This week we are celebrating everything music here at The Independent including new festival partnerships and the return of Music Box.
The eighth series of Music Box is here! Hosted by Culture and Lifestyle News Editor Roisin O’Connor, Music Box brings the latest up and comers – along with some of music’s biggest names – into the Music Box studio to play exclusive stripped-down sets. Guests for the new live session series include Grammy-nominated US artist Andrew Bird, Irish rock band Touts, UK rapper Che Lingo, singer-songwriter Billie Marten, Irish artist Nell Mescal, R&B singer James Vickery, and indie duo Dolores Forever.
The new season launched on Monday 13 March, with an episode airing each week for 11 weeks. Viewers will be able to watch it online at the Independent TV hub (independent.tv), on The Independent’s new smart TV app, and on The Independent’s mobile app.
The first Music Box of 2023 was sponsored by Slane Whiskey, to coincide with St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Music is in Slane Whiskey’s DNA: the Slane Distillery is built on the grounds of the legendary Slane Castle, which has hosted some of the most iconic acts in music history, including Madonna, Van Morrison, U2 and Oasis.
Read the full press release here and watch the trailer here.
The Independent has announced this week that it will be the exclusive news partner of The Great Escape music festival.
In a sign of our enduring commitment to championing emerging talent, the multi-faceted relationship will include the launch of The Independent Stage at The Old Market, Brighton. On 12 May, The Independent Stage will feature The Pretenders, one of the most legendary acts in music, with TBA support from some of today’s most exciting new artists.
The Independent will run extensive editorial around The Great Escape with announcements, competitions, interviews and exclusives. Meanwhile, Roisin O’ Connor will appear at the festival’s conference, hosting an In Conversation with… session.
See the full press release here.
Americana music festival, Black Deer, returns to Eridge Park this year with an already awe inspiring roster of talent. Previously confirmed Grammy-winner Bonnie Raitt and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are joined by The Pretenders as some of the biggest names on the bill – with more acts to be revealed soon. Roisin O’Connor has rounded up the latest additions to the line up in her article here. Commenting on the festival, Roisin says “Black Deer Festival is one of the most culturally eclectic and rewarding festival experiences in the UK, so I’m delighted that we’re working together.”
As the festival’s media partner, The Independent will report on performances, interview artists and publish exclusive announcements.
Tickets are on sale now and available here.
To keep up to date with everything music here at The Independent, sign up to our weekly newsletter Now Hear This.
And for all your music recommendation needs, see our Spotify playlist of the same name updated every Friday. This week includes tracks from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Lana Del Rey and Kamal.
