London’s Heathrow Terminal 5 introduces new live music stage
London’s Heathrow Airport has joined forced with global music events company Sofar Sounds to spotlight rising British talent at Terminal 5 throughout the summer.
Sofar Sounds launched in 2009, and have since held gigs in intimate and unconventional settings across the world with the likes of Ed Sheeran, The National, Olivia Dean, Billie Eilish, Leon Bridges, Hozier and Wolf Alice, as well as many small acts.
The company are aiming to capture the attention of music industry execs travelling through the busy terminal during festival season. The stage, coined The Heathrow Introducing Stage, aims to platform a multitude of up-and-coming British artists across jazz, folk, pop, rock, R&B and soul.
Among the first acts to take to the stage yesterday (June 25) were China Bears, The Halfway Kid and R&B artist Olivia Nelson, who was shortlisted for this year’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition.
“The Heathrow Introducing stage isn’t just about providing entertainment, it’s about propelling careers to new heights,” said Karoline Komolafe of Sofar Sounds. “It’s a game-changer for those aiming to break into the industry, especially with festival season at its peak, offering exposure to execs travelling through the hub – you can only get this at Heathrow.”
This summer is predicted to be Heathrow’s busiest on record, with 1.8 million passengers expected to pass through the airport this week alone.
“We’re proud that we’re providing people from around the globe the chance to experience the best of Britain’s emerging musical talent and a taste of UK culture from the moment they reach the airport, while helping British talent supercharge their careers at the same time,” says Heathrow’s director of services Tonia Fielding.
She continued: “Initiatives like this support our commitment to culture, innovation and excellence.”
The Heathrow Introducing Stage will return for further performances next month on Friday July 12 and Wednesday July 24.
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Laura Molloy
NME
