Where creativity meets connection
Seven-piece art-rock outfit Ideal Living formed at the end of 2022 on the south coast of England, as the latest brainchild of front man Billy Marsh. The band’s debut releases garnered interest and support locally and internationally from the music press, including So Young, Far Out, Dansende Beren – BE, as well as radio plays from Deb Grant and Huw Stephens (BBC 6 Music).
As this heavenly heptad prepare to bring their magic to Brighton’s The Great Escape, we grabbed them for 12 burning questions...
Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?
Being a band from Brighton, getting given the opportunity to play is very meaningful for us and seeing many of our friends and peers playing too really feels like a stamp on the collaboration, friendship and admiration we have for eachother.
For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?
Knitwear, sexual, shark
What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?
It's sometimes hard to see milestones in your own work but this really feels like one for us
Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?
Not particularly, maybe we'll practice a bit more
The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?
Depends on our work rotas, however we are hoping to see many friends and discover new acts along the way
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?
Worse things have happened at sea
Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?
We've all lived for a number of years and are regularly inspired by our friends and enemies. There's some wonderful parks too. Sort out the bins
What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?
We have a very visual and energetic live performance which people don't often except based just off the music alone and a frightening lead singer
If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?
The opening track of our debut ep 'come to me' because it sets the stage for the rest of our sound. And for a number of us it's our favourite song to play live
How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?
The music industry can be quite a difficult and challenging scene to manoeuvre so festivals such as the great escape can allow for emerging bands to be placed in front of audiences that they wouldn't normally get which is a great thing. Although we don't believe that this is a sure way to succeed in the music industry and that the best thing you can do is just write and play with your friends
What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?
After the great escape we will be taking some time off to write some new songs and imagine some new ideas that we are very excited about. However it won't be for too long as we are always eager to perform live
Finally - complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”
Sharks
Ideal Living play Brighton’s Horatios on Fri 18 May (8:15 pm) and Dust on
Sat 19 Mat (3:15 pm), as part of The Great Escape Festival 2025.
SALT Staff Writer
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