BBC Production Co-Ordinator Apprenticeship - Placement #2

I finished my previous blog post at the end of my first placement on the Production Co-Ordinator Apprenticeship with ‘but the adventure must continue’, and wow, it certainly has! Soon after writing that post, it was confirmed that I had secured my dream placement.

I have always had a huge passion for radio and have always sought out opportunities to experience this industry as it is where I have always seen myself ending up in my career. From doing work experience at BBC Radio 1 at the age of 16, to volunteering at my local hospital radio station and even attempting my own radio podcast (yes, attempting is definitely the key word there), I returned to the location in the first point in that list. Yes, my dream had finally come true and on February 25th, I found myself walking through the doors of Radio 1 on the 8th floor of Broadcasting House.

Aside from my draw to radio, I have also always been interested in working in the world of events and events management. I touched upon this in a very small way at school, organising many of our Sixth Form events including our Prom, the school talent show, a Christmas party for a local school and a fundraiser to raise money for that party; and it was this introduction to events management that inspired me to seek more opportunities in an industry that I could see myself making use of my organisational head and attention-to-detail.

So, thanks to my scheme manager on the apprenticeship, I ended up at the absolute ideal placement for me. Radio + Events = Radio Events. And here I am! To give the team their deserved full title, the Live Music and Events team in Radio Popular Music. If you’ve ever listened, watched or even been to an event for Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6 Music or BBC Introducing, it would have been organised by the lovely team I am currently sitting alongside now as I write this. Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Radio 2 in Hyde Park, 1Xtra Live, The Teen Awards, 6 Music Festival – the list goes on and on.

One of the best parts about this placement has been the huge amount of trust that the team have put in me. I’ve been given a great deal of responsibility which I really appreciate and respect, and for that reason I’ve made sure I’ve put 110% into everything I’ve done so they wouldn’t regret it. So hopefully they haven’t!

Within the first days of this placement, I was already on a train to Manchester to work at the first ever 6 Music Festival. I was immediately thrown into a DJ and artist liaison role and loved every minute. Experiencing such a large event within my first days prepared me to understand the coordination and logistical process that goes into achieving the end result that I witnessed in Manchester, and helped me to know how to continue whilst working towards Radio 1’s Big Weekend – a project I have completely admired.

Two years ago when the team were organising one of their biggest events to date, the Hackney Weekend, I found myself at the Hackney Academy listening to a talk given by Neil Wyatt, the Live Events Manager who was heading up the event. I was completely absorbed in everything he had to say and now I can’t quite believe I’m sitting here two years on working with the same team on the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Glasgow. I’ve done a full loop, and as much as I enjoyed sitting on my sofa at home and watching Jay Z and Rihanna on telly playing the Big Weekend that year in 2012, I have absolutely no doubt that I will much prefer 2014 and I guarantee I will stand pinching myself when I see Coldplay in Glasgow. And even more importantly, as I run around in the mud on Glasgow Green chasing after artists to get them on stage, the thought of that sofa in 2012 will become an increasingly distant one.

One of the main projects I have been involved in is the ongoing BBC Introducing programme and I have absolutely loved it! It’s a fantastic scheme that supports unsigned and under-the-radar musicians – it’s an incredible opportunity for artists trying to break the industry, and from my perspective, an equally amazing scheme to work on. I have been involved in the organisation of the Introducing stages at some of the upcoming summer festivals, including Big Weekend, Glastonbury and T in the Park. I’ve been responsible for asking for recommendations from the local shows, sending these to a panel of presenters, producers and music experts for their opinions and then contacting the artists and confirming their availability once the line-up was chosen. I have also worked with the Introducing team to decipher to final running order at Big Weekend to ensure a variety across both days. The whole process was an extremely interesting and eye-opening experience, particularly because of my love for music and what better way to spend your day than by listening to a ton of new music! Of course, that isn’t all I do but I have spent the odd day here and there just browsing through the Uploader for some fantastic new music, which there is a huge abundance of out there.

I’ve also done a spot of writing for the BBC Introducing blog each week, listening to some more fantastic music that has made it onto the Introducing slot on the Radio 1 playlist and then writing about it. This job just gets better and better.

From working on 6 Music Festival, to Big Weekend in two weekend’s time, I’ve also been fortunate enough to work on Jo Whiley’s Sport Relief Challenge, the Radio 1 Academy, as well as looking ahead to Glastonbury, T in the Park and Radio 2 In Concert with Kylie this week!

With just days to go until I get on the train to Glasgow, the anticipation for the festival is building on the 8th Floor and across Glasgow it seems. Everybody is extraordinarily busy but also incredibly excited for the weekend and I feel truly inspired by the team I’m working with, with brains that can be best described as Big Weekend encyclopaedias! The creativity, organisation prowess and dedication of everybody working towards the event is admirable and I feel incredibly lucky to be doing my dream job surrounded by these people.

Onward to Glasgow!

 

My Guide to the Brit Awards 2013

The biggest night in the music industry’s calendar is looming just around the corner.

On February 20th at London’s O2 Arena, the world’s finest musical stars will all gather together to celebrate the greatest releases of the past year in thirteen different categories, as announced by Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw at the Brits 2013 Launch Party at the Savoy on January 10th.

The ceremony, hosted by James Corden, will be broadcast live on ITV and will see the top British performers, as well as International artists, fighting to take their relevant accolade.

Here I give you my prediction for the top spot in each category.

British Male Solo Artist: Ben Howard, Calvin Harris, Olly Murs, Plan B, Richard Hawley

After a non-stop year touring the UK, breaking America whilst on tour with One Direction as well as his presenting role on the Xtra Factor, Olly Murs has had an incredible past few months, which can only get better with a Brit Award under his belt and as the current bookies favourite, this could be likely. As the second favourite with the bookies, Calvin Harris would be an equally worthy winner; he is one of the most powerful men in the music industry with his album featuring some of the biggest stars in the music industry, including Rihanna, Ellie Goulding and Tinie Tempah.

British Female Solo Artist: Amy Winehouse, Bat For Lashes, Emeli Sandé, Jessie Ware, Paloma Faith

With 1/10 odds with the bookies, there’s no doubt that Emeli Sandé is tipped for success in this category. In 2012 Sandé was absolutely everywhere and anywhere – the Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and of course last year’s BRITs where she picked up the coveted Critics’ Choice prize. Her anthem ‘Read All About It’ has been the soundtrack to any Olympics coverage and for this she stands out above the rest of her competitors. Jessie Ware, on the other hand, puts up a good fight also, having two nominations in her first ever BRITs year.

British Breakthrough Act: Alt-J, Ben Howard, Jake Bugg, Jessie Ware, Rita Ora

As mentioned previously, newcomer Jessie Ware is set to have a sparkling 2013, with her album ‘Devotion’ reaching #5 in the UK chart and being granted the third best album of 2012 in a Guardian poll. Despite this, all 4 of her competitors are in with a very good chance of taking this prize and therefore it is very difficult to predict. As the only category voted for solely by the public, it is understandable that chart-topper Rita Ora is topping bookie’s odds and may be in luck.

British Group: Alt-J, Mumford & Sons, Muse, One Direction, The XX

If this particularly category was decided via a public vote, worldwide starlets and chart-topping boyband One Direction would be the clear winners due to their expansive fan base. However, the industry experts who decide the winners may feel more obliged to vote for Mumford& Sons or The XX due to their song-writing abilities and musical prowess, both of whom were nominated in the same category in 2011, with both also nominated in the MasterCard award for Best Album.

British Single: Adele – Skyfall, Alex Clare - Too Close, Coldplay ft. Rihanna - Princess Of China, DJ Fresh ft. Rita Ora - Hot Right Now, Emeli Sandé - Next To Me, Florence + The Machine - Spectrum (Say My Name), James Arthur – Impossible, Jessie J –Domino, Labrinth ft. Emeli Sandé -Beneath Your Beautiful, Olly Murs ft. Flo Rida – Troublemaker, Rita Ora ft. Tinie Tempah – RIP, Rizzle Kicks- Mama Do The Hump, Robbie Williams– Candy, Rudimental ft. John Newman- Feel The Love, Stooshe - Black Heart

With an abundance of fantastic British singles in 2012, this shortlist selection must have been a challenging task, with the decision for the ultimate winner even more so. However, one particular track does seem to stand out. With the name of one of the UK’s most successful musical exports of all time attached to the track, as well as featuring in 2012’s biggest film, Adele’s Oscar-nominated ‘Skyfall’ from the James Bond film of the same name is tipped to the title of the year’s greatest song. James Arthur’s X Factor winning single ‘Impossible’ and Olly Murs’ ‘Troublemaker’ complete the top three bookie’s favourites to win the prize, with strong competition being held throughout the entirety of the shortlist.

British Album of the Year: Alt- J (An Awesome Wave), Emeli Sandé (Our Version of Events), Mumford & Sons (Babel), Paloma Faith (Fall to Grace), Plan B (Ill Manors)

Due to this prize’s sponsorship by MasterCard, Best British Album is seen as the evening’s most notable accolade. As Emeli Sandé’s fourth nomination, this 5 X Platinum-selling album is predicted to surpass the four other nominees to the award, with 1/5 odds with Ladbrokes bookmakers. Multiply nominated Mumford & Sons stand in second place with 5/1 odds so this Grammy-nominated album is a very strong contender.

International Male Solo Artist: Bruce Springsteen, Frank Ocean, Gotye, Jack White, Michael Buble

If you don’t know who Gotye is by 2013, you must have been living under a rock throughout 2012, with his single ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ being the year’s biggest selling track in the UK. However, he finds sturdy competition in this category from his fellow Grammy-nominee Frank Ocean. Despite his recent public fall-out with Chris Brown, Ocean’s musical popularity is very widespread, both with the public and critics, standing him in good stead to take the prize.

International Female Solo Artist: Alicia Keys, Cat Power, Lana Del Rey, Rihanna, Taylor Swift

Having won the International Breakthrough Act award at last year’s ceremony, with an Ivor Novello since added to her list of award wins, it is just that Lana Del Rey is the bookie’s favourite to take the Best International Female crown. She does, however, face harsh opposition in Barbados-beauty Rihanna, whose #1 single ‘Diamonds’ and current single ‘Stay’ are two of the most played songs on UK radio stations. Swift and Keys continue to produce chart-topping hits year-upon-year, further adding to the rivalry of these US divas.

International Group: Alabama Shakes,The Black Keys, Fun, The Killers, The Script

2012 has been a hugely successful year for all 5 of the nominees in this category, particularly Fun whose single ‘We Are Young’ rippled through the nation via radio airwaves and was the third biggest selling single of the entire year. With 2/1 odds to take the prize, Fun are beaten only by Ohio rock band The Black Keys with 4/6 odds. Like many of the other BRITs nominees, The Black Keys are also nominated at this year’s Grammys with 5 nominations in total including for Album of the Year for platinum-selling ‘El Camino’.

British Live Act: Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Muse, The Rolling Stones, The Vaccines

Reinstated for 2013, the British Live Act award is back and tougher than ever before, with 5 festival favourites completing the competitive list of nominees. After an expansive and successful world tour with their album ‘Mylo Xyloto’, it is no doubt that Coldplay are favourites for the prize, with veteran rockers The Rolling Stones following closely behind.

British Producer: Damon Albarn, Jake Gosling, Paul Epworth

As three of the most influential producers in the British and worldwide music industry, Albarn, Gosling and Epworth have played an enormous role in shaping the year of music that 2012 brought us.

Following on from his success with Blur and Gorillaz, with Blur winning the Outstanding Contribution to Music at last year’s BRIT Awards, Damon Albarn has continued to use his musical talent in the production world, having worked with Bobby Womack and Snoop Dogg on their latest albums.

Jake Gosling is responsible for producing both One Direction multi-platinum selling albums ‘Up All Night’ and ‘Take Me Home’, as well as working with fellow former BRITs nominee Ed Sheeran with his debut album ‘+’ and Paloma Faith’s ‘Fall To Grace’.

Paul Epworth’s production credits span a long list of former BRITs nominees and winners, known most prolifically for his work with Adele on her ’21’ album. His work on both of Florence Welch’s albums and Plan B’s ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’ makes him one of the most successful producers of his generation.

Critics’ Choice: Tom Odell, Aluna George, Laura Mvula

As announced at the BRITs Launch Party, Tom Odell has become the first male winner to take the Critics’ Choice prize, following in the fruitful footsteps of Adele, Florence & The Machine, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Emeli Sandé. 22-year-old Tom is already on his way to success with his latest single ‘Can’t Pretend’.

Critics' Choice: Tom Odell with last year's winner Emeli Sandé

The evening of February 20th is set to be a wonderful night, with the public and industry experts revelling in the remarkable talent that the UK music scene has to offer. British talents and nominees Ben Howard, Emeli Sandé, Mumford & Sons, Muse, One Direction and Robbie Williams will all feature in the evening, with performances that are set to raise the roof of the O2 Arena. American sensations also included on the bill are Justin Timberlake and Beyonce, with rumours that her other half, Jay-Z, may join both of them in their performances.

Be sure to tune in to ITV1 at 8pm on February 20th so that you don’t miss one of the greatest musical shows and celebrations on the calendar.

A Fantastic Night of Entertainment at the BRIT Awards 2012

Tuesday night saw the biggest artists from the UK, as well as from across the pond, come together to celebrate a fantastic year of music at the BRIT Awards. Not only were the guests at the O2 Arena in London rejoicing in the British talent, but so were the 6.2 million viewers watching at home.

This year has been hugely successful for British artists, who have been producing hit-after-hit not only in the UK, but across the world. Possibly the most successful artist worldwide through 2011 was Adele, whose album ‘21’ topped the chart in 27 countries. It seemed just by all viewers of the ITV awards ceremony that Adele’s record-breaking album should win the show’s cult award ‘Mastercard British Album of the Year’. As the night drew to a close and the prestigious award was announced, the predictions of the public were correct and Adele beat Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Florence & The Machine, as well as Mercury Music Prize winner PJ Harvey, to the accolade.

Every year at the BRITs, the tradition of controversy is normally upheld, whereby a star will collect an award in a drunken manner and swear, or in the case of Liam Gallagher, throw their award into the crowd. As the ceremony neared its end, the annual controversy reared its ugly head as host, James Corden, was forced to interrupt Adele’s acceptance speech to prevent the night from over-running any further. ITV have had to follow the incident with a formal apology to the songstress, who wished to thank her fans for their continued loyalty.

The preceding awards all ran rather smoothly, with the show beginning with the award for Best British Female, which saw Essex’s very own Jessie J pitted against Florence & The Machine, Kate Bush, last year’s winner Laura Marling, and Adele. Adele was tipped for the top, and beat Romford’s Jessica Cornish to the prize. Jessie, who appeared in a revealing, lacy, red gown, was seen humbly applauding and cheering for the star.

Jessie J was later nominated in the British Breakthrough Artist category, which was won by Ed Sheeran, who seemed to be the most unassuming artist on the bill, performing later in just jeans and a T-Shirt. Ed, who was nominated for the most awards with four, also won Best British Male, taking his BRIT-tally to two in just his first year of the ceremony.

Following on from Jessie’s win in 2011, this year saw the Critics Choice award given to upcoming Scottish singer, Emeli Sandé.

After one of the most spectacular opening performances that the BRITs have ever seen with their song Charlie Brown, complete with lights and lasers, Coldplay topped one of the toughest categories of the ceremony – Best British Group, beating Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys, Chase & Status and Elbow to the prize.
One of the few awards voted for by the public, Best British Single, is always a sought after award, with 10 of the year’s biggest tracks fighting out for the prize.

With three of Essex’s biggest artists, up for the award, Jessie J’s ‘Price Tag’, Pixie Lott’s ‘All About Tonight’, as well as Olly Murs with ‘Heart Skips A Beat’, it would have been fantastic for one of these artists to take the prize. However, teen-favourite’s One Direction triumphed with their debut single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’.

Despite not winning in his category, Olly Murs was flying the flag for Essex as he took to the stage to perform his Number One hit single, ‘Heart Skips A Beat’. After jumping onto the stage to the first beats of the song, the electrifying performance was completed with 70 backing dancers, as well as pop-duo Rizzle Kicks who feature on the song.

Other performances came from Florence & The Machine, Noel Gallagher, as well as Adele, whose performance was highly anticipated following her sensational performance of ‘Someone Like You’ the previous year.

All the way from the US, Bruno Mars and Rihanna appeared, both with tremendous performances. The pair both took the awards for Best International Male and Best International Female respectively. Best International Breakthrough Act went to Lana del Rey, with rockers Foo Fighters winning International Group.

The final prize of the night, for Outstanding Contribution to Music, saw Essex celebrating a win at the ceremony, as 90’s Britpop group Blur were awarded. Essex boy, Damon Albarn, and his fellow band members, last appeared at the awards in 1995 when they performed hit single ‘Boys & Girls’.

Closing the ceremony with 5 of their hit songs, many of the artists and stars at the event were seen dancing around their tables, clearly enjoying the performance and a fantastic night of entertainment.

Fans eagerly anticipate the V Festival 2012 Line-Up

Previous statements from V Festival said that the line-up would be announced this coming Thursday (23rd February). However, it seems that people working hard at Virgin to book guests for the festival may be waiting just a little longer to hear from certain artists...

The line-up release date has been moved two days further, now being announced on Sunday 26th February.

As we draw nearer to the eagerly anticipated announcement, more rumours are spreading across the internet about which artists could be appearing on the bill. 

Previous rumours have included The Stone Roses, Coldplay, Florence & The Machine, Professor Green and The Vaccines.

Two of the latest rumours for the event are Lady Gaga and Snow Patrol, who both last played at the festival in 2009. On the Sunday night in Chelmsford, Snow Patrol were pushed further up the bill to headline the event, after Oasis were unable to attend (and later broke up the following week). Lady Gaga's appearance was more popular than organisers must have expected; as fans crowded into the JJB Arena, the gates had to be closed and locked to prevent any further entries. 

With just a week to go, more rumours are set to spread over Twitter and festival-rumour websites, before the announcement at 9pm next Sunday.

As the BRITs draw closer...

It has become tradition within the past few years for some of the country's biggest artists to come together to perform at the BRITs War Child gig at Shepherds Bush, and this year is no exception.

Coinciding with the BRIT Awards each year, these gigs help to raise awareness for War Child, a very special charity helping to raise money for children across the world who are affected by war. By providing medical care,  education, a safe place as well as helping to protect their human rights, War Child work day-in-day-out in countries such as Uganda, Afghanistan, Congo and Iraq. In the past three years, these gigs have raised over £500,000.

2009 saw The Killers and Coldplay join together to put together a spectacular show, made even more incredible with two special guest appearances from two of the biggest names in music - Bono and Gary Barlow. Barlow started off the encore, performing 'Back for Good' with Chris Martin, whilst Brandon Flowers and Bono soon joined in to perform the Killers classic 'All These Things That I've Done'. The iconic lyrics: 'I've got soul but I'm not a soldier', echoed around the room as 2,000 fans sang along at the exclusive and memorable event.

In order to establish the post-BRITs War Child concert as an annual event, the show continued in 2010, with Best British Group winners, Kasabian headlining. The group were joined by Calvin Harris, La Roux and even Mighty Boosh's Noel Fielding.

With a new year came a new venue, as in 2011, War Child moved to the Indigo Arena at the O2, showing how the concert is developing to grow each year. This year's headliner was Mark Ronson, who brought along many other special guests including Temper Trap, Boy George, Katy B, Ms Dynamite, Wretch 32 and Kyle Falconer from The View.

2012 sees the War Child gig move back to the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. With a slight change this year, the concert will take place on Sunday 19th February - two days before the BRITs Awards Ceremony. After a hugely successful 2011, as well as having the most BRIT nominations with a fantastic four, Ed Sheeran tops the bill. Ed described headlining the show as 'an absolute honour', and the singing sensation will be joined by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dry The River.

Who will follow in the footsteps of Gary Barlow, Bono and Boy George making a guest appearance at the event?

Tickets, that went on general sale on Saturday 4th February, are some of the hottest tickets around and will be the most magnificent run-up to the awards show on Tuesday 21st February.

Album #2 on the way for Jessie

After releasing hit-after-hit from her first album 'Who You Are' throughout 2011, Jessie J is already keen to get back in the studio to start on her follow-up.

After spending two weeks at #1 with her latest single 'Domino', Jessica Cornish, as she is otherwise known, has expressed her desire to head back to the recording studio. After writing songs for many other artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, Jessie had already written many of the songs that would appear on the Who You Are album and is therefore excited so write some fresh, new material.

Some of the tracks on the Who You Are album are said to have been written four to five years ago, so any new material is likely to be even more exciting and innovative.

Capital FM recently reported, when talking about fellow BRITs Critics Choice award winner Goulding, Cornish said she is "definitely going to get in the studio with Ellie." Jessie J also indicated an interest in working with other artists, saying she'd "love to work with Adele". After working with the rapper on her #1 single 'Price Tag', Jessie suggested interest in working with Devlin further, saying "Dev I'm definitely going to get back in the studio with."


Jessie J isn't the only Essex artist who has been considering high-profile collaborations recently. It has been rumoured that Pixie Lott is very keen to duet with Coldplay -- it sounds like big things are on the way for our Essex stars!

V Festival Line-Up...

Apologies for any excitement that this may have caused if you thought that the full line-up would be given here! However, what Essex In The Media can tell you is that the official announcement will be made on Thursday 23rd February at 10pm.

Many rumours have been circulating across the web, with some websites suggesting Coldplay and Muse as possible headliners. Other artists mentioned to potentially appear in the line up include Stone Roses, Florence & The Machine and Professor Green.

In the past, the V Festival website has often given a glimpse into some of the artists performing through the advertisements that appear in the header and footer of their page. In recent years especially last year, I've seen Arctic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal and Chase & Status appear in these adverts - all three performed at the festival.

If this pattern were to follow, we could be in with a real treat at the festival that runs for two days at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire. Advertisements this year have included the rumoured Coldplay, as well as Snow Patrol, Swedish House Mafia, Example, Maverick Sabre and Rebecca Ferguson.

Could this potentially mean that Snow Patrol and Coldplay will be our headliners on the V Stage on August 18th and 19th? We'll have to wait to February 23rd to find out!

Tickets will go on sale on 3rd March. For those who are on the Virgin Media phone network, you can register for Early-Bird tickets from the 6th February until the 19th, with tickets being sold on the 27th.

The BRIT Awards 2012 - Perfomers Update!

After the announcement of the nominees at the BRITs Launch Party two weeks ago, all 9 performers have now been announced. A star-studded night of awards and celebrities will be joined by performances from some of the country's biggest musical artists, alongside some of the biggest acts from across the pond.

Rihanna
The BRITS 2012 will complete Rihanna's hat-trick of performances at the awards ceremony, after performing 'Umbrella' as a duet with The Klaxons in 2008 and in 2011, treating the awards show with a medley of hits from her Loud album. After a hugely successful 2011 with her #1 album 'Talk That Talk', Rihanna also became the artist to hold the UK #1 Single spot for the most weeks in 2011, with an astonishing 7 weeks. Any performance from Rihanna will always be a spectacle and this BRITs performance is likely to be no exception.

Bruno Mars
After writing hit song 'Forget You' for Cee Lo Green, last year's BRITs winner in the International Male category, as well as many other chart hits for artists such as Alexandra Burke, Flo Rida and Travie McCoy, Mars has now stepped in front of the mic to become a chart success himself. With four UK #1's under his belt, including 2011 hit 'The Lazy Song', Bruno Mars definitely deserves his spot performing to thousands at the awards ceremony at the O2 Arena.

Adele
Following on from Adele's mesmerizing performance of 'Someone Like You' at last year's BRIT Awards, this songstress has become a global phenomenon. With 3 UK #1's from her MasterCard British Album of the Year nominated album '21', this year has been hugely successful for Adele. It's going to be difficult to do, but I'm sure Adele's BRITs performance this year is going to be even bigger and better than last year's!

Coldplay
Having performed at the BRITs four times, most recently in 2009 when they performed 'Viva La Vida', as well as having six of the awards to their name, Coldplay are BRITs veterans. Nominated for Mastercard British Album for 'Mylo Xyloto' and British Group, the band have a chance of making six awards become eight.

Noel Gallagher
Having collected the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize in 2007 with brother Liam as Oasis, Noel returns as a solo act this year. 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' as his act is now known, is sure to produce a fantastic performance, complete with excitement and talent as the Gallagher brothers have always managed to do in the past.

Florence & The Machine
This indie pop singer-songwriter is no stranger to the BRITs, having performed a duet with Dizzee Rascal in 2009, when the pair collaborated to create 'You've Got the Dirtee Love'. Her album 'Ceremonials' went to #1 in four countries, with three songs being released from the album in the UK. Florence Welch never fails to give a spectacular performance with her uplifting voice.

Ed Sheeran
What a year Ed Sheeran has had. With his 3 singles reaching the Top 5 in the UK Singles chart, a #1 album and FOUR BRIT nominations, February 21st is set to be a tremendous night for this 20-year-old from West Yorkshire. After a fantastic performance already at the BRITs launch party, there are high hopes for Sheeran's performance at the awards ceremony and he will not disappoint.

Olly Murs
2011 has been a huge year for this Essex boy. With two #1 singles and a #1 album, a spot presenting hit TV show 'The Xtra Factor' alongside Caroline Flack, plus a 20+ date arena tour across the country, Murs knows everything there is to know about live performances, with his BRITs performance set to be the highlight of them all.

Outstanding Contribution - Blur
Blur are this year's winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award. The last time the cult Brit-Pop band performed at the BRITs was in 1995. After disbanding in 2009, Blur are back to receive their award and to make a very special appearance performing at the awards ceremony at The O2.

Be sure to tune into the BRIT Awards on February 21st on ITV.

The BRIT Awards 2012 - Nominations are released!

It's that time of year again when our favourite award show rears its exciting head around the corner!

On Tuesday February 21st, the annual BRIT Awards will be taking place, live on ITV1 from The O2 Arena in London.

This afternoon at the BRIT Awards Launch Party, hosted by Radio 1 DJ Greg James, the nominees for the esteemed awards were released:

British Male: Ed Sheeran, James Blake, James Morrison, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Professor Green

Some critics may have been surprised at the absence of Example and Olly Murs - two artists potentially tipped for the accolade. Ed Sheeran is currently bookies favourite.

British Female: Adele, Florence & The Machine, Jessie J, Kate Bush, Laura Marling

With last year's winner, Laura Marling, in the category, as well as four other very strong contenders, this is a very tough category to be in. With the huge success following her emotional performance of Someone Like You at last year's BRITs, Adele is likely to be tipped for the top.

British Breakthrough Act: Anna Calvi, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande, Jessie J, The Vaccines

Jessie J, 2011's Critic's Choice winner, and 2012's winner Emeli Sande each pose difficult competition in this category. However, could Ed Sheeran is also very much in the running due to his rise to fame throughout 2011, as agreed by bookies who put him as 6/5 favourite.

British Group: Arctic Monkeys, Chase & Status, Coldplay, Elbow, Kasabian

Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Kasabian were always clear choices for the Best Group category, so it seems as if one of these three could be in the title race. Headlining festivals across the country throughout 2011, each of these groups deserve their place as one of the nominees. Coldplay take the bookies favourite.

British Album: Adele - 21, Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto, Ed Sheeran - +, Florence & The Machine - Ceremonials, PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Five huge albums from the year of 2011 in music. PJ Harvey, winner of the Mercury Music Prize, immediately springs to mind; however, Adele, Coldplay, Ed and Florence have each had huge successes from these albums - a very open race.

British Single: Adele - Someone Like You, Ed Sheeran - The A Team, Example - Changed The Way You Kissed Me, Jessie J - Price Tag, JLS - She Makes Me Wanna, Military Wives - Wherever You Are, Olly Murs ft. Rizzle Kicks - Heart Skips A Beat, One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful, Pixie Lott - All About Tonight, The Wanted - Glad You Came

Tradition normally finds that on the night of February 21st, these 10 nominees will have become 5. If the bookies are to go by, this will be One Direction, JLS, The Wanted, Adele and Jessie J. Having crashed the BRITs website when voting went live, my tip for the top would be One Direction and their huge flock of fans.

International Male: Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, Bruno Mars, David Guetta, Ryan Adams

Again, five very strong contenders. Bruno Mars and David Guetta have had repeat successes in the British Chart, but will this help them to take the award? Bon Iver is currently bookies favourite.

International Female: Beyonce, Bjork, Feist, Lady Gaga, Rihanna

Possibly the toughest category of them all. Three of the world's biggest chart-toppers battle out for the Best Female award, but after an immensely successful year, my thoughts go with Rihanna.

International Group: Fleet Foxes, Foo Fighters, Jay Z/Kanye West, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5

With five very different groups in this category, the award could really go to anybody. Each having huge selling albums throughout 2011, the category is wide open. If an International Single category existed, I'm pretty sure it would go to nominees Maroon 5, for the catchiest song of the year in Moves Like Jagger.

International Breakthrough Act: Aloe Blacc, Bon Iver, Foster The People, Lana del Rey, Nicki Minaj

In the eyes of the bookies, Bon Iver are tipped for the top again. However, after a hugely successful year in the US, as well as in the UK with hit song Superbass, Nicki Minaj poises strong competition. 

Stay tuned to the Essex in the Media blog to find out more about the BRIT Awards 2012, including performers, as well as the winners from the awards show on February 21st, hosted by James Corden.

V Festival Rumours Have Begun!

One of the biggest music festivals in the country, organised by Virgin, always attracts thousands of music-fans to Chelmsford every summer. This year will be no different, with competition for tickets set to be fierce if the current rumoured acts are to be correct!

V Festival, which will take place at Hylands Park over the 20th & 21st of August, never fails to pull in some big name artists. 2010 saw Kings of Leon and Kasabian headline the festival on the main stage, with The Prodigy, David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Scouting For Girls, Florence & The Machine and the Stereophonics being just a few of the other artists who packed in large crowds over the weekend!

This year is set to be bigger and better than ever, especially if the current rumours are true. Sheffield rock band, Arctic Monkeys, were one of the first names that spread across the internet in relation to the event. Having never played at the festival, Essex fans of the band will be excited to hear that they may play at Hylands Park in the summer. Coldplay have also been rumoured to play.

One of the biggest and most exciting rumours spreading over the internet is that US Superstars Eminem and Rihanna may both play sets, including performing together. Their song 'Love The Way You Lie' was the biggest selling song of 2010 in the UK, so there is no doubt that they would attract huge crowds to watch their sets. 

No acts have been confirmed yet but the list of rumours are set to grow and expand until the official line-up is announced in the Spring. Keep checking back to the Essex In The Media blog for more rumours and line-up news.