Students from Platform One, the University of Chichester’s partner music college, will be heard across the UK this Monday (26 January) when BBC Radio 6 Music broadcasts its Teatime Sessions live from the Isle of Wight.
Presented by Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens, the show will come from Strings, the island’s much-loved independent venue, in a special edition celebrating the role grassroots spaces play in nurturing new music and creative communities.
Platform One will feature in a live on-air interview during the broadcast, with staff joined by second-year degree student and indie-pop artist Ruby. Together, they’ll talk about studying at the Isle of Wight’s specialist music college, the realities of building a career in the creative industries, and how early access to industry-level experience can shape emerging artists.
The conversation will also reflect on Platform One’s deep ties to the UK music scene – including its link to globally successful Isle of Wight band Wet Leg, whose members Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers both studied at the college. Beyond its famous alumni, Platform One maintains close working relationships with venues, festivals and industry partners on the island and further afield.
Peter Pontin, Director of Platform One, said the broadcast offered a rare chance to shine a spotlight on the college’s work.
“BBC Radio 6 Music’s visit is a great opportunity for people to find out more about the work we do here at Platform One. We have such good links with the music industry, not only with local venues like Strings and the Isle of Wight Festival, but also nationally and within Europe, and this allows students to access a wide range of opportunities to perform and gain experience.”
With alumni including breakthrough acts such as Wet Leg and Coach Party, Platform One has built a reputation for blending creative freedom with technical rigour – equipping students not just to make music, but to sustain a career in an industry that rewards both talent and tenacity.
On Monday afternoon, that journey moves briefly from rehearsal rooms and studios to the national airwaves.
