Reading & Leeds Festival is almost upon us again and as well as booking some of the biggest bands around, there’s always plenty of exciting new music on the line-up to get your teeth into. If you’re looking for something new to get obsessed with, take a look at our list of 10 upcoming bands and artists to check out at this year’s festival. When all your friends catch on in a few months time, you can show off that you’ve already seen ’em live!
1. Neck Deep
Neck Deep have been gaining fans at an accelerated pace since their 2014 debut record ‘Wishful Thinking‘ was released. The pop-punk guys from Wrexham are making waves over in the US too, performing on every Vans Warped Tour date. Their second album Life’s Not Out to Get You will be out just before they perform at this year’s festival.
2. Nothing But Thieves
If you enjoy BIG songs, then Nothing But Thieves are a must see. Pulling inspiration from the likes of Led Zepplin and Radiohead, this band sure know how to create a memorable guitar riff. With an impressive catalogue of arena-style songs, catching them playing first on the NME / BBC Radio 1 stage before they blow up.
3. Shura
Moscow-born singer songwriter Shura first caught the world’s attention last year with her single ‘Touch‘, which now has over 15 million views on YouTube. She was also long listed for the BBC Sound of 2015 award and is sure to preview material from her upcoming debut album at the festival.
4. Fort Hope
Fort Hope formed in 2013 after the disbandment of My Passion and released their debut album ‘Courage‘ under their new name last year. Having toured with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Andrew Macmahon and We Are The In Crowd, this’ll give you an idea of the addictive rock vibes and big choruses you can expect from their live set.
5. PVRIS
With the release of their debut album ‘White Noise‘ in 2014, PVRIS have been quickly gaining fans from around the world. The Boston three-some sure know how to write songs with huge, sing-along rock choruses that no doubt sound even better live. The band played the Vans Warped Tour last year and are now ready to take on Reading & Leeds.
6. Little May
Little May are an all-female trio from Australia who won the Breakthrough Act of 2014 award and have since been made the Sunday Times Breakthrough Act. With over a million plays on Soundcloud, their haunting vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar riffs are sure to catch the imagination of anyone who watches them perform live.
7. Sunset Sons
If the sun comes out at this year’s Reading & Leeds (fingers crossed), Sunset Sons will be there to provide the perfect soundtrack with their surfing inspired indie rock. Hailing from France, they are another band who were recoginsed in the BBC Sound of 2015 shortlist and are most definitely one to watch.
8. Jack Garratt
At just 23 years old, Jack Garratt has caught the imagination of the listening public with his unique sound. As a multi-instrumentalist, his live shows consist of samples, guitar solos and powerful vocals to create a truly mesmerizing experience for anyone lucky enough to witness him.
9. Stormzy
Voted third in this year’s BBC Sound of 2015 and taking away Best Grime Act at last year’s MOBO Awards, Stormzy is certainly making an impression. He was also the first unsigned rapper to appear on Jool’s Holland, bringing grime straight to mainstream audiences. His debut EP The Dreamer’s Disease went straight to number one in the iTunes hiphop chart so his first performance at Reading & Leeds is one not to be missed.
10. Blonde
Unless you live under a rock, you’re sure to have heard Blonde‘s recent huge dance hits ‘I Loved You More‘ ft Melissa Steel or ‘All Cried Out‘. With huge bangers like this to offer, a trip to the Radio 1 Dance Stage for their set would definitely be a memorable moment of the festival. Don’t forget to pack your glow sticks!
So there you have it, we urge you to try your hardest to catch these 10 acts at this year’s festival. Reading & Leeds Festival is on 28th-30th August – get your tickets here!
