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Guestlist Guide to Reading and Leeds
Other | Thursday 20th June 2013 | Conor
Reading and Leeds have been at the forefront of music festivals for as long as I can remember. Over recent years, it has seen a decrease in enthusiasm from certain types of festival goers, seemingly only those who begrudge seeing younger people enjoying themselves. It cannot be argued that Reading and Leeds are now attracting a younger demographic than in the past, but as a result, younger and more exciting bands have been making appearances, especially on the smaller stages.
2013 promises to be just as electrifying as always with a first-rate line-up, across an arena boasting an increased number of stages. Here is our guide to the best acts on offer across the weekend.
Who: Action Bronson
When: Saturday (Reading)/ Sunday (Leeds)
Where: 1Xtra Stage
Queens rapper Action Bronson is set to make his R&L debut appearance this year on the newly installed 1Xtra stage. Despite being a relative newcomer to the rap game, he comes to Reading and Leeds armed with material taken from two albums, two EPs and three mix tapes. He is one of the hottest names in hip hop at present and has made a plethora of guest appearances on tracks for the likes of A$AP Rocky, Earl Sweatshirt and Mac Miller to name but a small selection from an extensive list. He was recently on our shores for two spectacularly received sets at KOKO and an appearance at Parklife Festival in Manchester.
Who: San Cisco
When: Sunday/Friday
Where: Festival Republic Stage
Whatever the weather, find a slice of sunshine in the heart of the festival sites emanating from this Aussie quartet with their perfectly crafted brand of feel good indie-pop blended with a not so subtle hint of wistful nostalgia. 'Beach', the title track of their latest EP was one of the finest songs released in 2012, featuring a chorus destined to stay entrapped within the membranes of your mind for days, weeks even thanks to the angelic vocals of drummer Scarlett Stevens.
Who: Brand New
When: Saturday/Sunday
Where: Main Stage
Brand new are set to make a rare UK appearance when they take to the main stage at this year’s festivals. With a new album in the works the possibility is there for new material to be aired, as well as favourites from their stellar back catalogue spanning an impressive 12 years.
Who: Peace
When: Friday/Saturday
Where: NME/Radio 1 Stage
NME sweethearts Peace have captured the hearts of their adoring fans over the last year after a meteoric rise into the spotlight thanks to their stunning debut album In Love, so it was no surprise when they were announced to play the NME stage. Their set promises to be one of the most hyped moments of the weekend as the band make their R&L debut and they are sure to attract a sizable and enthusiastic crowd.
Who: Surfer Blood
When: Friday/Saturday
Where: Festival Republic
Surfer Blood sure have been making waves (sorry, I couldn’t help myself) since their debut album Astro Coast dropped in 2010. They proved themselves to be a band with as much promise as any other guitar group in recent years, and their most recent release 'Pythons' has cemented their place as one of the most exciting bands around. Surfer Blood’s live sets are always energetic affairs with the volume cranked to the maximum level… and then increased again.
Who: Merchandise
When: Saturday/Sunday
Where: Festival Republic
'Become What You Are' is a track taken from the Floridian four-piece’s second LP, Children of Desire, and the 11 minute epic of beautifully chaotic guitars and haunting vocals made for the best song of 2012 (in my opinion anyway). The guys literally just exude ‘coolness’ and look to be doing it effortlessly. This is definitely not a set to miss.
Who: A$AP Rocky
When: Friday/Saturday
Where: NME/Radio 1 Stage
With two mix tapes and an outstanding debut album under his belt, A$AP will make the trip across the pond to sub-headline the NME/Radio 1 stage. Long Live A$AP, although criticised by a select few critics, was lauded by some as one of the finest hip hop albums of the year.
Other artists to catch if you can are Temples (FR Stage) Eminem (main), Frank Turner (main), Tame Impala (NME), Phoenix (NME), Is Tropical (dance), Charlie XCX (dance) and Swim Deep (FR).
By Conor Giles
