Aesthetica Film Festival is launching a UK first national music competition here in York.
Known as one of the country’s leading independent film festivals, it is now breaking new ground as a pioneer for emerging music talent with the launch of its New Music Stage.
For the first time, audiences will be able to experience the UK’s most exciting new acts within the context of a world-class film festival – a cultural first in the UK.
The Aesthetica New Music Stage will take place this Saturday 8 November at 2pm in York Theatre Royal.
It forms as part of the annual Aesthetica Film Festival, running in the city from 5–9 November 2025.
Winners of the New Music Stage will be announced on the day and they will perform immediately after their win.
The line-up for the inaugural New Music Stage is:
- BLÁNID – bringing a rich, storytelling voice that has already earned over a million streams, BBC Radio 1 support, and a UK tour with folk legend Judy Collins.
- Jemma Johnston – a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who adds her unique spin on alternative pop, with festival slots from Tramlines to MiCannes.
- Crazy James – a rapper building his own lane through sheer craft and consistency; his blistering flows and commanding live sets have already turned grassroots energy into headline moments across London and beyond.
- Kengo – a songwriter and vocalist who channels honesty and lived experience into music that is raw and powerful.
- Ewan Sim – blends indie, pop, rock, and soul into heartfelt songs of intimacy and power, fresh from SXSW London and sold-out shows in Manchester.
- Daisy Gill – brings a retro-pop charm with powerhouse vocals that earned her a four-chair turn on The Voice UK and over 10 million TikTok views.
- Dilettante – the art-pop project of Francesca Pidgeon, delivers dazzling, groove-laden sets that have taken her from Manchester basements to SXSW and NXNE.
- Tarian – a Welsh artist blending hip hop with emotive pop and classical roots, has amassed over 2M streams and built a devoted TikTok following.
- Isabel Maria – has won major cultural awards and been celebrated by Rolling Stone for her raw, alternative pop songwriting.
- Pleasure Centre – an alt/art rock quintet from the North Yorkshire coast, conjure delicate melodies and euphoric walls of sound inspired by shoegaze and Radiohead.
“Aesthetica has always been about discovery – about bringing new voices, stories, and ideas to audiences,” said Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica Film Festival.
“This is the only event of its kind in the UK: a film festival that also platforms the future of music. The New Music Stage gives audiences the opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars right here in York.
“It’s about creating a cultural hub where film and music collide, ensuring that artists have the chance to be heard on both a national and international scale.”
The New Music Stage is aiming to be more than just a bill of extraordinary talent – it is a commitment to supporting the next wave of artists.
With collaborations from Universal Music A&R and opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero, the festival is creating a pipeline that connects grassroots talent with national and international audiences.
Pablo Ettinger, founder of Caffè Nero and TALENTBANQ, said: “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the UK.
“By working with Aesthetica, we are creating a national stage for discovery and giving artists the support they need to take their careers forward.
“It’s about creating pathways, reaching audiences in new ways, and shining a spotlight on talent that deserves to be heard. Aesthetica is the perfect home for this kind of innovation.”
To find out more and to book your tickets, visit the York Theatre Royal website. Tickets are £21.
