Sunday 20 August 2017

Reading & Leeds 2017 | My Recommendations.


It's almost bank holiday weekend, which means its almost time for the UK's favourite (probably) music festival. 

Reading and Leeds is one of the UK's biggest festivals and happens yearly over the course of the August bank holiday weekend. 
The thing I love the most about R&L, is the fact that it doesn't just stick to one particular genre. It doesn't matter if you're into rock, rap or EDM -there's something there for everyone.

If you're heading to either of the festival sites this weekend, these are the artists I think you should check out.




This five piece very quickly became a favourite of mine after forming in 2015. We're talking lightening speed fast favourite. 
Punk-Rock, Counterfeit are full of angst and ambition, and are nothing short of mind blowing. They're killer debut album came out a couple of months back, and they already have tours in Europe and the UK under their belt. 
The London lads are fast on their way to dominating the rock scene. Do yourself a favour and go and see them live. They're gonna be big.

For Fans Of: Nirvana, Marmozets, Deaf Havana.
Find Them At Reading: Lock Up Stage on Friday.
Find Them At Leeds: Lock Up Stage On Saturday.




Breaking Benjamin have almost 20 years to their name (save for a five year hiatus for medical and legal issues) but only played their first UK show just last year. The quintet are solid and tight; their shows powerful and fats moving.  
If you know them, you love them, but unfortunately, they haven't quite hit the mainstream as much as other bands within the genre. Which is a shame, because their talent is obvious and they're easily a must-see act.

For Fans Of: Three Days Grace, Hoobastank, Papa Roach.
Find Them At Reading: Lock Up Stage on Sunday.
Find Them At Leeds: Lock Up Stage On Friday.




It's Liam Gallagher. I don't think I need to list the reasons why you need to go and see him. You should already be mentally preparing yourself for his set.


For Fans Of: Three Days Grace, Hoobastank, Papa Roach.
Find Him At Reading: Main Stage on Sunday.
Find Him At Leeds: Main Stage on Friday.




I saw Haim live about 3 years ago and have been in love ever since. 
The Californian sisters have been making music together pretty much their whole lives, they're debut album came out back in 2013 and the second, just last month. 
Their lyrics are about heartache, angst and self empowerment. Their music is full of guitar flourishes and funk, making the soundtrack to dancing around in a field at the end of a long summers day.
For Fans Of: CHVRCHES, Jessie Ware, Foxes.
Find Them At Reading: NME Stage on Sunday.
Find Them At Leeds: NME Stage on Friday.




Where do I even begin with Jimmy Eat World.
I remember the first time I heard them. Ten years ago. I'd just hit 13, and had become obsessed with One Tree Hill. I discovered a lot of artists through that show, but that's for another blog post. Season 2 Episode 3. It was right at the end of the episode, and Kill just exploded onto my TV screen. I was hooked.
So why should you care? There's excitement behind every single one of their songs. They experiment a lot. They're legit and after 20-something years in the business, they're one of the most talented and consistent bands to come out of rock. These guys are important. That's why you should care.

For Fans Of: The Get Up Kids, Sugarcult, Motion City Soundtrack.
Find Them At Reading: Main Stage on Friday
Find Them At Leeds: Main Stage on Saturday.



So we all the show Gossip Girl right? Well after quitting acting to focus on music, Taylor Momsen, who played Jenny Humphrey on the show, brought us The Pretty Reckless. 
With their unique take on classic rock, TPR blend heavy guitar and thumping bassline with a little funk and groove. They often don't elaborate on their lyric, leaving the listener to come to their own conclusions. 
Their aggresive, daring and prominent. Not bad for someone many wrote off as just another teen actress.

For Fans Of: Flyeaf, Halestorm.
Find Them At Reading: Main Stage on Saturday.
Find Them At Leeds: Main Stage on Sunday.




Milky Chance are the brainchild of  German duo, Clemen Rehbein and DJ Phillip Dausch. Their nu-funk mix of electronica is the perfect playlist for summer but is also like nothing you've heard before. The pair like to layer Spanish guitars and harmonies, whilst also throwing in the odd harmonica for good measure. 
Their unique blend is infectious and will have you dancing in  no time.

For Fans Of: Carousel, The Griswolds, Smallpools.
Find Them At Reading: NME Stage on Sunday.
Find Them At Leeds: NME Stage on Friday.




I saw this Scottish five-piece back in May last year and was completely blown away. The LaFontaines mix articulate rapping, metal-esque guitars and Pendulum-style electronics to create their bizarre madness which, weirdly, works wonders. Throw in angsty, unnerving lyrics in a strong Scottish accent, and well, I'm in love.

For Fans Of: Don Bronco, Mallory Knox, Twenty One Pilots.
Find Them At Reading: BBC Radio 1XTRA Stage on Sunday.
Find Them At Leeds: BBC Radio 1XTRA Stage on Friday.




If you're more into the hardcore bands, While She Sleeps should be right up your street.Their music is probably one of the my favourites when it comes to harder stuff. This band is 100% substance over style. They don't care for keeping up with what will bring them the most money or the most fame. Sure, they've experimented a bit, but they keep their music raw, their energy high and aggression pulsing. 
While She Sleeps are incredibly underrated, and they deserve to have the world notice them.


For Fans Of: We Came As Romans, Architects, 
Find Them At Reading: The Pit on Saturday.
Find Them At Leeds: The Pit on Sunday.




It's Eminem. You don't need a reason.

For Fans Of:  D12, Dr Dre, N.W.A
Find Him At Reading: Main Stage on Saturday.
Find Him At Leeds: Main Stage on Sunday.



Want More Recommendations?
Against The Current ■ Architects
Boston Manor ■ Charli XCX ■ Dream State
Declan McKenna ■ Everything Everything ■ Halsey
Gnarwolves ■ Korn ■ Neck Deep
Louis Berry ■ The Amity Affliction
Moose Blood ■ The Hunna ■ Tigers Jaw

Are any of you going to Reading or Leeds?
Who do you plan on seeing? 
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Listening to: The Lafontaines- Release The Hounds.

Disclaimer: None of the photos are mine but I have edited them.
I have credited where I found each photo but am unsure as to who the original photographers are.

If you know, please contact me so I give credit where necessary.

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