Cole Bleu shows the promise of big things to come at Reading 2023

Words: Finlay Holden.Photos: Frances Beach.

Considering the fact that she’s only been releasing music as a solo artist for a few months, you’d be forgiven for assuming that Cole Bleu might still be finding her feet. Instead, already a confident performer in her own right, the Washington-via-Liverpool 22-year-old delivers a self-assured set over at the BBC Introducing stage. Leaving behind the alt-rock tones of previous venture The Let Go, Bleu steps into a colourful pop persona that turns an early half-hour timeslot into a bubbly but streamlined show of its own.

Tracks from June’s 5-track ‘CRUSHED!’ EP bounce around the stage, detailing a long-awaited healing process for an artist capable of soothing others even ahead of herself. The crowd are still warming up but the day is brightened by some joyful dance moves and all are keen to get involved when Cole whips out a guitar to talk about her “least favourite person” on ‘HOMEWRECKER’. With the past examined, reconciled and filed away, Cole Bleu is not-so-quietly preparing for whatever comes next.