Emerging artist Jaz Beeson takes the stage, competing for a slot at a major UK music festival

Jaz Beeson captivates the audience with an emotive performance at The Bread & Roses. (Credit: Charles Buttle)

London-based musician Jaz Beeson, 24, took to the stage at The Bread & Roses in Clapham, competing for a coveted slot at a major UK music festival.

The event, part of a judged competition series, aims to "feature the talents of emerging and independent artists, providing them with a platform on one of the world's most prestigious stages."

For Beeson, this performance has marked a significant step in her career. Born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, she developed her passion for music from a young age, performing at local venues where she honed her craft and cultivated a reputation for heartfelt, relatable songwriting.

In 2019, Beeson moved to London to immerse herself in its vibrant music scene—a decision she described as both “daunting and exhilarating.”

“Originally, moving to London terrified me—it wasn’t something I thought I was ready for, but I knew it was something I just had to do,” she said.

“I was going to university, and if I was going to spend three years immersing myself in a scene, it had to be London’s, and it was definitely the right decision.”

Since the move, Beeson has collaborated with notable musicians, including Cora Rebel, Luke Is Tired, and producer Conor Reilly.

Her EPs 'Season Two' (2021) and 'Petrol Receipts' (2024), along with singles like ‘Peugeot 205’ (2023) and ‘Finn’ (2022), have cemented her place in the indie music scene, earning praise for their emotional depth and vulnerability.

Beeson delivers a high-energy performance, showcasing her versatility and charisma during the competition. (Credit: Charles Buttle)

On Thursday, January 9th, Beeson was one of two acts to perform at The Bread & Roses, a venue renowned for supporting grassroots talent.

The evening opened with Matt Kent, 27, accompanied by Liv Lester. Kent, a classically trained musician, delivered a dynamic set blending technical skill with comedic elements, performing a mix of unreleased tracks and his recent single, ‘Rings of Saturn.’

Beeson followed with the closing performance, delivering a high-energy set that highlighted her versatility and ability to connect with the audience.

Her setlist featured originals such as ‘Villain,’ ‘Petrol Receipts,’ and ‘Coffee Machine Sounds,’ alongside creative covers of Fountains of Wayne’s ‘Stacey’s Mom’ and One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful.’

Reflecting on the evening, Beeson said: “Having the chance to even compete for a spot at a major music festival has been a dream come true.”

“Seeing so many familiar faces from my previous shows has been amazing; as a musician, live performance and developing a connection with the audience is by far my biggest drive, and tonight was a perfect reminder of why I love what I do.”

The competition, which evaluates stage presence, musicality, and audience engagement, ensures that winners are equipped to perform on larger stages.

Beeson shares her approach to engaging audiences ahead of her performance at The Bread & Roses. (Credit: Charles Buttle)

Scotty Watson, 35, creator and head promoter of the series, praised the performers, saying: “Both performers delivered outstanding performances, with Matt and Jaz each bringing something unique to the table.”

“Jaz will be a strong contender throughout the competition. Her energy with her band was incredible—she’s not just a singer performing with musicians but works seamlessly as part of a cohesive band unit, which really sets her apart.”

One attendee, Victoria, a dedicated Jaz fan, commented: “I have attended all of Jaz’s shows in the past, and she always delivers.”

“Jaz’s ability to engage with her audience while delivering a breathtaking performance makes her a standout competitor—I just can’t imagine anyone not wanting to learn more after experiencing her talent.”

Another attendee, Lasse, commented: “Jaz’s performance was a triumph. She’s taken everything she’s learned from previous shows and elevated it to a new level, seamlessly integrating her talents into a festival-ready performance.”

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Beeson and Kent deliver dynamic and unique sets, earning rapturous applause from the audience. (Credit: Charles Buttle)

In addition to her musical achievements, Beeson has co-founded Peachy, an events initiative launched in 2024 with Macie Nyah. Peachy focuses on creating inclusive and engaging music events that support emerging artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Macie and I started Peachy out of frustration with some of the experiences we and our musician friends were having in the live scene,” Beeson explained.

“Artists deserve to be treated as professionals, with respect, and it’s so important for us to contribute to that change.”

Since its inception, Peachy has hosted eight events, with its ninth scheduled for March 9th.

The judged competition series will continue over the coming weeks, with six more performances scheduled.

Each act will bring its own unique style and demonstrate the skills needed to secure the career-changing opportunity.

The winners, comprising one band and one solo/duo act, will be announced via the competition’s social media channels following the final performance.

Meanwhile, Beeson is preparing for the release of her upcoming single, ‘Dinosaur Bones,’ due out on Thursday, February 13th.