Grove, Holysseus Fly and Waldo’s Gift announced as Bristol Beacon’s first Resident Artists in new flagship talent development project.

Three of Bristol’s most exciting emerging artists selected to collaborate with Bristol Beacon in a new pioneering support initiative.

Bristol Beacon has announced its first cohort of Resident Artists as part of a flagship initiative designed to provide space, time and financial support to some of Bristol’s most talented local music creators. The project aims to nurture artistic growth, enabling musicians to explore new creative directions and elevate their craft across their six-month residency.

Following an online call out for submissions, three Bristol-based artists were selected from a strong field of over 100 applicants. Grove, Holysseus Fly and Waldo’s Gift have been chosen to participate in the residency with each artist bringing a unique voice and perspective to the Bristol music scene - reflecting the city’s rich and diverse creative landscape.

A rising star known for blending punk, rap and bass-heavy beats, Grove’s music delivers a politically charged message with an unapologetic attitude. Their genre-fluid sound challenges norms and amplifies voices from marginalised communities. Holysseus Fly is a vocalist, pianist and producer whose sound is deeply influenced by jazz, neo-soul and electronic music. Her work explores themes of spirituality and emotional depth, creating immersive experiences for listeners. Waldo’s Gift, known for their boundary-pushing performances and fusing complex rhythms with atmospheric textures that defy genre conventions, are an instrumental trio that merge jazz improvisation with electronic soundscapes and post-rock influences.

Owen Parry, Creative Producer at Bristol Beacon, said: “We received an overwhelmingly positive response from this first call-out which is ultimately a testament to the incredible community of Bristol-based music creators out there at present. In providing this comprehensive package of support, our aim is to supercharge the momentum these ambitious and distinctive artists have already generated themselves, at a vital time in their career trajectory. We hope this will not only provide real impact for them as individual artists, but also raise the profile of Bristol’s music scene beyond the region, bringing it to the attention of a national audience.”

This announcement also marks the first major step in Bristol Beacon’s Talent Development programme following the venue’s extensive transformation - the artists will take advantage of its transformed Cellars space which includes state-of-the-art studio facilities and an intimate live performance space.

Holsseus Fly sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Apparently when I was a kid, I couldn’t walk past a piano without playing it. My mum played Debussy on the piano in our house for hours and she really inspired me to learn. I remember feeling goosebumps a lot from music, I loved pop and soul music but also the classical music my mum played. I think I’ve always been on a quest to recreate that goosebump feeling, so I started writing songs around age 13.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

James Blake inspired by debut EP ‘Birthpool’. I could not get his album Overgrown out of my head. Skeletal beats, beautiful piano and vocal melodies. One day JB, you don’t even have to ask - THE ANSWER IS YES.

Currently, also really influenced by Robyn, Charli XCX, Queen, RAYE, Santigold, Tina Turner, FKA Twigs. A dream collab would be Self Esteem!

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I have an EP coming out this spring/summer! This is an absolute exclusive. It is called ‘A Red Sea’, it is my journeying into a new land towards greater freedom from the saltiest time of my life.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I love an epic electronic soundscape. I have been described as a ‘Pop Princess + Electronic Empress’ by the wonderful Terry Ferguson and I’m going to take that! My lyrics are real and heartfelt. I love soulful and ethereal vocals, Prophet/ Juno Synth sounds, piano and electronic beats made by James Vine on his Nord Drum.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Good question - a few performances come to mind…

I performed to a sold out Hammersmith Apollo with just my voice, piano and a drum machine opening for Nick Mulvey last year. Seeing my parents faces’ as we walked through the backstage is a moment I’ll never forget.

Also recently, a performance with my wonderful live team James Vine (drums & playback), Bethany Kyle (backing vocals, dancer, choreographer) and Amy Viner (backing vocals and dance) at The Bristol Beacon Lantern as part of a showcase as I have been an artist in residence. We debuted a new song, new choreography and new vibes. I felt really proud of the show we put on!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Ohh, it’s been a mad year! I’ve learnt so much and I’m always learning all the time. But the advice I’d give right now is to do things all in your own time and try to enjoy each stage of the process.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Yes check out these amazing Bristol artists!:

t l k - they co-wrote a track on my upcoming EP :)

Waldo’s Gift
Grove

Sarahsson
TIANNA
Nat Oaks
Bethany Ley

Tlya X An
Badliana
Kathleen Francis
Slowe

Snazzback
Solomon OB

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Doechii, Aligator Bites Never Heal
Waldo’s Gift, Malcolm’s Law
Wicked: The Soundtrack

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

My no. 1 hobby is going to Bethany Kyle’s ‘Free To Be’ dance classes in Bristol, they give me life! I also love walks in nature, karaoke, running, the gym and I play a bit of football with Bristol’s Steps FC. I’m pretty cute to be honest.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Tea, notebook, socks.