Radio Newark launched new local music show ‘Newark Amplified’ on 107.8 FM, highlighting small and aspiring artists from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire
Grassroots music in Newark now has another platform to shine thanks to the launch of a new radio show.
‘Newark Amplified’ is Radio Newark’s newest show and can be heard on 107.8 FM, Tuesdays at 7pm, every other week.
The aim is to highlight the best musicians and artists that the town and region has to offer, and give them a platform to share their talents with a wider audience.
The show is presented by Jack Brett, a country music artist from Newark, who was first introduced to the radio station at a live music event in the town centre.
From then on, an idea quickly developed around the possibility of launching a show featuring local musicians such as himself.
Jack said: “This is a space to support and encourage artists from across our area.
“We want to show off music, not just from Newark but as far as Lincoln and Nottingham too, and help fill that vacuum of local music on the radio.
“Part of it is about letting the music speak for itself, and we have the freedom to do that.”
Listeners can expect to hear a range of musical genres, as submissions are open to anyone and everyone, from singer-songwriters and rock bands, to techno DJs or even brass bands.
“I’ve been a gigging musician myself since I was 18 and know what it’s like,” said Jack.
“Some musicians put a lot of time and money into it — others just have a guitar and a microphone at home.
“We are spoilt for choice with live music in Newark, and I’m really interested in working with the great venues we have in town and spreading the love.”
Once a month, Jack also hosts an open mic night at The Flying Circus, on Castlegate, and in the future hopes he will be able to present Newark Amplified live from the venue.
“I’ve had lots of positive feedback so far on the show and what is most encouraging is having people get in touch that I don’t know,” he said.
“Everyone at Radio Newark has been so welcoming and I’m thankful that they asked me to do this.
“Newark is lucky to have a radio station like this that wants to highlight local music.”
Operations manager, Phil Johnson, said: “I would say this show is crucial, and there is a lot of scope in it.
“The music scene here in Newark is incredibly good — it’s almost like the music scene of a big city, but in our town.
“It’s great to have Jack here with us, and provides something new for our listeners.”
Artists interested in having their music played on the radio can contact Jack by emailing: amplified@radionewark.co.uk.