Henley Festival presented by Westcoast, the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, has announced that the recipient of its inaugural ‘Westcoast RISING Star Award’ – championing emerging talent – is singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist KATYA.
Founded as a charity more than 40 years ago, Henley Festival’s mission, through its charitable programme RISE, is to champion the next generation of emerging talent. Westcoast, a Berkshire-based technology company distributing some of the world’s leading tech brands, has long supported Henley Festival and is delighted to continue this association in 2024 and to support RISE.
Since the launch of RISE in 2022, the festival has given a platform for musicians and visual artists to take their first steps on stage, as well as offering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes. New for this year, the festival has introduced the ‘Westcoast RISING Star Award’ to further showcase exceptional new talent.
The inaugural recipient, KATYA, is known for her refreshingly personal solo performances, where she combines her soulful vocals and layered guitar with electronic beats, jazz overtones and atmospheric soundscapes. KATYA’s debut single, “I’ll Take Your Number”, was released the day before her performance on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury and garnered national and international radio support with spins on BBC Radio 1 and on Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Kultur.
KATYA, the inaugural recipient of the Westcoast Rising Star Award, said: “I’m really grateful to have been chosen to receive Westcoast’s Rising Star award. It means so much to be acknowledged for my music and the work I continue to put in to further my career, particularly as an independent artist. RISE at Henley Festival is such an important initiative, and the support it provides up-and-coming creatives like myself is invaluable.”
Jess Tyley, Marketing Director, Westcoast, said: “We are delighted to continue our ongoing support to Henley Festival’s RISE programme, acknowledging the vital role it plays in championing emerging musicians during challenging times for grassroots music.
“It is with huge excitement that we announce the inauguration of this year’s Westcoast Rising Star Award, presented to the exceptionally talented Katya. This award underscores our commitment to nurturing and celebrating the bright future of artists who contribute significantly to the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.”
Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival, said: “RISE is at the core of everything we do. We’re delighted to be able to expand our RISE programme in 2024 to provide more paid opportunities for emerging talent to perform, exhibit and enjoy hands-on work placements.”
This year’s Henley Festival RISE lineup – which includes KATYA – boasts impressive acts, including musicians who have represented their country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, supported the likes of Tom Grennan and Franz Ferdinand, played to Pride 2023 on the Leicester Square stage, and had an official duet with Melanie C.
RISE by Henley Festival covers gallery costs and expenses for emerging visual artists in the Audi High RISE gallery, pays for all lighting, backline and sound set up for our RISE stage presented by Westcoast, as well as providing a fee to all RISE musicians, and provides paid backstage work experience placements. These individuals work alongside our world-renowned lighting and sound companies and festival marketing staff.
Since its launch, RISE by Henley Festival has propelled musicians to success, secured exhibitions for visual artists in prestigious galleries, and kickstarted careers in the arts industry for work experience students. A portion of every ticket sold at Henley Festival supports the RISE programme – so the festival can continue to provide these valuable opportunities.
