Photo: Press
It’s already May, which means that it is time for the UK’s most exciting new music festival. The Great Escape Festival will be taking place from the 10th-13th of May, showcasing over 500 artists from around the globe. The festival takes place across 35 venues in Brighton which are all easily accessible on foot. To get you in the mood for a weekend full of music, we have compiled a guide of artists you should catch over the next few days. There are some clashes on our list, but if you’ve been to the festival before, then you will know that running between venues is a must.
BENEFITS – One Church
Teeside band Benefits describe themselves as an ‘issues based collective’ who ‘write songs about the urgencies that concern them’, and with track names like ‘Shit Britain’, you can understand where they’re coming from. Their electronic, narrative mix has been described by The Guardian as similar to Sleaford Mods, but ‘more compromising and brutal’, so if you’re looking for a loud and energetic live show, Benefits are the band for you.
COACH PARTY – The MVT Stage
Self-described as ‘the other best band from the Isle of Wight’, Coach Party are putting the island on the map as being an area of great sonic talent. Their dreamy alt rock sound packs a serious punch, making their music the perfect soundtrack to your sunny coastal weekend.
CODY FROST – Three Wise Cats
You may recognise Cody Frost from The Voice UK, but they have came so far since their televised debut. Taking influence from bands like My Chemical Romance, Frost has exploded onto the alternative scene. They collaborated with the likes of Bury Tomorrow and Enter Shikari in 2022, firmly cementing their unique punky sound as an essential performance to catch.
ENGLISH TEACHER – Horatios
Leeds quartet English Teacher was formed in 2020, led by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Lily Fontaine. Their rising guitar riffs and narrative vocals create a warm indie sound that is driven by emotion, and I’m truly embarrassed to say that this year’s festival will be the first time that I will have seen English Teacher perform live. The four-piece are ferocious and funky, and with intriguing track names like ‘Yorkshire Tapas’ and ‘Polyawkward’, English Teacher are not to be missed.
KATY ALEX – Prince Albert
Katy Alex is the definition of a breakthrough artist, achieving nearly 10 million Spotify plays in 2022. The Liverpudlian pop artist provides opulent electronic tracks which will clearly make for an impressive live performance, particularly on tracks ‘Overdrive’ and ‘Sad Songs’. Her discography makes for the perfect feel-good accompaniment to getting ready for a night out, and it certainly won’t be long before her tracks are featured in your favourite DJs setlists.
LIME GARDEN – Horatios
Brighton-based band Lime Garden are no strangers to The Great Escape, and their laid-back set is a must-see. Their dry and witty lyrics are reminiscent of London band Dry Cleaning, particularly on their 2021 single ‘Pulp’. Lime Garden’s added zesty guitar lines and foreboding bass riffs create an addictive listening experience, and we are looking forward to their highly-anticipated debut album.
MELIN MELYN – Latest Music Bar
Welsh psych-pop band Melin Melyn are an experimental masterpiece that have only recently appeared on our radar. Their breezy and nonchalant singles provide a 1970s flashback, with an added modern eccentricity that is lacking on many festival lineups today. Melin Melyn’s music is unpredictable and colourful, and the band were highlighted as ones to watch by The Independent and NME in 2021. They have developed a great dynamic, and with lyrics in both English and Welsh, the band are grounding their music in their hometown heritage.
SORRY – Amazon New Music Stage
The last time we caught Sorry live was in 2018, which really feels like an eternity ago. The band emerged from the Brixton Windmill scene, where they hosted their album launch party in 2022. As an attendee, fans and friends were able to listen to ‘Anywhere But Here’ before its release, with the event complete with free Sorry tattoos and an on-stage karaoke performance. It may seem completely off-topic, but for a band of this size to go back to their roots for their album launch feels like a full circle moment, and they are showing no signs of stopping. The North London group have created their own style of indie rock, littered with aggressive melodies and unconcerned vocals. Sorry will be headlining the Amazon New Music Stage this Thursday, and we will be front and centre for this performance.
