Bristol Beacon has announced its first cohort of Resident Artists as part of a flagship initiative designed to provide space, time and financial support to some of Bristol’s most talented local music creators. The project aims to nurture artistic growth, enabling musicians to explore new creative directions and elevate their craft across their six-month residency.
Following an online call out for submissions, three Bristol-based artists were selected from a strong field of over 100 applicants. Grove, Holysseus Fly and Waldo’s Gift have been chosen to participate in the residency with each artist bringing a unique voice and perspective to the Bristol music scene - reflecting the city’s rich and diverse creative landscape.
A rising star known for blending punk, rap and bass-heavy beats, Grove’s music delivers a politically charged message with an unapologetic attitude. Their genre-fluid sound challenges norms and amplifies voices from marginalised communities. Holysseus Fly is a vocalist, pianist and producer whose sound is deeply influenced by jazz, neo-soul and electronic music. Her work explores themes of spirituality and emotional depth, creating immersive experiences for listeners. Waldo’s Gift, known for their boundary-pushing performances and fusing complex rhythms with atmospheric textures that defy genre conventions, are an instrumental trio that merge jazz improvisation with electronic soundscapes and post-rock influences.
Owen Parry, Creative Producer at Bristol Beacon, said: “We received an overwhelmingly positive response from this first call-out which is ultimately a testament to the incredible community of Bristol-based music creators out there at present. In providing this comprehensive package of support, our aim is to supercharge the momentum these ambitious and distinctive artists have already generated themselves, at a vital time in their career trajectory. We hope this will not only provide real impact for them as individual artists, but also raise the profile of Bristol’s music scene beyond the region, bringing it to the attention of a national audience.”
Bristol Beacon has developed the Resident Artists project following a period of consultation with Bristol’s independent music community and designed it to respond to the needs of emerging artists. Each artist receives a bespoke package of support from Bristol Beacon, including a series of financial grants to fund music creation, professional and creative development, use of Bristol Beacon’s facilities and performance spaces, and access to the charity’s staff team and network for professional advice, feedback and support.
This new residency is the latest initiative to emerge from Bristol Beacon’s wider Talent Development programme, supported by the PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network. Alongside its existing projects for early-stage artists and showcasing events Bristol Beacon reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting local musicians and creating opportunities for artistic progression.
Holysseus Fly said: “I applied for this scheme to have the time and space to make my debut album. It’s already in its infancy, but I just want to explore it here and also there are so many opportunities at the Beacon. Bristol is a place where I’ve had my musical upbringing. I feel like I’ve learned so many fundamental things about who I want to be in this city - it’s a city I’m proud of.”
Grove said: “I applied for the resident artist scheme to get support at all levels – mentorship and community are important parts of the creative process. Being an artist in Bristol means trialling out new things constantly, pushing the different edges of what sound mixes can be, trying different collaborative approaches.”
Waldo’s Gift said: “We formed in a pretty unconventional way, after the offer of a weekly gig at The Gallimaufry. That experience of learning and creating live with an audience meant our connection to Bristol was solidified from the start. It means the world to be supported by Bristol Beacon to further our journey, creating new music in a supportive and comfortable environment.
In the current landscape where time and space for music is increasingly scarce, opportunities like this for DIY artists who have done the ground work but need that extra support to break through to the next level in their career are vital.”
This announcement also marks the first major step in Bristol Beacon’s Talent Development programme following the venue’s extensive transformation - the artists will take advantage of its transformed Cellars space which includes state-of-the-art studio facilities and an intimate live performance space.
For more information on the Resident Artists programme and the selected artists, head to the Bristol Beacon website. To keep up to date with all Bristol Beacon news and updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to the newsletter here.
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