Emerging artists take over Brighton cafe for day-long independent music festival

Earlier this month, London-based promoter Turtle Tempo took over a cosy Brighton cafe to present GR8 ESC, a day-long festival showcasing emerging musical talent.

Throughout the day, a range of upcoming artists took to the stage, with sounds ranging from acoustic indie pop to electric, alternative rock.

First to play was north London singer-songwriter Charlie Vaughan. From the outset, an enticing Beatles-esque quality rang clearly through the artist’s music. The set opened with cheery melodies, including new music, while the third song exhibited a more relaxed, reflective feel. Bright, summery guitar riffs carried each song, setting a joyous tone for the day of music to come.

Also hailing from London, Fox Jackson was next to take to the stage. His first song, Behind Closed Doors, set a funk-infused tone for the rest of the set, which included a combination of covers and original songs. Featuring catchy loops and energetic beatboxing overlaid with smooth vocals and silky electric guitar, Jackson injected a fresh sense of vibrancy into each cover, including a particularly memorable rendition of Return of the Mack. Original songs included Like That, a new track which will appear on the artist’s upcoming new album, A Sex Demo, due to drop next month.

Since we last saw Safety Jacket at their headline show at London pub The Finsbury last year, their strikingly emotive sound has stuck with us. Despite the rest of his band being unavailable for the Brighton gig, George, a member of the local group, brought the same unbridled, punchy energy to the stage.

Filled with angsty, heart-filled love songs and captivatingly unique sounds, the set balanced impassioned rock power with palpable vulnerability, with a standout a capella section that showcased the singer’s immense lyrical capabilities.

Continuing to walk the line of emotion expertly strung out by Safety Jacket, singer-songwriter Jack Howard was next up. Although based in south London, Howard was raised on England’s south coast, where his family nurtured his musical interests from a young age. Throughout his set, the artist’s musical background was beautifully evident, as strong vocals mingled with bright electric guitar backing to create a transportive, fresh sound that felt both settled and evocative.

If anything can add an air of brightness to a rainy Brighton day it’s the magnetic, vibrant sounds of Bryony Dunn and The Forest. Paired with enchantingly colourful existing songs layered with silky vocals and thick harmonies, new songs including tunes from an upcoming EP featured as part of the set, including June, which is set to be released next month. As passers-by stopped to watch through the cafe’s windows, the group showcased their inventively charismatic pop sound, which straddles 70s indie pop and folk rock.

Next to play at the Brighton cafe was Nottingham-born artist Bexx. Supported by acoustic guitar backing from instrumentalist Jonny Cheung, the singer moved skilfully through a set of catchy love songs united by admirably strong lyrical sensibility. Exploring topics ranging from relationships to Julia Roberts, the singer’s music was further enhanced by her outstandingly well-controlled, powerful vocals.

Forging an increasingly momentous path through the London music scene, Daisy Veacock has developed a ravishingly unique, yet classical sound that lovingly fuses pop with old-school jazz. Often likened to Lily Allen, Veacock delivered a set of bright, joyful songs with bouncy acoustic backing.

Her playful lyricism and expressive vocals stood out throughout, as well as an appearance from a friend, Lloyd John, whose added verse added a fresh punch to one of the artist’s songs. With slots lined up at Glastonbury and past support slots with Jools Holland, Daisy Veacock is one to watch closely.

London artist Coco And The Lost drew an eager crowd for her set, which was packed with rock-infused, energetic sounds. Supported by guitarist Jamie Lordy and drummer Connor McCorkindale, the artist’s set was delightfully prolific and edgy. Ushering in a new era of Britpop, the singer moved through a string of catchy hits including punchy latest single Goodnight.

With similarly catchy sounds, alt-pop duo Szou was up next, celebrated for their infectiously energetic, danceable sets. Beneath lead singer Zoe’s bouncy vocals, buzzing synth motifs and zestful guitar lines created an upbeat sonic world that was oozing with life. Amongst the mix of catchy, lively tunes were more reflective, mellow tunes, before the set built up to Szou’s punchily vivacious latest release, Up To No Good.

Accompanied by a skilful band, indie pop artist Frances Mistry took to the cafe’s stage with an enticingly soft set. The Brighton-based artist showcased an honest, moody indie pop sound through reflective songs embellished with fuzzy electric backing and steady drum beats. Across the set, her characteristic sound rang through her older songs as well as through new tracks that feature on her new EP, Messages, which was released last week.

Adele’s influence rang clearly through the next set, as vocal powerhouse Abi Clements showcased her moody, smooth sound. Raw and authentic with an edge of groove, the Brighton-based singer was joined by Junior Vieira-Dawes for her set, which closed with a refreshingly unexpected country song, which the pair had written as part of their studies at Brighton’s BIMM.

Jazz-influenced emerging artist Georgie Moon was next to perform. Her set started on an upbeat, rhythmic note, backed by strong beats and jazz-infused accompaniment from her skilful live band, before more emotional songs, including the unreleased Japan, added new depth to the set. Filled with reflective lyrics and gentle drum and bass, the more stripped back song let the singer exhibit her remarkably expressive vocals, before she transitioned to a more built up, jazzy sound to close.

Oscillating between peaceful, stripped back moments of guitar and powerful vocals, alx frncs’ set was a beautifully delicate, intimate exploration on life’s challenges. Self-describing her sound as “sad indie bedroom folk”, the artist let her vulnerability shine through masterfully arranged songs with swells of powerful vocals and strong beats. The set was further enhanced by backing from a skilled trio of instrumentalists, including stand-out harmonies from band member Willow.

As the day of music neared its close, indie-disco quartet Hey Bailey gave an energetic performance that was springing with groove. On top of lively percussion, dynamic guitar riffs drew a summery, light-hearted feel over the room as the sun came down over the Brighton cafe. The group’s strikingly joyous and uniquely bouncy sounds make them a band to keep your eye on— any new gigs or releases are sure to put an always needed spring in your step.

A smooth set from acclaimed rising rap artist j.flowers.mp3 ended the night. Joined by musician BabyEleanor, who recently collaborated with j.flowers.mp3 on 2023 single Language, the south-east London-based artist’s soulful R&B sounds couldn’t have made for a better way to bring the night to a peaceful close.

Photography by Emma Last.