Thanet and east Kent music artists are getting more opportunities to be on stage thanks to the work of Broadstairs-based Sunshine Ocean Records.
The not-for-profit community label was founded by singer Luke Dorman in 2023. He is helped by band manager Jackie Edwards, who is married to SuperMicks bass player Greg Edwards.
The label has been building up momentum with partnerships including Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council, Kent Music Festival and now Betteshanger Rocks Festival.
Jackie said: “I met Luke on the music scene and he saw how I was managing my husband’s band, being organised, and he said that’s what he needed.
“We have worked with Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council and the festivals in Canterbury and now Betteshanger which we are really excited about as they are giving us a stage. It will be a platform for grassroots music. We put forward 30 acts that we are associated with and then Betteshanger chose who they wanted.
“We support original artists to be paid fairly, it is really difficult with so many cover bands, and advise original and youth musicians. We do Battle of the Bands under 18s with Broadstairs town council.
“Sunshine Ocean Records is a not for profit organisation with myself, Luke, my husband Greg and sometimes help from Chelsea, so it’s really small but we’re incredibly proud of the momentum building around our work in the local music scene.
“Alongside our partnerships with Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council, we’ve been working closely with a number of local venues and building relationships with people right across the region to strengthen the support network for grassroots musicians.
“Over the past few years, we’ve curated live events, supported a growing roster of talent, and helped bring original music into more community spaces.
“Now we’re taking a major step forward. We’ve partnered with the team behind Betteshanger Rocks Festival near Deal, and this year we’ll be hosting the first ever Sunshine Ocean Records stage.
“It’s a huge moment for us — and for the musicians we support — as it opens the door for local artists to perform in front of hundreds, and hopefully thousands, of festival‑goers.”
The Betteshanger Rocks Festival takes place on July 17-19. Among the acts on the Sunshine Ocean stage will be Jack Nash, The Worry People, Okai, Amity Sings, My Everest, The SuperMicks, Akadem, Going Postal, Luke Dorman, Gianna Scalera & The Jury, Static and IO Girl Band.
The community label is also once again involved with the youth Battle of the Bands which will take place at Broadstairs Bandstand from noon to 6pm on Monday 3rd August.
The winner act will receive a recording studio voucher for a day’s session, a monthly rehearsal space at Pierremont Hall for 6 months and a guaranteed paid booking on the Broadstairs Bandstand Guide for 2027.
Find Sunshine Ocean Records at: https://sunshineoceanrecords.com/
Or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SunshineOceanRecords/
