Xfm Adds Big Names For New Residency Slot

GCap Media’s flagship ‘indie’ station, Xfm, is introducing a new programme to its schedule, with some big-name musicians taking over the airwaves every Sunday for a month at a time.

‘The Xfm Residency’ commences on 8 April at 9pm with Damon Albarn of Blur, Gorillaz and The Good, the Bad and the Queen kicking things off with a selection of his own favourite tunes.

Following on from the Britpop icon, Welsh trio Manic Street Preachers will be the band of the month for May.

Managing director of the Xfm Network, Nick Davidson, said: “We are really excited to have Damon and the Manic Street Preachers guest DJing for Xfm. It is a fantastic opportunity for our listeners to hear the music that their music idols enjoy and are inspired by. It’s great to be able to add this kind of expertise to our already strong line-up for specialist shows.”

Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield added: “We are really excited about doing ‘The Xfm Residency’ as although we have spent many hours in radio studios over the years this will be the first time that we have actually been handed the reigns to chat about and play the music that we are passionate about.

“We are massive Xfm fans and what better way is there to spend a Sunday evening than playing our new material out during our own radio show.”

Since its expansion into Manchester and Glasgow (see Xfm Rejigs Schedule Ahead Of Manchester Launch), the once London only station has bolstered its weekly reach dramatically.

At the last RAJARs, the total Xfm network recorded around an 80% rise in its weekly reach year on year. Its national share of listening went up slightly, whilst its hours per listener also saw an upturn, of more than 6.5% year on year (see BBC Stations Continue To Perform Well).

Xfm: 0871 222 1049 www.xfm.co.uk