Here at Amazing Radio we’re fiercely proud of the diversity found amongst not only the artists on amazingtunes.com, but within our presenter roster too. In an industry where women are still hugely under-represented, you can find presenters for all of your needs right here in our schedule!

Our latest addition Shell Zenner, takes the mantle of ‘new girl’ from our American recruit Tobi and joins new music bastion Gill Mills, the ever-knowledgable Bethan Elfyn, Amazing Breakfast mainstay Georgie Rogers,  and Nordic-obsessive Dani Charlton. If that wasn’t enough, tune in Sundays from 7pm and you’ll find the U.K’s only all-female playlist, courtesy of Ruth Barnes – a.k.a The Other Woman.

Presenter, blogger and girl music guru Ruth Barnes brings her unique view of new music to the show. Already renowned for its existing blog and podcast, The Other Woman is dedicated to showcasing a broader variety of female artists and bands fronted by women – sitting alongside our already eclectic main playlist.

For us, every day is International Women’s Day.

It seems like not a month goes by that we don’t introduce you to new presenters and here we are again! Growing our ever-expanding musical family.

We are very excited to announce three, you heard, three, brand new voices in the form of broadcast legend Gary Crowley, Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde and new-music obsessive Shell Zenner.

They each bring very different qualities to the airwaves but each with an unbridled passion for the music they’ll be introducing you to.

Simon Raymonde has already made himself at home on Monday evenings at amazing, Gary Crowley hits the airwaves this Sunday evening and Shell Zenner on the 30th March.

Here’s a little something-something to get you excited about their new shows:

Simon Raymonde, Mondays 7pm-9pm

Ex-Cocateau Twin Simon is a label boss of great repute and no stranger to Amazing Radio, having appeared as a well-versed guest on It’s Amazing and featured during Independents’ Week talking about Bella Union. Expect forthright opinion, great music and a welcoming host, every Monday from 7pm.

‘Bella Union signs bands of dubious character and we find this works best. I listen to a lot of new music, and feel I can bring a lot to Amazing Radio.’

Gary Crowley, Sundays 4pm

A long time, respected champion of new music, this blood-nutted bopper has given many new bands and artists their first taste of radio exposure. Gary’s CV is second to none; he started out as an office boy for Decca records before taking over the telephone receptionist job from a departing Danny Baker at the NME. He ended up at places like GLR, XFM, Channel 4, Thames TV and more recently the BBC. It all adds up to a lifetime of experience in finding and unearthing new talent that has ultimately brought Gary to his new home at Amazing Radio.

I’m extremely excited to be on the air within such an innovative station as Amazing Radio’

Shell Zenner, Fridays 1pm

Living and breathing Manchester and the North West, Shell gets her kicks from obscure instruments, flea markets, festivals, gigs and sharing the best new music around. A regular on the live band circuit in Manchester and beyond, Shell has her ear to the ground of the local music scene as well as a keen ear for emerging national and international acts.

I’m excited to become part of the amazing family alongside such well respected faces and I hope I can bring more of the best new music to the station!”

So there you go folks. You know what to do.

This week sees the launch of a marvellous new independent record label from online magazine and friend of Amazing, The Line Of Best Fit.

Founded by TLOBF’s Rich Thane, Best Fit Recordings have announced their debut single release, with the admirable intention “to bring to the fore some of the most exciting and forward-thinking acts around.”

And who better to honour that remit than the label’s first signing, London duo I Ching?

We first came across their hazy, soulful brand of electronic pop on The Paul Lester Show last year, so it’s brilliant to see them putting their first single out through an exciting new label.

You can have a listen to the A-side of I Ching’s debut single, It’s Me, via the Best Fit amazingtunes page. It will also be getting a digital and 7″ release on 23rd April.

For further information on the label, check out Best Fit Recordings‘ website. You’ll also be able to hear It’s Me getting a spin on Greg Porter’s Amazing Afternoons show on Amazing Radio today between 3 and 7pm.

Oxford five-piece, Spring Offensive have revealed their new video for Carrier, the B-side to their forthcoming single, Worry Fill My Heart. The track grows steadily, restraining itself until blowing up with soaring harmonies and military beat.

The band also reveal Spring European tour dates:

• 16.03 – The End – Birmingham
• 29.03 – Electricity Showrooms – London
• 30.03 – The Green Store Door – Brighton
• 31.03 – Secret Location – Oxford
• 01.04 – The Castle Hotel – Manchester
• 02.04 – SOYO – Sheffield
• 03.04 – The Head of Steam – Newcastle
• 04.04 – The Shipping Forecast – Liverpool
• 05.04 – Gwdihw – Cardiff
• 10.04 – Schon Schön – Mainz
• 11.04 – MUZ – Nurnberg
• 12.04 – Häll – Heidelberg
• 13.04 – Parterre – Basel

Check out more from the band at their amazingtunes.com profile.

To be honest, the Brit Awards looked a bit rubbish this year. Faced with choosing between one dull commercial experiment after another in every category, Colin and Matt off of The Saturday Show went ahead and declared their own alternative awards, The Zings! We asked each of our presenters to curate an award and then get our listeners to vote for their favourites. Without further ado, here are the results, as chosen by you!

—

Best British Breakthrough Act

Curated by Charlie Ashcroft

Runners-up: Dry The River / AlunaGeorge

—

Best British Group

Curated by Gill Mills

Runners-up: Alt J / Brother

—

Best British Female Solo Artist

Curated by Ruth Barnes

Runners-up: Saint Saviour / Sarah Williams White

—

Best British Male Solo Artist

Curated by Chris Martin

Runners-up: Matthew Kilford / Jethro Fox

—

Best British Single

Curated by Georgie Rogers

Runners-up: Bear Driver – ‘Enemy’ / Alt-J – ‘Fitzpleasure’

—

Best International Artist

Curated by Greg Porter

Runners-up: Friends / The Jezabels

—

Best British Producer

Curated by Mark Ryan

Runners-up: Stumbleine / D/R/U/G/S/

—

Best International Breakthrough Act

Curated by Jim Gellatly

Runners-up: Bravestation / Matinee

—

Best British Rock Act

Curated by Aaron Philips

Runners-up: Heroes & Outlaws / Mechanical Smile

PIAS is one of Europe’s leading independent labels, started in the early 80s amongst other indie greats like Factory and Rough Trade, and they turn thirty this week. They’ve been involved with a diverse range of artists over the years, with releases from Soulwax, Sigur Rós and Mogwai in their back catalogue.

To celebrate their 30th year, they’re putting on two special PIAS Nites gigs on the 16th and 17th of February at the Tours and Taxi’s venue in Brussels. Included in the line up are Tom Smith, Agnes Obel, Laurent Garnier and amazing favourites First Aid Kit and M83.

And as a birthday calls for a gift we’ll be replaying our hour long PIAS UK special tonight, covering the disaster during the London riots, where their major warehouse (owned by Sony), burnt down and all of their stock destroyed. Tune in at 8 on Amazing Radio to discover more.

From everyone at amazing, happy birthday PIAS! We look forward to more years of support for great new music.