The Old Blue Last (London, England)
03/28/23
Up Next Music brings live events to showcase today’s most unique rising artists. The first Up Next event was a sold-out show in January of this year, and the second event, being Up Next: New Wave, took place at an iconic bar and live music venue in London, England. Curator Joshua Farrar brought waves of new talent, featuring an unparalleled lineup of new and upcoming U.K.-based artists Grace Grundy, Jack Kane, Ben Ellis, and Billie Flynn.
The crowd slowly flowed into the intimate venue, illuminated by blue neon signage and the glow of the bar in the back of the room. The crowd was comprised of lovers of live music seeking new talent and dear friends of each artist, swaying in a trance to the music and exploding into chatter in between sets.
Opening up the night, Billie Flynn showered the crowd with dreamy melodies, bringing an unforgettable rush of emotion and pillowy tranquility. Clearing the floor in the middle of his set, Ben Ellis headed into the center of the crowd for an acoustic performance. The audience listened attentively and melted into the echo of Ellis’ vocals and guitar strums, illuminated by the soft glow of city lights flooding through the windows. Jack Kane’s anticipated set was filled with bopping heads, cheerful cries, and endless energy. His song, “Gold,” brought a surge of excitement as the crowd sang along to Kane’s passionate voice. Grace Grundy’s effervescent energy brought an exceptional performance that was uplifting. The audience shouted back every word to Grundy’s cover of The Foundations’ iconic hit, “Build Me Up Buttercup,” and like melancholy heartache, the crowd dissipating in silence and bright eyes to Grace’s “Headspace” from her 2022 E.P., With You In Mind.
Up Next Sessions’ “Next Wave” served as an escape and feeling of passionate inspiration, cheerful warmth, endless love, and fulfilling dreams. Its curator and line of upcoming and rising musicians truly embody the next wave of overnight sensations taking over your playlists.
