Here it is folks – the definitive guide to which local acts will be taking on Splendour 2013! Last year’s festival marked a turning point in Notts music history with more home-grown acts than ever before in the lineup. For 2013, Splendour has stepped it up yet again with FOUR Nottingham artists confirmed for the Main Stage and many more spread across the whole festival. Not only that, but for the first time ever in the history of Splendour a local artist will be playing the coveted headline spot, if ya can’t already tell WE ARE EXCITED!
MAIN STAGE
Since her discovery a year ago at last year’s FSoN semi-finals, INDIANA has been sending ripples of excitement throughout the music world. Sultry vocals that know no bounds of awe, her stripped back performances laden with fragility have seen this seemingly shy newcomer become one of Nottingham’s hotly tipped talents. Playing the slot that Mr Bugg nailed last year (an omen perhaps…?), INDIANA will be right at home on the Main Stage. In fact we’re already starting to wonder where she might feature next year!
Splendour favs DOG IS DEAD return for 2013 with their biggest slot yet at their favourite festival. With humble beginnings simply as a bunch of friends playing together after school (find out more about their story HERE), the quintet have evolved into Big Pop pioneers with a successful debut album and string of sell-out gigs tucked neatly under their belts. Their catchy choruses, nostalgia-tinged lyrics and impeccable five-part harmonies make for solid gold anthems that have placed the boys on the road to Indie stardom.
Playing his third consecutive Splendour, JAKE BUGG has steadily crept up the line up on each appearance. Now, having scored a number one album with his debut, a sell-out European tour and secured a series of festivals (including the Pyramid Stage at Glasto), Jake returns to headline in his hometown. His wry, witty lyrics suggest experience beyond his 19 years and are complimented by punchy choruses and a distinctive, Dylan-esque vocal that would have him at home in 1965. A proven asset to British music – Splendour welcomes back JAKE BUGG! This will be a massive moment for JAKE, his family and the whole Nottingham music scene.
AND REMEMBER! The chance is still there for a fourth Nottingham artist to bag the opening slot on the Main Stage by entering our Future Sound of Nottingham 2013 competition. Details announced so far can be found on the New Music Podcast HERE.
JAGERMEISTER STAGE
The Jagermeister Stage is back for 2013 bringing you a bit of everything, from Soul to Grunge to Indie. Here’s a rundown of the local acts to look out for on the Stage:
Sure to turn Splendour into a full blown Céilidh are FEROCIOUS DOG. Twisted Folk with touches of Ska and Reggae, their sets are always filled with fun, Folk and a fiddle. Have a listen and a dance to them on the Podcast HERE.
One of the standouts from last year’s festival SAINT RAYMOND’s Acoustic Pop is clever, catchy and completely fun. A guaranteed smile-raiser, one listen to ‘Bonfires’ on the Podcast HERE and you’ll be singing it for days.
Argubly the standout local performer of Splendour 2012, ROB GREEN had the crowd jumping, singing and dancing on the Leftlion Stage last year with his incredibly energised performance. No doubt he will be doing the same this time round! Check out his Future Session with us HERE.
Effortlessly cool and enviably talented are Grunge prodigies KAGOULE. Big sounds and intoxicating melodies, KAGOULE are festival headliners in the making. Catch them on the Podcast HERE to see what we mean.
NCN/ LEFTLION STAGE
Located in the courtyard, the NCN Stage (and still also the Leftlion one, tag team!) can always be relied on to bring you the freshest local talent in an intimate and atmospheric setting.
Smokey-sweet Soul that’s earned her praise as the next Amy Winehouse, HARLEIGHBLU is set to take the world by storm with her upcoming album release. Gorgeous vocals and brooding melodies, have a listen on the New Music Podcast HERE.
He’s built up a steady allegiance of dedicated fans through incredible covers and JOEL BAKER’s original pieces are proving even more addictive! A guy, a guitar and a whole load of talent, have a listen to Joel (along with some words of wisdom) on the latest Podcast HERE.
Utterly swoon-worthy, INJURED BIRDS will raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Perfectly crafted melancholic rock that is getting them national recognition, do yourself a favour and have a listen on the Podcast HERE.
One of our leading ladies of folk, GEORGIE ROSE is gifted with a voice that will send shivers down your spine. Add to that a captivating stage presence, Americana influences and enviable song writing abilities and you have something truly special. Have a look at her Future Session HERE.
Get some whiskey, a rocking chair and plug yourself into RYAN THOMAS. Clever songwriting that transports you to the Deep South, his Old-Man Blues is a complete breath of fresh air. With the blingest guitar we’ve ever seen in the studios. check him out in Session HERE.
Relative newbies ONEGIRLONEBOY are taking Nottingham by storm with their dark Indie Rock. A quirky duo set for big things, check out their Session HERE and you’ll be hooked too.
With the strongest roster of Nottingham artists to play the festival so far, Splendour 2013 is set to be one helluva day! If you really want to get in the mood, check out the Nusic highlights video from 2012 HERE.
Full Splendour lineup & details can be found on the Official Website HERE.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Maddie Hammond. X
Ps. Did I mention it was in Batman’s back garden…?
