Last week the brilliant boggers behind Splendour announced the full-line up for this year’s Wollo Park summer festival. Here are the acts our Music Editors will be jostling their way to the front to see…
All Saints
As the world continues to prolong its fascination with all things cargo pants, chunky trainers and other nostalgic noughties mementos, now is the perfect time for All Saints to come back into our consciousness. Besides from soundtracking THE ‘coming of age’ film from the era, this girl group have a back catalogue of groovy pop bangers that are sure to form a solid, singalong show that’ll be performed brilliantly. Even if you’re too young to remember them first time around, go grab your chance to see some chart-topping legends in the park this year.
Rob Green
Few are capable of sparking joy quite like Notts singer-songwriter Rob Green. Rob poetically tackles all manner of taboos around identity with charisma and style, and tirelessly gives back to fans and the local community through performances, workshops and charity gigs. Over the last few years he has been wowing crowds and winning hearts across Europe with his all-embracing approach to writing music and performing live, and this year takes a hugely-deserved spot on the Splendour Mainstage. If his recent appearance at Rock City for Beat the Streets is anything to go by, this is set to be one hell of a show – we’re already buzzing and there are still over four months to go…
Louisa
Fans of Saturday nights in front of the telly may know her as the winner of 2015’s X Factor, while those who spend the weekend on the dance floor will recognise her voice from her collaboration with Clean Bandit on Tears. However you know her, Louise will be getting us grooving on the grass with a selection of upbeat hits this year.
Megatrain
If dark, volatile beats and synths paired with unusual vocal harmonies are your thing, you’ll love Notts duo Megatrain. The coming-together of songwriters Tiger and Felix M-B - both established artists in their own right - the result is quite startling and magical. Having unsurprisingly caught the ears and eyes of BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music already, Megatrain have been popping up all over Notts with slots at The Bodega and Jamcafé; a set on the Courtyard Stage at Splendour being a natural and deserved progression. We advise getting as close to the front as you can – we’ve heard serious sonic wizardry goes down with gadgets and wires when Megatrain take to the stage.
The Slow Readers Club
Manchester four-piece The Slow Readers Club aren’t a secret anymore – having formed back in 2003 they’re currently getting the attention their delectable indie-synth sound warrants. Hot off the heels of a sell-out UK tour earlier this year, The Slow Readers Club will take to the Splendour Mainstage, and will surely fill Wollo Park with dark yet groovy vibes. Slather on the glitter for this one.
Velvet Blush
This up and coming female four piece won the critic’s choice at NTU’s Battle of the Bands last month, and for chuffin’ good reason. No covers were played at the show, allowing them to gain glory thanks to the sophisticated grunge soaked indie-pop songwriting skills they’ve formed already, not to mention their performance as a tight-knit group that would make you think they’ve shared a stage for years. This accolade and set at Splendour has done great things for 2018’s winners, Clonk! – let’s see what ’19 brings for these gals.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?