New Music Stage Alumni: Meet Ewan Sim
In 2025, we launched the inaugural New Music Stage. The full-day event, presented in collaboration with TALENTBANQ, Caffé Nero and Imagesound, showcased 10 breakthrough acts at York Theatre Royal. The line-up spanned transcendent vocals, razor-sharp rap, retro-pop anthems, and art-pop experimentation – highlighting artists destined for bigger stages. One such artist was Ewan Sim, a musician dubbed “one of the best voices in Manchester”. The solo singer-songwriter has been making waves in the city and beyond, attending SXSW London and Manchester international festival. Sim brings a raw sound, heartfelt lyrics and poignant storytelling. Since the Festival, he’s continued to go from strength to strength, with his songs being played in Caffé Neros across the country and on the 21st February he’ll headline his biggest show to date at the Deaf Institute, Manchester. We caught up with Ewan ahead of the gig to chat about what it was like to be part of Aesthetica Film Festival.
A: Take us back to the start. How did your musical career begin?
ES: I’ve always loved singing but it’s only in in these last few years when I started making and releasing my own music. It’s something I had always wanted to do – but being honest I lacked the confidence to put my songs out there. The best decision I’ve ever made was to just go for it. Since my first releases and live shows it’s gone from strength to strength – I’ve played at major festivals, sold out headline gigs and been supported by Adidas UK.
A: Who would you say are your biggest creative influences?
ES: I’m inspired by voices and emotional truth more than any one genre. I love artists who can deliver a line in a way that feels lived-in – where the vocal is doing as much storytelling as the words. People like Paolo Nutini, Marvin Gaye, Sinatra and Maverick Sabre have all shaped how I think about phrasing, tone and honesty. Plus, growing up in Manchester in the north of England bands, like Oasis and Arctic Monkeys had a big impact, that directness and northern realism definitely stayed with me.
A: How has living and making music in Manchester shaped your sound and outlook?
ES: Manchester has shaped everything: my sound, my outlook and my expectations of myself. It’s a city with a strong musical identity, but it’s also a place where people can spot something forced a mile off. That pushes you to be honest and grounded, and to make music that comes from a real place. The creative scene here is electric and it raises the standard – you’re constantly inspired by the talent around you. I think that mix of grit and warmth comes through in my writing.
A: The past year has been a monumental one for your career. Have there been any particular highlights or surprises?
ES: One amazing moment was definitely my debut EP and seeing it supported by Spotify editorial playlists was huge, because it felt like the songs were travelling further than I ever expected. I also loved performing at SXSW London, Manchester International Festival and Aesthetica Film Festival. On a personal note, selling out my headline at Gullivers in Manchester was another highlight. And top it all off signing with Glastry Management, joining The Rolling Stones and Celine Dion on their roster.
A: Your lyrics always feel heartfelt and personal. Talk us through the process of writing a song.
ES: Most songs start with a feeling. I’ll have a phrase, a melody, or a moment I’m trying to make sense of and I’ll build from there. I try to write honestly, but not overly literally; I want the listener to find their own meaning in it. I’ve grown to be as authentic as I can in my writing and I think that’s what has connected with people the most as they can really relate to it. Vocals matter a lot to me too – I always want the listener to feel something when they hear it.
A: You performed on the stage at York Theatre Royal during Aesthetica Film Festival 2025. What was that experience like?
ES: It was genuinely special – one of those performances that stays with you. York Theatre Royal was such an incredible venue to perform in. It felt intimate yet massively cinematic and epic at the same time. The audience were really leaning in to listen rather than just “watching a set.” I remember feeling like it was less about proving something with my performance and more about sharing something. It was a real privilege to play in that space. Thank you so much for having me.
A: How has being part of the festival shaped your career going forward?
ES: Being part of the festival widened my perspective on what a live set can be. It reminded me that music doesn’t have to exist in its own lane – it can sit alongside film, performance and visual art and feel even more powerful. Watching how other artists built atmosphere and told stories through pacing, space and detail really stuck with me. It’s made me think more about presentation: how a show flows, how visuals support the emotion and how to create a world around the songs.
A: You’re playing your biggest gig to date at Manchester Deaf Institute this February. What can people expect from the show?
ES: Expect big vocals, raw storytelling and uplifting energy. I’ll be on stage with my incredible band and we’re putting everything into creating a proper moment. It’s my biggest hometown headline and it feels like a real milestone, I’m giving it everything I’ve got. I want people to leave feeling like they’ve been part of a special night.
A: How do you define a great live performance?
ES: A great live performance is all about truth and connection. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real. You can tell when an artist is fully present, and you can feel when the room locks in and everyone’s sharing the same moment. The best gigs have contrast: those quiet sections where you could hear a pin drop, and then the big lifts where it turns into a release and people just let go. If someone leaves feeling lighter, seen, or less alone than when they arrived, that’s a successful show.
A: What’s next for you? Anything for us to look forward to?
ES: There’s a lot of new music coming. I’ve been writing from a very honest place, and I’m excited for people to hear where the sound is going next. I recently had the amazing opportunity to record a live session at the new adidas Originals/Abbey studio at the Co-op live in Manchester. I’ve recorded a fully acoustic live version of my music and I’m really excited to be releasing that just before my Manchester headline. Live-wise, I’m focused on building from the Deaf Institute show and taking what started in Manchester to more places, more rooms and new audiences.
Words: Emma Jacob & Ewan Sim
Find out more about the New Music Stage at Aesthetica Film Festival: asff.co.uk
