Chart-topping artist Tinie Tempah expressed his profound enthusiasm for participating in a festival dedicated to celebrating the vital role of grassroots music venues.
Tempah is set to headline in Southampton this weekend as part of the ‘Everywhere at Once’ festival, a nationwide initiative featuring a vast array of talent performing across hundreds of diverse music spaces.
This nationwide event coincides with the traditional Glastonbury festival weekend, with venues across Hampshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire joining the celebration of live music’s foundations.
While Tempah, known for hits like “Pass Out” and “Written in the Stars,” has graced the iconic Pyramid stage at Glastonbury twice, he emphasized to BBC South Today’s Sophie Law the personal significance of supporting a festival championing these foundational music hubs.
This weekend, his performances are scheduled at Southampton’s esteemed venues, The 1865 and The Brook.
“The magic of grassroots venues lies in their intimacy,” Tempah explained. “You can truly connect with the audience, looking them in the eye, and build a much more profound relationship. These are the very places that nurture artists in their nascent stages.”
He reflected, “Those early experiences were crucial for my development. It was my time to build confidence, hone my craft through dedication, and cultivate a dedicated fanbase that has remained loyal over the years, even decades.”
Tempah voiced concerns for emerging artists, questioning their ability to forge sustainable careers and earn a livelihood from their art in the current landscape.
A Crucial Launchpad for Talent
The ‘Everywhere at Once’ festival is a collaborative effort, supported by The National Lottery and executed by Music Venue Trust, Save Our Scene, and The Association of Independent Promoters.
A stellar lineup of artists, including Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill, and Rizzle Kicks, are participating across the country.
“We all share a similar sentiment,” Tempah remarked. “These venues have been integral to our journeys. It would be a profound loss to see the disappearance of these institutions that have served as gateways for artists like myself to achieve the success we have.”
Data from the Music Venue Trust indicates that while the UK boasts over 800 grassroots music venues, a significant 53% reported zero profit in 2025, highlighting the precarious financial situation many face.
The organizers of ‘Everywhere at Once’ noted, “With Glastonbury observing a fallow year in 2026, we identified an opportune moment to create a national platform spotlighting the very origins of live music – the high-street venues, the local spots that offer artists their first stage and audiences unforgettable, accessible experiences.”
Business Style Takeaway: The ‘Everywhere at Once’ festival underscores the critical role of grassroots music venues as incubators for talent and cultural innovation. For global businesses and brands, recognizing and supporting these foundational cultural ecosystems is key to understanding emerging trends, authentic audience engagement, and fostering the next wave of cultural influencers.
According to the portal: www.bbc.com