When it comes to fresh new music, The Great Escape has it all. In fact, with the sheer volume of fresh new talent on offer, it leaves us feeling a little like a confused kid in a candy shop.
That’s where One Stop Record Shop comes in. Like the musical explorers we were born to be, we’re here to give you the lowdown on Brighton’s answer to SXSW. We’ve trawled through the extensive list of performers so you don’t have to, bringing forth a curated list of the must-see acts across all three days. Just call us your musical fairy godmother – oh, and be sure to send us a Christmas card.
Bad Sounds
When a pessimistic hip-hop junkie and documenter of everyday miseries meets a happy-go-lucky hook lover with dreams of a Flaming Lips-level stage spectaculars, the results are always going to be impressive. Bad Sounds have a knack for blending the random with the brilliant. Infusing their sets with light up dance floors, baloons + party poppers galore, they’re a must-catch act. You have to admit you’re intrigued, right?
Catch them: Saturday @ 9pm | Horatio’s
KEIR
KEIR is an artist we can’t hype up enough. Emitting a sound that blends alt-rock flecks of The White Stripes with a stormingly fresh electronic edge, it’s no wonder the former rock frontman has caught the eye of BBC introducing, 6 Music AND Radio 1. Blending sharp vocals with experimental guitars, this Bristolian brings the fire with every performance. One not to be missed.
Catch them: Saturday @ 1.30pm | One Church
Matt Maeson
With a back story that’s more aligned to a rebel on the run, Matt Maeson grew up performing to prisoners, working wherever the faithful felt outlawed. Crafting a sound that blends soul, rock ‘n’ roll and indulgently raspy vocals, you can catch him live at one of two Brighton stages. Hailing from Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, Matt spent years on the road, playing songs about salvation in front of strippers and Hell’s Angels at Sturgis, one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the world. Wow, now that’s a back story…
Catch them: Friday @ 8.30pm |Komedia + Saturday @ 7.15pm |Coalition
ALMA
If you haven’t heard of this Finnish pop powerhouse by now, what rock have you been hiding under?! ALMA is the ultimate anti-popstar, sending the industry’s polished plastic aesthetics back to where they came from. With bold hair and an even bolder sound, her infectious tracks are ladened with a slick r’n’b undercurrent. The girl has style, that’s for sure.
Catch them: Thursday @ 9.15pm | The Arch
Bite The Buffalo
If hearty, blues-laden rock’n’roll is what you’re after, make a bee-line for Bite The Buffalo’s guitar laden set. The duo’s debut album, Blue Lips, was created in a lighthouse off the coast of Dorset and has since taken them around the world. From invading Texas for SXSW to playing the BBC introducing stage at Glastonbury, the futures bright for this fiesty blend 0f old-school rock’n’roll.
Catch them: Thursday @ 2pm |One Church
Dan Croll
Infecting listeners worldwide with a deadly blend of eclectic hipster pop (pipe down, hipster pop is totally acceptable), Dan Croll is a musical volcano that’s ready to explode. The mastermind behind “From Nowhere” – a track that will anchor itself in your brain – Croll is set to release his forthcoming Ben Allen (Animal Collective, Cee Lo Green) produced album later this year.
Catch them: Friday @ 10.30pm | Komedia
Dagny
Having conquered the internet and garnered a loyal fanbase with her infectious hit “Backbeat” (wracking up half a million streams in its first week), Dagny’s set is one to pop in your calendar. Having relocated to London back in 2015, the Norwegian alt-pop maestro has a knack for wickedly ensnaring anyone within earshot. A star on the rise, catch her in an intimate setting while you can.
Catch them: Friday @ 2.30pm + 10pm | Wagner Hall
Strong Asian Mothers
A band that have been circulating around London’s underground circuit for a while now, Strong Asian Mothers should be top of your festival list. Offering up an emphatic blend of hip-hop-meets-alt-pop melodies, their offerings are consistently infectious, garnished with bold brass sections – y’know, in case you wanted to mix things up that bit more. With storming sets and blistering choruses, be sure to catch these boys live.
Catch them: Saturday @ 3.15pm + 10.30pm |Latest Music Bar
Bryde
Having unleashed her second multi-track offering, EP2, back in November, Bryde has been pricking the ears of key tastemakers ever since. Formulating a blend of rampaging indie pop with bite, this guitar wielding superwoman knows a thing or two about infusing her sets with angst-filled hooks. An artist ready to bring the fire, her infectious track “HONEY” is a prime example of what you ought to expect.
Catch them: Saturday @ 1.45pm | Komedia
Sultan At The Disco
The perfect answer for those wanting something a little different, South Korean act Sultan At The Disco do exactly what they say on the tin. It’s infectious. It’s baffling. It’s brilliant. Inspired by the funk and soul of days gone by, this five-piece are bringing the fire in the most entertaining way. Having already taken to the stage at countess international festivals (including Glastonbury), Sultan At The Disco are here to mix things up.
