Music runs deep in the veins of the artists we invite to play at our festivals. It’s their bread and butter, their reasons for being. But what would happen if they had to choose something else to spend their time and creative energy on? It’s an impossible choice, but we’ve asked six of of our upcoming artists to answer it.
Preetam Sengupta, singer-songwriter: ‘Honestly, I want to help change the world. I’m kind of an environmental nerd, and I think we all have a role to play in making sure the planet is preserved for as many generations as possible. I think this is something I can and should do, even as a musician. With the platform we have, I think musicians have a responsibility as environmental role models, whether we’re famous or not. But yeah, if I weren’t playing music, I’d love to dedicate my creative energy to teaching people to consider our planet in the decisions they make in life. That, or be a spy. That might be fun, right?’
Impossibly beautiful songcraft from a great singer-songwriter talent, Preetam Sengupta’s music flows with all the hypnotic power of a river in summer, evoking something as pure and honest as a first love. It’s powerful and mesmerising and you don’t want to miss it. For fans of: Nick Drake, Joshua Radin, Teddy Geiger
Chris Breslin, bass guitar & backing vox, D-Day: ‘That’s a tough one. Maybe I’d try to put that Arts degree to some use and have a go at being a teacher. It would probably all end up a little bit School of Rock though.’
Darragh Whyte, lead guitar & lead vox, D-Day: ‘You would have to put me in a straitjacket to keep me from playing music; I have the bug and the passion for it – it’s what I do. In the unlikely event of that happening I would be working in the field of finance, preferably in the music industry as I studied Financial Maths in college. I’d show the guys in the suits how to rock.’
With a dynamic vocal style reminiscent of early-days Mick Jagger, and catchy, masterly rock n’ roll harmonies and riffs, D-Day are a band on a mission to keep the stripped-back sensibilities of the classics alive in an age where digital reigns king. You don’t want to miss these guys. For fans of: Primal Scream, Supergrass, The Troggs
Mick Lennon, rapper, Just Mikey: ‘Well, considering ye get f..k all in this country for been a rapper, with most places expecting you to do a gig for free. I work 6 days a week to provide for my family, so if I wasn’t making music, I’d be pretty boring. Go to work, come home, watch telly, sleep, and do it all again the next day. But I have been known to make a serious pesto pasta. So I could be a chef.‘
I cannot say enough how fire this is. Taking up the baton for authentic, cut-to-the-bone Irish hip hop, Just Mikey are intent on speaking their truth on their terms, with nothing artificial added. Ones to watch. For fans of Deichkind, Lethal Dialect, Rusangano Family, Trillion
Emily, vox & guitar, Vernon Jane: ‘I’d be so lost without music; it is a creative gift, it’s natural. There are so many creative outlets in this world; painting and art are a few that I love. I think the more you embrace the natural aspects of life the more creative you become. Creativity is all around us, you just have to take a deep breath and dive in. ‘
Jazz, soul and funk-influenced, with an impressively complex and well-considered production and infectious, understated grooves, Vernon Jane are a hard act to beat in terms of style and substance. They’ve got the chops and the groove and they’re coming to youbloom to make you sweat. For fans of: Dory Previn, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Alice Smith
Jay, lead vox, The Smoking Giants: ‘Eh, I’d like to be a wizard?‘
Superbly crafted pop songs to accompany your next big adventure – think road trip into the great wide open – with all the elements in their right place: skillful guitar hooks, driving drums, and anthemic vocals to belt with friends at the top of your lungs. For fans of: The Last Shadow Puppets, The Las, Muse
