Suffolk singer-songwriter Bessie Turner will round off a great 2017 with an appearance on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show tomorrow.
She will perform latest single Words You Say, two new songs plus a special Christmas number in between chatting to the influential DJ and presenter.
“This year has been really mad and wonderful. I released my first song in April... it blows my mind what has happened since then. The support I have received has changed my life, not just the BBC but local press, fans, bloggers,” said Bessie, who was raised in and around Eye before moving to Ipswich and then Pin Mill.
“Anyone who has come to a show or shown any interest whatsoever, thanks so much for everything. I can’t wait to record at Maida Vale. So many incredible bands and artists have performed there, it’s so special I’m going to join them. I also can’t wait to meet Jo Whiley and thank her for making my 2017.”
The singer-songwriter, who performed at Latitude earlier in the year, was invited on the show after Whiley’s producer saw her perform at at The Woolpack, in Ipswich.
“Someone played Words You Say to Jo and her producer before it was released. They loved it and played it on her show the following night. She’s played every week since its release in September. A week later Bessie played a private party, which by sheer coincidence the producer was attending,” said Ben Ward, founder of independent Suffolk label Don’t Try Records.
The song has become a regular feature on the show ever since and Whiley passed it on to other radio presenters including Zoe Ball, who also gave it airtime.
They then saw Whiley’s producer again when Bessie performed at La Tour Cycles Cafe in Ipswich.
“He asked her there and then if she would be interested. She will be performing with a full band, including me on drums,” added Ben. “Jo and the team at BBC Radio 2 are really excited about Bessie and want her to do well. It’s all thanks to the presenters at BBC Introducing in Suffolk that this has come about, they were the first people to champion her music.”
Bessie released her debut single Big Sleep in April, getting viewed/streamed more than 10,000 times in the first 12 hours and garnering spins on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music throughout the summer.
• Are you a Suffolk act releasing an EP or album? Email event@archant.co.uk or tweet @LoveMusicSufk24
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here