JUST eight months after being a wildcard runner-up at the Devon Secondary Schools Battle of the Bands, “Burnt Daylight” have transformed from a school covers band into one of Devon's most exciting young acts — with international airplay, festival appearances, and a growing fanbase thrilled that their second single release is now available.

The four-piece indie band from the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's School, Crediton — Jamie (drums/vocals), Tom (lead guitar/piano), Zeph (lead guitar/bass/sax), and Joe (lead vocals/guitar/bass) — are living proof of what can happen when young musicians receive the right support and opportunities.

Devon Music Education Hub, in partnership with Young Sounds UK, is committed to providing exciting and life-changing musical opportunities for young people. Through this programme, Burnt Daylight have evolved from performing Arctic Monkeys covers to developing their own distinctive sound — a vibrant blend of indie, funk, rock, and soul.

"Since participating in the Battle of the Bands, it’s opened so many doors for us," says frontman Joe. "We've learned so much, met some amazing people in the music industry, and gained confidence in our own material. It's been unreal."

And open doors it certainly has. They gained 1,656 streams on Spotify – the ‘magic thousand’ where they qualify for royalties – with 636 monthly listeners and 129 followers on their first release.

Devon Music Education Hub were able to offer Burnt Daylight a day’s professional recording at Exeter's Studio 8830 with engineer James Harvey.

They got a second day of recording part-funded by their performance at the Battle of the Bands Sound Assembly at the Beehive in Honiton.

Their debut single “The Ghost” has since been praised by The People's Republic of South Devon as a "swaggering, elusive odyssey", and an almost unheard of feature on BBC Introducing with Tom Williams before their single was even released, plus being featured on Listen With Monger Music Blog, and even airplay on New York radio.

"Burnt Daylight's story shows what can happen when young people are given the chance to develop their creativity and confidence," says Hannah Stephenson, Devon Connector for charity Young Sounds UK. "Through initiatives like the Battle of the Bands, we're not just running a competition — we're nurturing the next generation of musicians and helping them build sustainable careers in music."

R&K Studios provided comprehensive music release coaching and support, including guidance on releasing music, creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), and music publishing assistance to protect their copyright. The band also benefited from a PR campaign in partnership with The Beehive that secured local press coverage and a social media campaign reaching 600,000 people.

Since February, the band has performed at festivals including Sidmouth Sea Fest as well as the Battle of the Bands Sound Assembly gig at The Beehive, Honiton. Their highly anticipated second single 'You'd Know' was released on October 24, coinciding with a performance at The Beer Engine, Newton St Cyres with Roger Styles and most recently at Exeter Phoenix. Their next appearance will be at Bomba Exeter.

The 2026 Devon Secondary Schools Battle of the Bands is now open for entries, offering the next wave of young musicians aged 11-18 the chance to follow in Burnt Daylight's footsteps.

Applications close on Friday, December 19, with the Grand Final taking place at Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Full details can be found at: www.musiceducationhub.org/site/whats-on/battle-of-the-bands-2026-applications-now-open/

For more information about musical opportunities for young people in Devon, please contact: Hannah Stephenson – Young Sounds, Devon Connector: [email protected]