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Portsmouth Musician to Rock Summer Festivals
21 Mar
Summary
- Matt Hennessy will play multiple major summer festivals.
- He won the Road to Victorious competition in Portsmouth.
- Hennessy's music blends indie rock with funk and soul.
Indie rock artist Matt Hennessy, aged 21, has secured a coveted spot at several major summer festivals following his victory in the Road to Victorious competition. The Portsmouth native celebrated his win after a final performance at The Wedgewood Rooms, an iconic venue he frequented in his youth.
Hennessy's festival schedule for July and August includes appearances at Truck in Oxfordshire, Tramlines in Sheffield, Kendal Calling in Cumbria, and Y Not Festival in Derbyshire. He will conclude his festival run at the Victorious Festival in his home city.
Describing his unique sound as a blend of 2000s indie rock, funk, and soul, Hennessy cited musical influences such as Johnny Marr, Vintage Trouble, and Stevie Wonder. He has been developing his musical talents since childhood, receiving formal guitar lessons from age eight and currently pursuing a degree at WaterBear Music College in Brighton.
The competition win provides Hennessy with not only festival slots but also a full tour crew and industry expert sessions. He expressed immense gratitude for the experience, highlighting the crowd's engagement during his final performance as particularly meaningful. Other finalists, Rosewater, Eloise Carter, and Rosie Hollins, will also perform at Victorious.
