Who's worth getting ahead of the queues for at this year's Dot to Dot festival?
The Artists
Marika Hackman
Effortlessly cool folk rock that delves into the dark side of Hackman’s brain. Mentored by Laura Marling, she is one to watch for fans of twisted lyrics and electro-acoustic sound.
Ady Suleiman
Grantham-born artist destined for greatness. After a string of distinctive EPs, Ady released a much-anticipated album of raw talent and soulful lyrics, sung with a lovable Midlands accent.
You Want Fox
This punk-rock duo celebrates millennial life, with a name inspired by predictive-text screw-ups and an album named after a Mean Girls quote.
Jimi Mack
Belfast-born, Nottingham-living, guitar-slinging poet. Jimi Mack creates music that sounds like Ernest Hemmingway & Joni Mitchell’s love child. A must see for poets and folk-lovers.
Whisky Stain
A two-piece rock band from Nottingham and London. Influenced by whisky and women, the duo belt out catchy lyrics over a truly unique, blues-inspired sound.
Sunflower Thieves
That same kind of soulful sisterhood that binds iconic bands like First Aid Kit, with delicate harmonies and poetic lyrics to match.
Distant Blue
Powerful pop-punk sound, packed with energy and classic influences. Think Blink 182 and Simple Plan, but in Long Eaton. Watch out world.
Fast Car To Florence
Pretty new, but already making noise (no pun intended) with their debut indie-rock EP, which can be listened to free online through a virtual interactive experience.
Ashfields
A five-piece indie-pop brand fresh from the streets of Sutton and Kirkby-in-Ashfield. All the melancholy notes of Catfish and the Bottleman, mixed with some mining-town edge.
The Shrives
Rising rock stars who’ve gained the attention of Kerrang! & NME. The kind of angsty, guitar-heavy sound that you can blast out your car with the windows down.
The Venues
Rock City
No venue list is complete without mentioning this iconic club. The three floors cover a variety of genres, from cheesy pop to classic rock, techno to metal. Enjoy music from the stage that’s hosted everyone from The Smiths to Mumford & Sons. Connected to the well-loved Black Cherry Lounge, where you can pull up a pew and enjoy the tunes in style.
Rough Trade
Keeping vinyl alive. This record-shop-turned-live-music-bar is one of Nottingham’s best cultural hotspots, hosting regular live gigs to showcase the best East Midlands has to offer. Located in the heart of Hockley, this venue straight up oozes talent and good vibes.
Junkyard
The queen of IPAs, cider and bar snacks, tucked away on Bridlesmith Walk. Catch it on a sunny day and sit in the surprisingly peaceful beer garden, sipping beer and hiding from the bustle of the city. The staff are well-versed beer aficionados, ready to help you find your new fave ale.
Broadway
Black and white films, live shows and banging pizza. The place to be on a rainy Friday night when you’re ready to upgrade from the Netflix binge, doubling up as somewhere to check out some live music for Dot To Dot.
Nottingham Contemporary
Art, films, music. Free. Yep, Nottingham Contemporary lets you enjoy a slice of culture for absolutely nothing. Grab a drink in their café and feel inspired surrounded by galleries while being swooned by both local and worldwide talent.
Dot to Dot takes place on Sunday 27 May 2018
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