Famous last words from Jay Carter of Newrising, when they were booked to play David Goo's open mic night at the Cross Kings in Kings Cross back in 2009.
Singer songwriter Jay recalls, "Before we went on stage, we saw this ginger kid with a loop pedal, he wasn't old enough to buy a beer yet, but he completely nailed it on his own. It was pretty clear that he was drenched in talent! We played a set after him and chatted after the gig, he introduced himself as Ed Sheeran and then went off with our album in his hand."
Fast forward three years and this 21-year-old, who is indeed drenched in talent has been a constant feature in the charts since last September with hit singles such as 'The A Team', 'Lego House' and 'You need me, I don't need you'. He won the 2011 Q Award as Breakthrough Artist and BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards best single for 'The A Team.'
Jay recently received an email from Ed asking if Newrising were available to support him at his
sell out concert to 8000 on Thursday July 12 in his home county of Suffolk, when he plays at Thetford Forrest.
Ed said, "I bought Newrising's album at the Kings Cross gig and it is been one of my favourites over the last two years. I think they are awesome!"
Newrising are a Guildford based homegrown band who have strong instrumental ability intertwined with hypnotic three part harmonies. They combine elements of funk, roots, urban soul, reggae, blues, rock and latin. A distinctive sense of musical character resides throughout their infectious, well-sculpted songs and that is why they have featured at many of the UK's best and biggest festivals including Bestival and Secret Garden Party as well as headling for the last two years at Virgin Holiday's Music Festival in Barbados.
They have been receiving some critical acclaim themselves since that gig in 2009 with Tom Robinson from BBC 6 Music saying that they play so tight you can't slip a Rizla between the beats! The Daily Mail online said they are an impressive acoustic act, displaying stand out style and great musicianship!
The concert is officially sold out but there are a handful of tickets still available to catch Ed Sheeran and Newrising reunited, so get there early, grab your pint and for once don't deliberately miss the support!