Supporting local acts is something that Phoenix FM has been keen to push from our first day on air – today’s unsigned singers are tomorrow’s superstars, and you might get to see someone in a ridiculously small venue before they make it big (I never tire of telling people how I caught Radiohead at the Pink Toothbrush in Rayleigh when they had just started out).

So this week I’ve thrown my column open to some of the other Phoenix FM presenters to see which Essex artists they are currently enjoying listening to and catching live:

Antonia Jones (Breakfast Show, Saturday 8am):

PRISCILLA BAILEY is a solo gospel artist from Southend whose music is an eclectic mix of gospel with a fusion of pop, neo soul, jazz, funk and hip hop influences. Priscilla honed her skills whilst singing with Birmingham Community Gospel Choir, winners of BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year in 2018. She also received the Gospel Xplosion award for Best RnB artist of the Year in 2019. Her new single ‘Heaven’ featuring single Charles Moorer is out now. BENNY ELOM is an R&B singer/songwriter based in Essex. Phoenix FM got the first exclusive of his single ‘I do for you’ and his newly released track and ‘We’ll be Alright’. Benny who is also a violinist has been endorsed by NE-YO, the American singer-songwriter, producer and actor, His new single ‘Reckless’ is out now.

Michelle Ward (Eat My Brunch, Weekdays 10am):

2023 was an incredible year for local Essex based musicians. A superb singer/songwriter making waves in Essex and London right now is GEORGE BONE. Single Valencia was released in December and he has co-written another outstanding track, One More Time with Beat Bakery. Both tracks showcase George’s powerful, soulful vocals and songwriting skills. One to catch live in Essex.

Andy Gardener (Under The Radar, Mondays 6pm):

Brentwood’s very own JOSIE BETH is going to have a great year. Since releasing her debut EP and moving to Nottingham to study she has gone from strength to strength, playing lots of gigs including some very nice support slots including Lande Hekt and Mia Wray. I saw her at the latter’s show at London’s Old Blue Last before Christmas (pic above) and the audience were silent and spellbound. Her new single ‘Mother’ is out on Jan 31st and is fantastic.

Madeline Christy (The Nightshift, Thursdays 10pm):

FLORENCE SOMERVILLE is an exciting emerging country singer songwriter from Thurrock. Be sure to check out her latest EP called On My Way. HANNAH PARIS is from Essex and the previous host of Nashville Calling. Her current single is ‘Gamble Or Stay’. And finally MEGAN ROSE , another talented Essex songwriter has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues over the last decade including The Sydney Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall, and St Martins on The Fields to all but name a few. She will be supporting the Luke Combs Experience next year in July.

Kev Piggott (The Sunday Sessions, Sundays 10am):

We have so many talented young performers take place at the Phoenix FM Open Mic Night every week that it’s been agreed that I don’t have to single anyone out! If you’re a singer or songwriter you can come along to the Essex Arms in Brentwood every Monday at 8pm – all the tracks are recorded and a selection are played on my Sunday show.