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E4 ACADEMY SELECTS ITS FIRST NEW FACES OF THE FUTURE FOLLOWING NATIONWIDE TALENT SEARCH
Following a nationwide talent search led by production company Fully Focused, to find the next generation of stars, whether they be presenters, comedians, content creators or actors, E4 has today announced the four individuals chosen for the inaugural E4 Academy scheme.
Chosen out of over 1,500 hopefuls, the winners are Kaylee Golding, a DJ and presenter from Birmingham; Joe Hobbs, a stand-up comedian and presenter from Northampton; Ty Logan, an online content creator, writer and actor from London; and Lydia Maddix, a comedy performer and writer from London.
As part of this grassroots scheme, the four, who come without substantial mainstream or terrestrial broadcast experience, will receive real world, hands-on training, tailored to each of them. The training will focus on writing, directing, producing and the story telling process, helping each to really find their niche and learn how to create a connection with E4’s young audience.
On top of this, these exciting new additions to E4’s pool of talent will also receive an industry mentor and be introduced to well-known talent, who’ll provide first-hand advice on how they’ve progressed in their field. The aim of the E4 Academy is to equip the four with the skills to be able to enter and be successful in the media and content industries.
‘TROLLS‘ IS A DISTINCTIVE AND ENGROSSING ANTI-BULLYING ANTHEM FROM LYDIA MADDIX
With her charming distinctive style and thoughtful and immersive songwriting, Lydia Maddix is an artist who has been gradually establishing herself in the UK music scene with a sound that ranges from emotional to comedic, touching upon a range of subjects and themes in her own quirky and engaging fashion.
The artist’s latest single ‘Trolls’ takes aim at bullies and people who look to spread hate and negativity online, with her typically acerbic and straight-shooting lyrics doing a great job of addressing the issues presented in a way that feels both fun and powerful. The sound itself is a laid-back and catchy marriage of indie pop and Afrobeats, and it has this really rhythmic and feel-good appeal that echoes the values that Lydia is trying to fight for on the single.
LYDIA MADDIX CAPTURES THE AGONY OF A LATE-NIGHT TEXT FROM YOUR EX
Indie-pop artist Lydia Maddix has released her new single, 'Text From Your Ex', fittingly on Valentine's Day, 2025. The track, accompanied by a striking animated video, explores the universally relatable experience of that unexpected message from a former flame. It's a song about the emotional rollercoaster that follows, the sudden surge of memories, and the inevitable overthinking that ensues.
Maddix's distinctive British pop vocals shine through in this new offering. Known for her honest and relatable lyrics, she delves into the complex mix of feelings that arise when an ex-lover resurfaces. "Receiving a text from an ex can stir up so many emotions, and I wanted to capture that moment in a song," says Maddix. "It’s such a universal experience—whether you’re wondering why they reached out or what it means for the future. ‘Text From Your Ex’ is about that weird mix of emotions, and I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever found themselves in that situation.”
The track itself is a vibrant blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements, crafted in the bedroom studio of producer Jack Segal (Seegz_production). This combination creates a soundscape that is both catchy and reflective, perfectly mirroring the song's lyrical content. It's an indie-pop anthem with a fresh sound, designed to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the awkwardness and emotional upheaval of a text from the past.
The accompanying animated music video, created by Krash Williams | Creative Services, promises to be a visually compelling interpretation of the song’s themes. It will add another layer of depth to the listening experience, bringing the emotional uncertainty and unexpected reconnection to life.