Sibling musicians 'super honoured' to support Keane

Two sibling musicians from Suffolk have said they feel “super honoured and lucky” after being asked to support a chart-topping band for a special show.

Esme Lee-Scott and her brother Emerson Lee-Scott, who together form indie-pop duo Esme Emerson, will open for Keane at O2 Academy Edinburgh on 1 August.

The show is part of a UK and European tour the four-piece will embark on in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their debut album Hopes and Fears.

Esme and Emerson, who cut their musical teeth at rock schools in Ipswich, said the invite to support Keane came out of the blue while filming a music video.

“We got a text and were freaking out because Keane is a huge band,” said Emerson, who studied music at university.

“We grew up listening to Hopes and Fears - it is a special record and really nostalgic for us.

“We haven’t played a venue of this size with a full band before, so that is really going to be amazing.

“But it’s important we don’t overthink it and ultimately we want to go on an enjoy it rather than try and craft this perfect thing.”

Esme, 21, and Emerson, 25, joined forces in 2020 before self-releasing an EP.

They then landed a coveted slot on the artist development Air Space programme at the Old Jet Arts Centre, on the former Bentwaters US airbase near Woodbridge.

It was here they met and befriended Keane bass player-turned-mentor Jesse Quin, who runs the creative hub and recording studio.

Emerson said: “We have become really close with Jesse and he has supported us for a long time now.

"It was amazing it came through Jesse and we felt super honoured and lucky to be asked by him because he has supported us for a long time."

Esme added: "Jesse has really witnessed us grow as artists and it feels like such a huge endorsement that he invited us to come and support them for this gig."

The pair’s show in Edinburgh will see them perform infront of up to 3,000 people, which Esme admits is a daunting prospect.

"We have only played a venue of this size once, at the Roundhouse with The Japanese House, and it was so intimidating," she said.

"But to have my brother onstage with me is comforting.

"If I am getting a bit overwhelmed by looking at the crowd I look at Emerson and it’s just like we are rehearsing and messing around.

"That chills me out in terms of the nerves I do get playing bigger venues. I just want to enjoy it because I can never get on this stage and open for Keane again."

Esme Emerson’s new EP Big Leap, No Faith, Small Chancer, will be released on Communion Records on 28 June.

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