In the fall of 2017, NPR Music and VuHaus Group’s public radio network kicked off Slingshot, a collective effort among taste-making music stations to elevate exceptional emerging artists.

 

The inaugural class included Big Thief, Jamila Woods and Lo Moon. As the three artists traveled around the country, public radio stations produced videos, conducted interviews and recorded live performances that appeared on-air, online at VuHaus.com, and in an NPR Music editorial feature.

 

In 2018, NPR and VuHaus expanded Slingshot with a goal of naming 50 new artists nominated by VuHaus member stations and NPR Music. From Hip Hop artists WebsterX and Octavian, to Americana artists Brent Cowles and Jade Bird, and Indie Rock bands Mt. Joy and The Shacks, Slingshot artists reflect a broad range of music genres.

 

Some, like WebsterX (nominated by Radio Milwaukee) or Haley Heynderickx (nominated by opbmusic), are important players in a station's local music scene. Others, like Jade Bird (nominated by KXT) or Octavian (nominated by NPR Music), are rising stars from abroad.

 

Slingshot artists are often featured on NPR's “Tiny Desk,” “First Listen,” “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” and "World Cafe" programs, as well as the "All Songs Considered" podcast. In addition, VuHaus Group stations and NPR include Slingshot artists in their on-air programming and curated Spotify playlists, combining to offer a massive national platform and audience to talented musicians on the brink of stardom.

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Slingshot 2020 continues its editorial focus to showcase emerging artists, with a refined focus on the diversity of local music ecosystems, culture, heritage and history in our network.