Following the news AFTERDRIVE and Esme Emerson will be support acts for Ed Sheeran at Portman Road as part of his Mathematics Tour for two of the three nights, Joe Bailey, Brighten The Corners CEO has reflected on their journey to performing at one of the biggest tours in the world.
He said: “All of us at Brighten The Corners are so proud to see both Esme Emerson and AFTERDRIVE announced on Ed Sheeran’s homecoming lineup.
“I’ve known Esme Emerson since they were around nine and eleven years old.
“They attended many of the holiday rock schools we delivered at Punch Studios. The team knew early on how talented they both were, even if they both refused to be in a band together at the time.
“During the rock schools they would learn how to compose music, record in the studio and then perform in public, all in five days, so I’d like to think they got a good foundation in live music and performance in their formative years.
“Ironically, Ed, the bass player in AFTERDRIVE, also attended a rock school, however, I did not realise he was in AFTERDRIVE until he re-introduced himself to us a couple of years ago at a Smokehouse gig.
“It’s been an epic journey of hard work and talent for both artists which has seen them develop their skills and audiences throughout our three venues, The Smokehouse, St Stephen’s Church and The Baths, as well as them both playing the Brighten The Corners Festival over the past couple of years.
“We’re all so proud of both immensely talented bands and can’t wait to see what happens next to them on their journey.”
The two artists were selected by Ed Sheeran to open a night each of his Portman Road performances, with both bands making a name for themselves in the music scene.
Mr Bailey continued: “Having local artists playing such a huge stadium event shows the development and talent of original live music in Ipswich.
“Through our venues, we have helped provide a platform for hundreds of artists each year, and the scene is continuing to spread out across the town with more promoters, pubs, bars, community groups and venues being involved in hosting original music, which is fantastic to see.”
“We have lots of people come to Ipswich from outside the region and they constantly comment positively on the quality of the venues, artists and the general musical output of our area.”
