http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/could-it-all-be-a-fiddle-folk-stars-tell-the-bbc-to-reveal-who-judges-awards-6358939.html

Anyone read this and what do you think?

Personally I think there is a Folk Maffia or we wouldn't keep seeing the same names coming up on Festival Line Ups and award nominations year after year. I've known lots of good singer/songwriters, musicians and bands over the years who don't stand a chance in hell of getting heard widely because they are not connected to already recognised 'names'. Local folk clubs and small festivals that pay very little seem to be the only way to get into the scene and even then it is unlikely that demos actually get listened to unless they are recommended by 'someone in the know'. As a band we consider ourselves very lucky to have been booked for small festivals such as Moira Furnace,Spratton,Doncaster, Dulverton and this year Folk Station on the Isle of Wight. The only opportunity for having music aired on the radio appears to be on community radio which by its very nature is local and only has a small catchment.

OK over to you.