Year In Review: Tips For 2016 Revisited

Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that few would have predicted a double whammy of Britain exiting the EU and a Trump victory in the US Presidential Election last year, so perhaps the business of prediction is something of a fruitless exercise. But I do have a soft spot for lists, so here's an assessment of my shortlist of tips for 2016:

Festival Preview: Ten Bands To See At The Great Escape 2016

The Great Escape Festival (various venues across Brighton, 19-21 May '16) // Words: Saam Das

Back in 2006, I took a punt on a new festival called The Great Escape. Although not a great enough punt to pay for more than one night at a Travelodge in Brighton. Since then, The Great Escape has grown into the UK's finest festival for new music, and arguably one of the world's finest festivals. This year, they've grown even further, partnering with Raindance Film Festival for a new film strand.

Festival Review: Are You Listening? 2016

Are You Listening? Festival (various venues across Reading, 23 April '16) // Words: Saam Das

Undoubtedly in the shadow of August's Reading Festival weekend, but never overshadowed, Are You Listening? returned to Reading town centre in arguably its best and biggest edition to date. Following a speedy wristband pick up, I waddled over to Reading's Purple Turtle to catch Moonbow, a musical side project of sorts from artist Eleanor Hardwick. We actually recommended Moonbow in our 2015 preview, without ever managing to catch them. Our loss, as Hardwick et al's hypnotic offerings proved.

Festival Preview: Ten Acts To See At Are You Listening? 2016

Are You Listening Festival (Reading, 23 April '16) // Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that Reading's Are You Listening? Festival is somewhat overshadowed by its geographically similar August-held music festival. But perhaps it shouldn't be. At just £15 for dozens of top notch bands across various venues, and none of the logistic issues of camping and what not, Are You Listening is certainly worth investigating.

Futuresounds: Ones To Watch For 2016

Words: Saam Das

Why bother publishing a ones to watch/tips for 2016 list mid-way through March? Well, because a) the early year hype has died down, and b) because we can and want to support artists that deserve some added attention. And c) because we're mavericks. That said, three of our following ten bands to watch for 2016 did appear in our nominations for January's Blog Sound Of 2016, although only one of my chosen acts made it to the long list.

Listen: The Amazons - Ultraviolet [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Reading-based anthem generators The Amazons are cranking up their rise to prominence, with a debut EP and UK headline tour both next month, and Radio 1 airplay recently thanks to the ever-on-it Huw Stephens. Listen to the melodic rock of 'Ultraviolet' below.

Surfacing: The Amazons [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

Exciting new bands a-bountiful in Leeds today for the annual Live At Leeds festival, and one of them happens to be The Amazons - rising stars who we recommended to check out at the recent Are You Listening? Festival in their hometown of Reading. We figured they deserved some coverage of their own, with their rock-tinged sound reminiscent of the likes of Wolf Alice and JAWS.