Hockley Hustle, Nottingham’s beloved multi-venue music and arts festival, will return with its usual dose of chaos, creativity, and community spirit this weekend. Over the years, it’s become a must-attend event in the city’s cultural calendar, taking over the bars, pubs, and streets of Hockley for a full day of live music, art, and charity fundraising. What started as a grassroots initiative in 2006 has blossomed into a vibrant showcase for local talent, with artists spanning genres from indie and hip-hop to jazz and grime, rubbing shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the East Midlands.
From local legends making waves on the national scene to fresh talent ready to blow your socks off, 2024’s edition promises a mix of sounds as eclectic as the city itself. With this year’s event just around the corner, we’ve scoured the line-up to bring you 10 of the acts you absolutely can’t afford to miss this year...
KAP
KAP has been turning heads this year with her infectious UK garage-inspired sound, blending nostalgic beats with smooth, modern vocals. After clinching the Future Sound of Nottingham 2024 title, she’s become one to watch, bringing a fresh energy to the scene while staying true to garage’s golden era roots.
Where can you catch her? 31k
When can you catch her? 10pm
JayaHadADream
JayaHadADream’s powerful blend of conscious rap and soulful melodies saw her perform at Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds earlier this year. She’s cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with, by using her sharp lyricism to tackle social issues while captivating crowds in Nottingham and across the UK.
Where can you catch her? Antenna
When can you catch her? 8:30pm
Catmilk
Catmilk blend dreamy, melancholic melodies with raw, emotional lyricism, creating an atmospheric indie sound that’s both haunting and beautiful. Known for their intimate live performances and ethereal vibe, they’ve quickly built a loyal following, standing out as one of the city’s most intriguing and original acts.
Where can you catch them? Antenna
When can you catch them? 5:30pm
Stan Buckroyd
Stan Buckroyd showcased his talents on The Voice UK this year, impressing the coaches and viewers alike with his Blind Audition, which aired a few weeks ago. Creating his own form of indie-rock, Stan’s raw, emotive delivery has also been winning over local audiences closer to home, in the city he grew up in.
Where can you catch him? Das Kino
When can you catch him? 7:30pm
Vona Vella
Vona Vella bring a refreshing blend of dreamy indie-pop and folk-inspired harmonies to the scene. The duo’s captivating sound, rich with mellow guitars and ethereal vocals, has been turning heads both locally and beyond. With a growing fanbase and a support slot with The Libertines at Rock City approaching, Vona Vella are fast becoming a standout act to keep your eye on.
Where can you catch them? Rough Trade
When can you catch them? 8pm
JERUB
JERUB is making waves across the country with his powerful vocals and soulful songwriting. His emotional performances have earned him large-scale TV appearances, including a standout moment at the King’s Coronation Concert last year. Following a sold-out show at The Bodega this April, it’s clear that his heartfelt sound is captivating audiences both in his hometown and far beyond.
Where can you catch him? Saltbox
When can you catch him? 4pm
ALT BLK ERA
Sister duo ALT BLK ERA are a genre-defying collective known for their innovative blend of electronic, rap, nu metal and punk influences. With their highly anticipated debut album on the horizon, paired with a launch show at Saltbox, they’re poised to make a significant impact on the music scene both in Nottingham and beyond, showcasing their distinctive sound and thought-provoking lyricism.
Where can you catch them? Saltbox
When can you catch them? 5pm
Bored Marsh
Bored Marsh are making a name for themselves with their captivating blend of indie and alternative rock. Their recently released IDIOT EP showcases their signature sound, earning critical acclaim from national magazines. And following a sold-out launch show for the EP at Rough Trade, the band are continuing to gain momentum, solidifying their place as one of the city’s must-watch acts.
Where can you catch them? Saltbox
When can you catch them? 8pm
EMiDORA
After winning the Future Sound of Nottingham 2023, EMiDORA has captured listeners with her unique blend of pop and electronic sounds, quickly gaining recognition for her enchanting vocals and innovative artistry. Her music, which is rich with atmospheric production and personal storytelling, has set her apart as a bold voice in the city’s music scene, as she embraces a new direction and vision since her rebrand from EM earlier this year.
Where can you catch her? Saltbox
When can you catch her? 9pm
Midnight Rodeo
Midnight Rodeo deliver a fresh take on the indie rock sound, with their infectious melodies and psychedelic art-pop influences. Their music combines jangly guitars with experimental textures, creating a captivating atmosphere that draws listeners in. With their energetic live shows and unique sonic flair, they’re carving out a distinctive niche in the city’s music scene, and are always one to catch at any festival line-up they appear on.
Where can you catch them? The Grove
When can you catch them? 10pm
Book your tickets for the Hockley Hustle here
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