The Great Escape festival has always had a reputation for superb curation, but this year the organisers have completely outdone themselves. With a multitude of talent swamping this year’s bill, it looks to be the most impressive one yet. While we’re so flipping excited, we also know what a nightmare it can be trying to decide who to watch. Lucky for you, we’ve taken the liberty of narrowing the list down to five artists you absolutely cannot miss at the seafront fest.
The Magic Gang
There’s nothing like playing to a hometown crowd, and don’t The Magic Gang know it. Last year’s Great Escape Festival saw the Brighton boys’ set go down in history. Closing the festival at 2:45 am on the final night, the set was as raucous as expected. Returning this year with better shows under their belt, a bigger following and even more infectious indie anthems, it’s likely to be another incendiary set from The Magic Gang.
The Japanese House
Amber Bain has proved twice over that she can slay massive crowds after she supported label mates, The 1975, for both of their arena tours last year. With her steady ascent to mainstream consciousness and a much-anticipated debut in the pipeline, we’ve got a funny feeling that The Great Escape may be one of the last times you’ll see her in such an intimate setting.
Sälen
Connoisseurs of wonky-pop Sälen are incapable of delivering an average set. The intriguing and odd antics of frontwoman Ellie are enough to entertain a crowd alone, but with the addition of the band’s swagger-fuelled electronics, it’s bound to be a smashing set.
The Bays Rays
TGE virgins The Bay Rays are set to bring their noisy garage rock to this year’s festival for the very first time. The Kent three-piece will be joining hometown pals and TGE headliners Slaves on this year’s bill. Now, we’re just speculating here but wouldn’t it be bloody great if some kind of Great Escape collaboration could happen between the two bands? You never know, but you’ll certainly have to be there to find out.
Marika Hackman
After announcing brand new album I’m Not Your Man for release in June, it seems fairly likely that the singer-songwriter will take the opportunity to air some new material at TGE in May. From the sounds of trippy new single, ‘Boyfriend’, the album will mark a brand new direction for the singer-songwriter- one that you’ll want to hear first.
