By Rachel June
Today is the day we have all been waiting for, The Great Escape starts with a bang! Tinnies on the beach, Greggs sausage roll in hand (not sponsored, we wish), and sweat dripping – it’s time to soak it all in. As well as TGE, Brighton and Hove will be alive and buzzing with music. See bands playing at the Alt Escape, the Alt Alt Escape, & The Brighton Rock ‘n’ Roll circus, who are holding a FREE event at The Arch, details here.
The Great Escape holds its iconic opening party on the beach, with spotlight performances from Rizzle Kicks, Pete Doherty, Warmduscher & Trampolene – all playing at the Great Escape beach site. The rest of the artists will be playing across iconic venues, Hope and Ruin, Patterns, Green Door Store, and more. It all kicks off at 5.30pm on Wednesday, 14th, so make sure you’ve picked up your wristbands and prepare for a sunny music-filled weekend.
Below are ASBO Magazine’s final picks for our most anticipated artists this year:
1.Ideal Living
7-piece art-rock band Ideal Living are set to perform at Horatios Friday night. The deep and low vibrational voice sings across experimental sounds of rock, jazz, indie, and something else – something you just can’t put your finger on. Addictive to the ears and art rock at its finest, the music is a journey – float alongside it and feel it deep within your bones.
2. Miso Extra
Miso Extra combines fun electronic elements alongside her crisp and soft vocals. Undefinable – her music sounds very pop-y with hip-hop and electronica. One of her inspirations is Daft Punk, and her sound is fresh and unique. Her bouncy and uplifting lyrics send you swaying and smiling. Catch her Friday night at Chalk.
3. TJAKA
Musical trio Tjaka have high-energy beats alongside powerful lyrical flow. Their exciting music combines a unique blend of funk, reggae and dance. Sounding reminiscent of 90s rap with a fresh edge that showcases electronica sounds. Their staple is a mix of didgeridoo, guitar and impressive rap. Get lost in the music and go catch them live, Friday afternoon at Jubilee Square.
4. Balancing Act
Alt-rock 4-piece Balancing Act have absolute feel-good bangers that satisfy the soul. Rumoured to be incredible live, they are ones not to miss. They sound like your favourite indie band from the early 2000s with a modern rock edge and a Manchester accent sprinkled on top. Sounding already established – it’s wild that they’ve only been together for 3 years! Go see them on the Beach Thursday afternoon.
5. The Molotovs
Having already made a huge name for themselves and recently reaching No.1 in the charts, sibling duo The Molotovs are unapologetically honest, raw, and on fire for what they do. Genre-wise, it’s the perfect mix of Brit-pop and punk. Full of attitude and beaming with sass – electrifying guitar and punk energy all round. Go see them Saturday afternoon at the Hope and Ruin.
6. South Summit
Hailing from Australia and here to share their unique sound, it’s South Summit. Their music combines rock, reggae, and hip-hop, whilst also whipping out indie-pop type ballads if the mood calls for it. Pushing boundaries with their genre and pouring out inspiration lyrically, this band has a clear passion for what they do, and they sound amazing. Check them out live, Friday night at Jubilee Square.
7. The Orchestra (For Now)
The Orchestra (For Now) is one of those bands that, once you hear them, you keep clicking repeat. Best fitted into the art rock category, their music takes unexpected twists and turns throughout – interesting melodies, beautiful haunting vocals, strings, and piano elate those listening. Imagine the feeling you get after a live show: wonder, excitement and joy – that’s what this band does to you. So check out the magic live as they perform at Horatio’s Thursday night.
8. DellaXOZ
DellaXOZ has an enchanting voice that travels miles. Taking you on a journey with her lyrics, her music is like pop and indie-rock combined. Heavier rock also seeps through behind her soft and dreamy voice, creating a truly inspiring sound that takes your breath away. Catch her live at Dalton’s Friday night.
9. Miss Kaninna
Miss Kaninna is a super-star of her craft, combining elements of rap with her beautiful, strong vocals, bouncing her lyrics over chill R&B beats. Her voice stands out, unique and versatile, and her confidence prevails. Check her out live at Komedia studio on Thursday afternoon.
Read last year’s post here
