If you are ever looking to go to a festival, you should choose the country’s best, and although self-professed, the Isle of Wight’s Bestival promises to live up to its name. If you’re searching for a site to showcase your hippy habits, whilst looking for a lavish line-up, start booking your ferry tickets as soon as possible. Bestival will provide ticket-holders with four days of aural and aesthetical exorbitance, and here’s what we’re most excited about:
Jamie xx
After witnessing Jamie xx’s set at Parklife, all I want to do is replicate that evening. His new album In Colour encapsulates a plethora of moods and sounds, and its intricate production makes each song more exciting listen after listen. He will most likely showcase this latest release to the festival-goers, and what they will see is a culmination of six years of Jamie’s journey as a sampling producer. There will be something for everyone; ballad-infused electrical stuff, floor-fillers, outright bangers and even songs for reflection. Definitely one to prioritise in your viewing list.
BBK/Skepta
Now would be the time to squeeze your way to the front row of a Boy Better Know set. Grime has taken flight on a global scale over the past 6 months, and nobody knows what’s coming next. After Drake’s surprise hosting of Skepta at Wireless to perform ‘Shutdown’, the worldwide recognition of grime’s heavy veterans is clear. If you’re looking for lots of crowd-hyping, the occasional skank here and there, and general exciting vibes, pencil this one in. Keep an eye out for Stormzy too – a more relaxed, composed grime artist who we’re sure to enjoy.
The Chemical Brothers
Most Bestival attendees will have been born in the 90s, and so was the ‘big beat’ electronic dance music genre. The Chemical Brothers have been going strong for over two decades, and their tunes would fit the mood of this festival perfectly – upbeat, intricate and mystical sounds with a beat to keep people on track. Get yourself down to these boys if you are in need of some melodic yet hypnotic aural treatment to match your extravagant outfit. With the huge number of albums out there, it will be interesting to see what kind of set The Chemical Brothers produce. Only one way to find out.
David Rodigan
Another act that nailed his set at Parklife was David Rodigan. The veteran dub fanatic has just turned 64, and carries an MBE for his services to reggae riddim. When the youthful, exuberant crowd first see a grey-haired, spectacled pensioner slide on to the stage in worn Levi’s and a plastic top hat, a few questions may be asked. But this is all part of the delivery; Rodigan accepts the irony behind his performance, and the contrast created by a well-spoken white grandad dropping the fattest dub and reggae beats is both hilarious and fantastic. The crowd will join in the irony no doubt, but can take solace in the fact that Rodigan will put the right stuff in the mix – he knows what he’s doing.
Kitty, Daisy and Lewis
This baby-faced group are perfect for those looking to spend a bit of time cooling down and relaxing. The indie cum rockabilly siblings are edgy and care-free, producing original music with catchy riffs and unique vocals. Pop down to witness the band members’ diverse talents, as all of them move around instruments and lead vocals. Listen out for ‘Baby Bye Bye.’
Will McCartney
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Images: electronicbeats.net, outlookfestivals.com
Bestival will be at the Isle of Wight from 10-13 September
