COLCHESTER is full to the brim of musical talent from indie to folk, rap to rock and everything in-between, so there is always a new artist or band you can discover in the city.
Gone are the days of only referring to Colchester as the city where 90s brit-pop legends Blur came from, there is a myriad of emerging talent out there.
Thanks to the city’s collection of venues from Colchester Arts Centre, Coda, Three Wise Monkeys, Charter Hall, Roots and Grooves Café, and many more, we can now enjoy music at various different establishments.
Alongside this, the city and its surrounding area boasts many different music studios and practice rooms for talent to grow and thrive, such as Unit One Studios in Eastgates Industrial Estate or Black Cactus Studio in Parsons Hill.
As we surely head towards the new year, you may have a resolution to check out more music or perhaps you are a fan of discovering new bands to sink your teeth into.
With that in mind, there are too many brilliant Colchester-based acts out there to mention in one article, so instead The Gazette is offering-up some fantastic examples of who you should keep an eye-on as we enter 2024.
Starting-off, if you’re a fan of dreamy pop music, then the quartet She’s In Parties may be for you.
Comprised of vocalist Katie Dillion, guitarist Herbie Wiseman, bassist Charlie Johnson, and drummer Matt Carman, the band produces the most ethereal and intoxicating sounds.
Katie spoke to the Gazette about the band and said: “Sonically, we create a dreamy atmosphere, smooth to listen to with rocky inputs from time to time.
“If you come to our show, expect an array of entertaining guitar licks and soaring vocal melodies, with a backline that could hold together melting ice.”
Next-up is the effortlessly cool collective, Monster Florence. There are few groups that can masterfully rap and combine elements of different genres as well as this Essex act can.
Monster Florence has been around for several years, its members Dream Mclean, Alex Osiris, Wallace Rice, Tom Donovan, Jonny Poole, and Cameron Morrell are all active artists in their own right.
With their latest record, Master System, they are continuing to get bigger and rightfully so.
If you’re looking for emotive, fun indie-rock tracks that are reminiscent of Phoebe Bridges, Soccer Mommy, and more, then Colchester singer-songwriter Emma Sampson AKA Flores Blue is worth keeping an eye on.
With a penchant for writing narrative-driven tracks, the artist is expecting to release her anticipated debut EP in Spring, 2024.
The artist has been recording the project with famous musician Jesse Quin from the renowned band, Keane.
Speaking about her music Flores Blue said her sound is "gritty and guitar-based juxtaposed with soft vocals and melancholic lyrics".
Adept at commanding any stage he holds solo or with his band, Fraser Morgan And The Great Catastrophes is an undeniable main staple of the city’s music scene.
The songwriter has a totally infectious approach to folk-punk music, and he’s currently played over 900 live shows.
He also runs an independent music label that helps champion other local musicians.
He said: “I’m an honest, upbeat Folk-Punk artist who has played more than 900 shows, I often sing about mental health and getting better.”
Izzy Liddamore is a solo artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, based between Colchester and Cardiff.
She’s better known as the wonderfully avant garde musician, Generation Feral, and boasts incredible vocals, powerful piano playing, and slick ukulele skills.
Inspired by the likes of Kae Tempest and Fiona Apple, Generation Feral continues to impress with every new release, she’s also been championed by BBC Radio 6 and performed gigs across the UK.
The performer describes her musical project as an "outlet" where she can "freely observe society and all the weird little tendencies we have as humans and bring it all into the light".
There are few artists as innately gifted as Benjamin Ridley Porteous-Butler, who goes by the artist name, Porteous.
The 24-year-old is a dab hand at everything, he can write, plays numerous instruments, and has the most stellar vocals.
If you’re a fan of danceable pop with a soulful energy, then you must listen to his work, especially the new single, Break The Cycle.
He said: “A call out for all those stuck in a monotonous work routine to stop hiding away at the cost of your happiness and settling for less than you can be.”
“This is the lead single on my upcoming six track IDIO EP, releasing next summer.”
Colchester resident Sophie Goodman creates the most irresistibly soulful sonics and stylised visuals under the name, this is sophie's.
The artist has released two tracks this year entitled About You (Caroline),decent weather, and has performed at various venues across the city.
When it comes to inspiration, Sophie "draws on personal experiences in an attempt to develop a sense of hope and comfort in her audience", allowing the listener to have "a refuge for their emotions".
You can expect to hear more from the rising musician next year.
The incredibly exciting artist Bridget is making a name for herself thanks to her huge rock sound.
The artist has been active in the Colchester music scene for a while now and is rapidly building an audience thanks to her selection of distinctive grunge and punk-fuelled tracks.
Bridget has also gained support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing and her new single Teeth makes for an exhilarating listen.
Her live shows are also well-regarded, so if you're a fan of Hole, Wolf Alice, and Amyl and The Sniffers, then Bridget is a new musical act you need to check out.
Finally, if you're a fan of indie rock, then you need to check out Will Foley.
The musician revealed his stellar debut record, Addicted to Chaos, in October which was recorded at Black Cactus Studio.
The 28-year-old went to Colchester Sixth Form from 2011 to 2013 and previously sold-out a headline show at Three Wise Monkeys in March this year.
Now, the musician is working on his sophomore record and more in 2024.
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