Unsigned acts prepare to play for thousands at festival

At the Love Saves The Day Festival in Bristol, four unsigned artists are preparing to perform in front of a large audience. One of these artists is a talented woman named Solo Jane, who expressed her excitement about the opportunity. She stated that it is 'surreal' to be able to perform before well-known headliners at the festival. Solo Jane, who is 29 years old, is known for her vibrant turquoise jumpsuit adorned with wave patterns and a stylish bucket hat. With her long red hair flowing, she is ready to take the stage and sing into her microphone. The two women accompanying her are dressed in matching bikinis and black trousers, creating a cohesive look. In the background, a man is busy mixing music at the decks, setting the atmosphere for the performance. Solo Jane secured her spot at the festival through the Next Level artist development program, which is run by Big Team CIC and Bristol Beacon. This program aims to support artists from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those from global majority groups, providing them with opportunities to grow in the music industry. The program also offers mentorship from established musicians, allowing upcoming artists in Bristol to gain valuable experience and performance opportunities across the UK. The four artists performing this year have previously played at the festival and are thrilled to be invited back for a better time slot. Solo Jane, who also works as a vocal coach, is particularly excited to warm up the crowd for the renowned drum and bass artist A Little Sound. She has been visualizing her performance and considers it a 'full circle moment' in her career. Solo Jane is being mentored by Bristol vocalist Eva Lazarus, and she feels a sense of pride knowing that people believe in her talent. Another artist, Ssadcharlie, is a 19-year-old rapper from Bristol who is currently studying music in London. Ssadcharlie expressed their joy at having a 15-minute slot before the famous UK rapper Giggs. They shared, 'I spent so much time listening to Giggs when I was younger and I still do now. ' Ssadcharlie has been rehearsing diligently but also makes sure to spend quality time with friends. They believe it is essential to express their true self on stage, especially as an artist from the LGBTQ+ community. Javeon McCarthy, who leads the progression at Big Team CIC, emphasized the importance of authenticity in an artist's performance. Another artist, Sambee, is an afro alternative musician from Nigeria who will perform before the two-time BRIT Award winner Ms Dynamite on Saturday. At 28 years old, Sambee is excited to showcase his popular song LINA, which addresses the challenges faced by immigrants. His best friend and DJ for the performance, Jabani, shared that being an immigrant in the UK can sometimes lead to a loss of identity. He believes that to express oneself fully, it is crucial to reflect on one's roots. The final artist, Nat Oaks, is a 23-year-old UK hip hop artist who recently placed second in the Glastonbury Festival emerging artist competition. She is set to perform before a back-to-back DJ session with Groove Armada and Eats Everything at Love Saves The Day. Nat was overjoyed when she received the call about her performance while at work, stating, 'I was so stoked to know I will be performing.