Here are seven artists from Suffolk to keep an eye out for in 2025 after having great years. (Image: Nick Ilott/Charlie Pittman/Ikarus/Tom Cann)
Here are seven artists from Suffolk to keep an eye out for in 2025 after having great years. (Image: Nick Ilott/Charlie Pittman/Ikarus/Tom Cann)
Suffolk is a county steeped in rich musical history.
Benjamin Britten, Brian Eno, Nik Kershaw, Laura Wright, The Darkness, Charlie Simpson, Nandi Bushell and Ed Sheeran, to name a few, have all hailed from or been brought up in the county.
Now, with the help of Brighten the Corners Festival in Ipswich, we bring you seven singers and bands from around the county to keep an eye on in 2025.
Afterdrive
Afterdrive from Ipswich
Afterdrive from Ipswich (Image: Nick Ilott Photography)
This four-piece band from Ipswich had an incredible 2024. They started the year with the release of singles that gained recognition on platforms such as BBC Radio 1 as well as BBC Suffolk and Norfolk.
Their single 'Cars' became a standout, earning a spot on Ipswich Town's matchday playlist for Premier League games and receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1, with host Jess Iszatt saying they are "stadium worthy" and "your new favourite band".
They also played some major gigs in the UK and sold out a hometown show. The band said a highlight for them "was meeting Ed Sheeran and having the chance to talk with him".
The band is made up of Ben Watts, Joe Watts, Ed Ruff, and Luke Ellis
The band is made up of Ben Watts, Joe Watts, Ed Ruff, and Luke Ellis (Image: Nick Ilott Photography)
Looking ahead to 2025, they look forward to continuing the momentum.
They said: "We're planning to release loads of new music, including our debut EP, hitting the road for a tour and aiming for some big festival slots.
"We also hope to secure label and management backing to take things to the next level, and maybe reconnect with Ed for more inspiration and support."
Esme Emerson
Esme Emerson has had a great 2024, supporting Keane and Gigi Perez
Esme Emerson has had a great 2024, supporting Keane and Gigi Perez
(Image: Tom Cann)
Brother and sister duo Esme Emerson have had an "incredible" year, going on their first supporting tours with The Japanese House and Good Neighbours. They also played sold-out shows supporting big names such as Keane and Gigi Perez.
They also released their first EP with Communion Records called Big Leap, No Faith, Small Chancer.
They have also started to release singles from their second EP Applesauce which is coming out in 2025. They played their first headline show, which also sold out, saying: "It feels like we've really started to build a lovely community this year which we're very thankful for."
Crowds in St Stephens Church enjoying Esme Emerson
Crowds in St Stephens Church enjoying Esme Emerson (Image: Tom Cann)
On Spotify, the pair have 67,000 monthly listeners.
They said: "In 2025, we're going on our first headline tour. We're playing in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Ipswich.
"We're also playing some amazing festivals such as Truck Festival, Victorious Festival and Motel Mozaique in the Netherlands, our first festival outside of the UK.
"We're excited to release the full 'Applesauce' EP, keep working on new music and connecting with more listeners."
Charlie Pittman
Charlie Pittman from Holbrook is a success in Australia
Charlie Pittman from Holbrook is a success in Australia (Image: Charlie Pittman)
This singer is a bit different to the rest due to most of his success coming so far down under, after moving to Australia and being a finalist on the country's version of The Voice in 2023.
The singer, originally from Holbrook, near Ipswich, has had a great 2024, saying it was his "biggest year yet", signing a record deal with music label Island Records Australia.
He released his debut EP nothing is forever, opened for Drax Project and The Band Camino. I also did two headline tours across Australia and had a writing trip to America. He has also had his song 'I don't wanna be here' played on BBC Radio 1 by Mollie King.
Charlie was named on GQ's best-dressed list in 2024
Charlie was named on GQ's best-dressed list in 2024 (Image: Charlie Pittman)
He said: "I'm currently in Nashville recording my second EP with plans to release that in 2025. I also recently signed to the booking agent 13 Artists, who also have Arctic Monkeys on their books, for a UK/Europe tour.
"I was also fortunate enough to attend the 2024 Aria Awards where I was featured in GQ best dressed list.
"It's been such a contrast to life before when I was playing cover gigs in pubs in Ipswich in 2023 and it is amazing to travel the world doing what I love."
Sophiethegreat
Sophiethegreat performing
Sophiethegreat performing (Image: Sonny Martin)
Singer Sophiethegreat had a successful 2024, opening the Brighten the Corners Festival on the Cornhill Stage in June. She said it was a "hugely beautiful experience".
She also opened for R&B group Bricknasty, describing that as "truly unfathomable".
Throughout the year she also played at the Spread Eagle in Ipswich.
In 2025, she plans to release more music and keep performing.
Nina Arya
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Ipswich singer Nina Arya had a busy 2024, performing at both Reading and Leeds festivals in August this year. She said she was "so excited" when she was asked to play at the festivals, which share a line-up.
She said: "To play one of the first festivals I ever went to was such a mad experience."
She put out some new music that she had been working on for a long time, having support from the BBC Asian network and BBC Norfolk and Suffolk.
Regarding 2025, she said: "I really want to put out as much music as possible.
"I have so much more to show and so many different sides to my artistry I've not explored yet,
"I can't wait to play more shows and show everyone what I have been working on."
Jake Beautyman
Jake Beautyman performing
Jake Beautyman performing (Image: Benedict Priddy)
2024 was a great year for DJ Jake Beautyman who flew to Brazil to play two shows in Sao Paulo.
He also released a vinyl record titled Self Oscillating that was distributed worldwide and is in shops across the world. He said: "It's a really cool feeling - getting music from Suffolk to places like Japan and Paris."
He added: "Things are very exciting for 2025, as always new music is at the forefront of everything I do, and I have some fresh releases lined up with some incredible record labels."
In early 2025, he has two shows in Ipswich - DJing at Arlingtons in January 18 and Miami Bar on February 14.
He added: "Big love and thank you to everyone for their continued support. Let's have a great year."
Ikarus
Ikarus is made up of Tom Turner, Hunter Goddard, Hayden Peasey and Archie Lucas
Ikarus is made up of Tom Turner, Hunter Goddard, Hayden Peasey and Archie Lucas (Image: Ikarus)
Ikarus, an indie rock-pop band from Framlingham, formed at Thomas Mills High School, the same school Ed Sheeran went to.
In 2024, they played once again at Latitude Festival, saying: "We love the festival and the chance to come back and perform was incredible.
"We are so grateful for the love we received all weekend and it was definitely a dream come true for us."
Ikarus on stage at Latitude
Ikarus on stage at Latitude (Image: Ikarus)
As well as Latitude, they also had the opportunity to close the Brighten the Corners Cornhill Stage on the first day of the two-day festival. They said: "It was incredibly special, the chance to do it in our home town made us feel very lucky."
Looking ahead to 2025, they said: "We've got a big year planned out. Starting with the release of our third EP early in the year, we want to continue playing across the country, doing what we love to do."
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