Slam Dunk Festival line up is starting to fill up with even more acts annouced…..Now where do we start?!!
Firstly We Are The Ocean who haved been playing the festival more times than anyone else, will say their goodbyes as they will be making these SDF dates their final ever shows.
Slam Dunk Festival have alredy annouced thier headliner this year will be Enter Shikari, but who else will be joining the festival this year?
The first set of bands have been annouced, First up, Bedford Rockers DON BROCO, who will be making it their only UK festival of 2016. Now if you remeber back in 2011 SDF brought you the first UK Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish double bill. Well they're doing that again, and on top of of that making their Slam Dunk debut will be the Texas Rockers Bowling For Soup it's going to be one hell of a party!
Download Festival, in one of its biggest announcements yet confirms 33 new additions for 2016 including Shinedown, Killswitch Engage, Down, Don Broco, Architects, Neck Deep, Tremonti and more. Download Festival takes place 10-12 June 2016 in Donington Park and tickets are on sale now.
Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal festival, returns for 2016 with one of its biggest lineups to date. Joining headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for a weekend of incredible rock music are Shinedown, who played an unforgettable set at the festival in 2012. The band’s latest album Threat To Survival shot to Number 13 in the UK charts earlier this year.
Killswitch Engage, dubbed “the people’s champions of metal”, will make the floor move under your feet with a jaw-droppingly outstanding set; Down, featuring former Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo, will deliver some booming dark riffs and all out metal; Don Broco, who celebrated a Number 6 album earlier this year forAutomatic, will bring charisma by the bucketload with a chaotic and immensely enjoyable live set, and Brighton metallers Architects are confirmed for a ferocious, boundlessly energetic set ensuing some gigantic circle pits.
Neck Deep are making waves as the heroes of UK pop-punk. The Wrexham five-piece have been on tour with Bring Me The Horizon and All Time Low, and will headline their own tour next year; Tremonti, fronted by former Creed and Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti, are known for their fast and heavy headbang-worthy riffs; French band Gojira will provide some full on heavy metal throwing crowds into an absolute meltdown; bringing Satan back to the masses, Swedish six-piece Ghost are confirmed for some sticky-sweet hooks and melodies, and lots of satanic musings.
Back on British soil, Billy Talent are preparing to deliver a storming set for crowds in Donington Park. The Canadian sensations will also release a new album in 2016; Saxon will bring some classic rock and guitar heavy tunes; Australian metal-core band The Amity Affliction will put on a great live set mesmerising crowds and are bound to create a raucous mosh pit; Halestorm, led by awesome frontwoman Lizzie Hale, return with some hard, riffy rock; one of the hottest bands in the ‘alternative’ world, US band Beartooth are confirmed, and Glasgow rockers Twin Atlantic, whose last two albums scored Top 5 in the UK Rock & Metal chart, will bring their unique pop rock sounds to Download.
Californian metallers Atreyu are renowned for their high-energy and impassioned sets; self-proclaimed “party-metallers” Attila will bring a heavy-hitting set; reggae-metal group Skindred will get the pit bouncing and rocking and are guaranteed to please the crowds at Donington; former Gallows frontman Frank Carter is confirmed with his new band The Rattlesnakes; Milton Keynes five-piece Tesseract, one of progressive metal’s elite, will send the audience into overdrive with a flawless performance; and with some big, belligerent metal, Counting Days are also confirmed.
Controversial electronic punk rap group Ho99o9 will be bringing their raucous live show to Donington; Milk Teeth have rapidly been gaining widespread acclaim for their nineties grunge nostalgia. Dead! went out on tour with Young Guns this year and have established themselves as one of the hottest bands to look out for in 2016, as have Exeter three-piece Black Foxxes, who have sold out every London show they’ve played. Fort Hope have been championed by Radio 1 this year and their album Courage reached Number 8 on the UK Rock & Metal Chart.
Rival Sons have earned a name as “one of the hottest rock bands on the planet” and will bring an awe-inspiring set of raw power and soulful, bluesy rock; hard rockers Breaking Benjamin are back following a five-year hiatus and will be loud and glorious; American thrash metallers Havok will bring exactly that; Dutch synth-metal band Delain are known for their upbeat energetic performances and US rockers Skillet are set to bring one hell of a monster show. Bringing some fun and thrash metal, Lawnmower Deth are also confirmed to play next year. The band are currently battling it out for the Christmas number one spot with their version of ‘Kids in America’.
Headlining the third stage on Friday, Gutterdämmerung – the brand new rock ‘n’ roll film from Belgian-Swedish visual artist Bjorn Tagemose billed as a “loud and dark fairy tale” – will be screened at Download. The film features the combined might of Slash, Iggy Pop, Josh Homme, Henry Rollins, Lemmy, Tom Araya and many more of hard rock’s finest.
Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its Main Stage, plus the best hot and new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.
Nearing its tenth year, Butserfest hit a new level last weekend. With acts ranging from the harmonious Lounge Kittens, to metal core Vanity Draws Blood, the biggest alcohol and drug free festival in the UK had something for everybody to enjoy.
The arrival to the festival began with a Wars and Vanity Draws Blood both drawing in the crowds as the momentum grew for the main stage to begin. With a little bit of rain from the beginning, it eventually grew brighter and brighter, bringing out the smiles and the friendly atmosphere. Being my first time at Butserfest I was constantly overhearing about previous years and how excited everyone was to be back!
Photo by Jade Hill
Once the acts started playing, the crowd’s energy grew stronger through every song. What I could gather from the festival was that size does not matter! With only two big stages, Main Stage and Crossroads Stage, the only other places to find music were the Introducing Stage and the Acoustic Shack located backstage for lucky festival goers.
As the day carried on the we saw sets from SHVPES who had previously played NASS and Y NOT Festival, with their crowds growing bigger for every festival. Since their show last week supporting Bring Me The Horizon in Kingston, these guys are growing at a rapid rate getting better with every performance. Other acts which have been growing increasingly popular were main stage acts The One Hundred and The Xcerts, two acts which drew in an excessively large crowd.
Photo by Jade Hill
Being a day festival, it meant that there was no time to waste, there was alwasy an act to see. With a few acts who I bumped into in conversation, I could tell how much they were enjoying and how much they would have loved it to have been a weekend event! I for one would also have enjoyed another two days in the beautiful location of Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Petersfield.
As the sun started to set, the music got louder and the crowds got more energetic. With excellent performances from Zoax, who's style and energy definitely took the unaware crowd by surprise. There were hats thown off heads, breaking of comfort zones and continuous laughter throughout the entire set – Zoax definitely knew how to draw a crowd in.
Photo by Jade Hill
With the sad news released a few days after Butserfest that Funeral For A Friend are finishing as a band, I was so glad I got to the chance to watch and photograph them on the day! Playing a mixture of old and new there was something for new fans and older fans.
Photo by Jade Hill
And then it came to the end of the night when the two headliners took to the stage! WIth HECK* (previously Baby Godzilla) taking to the Crossroads stage and Don Broco on Main stage, the night was definitely worth waiting for. Announced for Wapred Tour UK later this year, Heck have been taking festivals by storm this year, and Butserfest was no exception. Photographers like myself were not even allowed in the pit due to health and safety (even though the act would spend the majority of their time in the crowd anyway) and the act did not dissapoint! They were climbing the roof of the tent, running into the crowd, diving to the floor and throwing instruments in the air. If you missed it, you definitely missed out!
Finally it came to 9pm and Don Broco were about to start. With their recent release of thier new album 'Automatic' and their phenomenal set at Reading and Leeds Festival, these guys have taken this Summer by storm, and Butserfest was no exception. The crowd were kept on their feet, their energy had exploded as they opened their headline set. They played a mixture of older music from the album 'Priorities' as well as their most popular songs from the new album. Overall my experience at Butserfest was very enjoyable! Would highly recommend it for anyone! Looking forward to next year already!
East Hampshire District Council are delighted to announce the final bands to complete the line up for this year's Butserfest, the UK's biggest alcohol free youth live music festival.
Joining an already explosive lineup are South Wales' post hardcore GIANTS Funeral for a Friend, who make their return to our hallowed field, Nottingham scoundrels HECK* (formerly known as Baby Godzilla) – who will headline our alternative road stage sponsored by Crossroads, and who make a very welcome return having aptly lain waste to the same stage in 2014, those loveable ladies The Lounge Kittens, who will be entertaining our crowds on the main stage between our later acts, the delightfully ferocious SHVPES, Southampton boys Our Hollow, Our Home, also making their return to our event having smashed our second stage last year, pop punkers Boston Manor, who recently toured the UK with As It Is, and Londoners Vanity Draws Blood.
Complete lineup:
Don Broco, Funeral for a Friend, Hacktivist, HECK*, The Xcerts, The Qemists, The Lounge Kittens, Fathoms, The One Hundred, Carcer City, Zoax, Our Hollow Our Home, Lock & Key, Create to Inspire, Shields, SHVPES, Prolong the Agony, Dirt, Boston Manor, Networks, Lost Atlanta, Cardinal Bay, Vanity Draws Blood, Wars and Waking Angel.
INTRODUCING STAGE (in no particular running order):
Deference, Elements, Daniel Eagle, Flashfires, Zenthetix, Jack Howson, Forever in Depths, Eight 28, Just Millie, These Septic Stars, Forgotten Shores, Ella Davidson, Breathe in the Silence.
Tickets are on sale now priced at just £24.90 (and no booking fee) from www.butserfest.co.uk/tickets
Every ticket bought in July & August will be entered into a draw to win VIP packages. More info on website
Festival season is on the horizon and getting ready to kick start it all is SlamDunk Festival taking place May's Bank Holiday weekend. The ever expanding festival is now set to take place over three central, easy to reach locations across the UK in Leeds, Wolverhampton, Hatfield.
With previous years showing the likes of All Time Low and The All American Rejects its no wonder why this one day wonder is not to be missed.
Just announcing their final editions to this year’s festival, joining the line-up are;
Architects, Finch, We Are The Ocean, Set It Off, Cartel, As It Is, ROAM, Moose Blood, Stick To Your Guns, Deez Nuts, Dead Harts, Being As An Ocean, Baby Godzilla, SHVPES, Rob Lynch, Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, This Wild Life, Fort Hope, Only Rivals, Wind In Sails, Survay Says! and Seaway.
And not only that, you can Catch Dani & Davyd from Bury Tomorrow (DJ set), Tek-One, The Algorithm, Teru from Crossfaith (DJ set), Mellisa Clarke and Total Uprawr resident DJ's at this year's Uprawr DJ Stage"
With an incredibly diverse line up this year, tickets are going fast with the southern location almost sold out. It's a bargain, and if you've not got the money for a big festival then this is by far the next best thing!
Check out our top ten list of who to see at Slam Dunk Festival 2015!
1) Neck Deep
Pop punk's finest new addition, this band from Wrexham, Wales formed in 2012 are taking the UK by storm. After the release of their debut album 'Wishful Thinking' the band soared to success, winning Kerrang's 'Best British Newcomer' in 2014. Having just finished touring the UK with the likes of All Time Low, taking on huge arenas, Neck Deep will be sure to have the confidence to smash SlamDunk's more intimate stages. Neck Deep's sing along anthems, and heartfelt acoustic set list guarantee one of the best crowd interactions of the whole festival. With a new album already recorded and produced by A Day To Remember's Jeremy McKinnon and Reading and Leeds main stage on the horizon these boys have earned their way to our Top Ten band to see at SlamDunk 2015.
2) Pvris
With little need for introduction Lynn Gunn's hugely hyped pop rock band PVRIS are ready to take the UK as their own. With VANS Warped Tour just around the corner amongst non stop tour dates it's no wonder that this hardworking three piece have earned our top two.
After nearly a year after signing with Rise/Velocity Records, and the release of their debut album White Noise last November, this monochrome trio from Lowell, Massachusetts have already created a strong fan-base in England. Lynn Gunn's iconic female presence has taken our second place after the nomination for three of the upcoming Alternative Press awards, set for July. Why not come along and see what all the fuss is about, if it takes your fancy then be sure to cast your votes on Alternative Press's website.
3) Architects
With the single Black Blood and the album Daybreaker , it was clear this band has a message they wanted to express to the world. They have proven to do things their own way and recorded their latest album within the comfort of their own home. The sixth album titled 'Lost Together Lost Forever' was released last March and these boys are still touring strong with that material.
Not only have they got an extravagant back catalogue filled with extremely diverse tracks, the band have good morals, all of the members are vegan, and are completely against animal cruelty. Not only can this be heard through Sam Carter's bark, the frontman lives up to his bite and is currently the Sea Shepherd UK ambassador. This organisation helps prevent whaling and is something the band is extremely passionate about. If you're interested in being part of this cause then be sure to head over to their merch table as some of the proceeds are forwarded to these charities. Not only known to be an amazing studio band it's guaranteed you're going to get the same performance and passion in their set. It's precisely this reason why this band deserves to be so high up on our top ten bands to see at SlamDunk 2015.
4) While She Sleeps
After relentless touring, the band announced a set of cancelled shows, with frontman Lawrence announcing he had to undergo throat surgery due to excessive strain from his passionate and heavy vocals. With concern and controversy over whether or not the band would even return after his operation they came back as promised, dedicated and only with a more aggressive extravagant Sleeps' sound we all know and love, they have truly never sounded better. After just releasing their latest album 'Brainwashed' this March it's very clear this band have a strong message that's not to be missed.
With comments still being shared of the five piece's performance on Download's main stage last summer being the highlight of the bands career this has catapulted the metal-core band known as 'Sleeps' onto our top ten.
5) Gallows
A band still under much controversy after the departure of Frank Carter, Alexisonfire's Wade Mcneal is still persisting with an onslaught of new music. The band are currently touring Europe with material from Desolation Sounds as well as original tracks from the days of Frank. The stress and pressure the Punk band from Watford have endured hasn't made them buckle it's made them thrive and very angry, be sure to check this hardcore band if you want to see some passion.
6) Being As An Ocean
A highly religious melodic hardcore band from California releasing their debut album 'Dear G-d' with Invogue Records in 2012. The divergent frontman Joel Quartuccio accompanies his vicious screams with his bands melodic choruses and thrashing breakdowns. With sing-alongs and amazing crowd intimacy, this band will have you hooked from the first verse in their set.
7) Deez Nuts
Known as complete party animals Deez Nuts are a low tuned bass heavy four piece post hardcore band formed in Australia. After front man JJ Peters parted with his old band ' I Killed The Prom Queen' he left us questioning what he would do next. Deez Nuts rolled onto the stages with an aggressive thrashy sound accompanied by rapped lyrics. This band stay true to themselves and are in the business for all the right reasons, fun, fans and nothing more. It's certain this band don't mess around and will demand stage dives and high fives.
8) Zebrahead
Orange country California seems to just spit out amazing bands. This late 90's act are proving that pop punk's still not dead, with their ever expanding fan base these five punk rock guys are still bashing out albums. This band are renowned for their rap metal style, a modern twist of punk rock with a hint of Rage Against The Machine, it's a fact their shows are supposed to tear the roof off. They were nominated for a Grammy for their cover of Metallicas ' Enter Sandman', who knows you may even be lucky enough to hear it at SlamDunk.
9) Millencolin
Swedish skate-rock sensation have been signed with Epitaph Records since 1996 and have just released their first album in over seven years, titled 'True Brew'. If you don't know what they sound like then maybe this will jog your memory, if you were a skater kid you'll definitely know their track 'NO CIGAR' which featured on 'Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2', yeah that's right that was them! Now you know go check them out, they're definitely experienced enough to rock SlamDunk's intimate stages.
10) Don Broco
Formed in England in 2008, this band are fairly new onto the scene, however their non stop touring attitude has earned them a fairly stable fan-base. Don Broco can be summed up as punchy intro's followed by aggressive power chords with awesome clean vocals and a disco drum beat overlaid. This combination creates an amazing kick which a crowd can really sink their teeth into. These boys are planning to release a new album in Autumn this year, you'll most likely hear new tracks live.
If you're standing around with no one on your must see list then why not check out some of the bands listed above
Announced in this mornings issue of Kerrang! Magazine, Slam Dunk have added even more names to their festival taking place this summer. With additional bands being Don Broco, While She Sleeps, PVRIS and more!
Voted ‘Best Festival’ at the NME Awards, this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals are officially set to be better than ever! Reading & Leeds guarantee special performances, huge headliners and rising stars and are the only place to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend with friends this summer.
With exclusive UK festival performances from headliners Green Day, Eminem and Biffy Clyro, plus exclusive appearances from Fall Out Boy, System of A Down, Deftones, Skrillex and more, Reading & Leeds can now announce over 30 more names for the Festivals.
NEW NAMES FOR THE MAIN STAGE:
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
The Pretty Reckless are fronted by lead singer Taylor Momsen who brings equal measures of seething rage and tempered vulnerability to this New York band’s sound. They have been steadily garnering critical acclaim, have supported Marilyn Manson and Evanescence and are a welcome addition to the Main Stage bill.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Four-piece Bedford alternative rock band, and iTunes’ ‘Best New Rock Artist’ of 2012, Don Broco bring their infamously raucous rough-edged riffs to the Main Stage. The band have been gaining momentum in the mainstream as a rock band to watch, and continuing on from their success at Radio 1 they are making a mark on the British rock scene and beyond. Following their thrilling Festival Republic Stage performance at Reading & Leeds last year, they step up to Main Stage for what will no doubt be an insane performance.
NME/RADIO 1 LINE-UP GROWS WITH NEW ADDITIONS
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Night Engine’s take on glam anthems has drawn comparisons to dance-era Bowie, INXS, Kane Gang and Power Station, and indeed they do sound vintage, but this London four-piece bring an infectious modernity to proceedings making them one of the most talked about bands of the past six months.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Darwin Deez is to bring his brilliantly entertaining live show to Reading & Leeds’ NME/Radio stage in support of his new album, ‘Songs For Imaginative People’. Don’t miss your chance to witness a rare insight into everything an indie pop star should be.
Also joining will be alternative rock band from Norfolk Deaf Havana, renowned for their soaring melodies and candid lyrics. The band’s success continues to grow and with their highly anticipated new album 'Old Souls’ due out in September this year, be sure to catch them before they get even bigger.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Irish folk band Villagers will be bringing their icy melodies and eerie synth-laden indie-folk to Reading & Leeds this year. Since their debut album was shortlisted for a ‘Mercury Music Prize’ in 2010, they have been gaining momentum and their most recent album, ‘Awayland’, released earlier in the year is a thrilling follow-up.
Californian surf-rockers Wavves are bona fide staples on the rock scene thanks to the critical success of their self-titled debut album, which whetted the appetites of critics and fans alike. They have since gone on to play sell-out shows and collaborate with artists such as Big Boi, all the while building on their thrilling live-show energy.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE EXPANDS
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Alvin Risk is signed to Skrillex’s OWSLA label and is rapidly gaining notoriety for his dark and aggressive dubstep. Slow beats build into grimey climaxes with stadium sized, ethereal choruses, just what you’d expect from Skrillex’s protégé.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
London four-piece Post War Years bring their brand of polished synth-pop to the expanded three day Dance Stage. With comparisons to both New Order and LCD Soundsystem, Post War Years offer up a fresh take on dance music simultaneously referencing the past, whilst pushing boundaries.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Electronic music duo Alexander Odden & Michael Parsberg AKA Pegboard Nerds are best known for their evenly spaced electronica with plenty of synths. The overall melodic and bassy effect makes them key players in the EDM scene and Reading & Leeds welcome them to the Dance Stage.
MANY MORE BANDS FOR THE LOCK UP/ROCK STAGE
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
Hardcore connoisseurs Feed The Rhino will be playing the best of their rough, riff-heavy emphatic hardcore stylings for die-hard fans. The five-piece have been acclaimed by the likes of Metal Hammer and Kerrang! and are sure to raise the roof this summer.
Also on the Lock Up Stage is the Canadian four-piece The Creepshow who use horror films as a point of reference for much of their music, which is sure to thrill any slasher fanatics in the crowd. The band are notorious for their frenetically paced, high-energy shows, and will have the crowd singing along in unison.
Rising talent Rat Attack will be thrilling festival goers with their pop-punk indie stylings. The Exeter-based band have been championed by Radio 1’s Zane Lowe and a slew of underground music blogs.
Already established in the hardcore scene, British band Palm Reader offer up some of the best of the genre. Known for their punchy riffs and killer percussion teamed with emotive vocals, you can expect lots of power, energy and undoubtedly a spot of moshing.
Brighton-based band Gnarwolves have been gaining plaudits recently for their contagiously energetic performances. A huge summer awaits them, all topped off with their set on the Lock Up Stage.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Manchester based five-piece Sonic Boom Six (SB6) expertly deliver politically motivated narratives about social justice and activism, combined with an eclectic blend of musical influences. From ska and reggae to punk and dubstep, they return to whip Reading & Leeds into a frenzy.
Rising punk band Off With Their Heads are known for their electrifyingly mid-tempo pop teamed with supersonically paced punk. The band’s most recent single ‘Epitaph’ has been gaining heat on underground rock blogs and their performance at Reading & Leeds is sure to put them on the map.
Guitarist, songwriter and singer Chuck Ragan has had an impressive career which has seen him release a live album, three solo albums and head up punk rock band Hot Water Music. He has since gone on to write a book and tour across Europe with his evolved folk-rock sound, and he will be bringing his array of musical experience to the Lock Up Stage this summer.
Ahead of their European summer tour, Anti Vigilante will be gracing the Lock Up Stage. Influenced heavily by ska, they merge hardcore sounds with saxophones and intensely heartfelt lyrics. Their tracks have been championed by the likes of Radio 1’s Mike Davies and they’ve played in the iconic Maida Vale studios, a variety of independent rock festivals, and now play the big ones!
Four-piece punk rockers Sharks are best known for their uncompromising brand of blue-collar punk, packed with songs focusing on rebellion and resistance. Influenced by The Clash, these boys from Leamington Spa are serving up the best in modern rock n’ roll and their show is sure to be a real treat.
Great Cynics are fresh from being touted as a one to watch at Brighton’s Great Escape festival, and performing a live session for Mike Davies’ Radio 1 Punk Show. With notes of folk, grunge and punk in their musical offerings, they are sure to offer something for everyone.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Legendary industrial-rock band Filter have spent 20 years contributing to the rock arsenal. From songs about Kurt Cobain, Tomb Raider, and Smashing Pumpkins, they write about contemporary culture, and their albums document the mood of modern youth over the past two decades.
Pioneers of the ‘djent’ genre, which refers to a dense, complex and very hardcore strain of heavy music, Hacktivist are nothing if not innovators. The five-piece incorporate pounding quick-fire grime-inspired rhymes over thunderous riffs, which makes for a unique sound that has earned them accolades from rock critics and fans alike. Check them out on the Rock Stage and make up your own mind.
Three-piece rock band The Virginmarys are adept at touring, with a career which has seen them support the likes of Skunk Anansie, Slash, Feeder and We Are Scientists. They promise an electrifying live performance this year as they turn up the amps and the energy.
American rock trio Beware Of Darkness take their inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Black Keys and have supported huge bands including The Deftones since they formed in 2010. Their brooding rock songs from debut album ‘Orthodox’ will be captivating audiences this summer on The Lock Up Stage.
Portland based band Hawk Eyes cite a range of influences from garage rock and post punk to Brit-pop, all of which can all be heard in their music. With a thrilling live show, make sure you catch them on the Rock Stage as they ascend to the realms of the mainstream.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE WELCOMES NEW NAMES
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
LA based four-piece Papa are identified by big, raucous sounds that whip listeners into a frenzy. Their charismatic charm and catchy hooks will ensure a legion of fans at their feet at the Festival Republic Stage.
Also joining the bill are Charlie Boyer And The Voyeurs with their intoxicating blend of grinding guitars, rolling organs and frantic energy. The English five-piece are influenced by the music of 70’s New York, straddling avant-garde rock ‘n’ roll and big, sing-a-long tracks, this band is not to be missed.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Influenced by Arthouse cinema and post punk, Savages have had a phenomenal year and show no intention of slowing down. Starting it with a nomination for the BBC ‘Sound of 2013’ poll, they have been widely regarded as one of the most thrilling live acts around by critics, thanks to their incredible energy and emotion on stage.
Formerly known as Dive, critics’ favourite DIIV are a New York based indie rock band who have a slew of accolades behind them. Their album ‘Oshin’ released last year featured on Pitchfork’s ‘Top 50 Albums Of 2012’ and their unique sonic influences include a mix of world music, krautrock and indie.
One foot in electro and one foot in folk, Dan Croll is adept at making catchy tunes supported by the likes of Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 Music. Dan and his band join the Festival Republic Stage this year. Enjoy.
Alternative pop rockers Sons & Lovers are known for their catchy guitar melodies and strong lyrical stature. They will be bringing their gentle indie stylings to Reading & Leeds this year.
READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD
Critically acclaimed electronic music duo Mount Kimbie have made some of the most progressive electronic music over the last few years, and have featured in countless ‘Best Of’ lists. Their beautiful blend of ambient beats and well-produced instrumentalism has earned them the status as some of the best in the game, and they are sure to thrill the Festival Republic Stage audiences this year.
Frankie & The Heartstrings are back with the follow-up album ‘The Days Run Away’ to the much-loved 2008 debut ‘Hunger’. Bernard Butler is the producer this time around, and you can certainly feel his presence on the record. Always great live, it’s a welcome return for Sunderland’s finest.
Musical pairing In The Valley Below will be delivering hushed swirls of male and female vocals forged with dark tales of brooding riddles and romance. The band have received acclaim from NME and MTV, and this show should push them to the next level.
Also joining are Leeds rock ‘n’ rollers China Rats who have clearly been inspired by classic British rock and guitar bands. After being championed by Radio 1’s Huw Stevens and BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, the band are paying homage to the 90’s indie scene while adding dimensions that make the sound their own.
Australian four-piece San Cisco offer up their brash and uncompromising indie to the festival this year. After steadily receiving acclaim from the likes of Radio 1, NME and a wealth of indie blogs, the boys from down under walk the line between soft rock and indie-pop and are sure to live up to the hype.
NEW CONFIRMATIONS FOR THE BBC RADIO 1XTRA STAGE
READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH
British rapper Itch brings his blend of UK rap and rock riffs to the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage this year. His angry and brash foray into the worlds of rock, rapping and social justice create a powerful performance that you won't forget in a hurry.
READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH
Championed by Zane Lowe Chicago based Chance The Rapper has spent the last few years injecting a sense of freshness into the rap world with his thrilling take on hip-hop instrumentals, beats, and bars. His second mixtape ‘Acid Rap’ features heavy-hitters including Action Bronson, Black Hippy’s Ab-Soul and childish Gambino. Chance The Rapper has recently served up some unforgettable performances and is definitely one to watch at Reading & Leeds.
