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NEW TALENT TAKES THE STAGE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM EXETER PHOENIX’S NEW BAND SHOWCASE EVENT

Mar 2025 by Chelsea Branch

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10 Ton Monkey bathed in blue-purple lighting, with amps and microphones positioned behind.

NEW TALENT TAKES THE STAGE

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Exeter Phoenix continues to support local talent in the South West with its latest New Band Showcase on Friday, 28th February. The event, as always, proved to be a highlight of Exeter’s events calendar, bringing together a diverse and unique mix of up-and-coming bands from across the region.

The event was packed out and stayed lively until the very end – and we were thrilled to be there supporting the local music scene and witnessing a wave of local talent.

For many developing artists, these gig nights give some new musicians their first taste of playing in front of a live audience, invite the community to discover new music, support local arts and give people the chance to say they saw them first!

Exeter Phoenix offers a unique opportunity for musicians to get a real and raw taste of performance, standing on a raised stage in a large venue, showered in professional lighting and encapsulated in reverberating sound.

All that’s needed is an enthusiastic crowd. Check.

Kicking things off with The PHD

First to take the stage were The PHD, a fresh new band who recently played their first gig at The Ram Bar at Exeter Uni.

You wouldn’t have known it, though. Persephone, Hazel and Dylan’s collective performance was simply brilliant. The trio came out full force, opening with their unique rendition of LCD Sound System’s ‘All My Friends’ track that immediately grabbed our attention. Hauntingly beautiful guitar sounds resounded through the room and the recently-formed-band-energy between its members was awesome to witness.

Despite drummer Hazel feeling under the weather, she smashed it with a mesmerising performance.  Her drumming was tight, precise and energetic throughout (even when a drumstick flew out of her hand mid-song, she recovered quickly)! Watching her was gripping, and her performance was one of Team IM’s highlights.

Their sound, a mix of modern indie-pop rock with clear influences from bands like Fontaines, D.C., The Libertines, and LCD Soundsystem, was crystal clear. They performed a mix of original tracks and two of their own, delivered in their unique three-piece way. 

With plans to record soon, we can’t wait to hear more from this promising new band.

  • Close-up of The PHD singer playing guitar, eyes closed in emotion, dark stage lighting.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • The PHD singer passionately singing into microphone, wearing patterned black shirt, standing next to focused bassist.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • The PHD drummer energetically playing in purple haze, microphone in foreground, stage setup visible.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

The PHD

Chasing Zeros Bring the Alt-Rock Heat

Next up, Chasing Zeros – an alt-rock band from East Devon – took the crowd on a journey through their distinctive power-combo of indie rock and classic influences.

Previously, one of our Spotlight bands, the five-piece, formed in 2018, had the audience stomping with their energy and catchy melodies. Opening with a stomp-guaranteed-song, they immediately set the tone for a set of high-energy performance.

Chasing Zeros Spotlight

The bond between the band was palpable, and the stage banter between frontman Neil and guitarist Ant was a brilliant watch; we quite enjoyed the Matrix-like moments on stage! (You’ll have go to a gig of theirs to understand!) We also learned that Andy, the band’s bassist and guitarist, is also a guitar maker. His unique wooden guitars were stunning and we got a good view of both when he swapped from bass to guitar mid-set!

Chasing Zeros’ performance was solid, showcasing talent and creativity in a way that had fans singing along and requesting songs – truly a night highlight. Thank you, CZ, for sharing your powerful, cohesive sound – you really know how to engage a crowd.

  • Chasing Zeros on stage, lead singer kneeling with microphone, guitarist playing, red lighting, photographer capturing moment, energetic live music scene.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Close-up of two band members of Chasing Zeros performing under blue lights, singer holding microphone passionately, guitarist focused on playing electric guitar.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Chasing Zeros guitarists performing on stage with purple lighting, one singing into microphone, musical equipment and amps visible in background.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Chasing Zeros on stage, lead singer kneeling with microphone, guitarist playing, red lighting, photographer capturing moment, energetic live music scene.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

Chasing Zeros

Chasing Zeros members stand side-by-side against a wooden wall, posing casually with varied expressions and relaxed posture.
Photo Credit: Chasing Zeros

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Skin Lick Shake Things Up

Skin Lick, a Torquay-based band, came on strong with their explosive performance. Known for their dynamic sound and high-octane energy, Skin Lick brought something special to the stage.

Opening with their latest single, “Bang Bang Baby”, they had us and the crowd captivated. Contagious riffs, brilliant basslines, dance-inducing drums…needless to say, the trio kept the virulent vibe going onstage.

Known for their “dirty, fuzz-filled riffs” and addictive basslines, Skin Lick blended elements of Kasabian, Muse and Arctic Monkeys to create a sound that was hard to pin down yet impossible to ignore.

Their performance was a testament to their commitment to creating music that breaks boundaries and shakes the local scene.  More mind-blowing rapid-fire drumming skills, effortlessly maintaining the pace while contributing to the high-energy vibe of the entire set. 

It was hard not to be amazed by how quickly they could move from beat to beat and bassline to bassline while keeping everything locked in. It was clear they loved being on that stage.

Great to know that Exeter’s live venues are a big part of their plans for the future. Skin Lick is a band to watch out for. Oh and news just in, they’ve made their mark on our monthly Southwest Music Spotify playlist this month! Congratulations!

INVOLVING MUSIC SPOTIFY 

  • Three Skin Lick band members playing live, purple and blue stage lights, guitar player focused, bassist next to microphone, drum kit visible behind.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Close-up of Skin Lick guitarist singing into microphone, playing electric guitar, intense purple stage lighting with smoke adding atmosphere and mood.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Skin Lick drummer energetically playing drums, side profile visible, microphone close by, warm orange and red lighting fills the stage environment.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • Close-up of Skin Lick guitarist singing into microphone, playing electric guitar, intense purple stage lighting with smoke adding atmosphere and mood.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

Skin Lick

Three Skin Lick band members playing live, purple and blue stage lights, guitar player focused, bassist next to microphone, drum kit visible behind.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

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10 Ton Monkey Close the Show with a Bang

10 Ton Monkey wrapped up the night with the perfect energy to keep the crowd shaking and swinging right until the very end. A Devon-based trio with a sound that blends funk, rock and a whole lot of energy, these guys truly brought the house down. We spotlighted them in January this year, and wow, did they live up to their feature!

10 Ton Monkey Spotlight

Their genre-blending sound fuses elements of funk, rock and blues. What is so great about this band is that they keep you guessing, ‘What are they going to do next?’ With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Rage Against the Machine to Parliament and Beastie Boys.

One of the fascinating aspects of their performance was their frontman, Sam, who rapped and drummed simultaneously at lightning speed, spitting lyrics over beats with an unmatched ferocity. Not every day you see a singer/rapper/drummer (‘Howler’) pull off such a feat, and the crowd loved it.

Their live performance was hard-hitting and energetic, leaving us excited to see what these guys do next. If you haven’t seen these guys live, make sure you do – they really are a force to be reckoned with. We can’t wait to see them again!

  • 10 Ton Monkey performing under red lighting and smoke, featuring guitarists and drummer, creating a vibrant and atmospheric live show.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • 10 Ton Monkey drummer performs energetically amidst pink and purple stage lights and smoke, with drum set and microphones surrounding him.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • 10 Ton Musician wearing striped shirt and hat plays guitar on stage with smoky atmosphere and warm spotlight highlighting the scene.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh
  • 10 Ton Monkey bathed in blue-purple lighting, with amps and microphones positioned behind.
    Photo Credit: Chelsea Branch & Georgia Niblett-Pharaoh

Ten Ton Monkey

Fierce cartoon monkey holding a 10-ton weight, bold yellow text “10 Ton Monkey” on black background, striking and aggressive logo.

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Celebrating Grassroots Music

What made this night so special was the talent on stage and the sense of community that Exeter Phoenix brings. These events allow local bands to play in front of an audience, sharpen their craft, and connect with their fans, old and new.

Each of the bands showcased on Friday exemplified the spirit of the South West music scene – passionate, driven and dedicated to creating something unique. A huge thank you to all the bands: The PHD, Chasing Zeros, Skin Lick and 10 Ton Monkey for sharing your sounds with us, reminding us why we love music and why we love what we do.

And, of course, a massive thanks to Exeter Phoenix for supporting local talent and providing a platform for artists. 

We can’t wait for the next New Band Showcase!

Support live music, support local music. Let’s keep making noise about the Southwest music scene.

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.