Just how different would the music scene in Britain be without the likes of DJs like Steve Lamacq?

Thoroughly annoyed at the news about 6Music looking likely to be closed down by the BBC. This has been blogged about by many other people far more eloquently than I I feel I could do right now, but suffice to say: There is the demand for it. There is a need for it. Can I listen to it in the car? No, I can’t – but listening to local radio play the likes of Hard-Fi, Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs, Biffy Clyro and various other ‘indie bands’ who crossed over, the point is that we need stations and DJs to champion this stuff. Is this mainstream indie? Of course it is, but the likelihood of hearing Biffy or Snow Patrol on daytime local radio 10 years ago seemed remote. The Beeb has always had a more adventurous music policy – and radio is still key to breaking bands in the 21st century.

Tom Robinson at 6Music was one of the very first DJs to play 17 Seconds Records’ music, and it meant a huge deal. There is some talk of Radio 2 being sharpened up – but dammit, what I wanted was for 6Music to be easier to get hold of, not to have to scratch around for decent music on the radio. People like Steve Lamacq, Jarvis Cocker, Lauren Laverne and other 6Music DJs who actually care about music shouldn’t be having to worry about their jobs. The Beeb wouldn’t axe Radio 3, even though its’ listening figures are not drastically higher than those of 6music. And whilst I have to confess I haven’t listened to the Asian Network either, I hope these two stations fight their corner. Maybe if the Beeb stopped paying inflated salaries to certain presenters…? Hate to point out the Emperor is actually stark bollock naked, but, y’know…

I think this hits the spot very well…

Ballboy -‘All the Records On The Radio Are Shite.’ mp3

Update: watch Adam Buxton offer Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson out for a fight!