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[Beacons] Our Most Anticipated Artists of the Festival
As far as straight up awesome festival line-ups go, Beacons Festival has nailed one of the most diverse and ear pleasing rosters I've seen in recent years in 2013. The festival itself is an infant, still finding its feet in the ever growing rough terrain of the small festival wilderness in the UK and in 2011 it had to be cancelled due to the good old UK weather. Last year was a raging success however and this year promises to be bigger and better than that. We'll be heading over to the site in Skipton, Yorkshire, tomorrow morning to take in the gorgeous countryside, and of course some of the top notch line-up while we're there. We may have to try a good sample of the amazing Ales on offer too, but we'll talk about that next week. If you make the jump you can see who we're very eager to see and what we think will make for a very special weekend.
As far as straight up awesome festival line-ups go, Beacons Festival has nailed one of the most diverse and ear pleasing rosters I've seen in recent years in 2013. The festival itself is an infant, still finding its feet in the ever growing rough terrain of the small festival wilderness in the UK and in 2011 it had to be cancelled due to the good old UK weather. Last year was a raging success however and this year promises to be bigger and better than that. We'll be heading over to the site in Skipton, Yorkshire, tomorrow morning to take in the gorgeous countryside, and of course some of the top notch line-up while we're there. We may have to try a good sample of the amazing Ales on offer too, but we'll talk about that next week. If you make the jump you can see who we're very eager to see and what we think will make for a very special weekend.
Who: Local Natives
Why? Their second album showed a growth from the LA band, evolving from Gorilla Manor into a mature, more subtle in places, but every bit as sonically brilliant band. Hummingbird is sure to see their live dynamic grow too. Their live performances are pure brilliance as is and we're sure this will be a highlight of the weekend for many.
Who: Ghostpoet
Why? His ear pricking style of spoken word and rap are sure to burrow their way into your subconscious, talking to memories you long forgot about. Paired with his multiple styles of backing, he's certainly one to watch during your times in the fields.
Who: Danny Brown
Why? On the surface when you first see Danny Brown you may just laugh. Don't judge a book by its cover, for Danny is going from strength to strength and if there's an artist who deserves more recognition here in the UK it's this Detroit export. Tongue in cheek, all the while keeping your attention firmly fixed between the ridiculous and the serious. He will not disappoint.
Who: Lulu James
Why? Lulu hails from the north east of the UK and offers up an infusion of throwbacks to the 70's combined with modern tendencies. Her sound is being called "21st Century Soul" and upon hearing her infectious tracks it's easy to see why. Think Donna Summers meets Grace Jones with a brand new twist. Pop to see Lulu and get you glad rags on, 'cause she's bound to be dressed better than you.
Who: Fucked Up
Why? If you're fancying something a little more brash. Maybe you're feeling a little worse for wear over the weekend and need a pick me up, go see Fucked Up. The Canadian hardcore punks will leave you out of breath and still wanting more. Their live shows pack in more energy than most within the opening 5 minutes.
Who: Findlay
Why? Findlay hails from Manchester but when you first hear her you'd be forgiven for thinking she comes from Tennessee next door to Jack White for she wears her influences firmly on her sleeves and the results re magnificent. Raw, powerful and in your face blues rock.
Who: Wet Nuns
Why? Wet Nuns hail from Yorkshire, so it's fitting that they should play one of its best festivals this summer. The two piece bring more noise than most bands twice their size in numbers. Think desert rock sounds like Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age with enough guitar noise to warrant two sets of ear plugs. The guys even have their own festival; Detestival. They don't take nonsense, and neither should you. Go watch 'em.
[Listen] Alt-J - "Fitzpleasure"
From their AA sided single Matilda / Fitzpleasure, which will be released courtesy of Infectious Music, comes "Fitzpleasure" from Leeds quartet Alt-J. Don't let the lead in on this song deceive you because the bright vocals quickly blend with a heavy bass fuzz, guitar scratching and percussion that will draw you into focusing on all of the intricacies. The band will be heading out on tour in February with Ghostpoet before joining Wild Beasts on their tour in March. Be on the lookout in May for their debut album. We'll keep you posted with more details in the coming months.
From their AA sided single Matilda / Fitzpleasure, which will be released courtesy of Infectious Music, comes "Fitzpleasure" from Leeds quartet Alt-J. Don't let the lead in on this song deceive you because the bright vocals quickly blend with a heavy bass fuzz, guitar scratching and percussion that will draw you into focusing on all of the intricacies. The band will be heading out on tour in February with Ghostpoet before joining Wild Beasts on their tour in March. Be on the lookout in May for their debut album. We'll keep you posted with more details in the coming months.
In support of Ghostpoet
13/02 The Junction, Cambridge
14/02 The Waterfront, Norwich
15/02 KOKO, London
18/02 Sound Control, Manchester
19/02 Mojo, Liverpool
20/02 University of Surrey, Guildford
21/02 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
22/02 Whelan's, Dublin
23/02 DQ, Sheffield
24/02 SWG3, Glasgow
25/02 Lancaster Library, Lancaster
27/02 The Cluny, Newcastle
28/02 Central Station, Wrexham
Dates in support of Wild Beasts
11/03 - Warwick University
12/03 - Norwich University
13/03 - Colchester Arts Centre
14/03 - Exeter Phoenix
15/03 - Falmouth Pavillion
16/03 - Cardiff Coal Exchange
17/03 - Liverpool O2 Academy
[Watch] Ghostpoet - "Survive It" Live on Later... with Jools Holland
Yesterday we posted up a few performances from Later... with Jools Holland but this one took a little longer to surface for some reason. Whilst sat at home watching I remember thinking this was a stand-out performance from the show and it was from Ghostpoet. He stepped into the studio to perform a great rendition of "Survive It" from his Mercury Prize nominated album Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam. Check it out above.
[Watch] Ghostpoet - "Liines" (Video)
In his video for "Liines", it's hard to tell if Ghostpoet plays with words or if they play with him. I guess that's up for us to decide for sure. The single comes from his now 2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominated Album Of The Year debut Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam.
As any good artist should when releasing an album, Ghostpoet is will be hitting the road in September after some successful performances at Glastonbury, Sonar and The Great Escape to headline a tour of his very own.
Have a peek at dates after the jump!
In his video for "Liines", it's hard to tell if Ghostpoet plays with words or if they play with him. I guess that's up for us to decide for sure. The single comes from his now 2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominated Album Of The Year debut Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam.
As any good artist should when releasing an album, Ghostpoet is will be hitting the road in September after some successful performances at Glastonbury, Sonar and The Great Escape to headline a tour of his very own.
Have a peek at dates after the jump!
GHOSTPOET BRAND NEW TOUR DATES
Sept 22: Arts Institute - Cardiff
Sept 23: Sneaky Petes - Edinburgh
Sept 24: The Captain Rest - Glasgow
Sept 26: Whelans - Dublin
Sept 30: O2 Academy 2 - Oxford
Oct 01: Start The Bus - Bristol
Oct 04: O2 Academy 3 - Birmingham
Oct 05: The Railway - Winchester
Oct 06: The Registry - Portsmouth
Oct 07: Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
Oct 08: The Harley - Sheffield
Oct 09: Deaf Institute - Manchester
Oct 10: Digital - Brighton
Oct 11: Leeds University Union - Leeds
Oct 12: The Duchess - York
Oct 13: Scala - London
Oct 14: The Other Rooms - Newcastle