Southampton singer stars at Isle of Wight Festival 2023

Lewis Shepperd played to a packed crowd at the Electro Love tent on Saturday, treating them to his unique brand of rock, nu metal, hip-hop, Britpop, punk and grunge-influenced tunes such as BiTE and This Blood is Yours.

The 29-year-old, who lives in The Polygon, said: “To play for 4,000 people was incredible, especially while George Ezra was on the Main Stage.

“As a local unsigned artist, it’s a massive opportunity to play on such an awesome stage at a prestigious festival. I loved every minute of it.”

READ MORE: Photos: Thousands turn out for Isle of Wight Festival 2023

Lewis’ highlights of the weekend so far were seeing the Sugababes and ‘getting his clothes off’ with his band for his promo photos, which he described as ‘super funny’.

Speaking about his set, he said: “I hope it inspires others that aren’t from privileged backgrounds such as myself that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough.”

Born and raised on the Isle of Wight and growing up on a council estate, Lewis’ musical tastes formed at an early age.

He said: “I loved nu metal and rap growing up, and as my taste broadened I ended up experimenting more with singing.

“People said I was good, so I went to Platform One Music College in Newport, then University of Chichester where I got a degree in commercial music.”

Lewis Shepperd and his band. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

His first gig at the Isle of Wight Festival was in 2014 and he has been performing there ever since, working his way up to bigger stages.

Before the pandemic hit he was in a functions and weddings band but had to diversify post-Covid, taking up jobs at Pets at Home in Shirley and managing a petrol station.

But he hopes now wedding bookings are picking up again he can go back into music full-time soon.

Having moved over to Southampton earlier this year, Lewis is already making the most of the city’s culture.

He said: “I love that Southampton is a bit more gritty, it’s got a good alternative scene which is awesome.”

READ MORE: Isle of Wight Festival: Pulp, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sugababes star

His advice to aspiring Southampton singers?

“I think it’s mainly about just being really passionate about whatever you do, then working as hard as you can. Most importantly, enjoy it and people will want to be a part of it.”

The Isle of Wight Festival ends today with sets from Blondie and Robbie Williams.