We are delighted to announce that the winner of the first Aesthetica New Music Stage is Dilettante.
On Saturday 8 November, Aesthetica in partnership with Caffè Nero, Imagesound, and TALENTBANQ launched the New Music Stage: a bold all-day music festival and competition showcasing 10 breakthrough acts. The line-up spanned transcendent vocals, razor-sharp rap, retro-pop anthems, and art-pop experimentation – highlighting artists destined for bigger stages.
Dilettante delivered a set that captivated both audience and jury with emotive vocals, layered textures, and commanding stage presence. Dilettante is the art-pop brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Francesca Pidgeon, based in the North of England.
Her sound veers from fuzzy guitars and looped woodwind to soft vaudeville piano ballads, with a smattering of ramshackle percussion and disjointed sax lines. She has supported Caribou, Self Esteem and Philip Selway (Radiohead), sold out headline shows across the UK and played at SXSW, Kendal Calling, Live at Leeds and The Great Escape.