload their music on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Introducing website, giving them the chance to be played out on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio and on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Introducing stages at the major festivals.

Since the Uploader launched last year, more than 15,000 artists have uploaded their music – that is a staggering 35,859 tracks. The site also offers a hub of practical advice and information for new artists wanting to take the next step in the industry.

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing team are regularly asked for tips on local talent for these festivals, with acts including The Cheek, Essay Like Nephew, Thee Vicars, Rosalita, Lettie and Pixelh8 amongst those benefiting from the programme's exposure.

For more information on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing and uploading music please visit: bbc.co.uk/suffolk or bbc.co.uk/music/introducing.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Suffolk Introducing broadcasts on 95.5, 95.9, 103.9 & 104.6FM, online via the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer and is also available on a podcast at bbc.co.uk/suffolk.

Notes to Editors

Thursday 11 February – The Swan, Ipswich, with The Cads and Ideals (formerly It's A Trap!)

Thursday 25 February – The Fleece, Boxford, with This Boy Wonders and Umbrella Assassins

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