Westside Cowboy emerged as worthy winners at this year’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition.
Following an exceptional performance, including I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Love (Until I Met You), they won a slot at the Woodsies Stage and £5,000 talent development funding from the PRS Foundation.
Westside Cowboy
They certainly have a bit more to them than similar uk bands judging by their performance at the competition’s live finals at Pilton on 26 April. Styled as ‘Britainicana’ they are a sort of a very British Big Thief. That mix of indie rock and Americana worked well and they were the best live act on the night by a distance. They look ready made to open the stage formally known as John Peel at the festival and won’t look out of their depth at all.
The judges were also impressed with singer Nat Oaks, who was reminiscent of Arlo Parks with her stylish songs that bring in personal issues that audiences can relate to. She also wins a slot at the festival as well as £2,500 talent development fund from PRS Foundation.
Nat Oaks
Another runner up to win a place at the festival and the same development fund total was the highly engaging Mali Haf, who sang one song in English and the other in her native Welsh ‘the greatest language on Earth’, as she told us. Infectious enthusiasm and fine songs from a singer who may soon be known as the Welsh Kate Bush.
Mali Haf
Sadly, there was no podium slot for Master Peace, our co-editor Joe Lepper’s choice as a long list judge. This was despite a highly energetic performance, that saw him sing his fine competition entry Start You Up among the crowd. Arguably one of the catchiest songs of the night.
Master Peace
Also appearing were Sarah Meth, Eli Dayo, rock outfit Air Drawn Dagger from Sheffield and Ari Tsugi. Of these the latter were the most fun, perhaps a little too cabaret to win this competition, but I’d be surprised if they don’t appear at the festival on a smaller stage this year. A fun live act to check out.
Ari Tsugi
Words and pictures by Joe Lepper
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