Rising rapper Aitch and indie singer-songwriter Rex Orange County are the latest artists to secure support from the BBC Radio 1 Brit List.
As well as playlist support, the Brit List platform provides live, social media and editorial opportunities.
Aitch (real name Harrison Armstrong) is a 19-year-old from Manchester who’s just cracked the Top 10 with Taste (Make It Shake), released by Since ’93/RCA. This year he’s had features with Young T & Bugsey on Strike A Post and Bugzy Malone on Kilos – both Top 20 singles.
Aitch (pictured) was named in 1Xtra’s Hot For 2019 list and headlined the BBC Music Introducing Stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Middlesbrough earlier this year.
“Sick news, this is a crazy opportunity,” said Aitch. “I’m mad grateful to Radio 1 and I’m excited because it’s only just the start… safe.”
Rex Orange County (real name Alexander O’Connor) has already released multiple singles and two albums independently. The AWAL-signed artist has moved 24,050 copies of 2019 single New House, according to the Official Charts Company.
Rex Orange County plays Lollapalooza next month and agent Lucy Dickins has tipped him for a big year.
Rex Orange County said: “I’m humbled to have been considered for this year’s Brit list. Thank you to everyone at Radio 1 for supporting me from the start.”
He came second in BBC Music’s Sound of 2018 poll and has been championed by Annie Mac.
The youth network’s platform for breaking UK artists has given a boost to Lewis Capaldi, Freya Ridings and Mabel in recent months.
“We’re really pleased to be able to support two more brilliant artists with Radio 1’s Brit List,” said Radio 1 head of music, Chris Price. “Since the launch in 2017, we’ve backed some incredible emerging UK talent who have since gone on to achieve tremendous success, such as the likes of Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi and Mabel, and we’re excited to see what’s next for Aitch and Rex Orange County. Both acts have already received considerable support from Radio 1 and BBC Music Introducing, and we’re delighted to be able to offer them this extra commitment as they approach the next steps in their careers.”
Virgin EMI president Ted Cockle credited the role of the Brit List in the breakthrough by Lewis Capaldi. Ridings and Mabel both made No.3 with debut albums.
Radio 1’s Brit List launched just over two years ago with a mission to further support UK artists already on the way up. The first wave of acts included Anne-Marie, Declan McKenna, JP Cooper, Sampha, Stormzy and The Amazons.
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