This network of independent “Music Discovery” stations has introduced remarkable new talent such as Alabama Shakes, The Black Keys, Adele, Vampire Weekend, Leon Bridges and Sturgill Simpson to national audiences.

NPR Music stations, from KCRW in Los Angeles, to WXPN in Philadelphia, WFUV in New York and KUTX in Austin, are the market leaders in developing new artists. This station-driven process narrowed down the artists to Big Thief, Jamila Woods and Lo Moon as the inaugural class of Slingshot artists. To select the Slingshot artists, program directors from the 16 participating public radio stations each nominated two emerging artists that they believe to be most promising. Once the nominating process was complete, those same 16 program directors then selected their top five artists from the list of 32. Performances, editorial and interviews captured along the way will be featured on the NPR website and promoted by the entire network. NPR Music and the stations will roll out the red carpet for these artists by featuring them on national programs, like Tiny Desk, All Songs, World Cafe and Heavy Rotation and on local features, such as guest DJ opportunities and live events. Slingshot will introduce emerging artists – selected by the NPR Music and VuHaus network – and help propel their careers. Slingshot is a new music discovery initiative from NPR Music, VuHaus and their network of public radio music stations designed to create a launch pad for emerging artists. The video, interview and live event series kicks off today at NPR.org/slingshot. NPR Music and program directors from VuHaus‘ public radio music station network today announced Big Thief, Jamila Woodsand Lo Moon as the inaugural class of “Slingshot,” a new effort among taste-making public radio stations to elevate the profiles of exceptional emerging artists.

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