Radio Stoke

Caution: This show may contain future stars! Andrew Marston introduces the best new music from our area, including: • From chart dreams to TV themes, where is the real money in music? For Malvern’s Dave Lowe, it was in 30-second masterpieces that became part of daily life across the UK. But now, that is all under threat. Find out why intro music may become a thing of the past. • Three days, hundreds of performers, and the whole town centre as your stage. How LoopFest 2026 is turning Shrewsbury into a music lover’s playground. • Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, 16-year-old Erymaie from Stoke opens up on turning her own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts into music that reaches out to others.* • In the Music News: Kidderminster's Robert Plant leads the charge as we look ahead to Record Store Day, next weekend. • Dean Jackson sits down with Malvern’s former resident and world-renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy, as he reflects on the hills, the old Lamb in West Malvern and the extraordinary journey that made him a global star. • In our Musicians Masterclass: From clear communication to understanding your audience, venue managers share how artists can make the most of every opportunity. • As part of Comic Relief’s 24-hour Dart-a-thon, we took over the Telford Centre inviting various musicians to take part in the challenge - and record a live session while they were at it! This week, we hear from Jason Allan - who used to live in Worcester and is now in Shrewsbury - on how busking, viral videos and one million TikTok fans turned street performances into an award-winning music journey. Upload your tracks now: bbc.co.uk/introducing * If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066.