Hosted by culture and lifestyle news editor Roisin O’Connor, Music Box brings the latest up and comers – along with some of music’s biggest names – into the studio to play exclusive stripped-down sets
Guests for the new live session series include Grammy-nominated US artist Andrew Bird, Irish rock band Touts, UK rapper Che Lingo, singer-songwriter Billie Marten, Irish artist Nell Mescal, R&B singer James Vickery, and indie duo Dolores Forever.
The new season launches today (Monday 13 March), with an episode airing each week for 11 weeks. It was filmed at The Independent’s brand-new Independent TV studio in Finsbury Square, London.
Viewers will be able to watch it online at the Independent TV hub (independent.tv), on The Independent’s new smart TV app, and on The Independent’s mobile app.
The first Music Box of 2023 is sponsored by Slane Whiskey, to coincide with St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Music is in Slane Whiskey’s DNA: the Slane Distillery is built on the grounds of the legendary Slane Castle, which has hosted some of the most iconic acts in music history, including Madonna, Van Morrison, U2 and Oasis.
Launched in 2017, Music Box is a unique platform for emerging artists. The idea came from O’Connor’s desire to help support musicians in an increasingly tough and competitive industry.
The sessions give acts an opportunity to be featured prominently on The Independent’s platforms, exposing them to millions of potential new listeners.
Acts invited to perform in the sessions play three stripped-down original songs, demonstrating the raw artistry of the lyrics and compositions. Among the musicians to have starred in Music Box to date are Lewis Capaldi, Ms Banks, Bastille, Jamie Cullum, Tom Grennan, Ghetts, Feeder and Nina Nesbitt.
The Independent’s culture and lifestyle news editor, Roisin O’Connor, said: “I’m delighted to bring Music Box back for a new series.
“Since we launched Music Box in 2017, The Independent has supported some of today’s biggest names in the industry on their journeys, and I’m excited to experience a whole new set of unique moments with this new series.”
