The Independent has announced that it will be the exclusive partner on The Great Escape music festival, which takes place in Brighton in May. The multi-faceted relationship will also see the launch of The Independent Stage, as the publication looks to bolster its commitment to supporting music and cultural initiatives.
Roisin O’Connor, Culture & Lifestyle News Editor for The Independent, said: “The Great Escape festival is one of the go-to events for anyone looking to discover just how much the UK music scene is thriving. From rappers to rock bands, experimental jazz to lively pop-punk, TGE never fails to send you away with at least one favourite new act. With The Independent being such a huge champion of new music over the years, partnering with TGE felt like an obvious choice!”
The Independent Stage will feature The Pretenders, one of the most legendary acts in music, with TBA support from some of today’s most exciting new artists. Additionally, The Independent will run extensive editorial around The Great Escape with announcements, competitions, interviews and exclusives, with Roisin O’ Connor, the publication’s Culture & Lifestyle News Editor, appearing at the festival’s conference, hosting an ‘In Conversation With’ session.
The media brand also this week announced a new series of Music Box, which will feature Nell Mescal, the 19-year-old Irish singer-songwriter and sister of Oscar-nominated Paul Mescal. Created by The Independent to showcase the most exciting emerging music artists, the show has previously launched the careers of artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Ms Banks, Bastille, Jamie Cullum, Tom Grennan, Ghetts, Feeder and Nina Nesbitt.
Nell, who began her career during the pandemic, and has since played at festivals such as All Points East, Barn on the Farm and supported Phoebe Green on their UK tour, will be playing her set on March 28th. She is part of an impressive line-up of talent that will be featured playing stripped-down sets on the eighth series of Music Box, which you can find out more about here.