BlastBeat, a music business programme which encourages young people in the UK to develop entrepreneurial business skills and promotes young musicians took over The Mesmerist for the whole of Thursday as The Great Escape kicked off in style.
A showcase for the best independent bands in the UK, there was certainly a buzz of A&Rs present as Joe Carabine, a 16-year-old singer songwriter from West London took to the stage early evening.
Fresh from sitting a couple of GCSEs that morning, his short set of self-penned songs hint at big things to come.
Upstairs in the acoustic room London three-piece Thieves wandered on stage looking every inch the popstars they deserve to be, lead singer Luke Shields channelling a young Mick Jagger with his laidback style and effortless stage presence.
Possibly even younger than Carabine, The Jacques played a tight set full of exuberance and energy, but it was the pared-down acoustic set of local singer songwriter Will Mussett which made the hairs stand on end.
His beautifully crafted, poignant songs displayed a maturity far beyond his years. With one album already under his belt Musset performed a handful of new songs which deserve to stand the test of time. A writing talent to watch.
Three stars
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