Belle Chen wins opening slot at Polygon Live LDN

London-based pianist and composer Belle Chen has won Polygon's emerging artist contest, and will perform the opening slot at Polygon Live LDN on Friday, 2 May at Crystal Palace Park. Her music will be fully spatialised across Polygon's state-of-the-art sound system, and is sure to set the tone for three unforgettable days of live music.

Image: Matthew Johnson

Chen elegantly combines piano melodies and evocative synths, blurring the lines between classical and electronic music in the process. Her latest album, Ravel In The Forest, reached number 7 on the UK Specialist Classical chart and pays homage to the colourful ecosystems of forests and humankind's distinctive capacity to imagine. With a quirky and tender approach to musical storytelling, Chen is equally at home on jazz and experimental stages, making her a perfect fit for Polygon Live LDN.

“We are dedicated to supporting UK based artists who are as passionate about the intersection between music and innovation as we are,” says Polygon CEO Nico Elliott. “We therefore set up Polygon Live Launch Pad, our emerging artist contest, to nurture new talent and push the boundaries of live music experiences. After a rigorous selection process, we’re delighted to announce that Belle Chen will be joining us on stage.”

In addition to winning the opportunity to perform a 30-minute set, Chen has also won a workshop at L-Acoustics’ L-ISA studio in London, a £500 fee, two VIP weekend tickets and artists guest list, and exclusive swag. In addition, she will receive promotional support, a feature on OpenLab Radio, the choice of a weekend production or DJ course, and be invited to perform at the next The Future is Sound show in the autumn.

Speaking of her win, Chen expressed her enthusiasm for spatial audio, which she says, "enhances my character-based storytelling, particularly when writing on themes inspired by nature and flora/fauna".

Congratulations to the three runners-up

Three exceptional runnners-up were also recognised in the final selection: Bon Music Vision, Kate Fleur Young and Montañera.

Bon Vision Music is made up of avant-garde artists Yerosha Windrich and Elfed Alexander Morris, who are redefining the UK’s experimental music scene as they merge club music with sound design. Their recent project, The Emotion Industry, critiques the digital landscape's impact on reality, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity across various boundaries.

With accolades from Crack Magazine for their inventive sound, they have collaborated with prominent organisations like the R.S.A and British Arts Council. Their work includes the soundtrack for HARRI’s Spring Summer 2025 collection and the award-winning film If This Were Purgatory. Celebrated for their atmospheric soundscapes, they are recognised as a distinctive voice in contemporary music.

Kate Fleur Young’s music is an immersive journey, crafting multidimensional soundscapes where mesmerising vocals, crystal frequencies, electronics and nature interact to create a transportive sonic experience. At the core of her artistry are hypnotic and transcendent vocals that blend electronic sound design with organic elements, integrating field recordings from sacred locations worldwide with layered synths and crystal bowl frequencies. Her voice responds to the landscapes she records, weaving with deep, pulsing electronics to create something both ancient and futuristic.

Young has performed at renowned venues like London’s Barbican Centre and Alexandra Palace, sharing the stage with Jon Hopkins and collaborator Robot Koch. She crafted a Sound Journey for Radio 1 and her latest track ‘Selkie’ has been featured by Mary Anne Hobbs on BBC Radio 6.

María Mónica Gutiérrez, known as Montañera, is a unique voice from Colombia. Her latest album, A Flor De Piel, has garnered praise from Pitchfork, The Guardian, and others. Previous albums, Encarnación (2017) and Salvadora (2020) received honourable mentions from the Colombian Ministry of Culture.

With nine albums, she has a 13-year career with her bands Suricato and Ságan, performing across Europe, the USA, and Latin America at venues like the Smithsonian Museum and Lollapalooza. Her music features in Netflix series such as Wild District and Crime Diaries. In London, she has played at venues that include Village Underground and Abbey Road Studios, supporting artists like Ana Tijoux and Kevin Johansen.

While these artists won’t be performing at Polygon Live LDN, they have won many of the same opportunities to enhance their understanding and knowledge of spatial audio, and we look forward to following their careers closely in the future.

Don’t miss Belle Chen’s performance, together with a vast and diverse line-up, from 2 to 4 May at Crystal Palace Park. Tickets for Polygon Live LDN are now on sale via the Polygon website.

About our partners

This contest was made possible through the incredible support of FutureSound, L-Acoustics, OpenLab, pointblank Music School and Polygon Productions.

FutureSound stands at the forefront as a pioneering platform and soon-to-launch world-first label where live immersive performances take centre stage — championing both emerging and established artists who put live music first. Through spatial sound, cutting-edge technology, and next-generation innovation, it redefines music beyond the studio.

L-Acoustics creates world-leading professional sound systems that are in high demand by the biggest artists and venues globally, delivering unparalleled live experiences that bring performers and audiences closer together. With a legacy of innovation since 1984, our European-designed and manufactured solutions power the most memorable sound experiences across diverse settings, from intimate spaces to massive festivals, theaters, and sports arenas.

OpenLab is a global 24/7 broadcaster that showcases a carefully curated selection of alternative electronic music and digital art. We reach a diverse, engaged, and influential audience through multiple channels, including 106.4FM in Ibiza and online at openlab.fm.

pointblank Music School is a globally recognised institution for music education, earning a TEF Gold award for teaching. Voted the world’s ‘Best Music Production & DJ School’ by readers of DJ Mag, pointblank provides expert lecturers from the music industry and state-of-the-art facilities to teach the creative process of making music at the highest level.

Polygon Productions is the world’s most immersive 360° live music experience. It is reimagining and revolutionising live events through immersive sound and art. Its hemispherical sound designs push trailblazing 3D technology to its limits, creating live events that go beyond the realms of what was ever thought possible.