Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette
One of our end of year traditions at Phoenix FM is looking back on our favourite music and local shows during the year. I’ve been writing a lot about local artists and we’ve been featuring many of them in the Brentwood Gazette too.
We recently launched a Young Local Artist of the Week which has been really popular with listeners and presenters alike. Over the last few months we’ve give a lot of extra airtime to a number of incredibly talented local bands and musicians, including Sophie Griffiths, Roisin O’Hagan, Fraser Morgan, Grace Calver, Katy for Kings, The Jack Austin Despy Blues Band, Louise Parker, Blab, Robbie Bunsell, The Lucettas, Molly Elizabeth, The New Twentys, Teddie and Ella Fae.
Maybe one of the will follow in the footsteps of Molly Rainford, who has featured on our shows a few times over the last few years – and who I can currently see out of the corner of my eye as I write this article, dancing on TV on the Strictly Come Dancing final.
Our local live music scene doesn’t get neglected either as we have some fantastic local venues in Essex. My favourite gigs taking place in Essex have to include French band Tapeworms at the Hot Box in Chelmsford, Altered Images and the Metatrons at Chinnery’s in Southend, and of course our own music event which we put on at the Mercury mall in Romford, featuring talented local performers and bands including Apollo.
We’re looking forward to featuring more emerging talent on the airwaves of Brentwood in 2023. If you’re interested in featuring on air, get in touch – or maybe pop along to our weekly Open Mic Night at the Essex Arms, hosted by presenter Kev Piggott. It would be great to see you there.
