Young artists perform at debut festival in Worthing
Released: Friday, 25 August 2023
Young musicians who met in Worthing have dreams of playing on the big stage after performing as part of the town's new multi-arts festival.
Breaching Silence, a newly-formed metal band, performed their first gig this summer thanks to the Worthing Festival and music charity AudioActive.
The band, featuring Worthing-based singer Jessica Heartless, Worthing-based guitarists Owen Young and Will Hudson, and Littlehampton-based drummer Billy Chapman, was formed in March 2023. Bassist Fredrick Skellten, from Brighton, has since joined the band.
Jessica, 19, Owen, 22, Will, 18, Billy, 16, and Frederick, 20, met and continue to develop their skills at AudioActive Worthing's base in Montague Street, which offers innovative sessions through music to support young people and help emerging artists reach their full potential.
Owen said:
“AudioActive started it all. I saw flyers about its new base in Worthing, thought it looked cool, went along and met Will. It all went from there.”
Jess, the band's lead singer was next to join, followed by drummer Billy. Each of the band members had long hoped to find potential band mates, but had never had any luck until AudioActive launched its new hub, providing a supportive setting for music lovers to meet and create with like-minded people.
After long hours of practising, Breaching Silence's first opportunity to perform together before a crowd arrived at a Battle of the Bands competition, which was organised by AudioActive as part of the debut Worthing Festival in June.
Jess said:
“It's the kick-starter we needed and we're very grateful for the opportunity to perform. The Worthing Festival was really beneficial to us and the other three bands who performed at the event.”
Breaching Silence have a debut EP releasing later this year, which they are planning to record in AudioActive Worthing's onsite studio.
AudioActive Worthing has recently opened its two rehearsal practice rooms on the second floor of the creative hub which will be affordable and accessible to the community, especially young people.
Cllr Rita Garner, Worthing's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:
“Worthing is so lucky to have groups such as AudioActive which provide a safe place and environment for local youngsters to meet like-minded people and create.
“I'm really pleased the debut Worthing Festival could provide a platform for Breaching Silence and so many other local creatives to showcase their talents.”
For more details and to make bookings, visit:
Members and officers at Worthing Borough Council are set to meet in the coming weeks to break down the feedback of this year's debut festival and plan how the concept can be improved upon for the coming years.
Photo: Breaching Silence performing at AudioActive Worthing
Photo: Billy Chapman, the band's drummer, performing at AudioActive Worthing
Photo: (left to right) Will Hudson, Jessica Heartless and Owen Young performing at AudioActive Worthing
(PR23-112)
Page last updated: 18 April 2024