On your Reading Festival radar…
We’ve all got Arctic Monkeys, Little Simz, Dave and Wolf Alice on our must-see list but don’t miss the musical gems hidden away from the main stages. HUNGER’s Editorial Director Devinder Bains picks the ones to watch.
Otherwise known as Jordan Edwards Wilks – the rapper, singer, producer and sometime poet from Croydon takes to the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage over the weekend. Expect lyrics that are equal measures thought-provoking and humorous, with plenty of attitude to boot. Listen out for new tracks from the album he’s releasing later this year and get bouncing to summer anthem, ‘Childish’.
An easy sing-along chorus, melodic vocals and hip-hop beats are the makings of a perfect festival afternoon – luckily Miso Extra has that totally covered. Head to the BBC Music Introducing Stage to sway to her mix of English/Japanese lyrics, which carefully tell stories of her dual heritage and beyond.
Catch the Plymouth quintet smashing out their new single (and solid festival anthem) ‘Looking Back’ on the Festival Republic Stage this weekend. The performance will come a week after the release of their latest EP – a collection of catchy guitar riffs and poignant lyrics about finding joy and optimism in life.
This Lancashire lad has come into his own in 2022 with the release of his most recent album I Don’t Like you – a mixture of haunting sounds and considered lyrics that perfectly encapsulate the angst of finding oneself. Join Christian and his soulful voice at the BBC Music Introducing Stage.
Not exactly an unknown but worth throwing in the mix for anyone who hasn’t been blessed with the pleasure of hearing her sugar-sweet delivery of ridiculously catchy tunes. Born in the Philippines and raised in London, Bea Kristi already has a huge following on social stemming from her mega collab hit ‘Death Bed (Coffee for your Head)’ – listen out for it on the Festival Republic Stage.
The indie rock band who met at Manchester University have become quite the festival veterans and return to Reading and Leeds to play the Festival Republic Stage. Expect some big punk energy as they’re well practised in playing to huge crowds while supporting bands like The Charlatans and Blossoms, but we also have our fingers crossed for an acoustic number to showcase the vocal mastery of lead singer, Tom Haywood.
