Future Radio Presents...The Next Big Thing 2008
Future Radio finds the Next Big Thing 2008.
Ed Sheeran Live on Future Radio - 4th December 2007
Ed Sheeran Live on Future Radio - 26th August 2008
Future Radio, in partnership with Evening News and EDP, are pleased to announce Ed Sheeran as the winner of the Next Big Thing 2008.
All of the bands gave quality performances on the night and made an impression on the judges, but the far and away winner was 17 year old Ed, who stormed to victory, despite a less than easy performance. Plagued by broken strings – a total of four by the end of his set – and microphone problems, the young singer/songwriter displayed his talent by finishing his set at the front of the stage, playing acoustically, with the audience singing along.
The Suffolk artist, who plays a mix of Acoustic, Folk and Hip hop was elated with his victory: ‘I was so surprised - wasn’t expecting it at all after all the strings went. Such a fantastic feeling to be a part of something like that! It’s still sinking in!’
Thordis Fridriksson, one of the organisers of the event, was delighted with how the evening went: ‘There was a great turn-out tonight and the bands really got the audience going – lots of dancing and singing along! A really great atmosphere! All of the bands did a great job, but Ed was a popular winner. Despite having to go on stage first and with all the technical difficulties, he gave a winning performance. Everyone was blown away!’
Ed, who picked up his first guitar when he was eleven, has been writing songs ever since and has two albums to his name, including ‘Want Some?’ recorded summer 2006. As well as claiming the title of the East’s Next Big Thing, Ed has won £750 of products from Professional Music Technology (PMT), a recording contract with NRONE RECORDS, a £250 cash prize with business advice from Access to Music Norwich, and a studio package with Future Studios.
Tune into Future Radio 96.9FM to hear tracks by Ed Sheeran and the other finalists and keep your eye on the website for videos and further coverage: www.futureradio.co.uk.