Whitney
Now we can’t guarantee what the weather may hold over, but wherever Whitney goes it’s sure to be a sun-filled cocktail that will send us dizzy. The ex-Smith Westerns duo have carved one of the underrated gems of the year in debut record ‘Light Upon The Lake’ and their summertime fillers are an unmissable treat. There may be a load of noise kicking off all over the place at Reading & Leeds, but a moment in Whitney’s company may be the real magical moment that tops them all.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
SAT (READING), SUN (LEEDS)
Mura Masa
With more hooktastic beasts than the UK mainland could ever be ready for, the Guernsey-born producer is one name the has remained a constant over the past 12 months. From Radio 1 playlists to late-night underground club sessions, Mura Masa is everything right about electro- dance in 2016. Disclosure may be top of the Main Stage, but Mura Masa could well offer the most exciting beats of the weekend.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
FRI (READING), SAT (LEEDS)
Fickle Friends
It seems like Fickle Friends have been waiting for their defining moment for a while now. They’ve got the undeniable indie-pop bangers (from the likes of ‘Swim’ to ‘Say No More’), they’ve got the incredible live presence the has seen sold out dates around the country before they were even signed. Now, with Reading & Leeds, they have the platform. This is the performance we’ll be looking back on in years to come, as the place where it truly all began.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
FRI (READING), SAT (LEEDS)
Rat Boy
Many may call him a miniature Jamie T, but Ray Boy has become larger than any comparison could ever do justice. Full of bouncing riffs and unfiltered youthful energy, he’s turned pubs into war zones at the flick of a wrist, and with his debut album on the horizon, Reading & Leeds is the perfect home for the ultimate indie party. A set for those looking to jump straight into the deep end in all the right ways.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
SUN (READING), FRI (LEEDS)
Black Foxxes
Last year Black Foxxes were opening The Pit. This year they’re opening the NME/Radio 1 tent. There are two very good reasons for this leap: 1. Live, the band have grown into something unpredictable, wild but always brilliant; and 2: With their stunning debut out the week before, expect this special band to put on a very special show. Bring your hankies, this could get emotional.
NME/RADIO 1 STAGE
SUN (READING), FRI (LEEDS)
Will Joseph Cook
We’ve been grooving and moving to everything Will Joseph Cook has been pumping out, and it’s clear that Reading & Leeds could well be that pivotal moment we’re all waiting for. These delicate electro-pop vibrations that run through ‘Take Me Dancing’ and ‘Girls Like Me’ are set to take on another life in the live setting – making sure Will is the 18-year-old having the most fun that weekend.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SUN (READING), FRI (LEEDS)
Vant
If you missed the interview with Mattie Vant in our first issue then you should know, VANT are here to right the world. With songs full of angst, fury and political undertones, the voice in music is back and it’s taking no prisoners. With three singles and one EP so far, and a debut album on its way, VANT are not ones to miss. This is a band to lose your shit to, and get angry at the world with your friends.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SAT (READING), SUN (LEEDS)
Clean Cut Kid
Beards are flowing aplenty, but none are as established as Clean Cut Kid frontman Mike Halls’. The potent sound coming from his mouth is an equally powerful kick, with the Liverpudlian dreamers making a true name for themselves with a ferocious live show that guarantees smiles all round. Taking things to another level with an explosive nature on stage, expect riffs, hooks and joy when Clean Cut Kid take Reading & Leeds into their undeniable world.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SUN (READING), FRI (LEEDS)
The Magic Gang
Consisting of four of Brighton’s most creative and soulful minds, The Magic Gang really are just that: magic. Having released their debut EP, the aptly titled ‘EP’, this year, they’ve been hitting the festival circuit hard and are making sure they’re your new favourite band. On the same day as The 1975, they’re the perfect warm up to get into that sexy, soulful sound that should help out your day three hangover. ‘All That I Want Is You’ will get your dancing on the spot as if you’ve never heard of The Cure. Trust us. You’ll love it.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SUN (READING), FRI (LEEDS)
INHEAVEN
If you’re looking for cinematic classic rock for the 21st century, then look no further than INHEAVEN. With enough anthems-in-waiting to make Reading & Leeds seem like a walk in the park, there’s a real sense that these Londoners could become a defining voice of a generation – and after taking over stages throughout the year, the August bank holiday could well mark the start of a true tidal wave in euphoric bangers. Miss it, and you’ll regret it.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SAT (READING), SUN (LEEDS)
The Japanese House
Amber Bain remains a true enigmatic force in electro-pop swoons. Across stunning EP releases, she’s remained one of the most adored and tipped artists of recent times. After touring around the globe with The 1975 (who’ve helped produce a string of her releases), returning to play on the Radio 1 Dance Stage may seem like an odd choice. But with grooves and gritty emotional pop aplenty, The Japanese House is well and truly open for business at Reading & Leeds this year.
RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
SAT (READING), SUN (LEEDS)
Lewis Del Mar
If you’ve caught Lewis Del Mar’s breakout track ‘Loud(y)’, you’ll already be wise to the duo’s charms. Echoing the mixed-media oddity of Alt-J, they’re an intriguing prospect. Two lifelong friends from NY’s Rockaway Beach, they’re all about texture, soundscapes, percussion and acoustic experimentation – but still manage to come out with the odd Actual Song too. With a debut album due soon, Reading & Leeds 2016 could be their big introduction to the UK alternative-mainstream.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
FRI (READING), SAT (LEEDS)
Danny L Harle
Part of the PC Music megamind, Danny L Harle isn’t exactly subtle with his direct brand of sugar spun electro pop. Brash and brilliant, it’s an approach that has garnered more than a few fans. Recent single ‘Ashes of Love’, featuring Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek, is a banger for the ages. With a new cut featuring no less than anointed Queen of Cool Pop Carly Rae Jepsen inspiring waves of devotion wherever it airs, expect the perfect antidote to all the grubby rock types.
RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
FRI (READING), SAT (LEEDS)
Beach Baby
It doesn’t take a genius to work out Beach Baby’s brand of indie jangle is the kind of thing that could do very well for itself. With a debut album arriving shortly after their appearance at this year’s Reading & Leeds, they’re sure to see their Festival Republic Stage slot as a launchpad to bigger things. With the hangover-battling opening slot on the Saturday to deal with, their smooth-as-silk recent single ‘U R’ is the perfect weapon to fix splitting heads and unsure guts.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
SAT (READING), SUN (LEEDS)
Creeper
If there’s one new band to check out at Reading & Leeds 2016, there’s a pretty convincing argument to make it Creeper. However eclectic Reading & Leeds may become, at its core is the black, beating heart of rock – this year, though, it’s turning purple. A cult concern that won’t be restrained to the underground, Creeper have the spirit of My Chemical Romance – but that’s where the lazy comparisons end. Their own band, they’re rabble rousers to believe in, able to inspire devotion with a wave of the hand and a rumbling bass line. In Will Gould, they possess a frontman who already feels iconic. Once their debut album drops, expect things to really kick off in earnest. You wouldn’t want to be late to the party, would you?
THE PIT
FRI (READING), SAT (LEEDS)