Kayla Painter, Lady Nade and Tlya X An announced as Bristol Beacon’s new Resident Artists

Three exceptional Bristol-based music creators - Kayla Painter, Lady Nade and Tlya X An - have been named Bristol Beacon’s 2025/26 Resident Artists, as the pioneering talent development scheme enters its second year. Designed to fuel creative breakthroughs and long-term sustainability for mid-career artists, the paid year-long residency supports music creators aged 25+ with time, space and tailored resources to supercharge their growth.

Built in collaboration with Bristol’s independent music community, the Resident Artists programme is a core part of Bristol Beacon’s wider Talent Development offer, helping local artists evolve their practice and thrive within the creative industries. Each year, three artists are selected through an open call, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity and pushing the boundaries of genre identity and sound.

This year’s Resident Artists were selected from a strong field of applicants and follow the first-year cohort of Grove, Holysseus Fly and Waldo’s Gift.

Kayla Painter is a forward-thinking electronic producer and AV artist whose layered, atmospheric soundscapes blend real-world field recordings with experimental beats. Her work draws on science fiction and abstract storytelling to create immersive live experiences. 

Bristol-based singer-songwriter Lady Nade’s warm, soulful voice blends folk, Americana and jazz influences. Her deeply personal lyrics tackle love, loss and mental health, earning her national radio play and a growing live following. 

Tlya X An is an alt-pop artist and producer known for her glitchy, Y2K-inspired sound and eye-catching visuals. Mixing early-2000s R&B with bold electronic production, she’s carving out a distinctive space in the UK’s underground pop scene.

Owen Parry, Creative Producer at Bristol Beacon, said: “This year’s resident artists represent the energy, ambition and uniqueness of Bristol’s music community. Their work speaks to the breadth of talent this city continues to generate and we’re thrilled to support each of them at such a pivotal point in their artistic journey. We look forward to seeing how the residency enables new collaborations, ideas and creative breakthroughs.”

Kayla Painter, incoming Bristol Beacon Resident Artist, said: “I applied for the Resident Artist project because I wanted to spend time developing my practice and continuing to build on my music career. Having just stepped into full time work as a musician, this residency is going to support me through a pivotal moment in making this work. With ample resources, spaces to invite new collaborations, and support from the team, I can't wait to see what can be created."

Lady Nade, incoming Bristol Beacon Resident Artist, said:

“I applied for the Bristol Beacon residency to elevate my live show and write new music. Artists really need three things, time, space and money. This project offers all three, and it also helps artists connect with fans who remain at the foundation of everything we do.”

Tlya X An,  incoming Bristol Beacon Resident Artist, said:

“I applied to be a Bristol Beacon Resident Artist because I knew this would give me time, space and resources to take things to the next level. For me this is an opportunity to push further, both creatively and in the discipline behind the work that goes into everything.”

Holysseus Fly, 2024/25 Bristol Beacon Resident Artist, also commented, “I’ve been so grateful to be part of the Bristol Beacon Resident Artists project. Accessing the studio weekly has allowed me such valuable time and space to propel my writing and production. The support from the team to share my process with has also being really encouraging. I am at a pivotal stage of my career now and I would not be this far into my journey without this!”

Bristol Beacon is expanding its commitment to grassroots talent - with the Resident Artists programme playing a vital role in providing the tools, space and platform artists need to thrive.

The venue developed the Resident Artists programme following consultation with the city’s independent music scene, tailoring its offer in direct response to the needs of emerging artists. Each residency includes a comprehensive package: financial grants for music creation, access to Bristol Beacon’s Cellars studio and performance spaces, and tailored professional development and mentorship. The scheme forms part of Bristol Beacon’s wider Talent Development programme and is supported by the PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network.

For more information on the Resident Artists programme and the selected artists, head to the Bristol Beacon website. To keep up to date with all Bristol Beacon news and updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to the newsletter here.