Emma-Jean Thackray becomes Jazz FM's (Guest) Head of Music
Emma-Jean Thackray becomes our first (Guest) Head of Music, with other Mica Millar and Makaya McCraven to follow...
Last updated 16th Aug 2022
This Friday, we'll be opening up our music policy for the first time to allow a plethora of artists to pick the songs on our station across the day, becoming Jazz FM’s (Guest) Head of Music.
Kicking off our new series is our 2021 Jazz FM Award 'UK Jazz Act of the Year' – the multi-instrumentalist and singer Emma-Jean Thackray on Friday the 19th of August 2022. Over the course of the day, listeners will hear her in the studio each hour, talking with Simon Phillips, Deb Grant and Jamie Crick to present some of her favourite music.
The day will be followed by a special programme at 6pm, where Emma-Jean Thackray wil take over the station for a whole hour, with even more music from her own collection.
Other artists appearing as Guest Head of Music the over next few months include the fellow Jazz FM Award-winning American jazz drummer Makaya McCraven, as well as the up-and-coming UK soul singer Mica Millar.
Talking about the announcement, Emma-Jean Thackray said: “I’ve never had an office job before and I can’t wait to nose through the filing cabinets, get involved in office politics, get frustrated at the coffee machine AND chose my favourite music across the day.”
Jazz FM’s regular Head of Music Christian Bragg said: “Giving the artists behind our music the chance to come and help programme the music on the station for the day is a fantastic chance for them to show us what’s on their personal playlist right now. I couldn’t be happier to hand the reigns over to them and hear what they choose as I know it will inspire me when I get control back!”
Nick Pitts, Jazz FM’s Content Director added: “We love to create different ways for our talented musicians to be part of what we do. We hear from so many of them in session or conversation, giving our listeners and us another angle from which to learn more about these unique artists. Emma-Jean’s security pass is ready for her and I can’t wait!”