Tag: Aesthetica New Music Stage

Posted on

Aesthetica Short Film Festival: Launching the UK’s first national New Music Stage, York Theatre Royal, 8/11/2025, from 2pm

Crazy James

AS part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025, ten breakthrough music acts will be competing live at York Theatre Royal on Saturday as the city becomes the epicentre of British music discovery.

This inaugural line-up will be a showcase of breadth and originality, featuring artists who have performed at SXSW, Glastonbury and Kendal Calling, appeared on The Voice and received plays from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.

The Aesthetica New Music Stage is a bold, innovative platform like nothing else in the country, billed as the UK’s version of SXSW (South By Southwest, in Austin, Texas) and a first-of-its-kind national music competition embedded within a film festival.

Daisy Gill

What’s more, New Music Stage involves collaborations with Universal Music A&R and Imagesound and opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero, as the festival creates a pipeline to connect grassroots talent with national and international audiences.

As Pablo Ettinger, founder of Caffe Nero and owner of Talentbanq, says: “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the UK. By working with Aesthetica, we are creating a national stage for discovery  and giving artists the support they need to take their careers forward.

“It’s about creating pathways, reaching audiences in new ways and shining a spotlight on talent that deserves to be heard, Aesthetica is the perfect home for this kind of innovation.”

Isabel Maria

Spotlighting fresh music across genres, the event will give audiences the opportunity to hear new voices, discover tomorrow’s stars and be part of shaping the future of UK music.

“Aesthetica has always been about discovery – about bringing new voices, stories and ideas to audiences,” says festival director Cherie Federico. “This is the only event of its kind in the UK: a film festival that also platforms the future of music. The New music Stage gives audiences the opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars right here in York.

“It’s about creating a cultural hub where film and music collide, ensuring that artists have the chance to be heard on both a national and international scale.”

Jemma Johnson

BLANID

The line-up comprises:

BLÁNID:  With a rich, storytelling voice that has graced BBC Radio 1 and RTÉ, BLÁNID has earned more than one million streams and toured the UK with folk legend Judy Collins. Her music blends grief, ecstasy and everything in between, marking her as a star in the making.

Jemma Johnson: This self-taught multi-instrumentalist is taking alternative pop to new heights, buoyed by BBC Radio 1 airplay, festival slots from Tramlines to MiCannes, and collaborations with major UK artists. Her live presence is nothing short of magnetic.

Crazy James:  A rapper forging his own path through craft and consistency. Known for blistering flows and commanding live sets, he has turned grassroots energy into headline moments across London and beyond.

Kengo

Ewan Sim: Blending indie, pop, rock, and soul into songs of intimacy and power, Ewan Sim has sold out shows in Manchester and impressed audiences at SXSW London.

Daisy Gill: Liverpool’s retro-pop sensation brings powerhouse vocals and modern production. Her rare four-chair turn on The Voice UK and 10 million TikTok views testify that she is a rising star.

Dilettante: Francesca Pidgeon’s art-pop project delivers dazzling, groove-laden sets that have taken her from Manchester basements to SXSW and NXNE. Signed to EMI North and praised by Mojo and Uncut magazines, her sound is as inventive as it is infectious.

Tarian

Ewan Sim

Kengo: Songwriter and vocalist who channels honesty and lived experience into songs that bridge emotion and spirit, marked by lyrical depth and melodic sensitivity and addressing connection, healing and resilience.

Tarian: Welsh artist blending hip-hop with emotive pop and classical roots. Notching two million streams and a loyal TikTok following, Tarian is a genre-defying talent to watch.

Isabel Maria: At 19, Isabel Maria already has won major cultural awards and been celebrated by Rolling Stone magazine for her raw, alternative pop songwriting.

Pleasure Centre, from Scarborough

Pleasure Centre: Alt/art rock quintet from North Yorkshire coast conjures delicate melodies and euphoric walls of sound, inspired by shoegaze and Radiohead.

The New Music Pass (£21) gives audiences full access to all ten acts in one day. Enjoy free flow in and out of the York Theatre Royal: drop in for a set or immerse yourself from start to finish.

Audience members will have the chance to vote for their favourite act, playing a direct role in launching the UK’s next big star.

Dilettante

“This is more than a music stage,” says Cherie. “It’s an innovation in live music and festival programming, giving artists a national platform and audiences a front-row seat to the future of UK music. Don’t miss this chance to experience a festival within a festival, where creativity, performance and discovery collide.”

Universal Music A&R will be in attendance and Anglo-Italian singer songwriter Jack Savoretti will be on the jury.

Tickets and New Music Passes are available from York Theatre Royal on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Hear more from the acts at https://www.asff.co.uk/music/

Jack Savoretti: On the New Music Stage judging panel. Picture: Paul Rhodes, Futuresound’s Live At York Museum Gardens , 2024

Posted on

Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Filmmaking in Schools

AESTHETICA Short Film Festival is putting young people at the heart of the festival run from November 5 to 9.

More than 150 students from seven York high schools – Huntington, Joseph Rowntree, Milthorpe, York High, All Saints, Fulford and Archbishop Holgate – will take part in the Filmmaking in Schools initiative, now in its second year.

The programme gives students the chance to develop practical filmmaking skills across storytelling, directing, writing, cinematography, editing and technical production, while also nurturing teamwork, creative collaboration and problem- solving. These skills are highly transferable, helping young people build confidence and abilities that extend far beyond the classroom.

York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts provides a unique backdrop for creativity and innovation. In a city celebrated for its thriving digital media and creative industries, it is vital that students are offered hands-on, practical opportunities to bring their ideas to life.

Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council and executive member for Economy and Culture, says: “It’s fantastic to see so many York youngsters getting hands-on experience in filmmaking. Through initiatives like this, students discover their creativity, learn new skills and get to see the wide range of exciting job opportunities that the film industry has to offer.£

 The Filmmaking in Schools programme puts this philosophy into practice, enabling students to write, direct and produce their own short films, while applying problem-solving and technical skills in a real-world environment.

Festival director Cherie Federico adds: “Our aim is to give young people a real chance to explore their creativity and find their voice. Filmmaking is a powerful tool for learning, teamwork, and self-expression – and by putting it in the hands of students, we are investing in the next generation of storytellers and innovators.”

Through mentorship, collaboration and the festival environment, students gain practical skills and inspiration that link directly to potential careers in media arts.

Stuart Campbell, head of communications at LNER, highlights the impact of industry partnerships: “The Railway 200 programme is all about supporting and fostering new talent,” he says. “It starts with young people, and here in York, we have the chance to do something truly different, giving students real-world opportunities to explore creativity and storytelling through film.”

The Filmmaking in Schools initiative sits within the context of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival, giving students exposure to the professional world of film and insight into the wider creative industries. By combining mentorship, hands-on experience and festival immersion, the programme nurtures the next generation of screen innovators.

While young people are at the centre of this initiative, Aesthetica 2025 also provides opportunities for families to engage with creativity. From specially curated U and PG film screenings to VR and games workshops, interactive art, live music and city-wide Fringe events, the festival offers experiences that encourage children and adults to explore, learn and play together.

By blending professional insight, imaginative activities, and cultural exploration, Aesthetica ensures that creativity is accessible to all ages, inspiring the next generation while bringing the wider York community together.

Comedian Sophie Duker

Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Launching Beyond the Frame programme at York Theatre Royal, November 5 to 8

Sophie Duker & Friends, Wednesday, 7.30m

TASKMASTER champion Sophie Duker, from Mock The Week and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, tops the bill featuring Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull.

Silent Cinema & Live Score with The Dodge Brothers, Thursday, 7.30pm

IN a dazzling collision of classic cinema and live music, The Dodge Brothers bring their live score to Beggars Of Life, the 1928 landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks.

The Dodge Brothers

Film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode, on double bass and harmonica, is joined Neil Brand, celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four’s Sound Of Cinema, on piano, as this electrifying ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a full-blooded cinematic event.

Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson, Friday, 7pm

HEAR from the co-authors of Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound about the magic of film music. Join film critic Mark Kermode and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate.

Together, they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book. From cult classics to blockbuster scores, expect passionate discussion, revealing stories and plenty of chances to ask questions and join the debate.  Expect honest, humorous and informed film talk.

Mark Kermode: Discussing his new book, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound, with co-author Jenny Nelson at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals

Aesthetica New Music Stage, Saturday, 2pm to 11pm

IN the UK’s first national New Music Stage, BLANID, Jemma Johnson, Crazy Mark, Kengo, Ewan Sim, Daisy Gill, Dilettante, Tarian, Isabel Maria and North Yorkshire band Pleasure Centre will compete in a showcase supported by Universal Music A&R, Imagesound and Caffe Nero. Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will be on the judging panel.

Tickets (and New Stage Passes for the New Music Stage) are available from the York Theatre Royal box office, 01904 623568, or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

York Theatre Royal is a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses too. More details on booking festival passes can be found at asff.co.uk/tickets/.

Daisy Gill: Taking part in the Aesthetica New Music Stage event