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Who’s who on Reading & Leeds’ new Chevron dance stage
We run through the biggest names on the bill for Reading & Leeds new dance stage
Reading and Leeds’ expansion continues for 2024 with the addition of The Chevron, a 40,000-capacity arena specialising in dance and electronic. Alongside Creamfields adding a second site back in 2022, Reading and Leeds’ new dance stage is yet another sign of the renewed resurgence in the genre, particularly on the festival circuit.
Reading and Leeds itself has been in rude health, with the festival already boasting two main stages with double headliners on each day. Ahead of this year’s edition, we run down the big names in dance music who’ll be gracing Reading and Leeds’ Chevron stage over the August bank holiday weekend.
The Prodigy
The eclectic Essex outfit have long been one of the biggest names in electronic music. Formed by Liam Howlett, Keith Flint and Leeroy Thornhill – with MC Maxim joining shortly after – The Prodigy made massive waves when they dragged the early 90s rave scene into the mainstream with ‘Everybody In The Place’ and ‘Out Of Space’.
Their third record The Fat Of The Land saw the trio broaden their sound considerably and became the fastest-selling dance album of all time. No.1 singles ‘Firestarter’ and ‘Breathe’ turned the band into superstars. Flint died in 2019, but Howlett and Maxim have continued to tour regularly with live members Rob Holliday and Leo Crabtree. Expect nothing less than a truly incendiary set from these seasoned entertainers. (Reading: Friday; Leeds: Saturday)
Skrillex
![SKRILLEX - Bangarang feat. Sirah [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YJVmu6yttiw/0.jpg)
Arguably nobody contributed more to the post-00s EDM explosion than LA producer and DJ Sonny Moore (aka Skrillex). With a party-ready sound that pulled in everything from electro-house and dubstep to elements of metal, hip-hop and dancehall, Skrillex burst to prominence with his 2010 and 2011 award-winning EPs Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites and Bangarang. By 2013, he already had six Grammys and had, appropriately, collaborated with Cliff Martinez on the soundtrack for Harmony Korine’s film Spring Breakers.
The last 10 years have seen his popularity soar even further thanks to collaborations with Justin Bieber, Béyonce, Lady Gaga, Fred Again.., PinkPantheress and more. He comes to Reading & Leeds off the back of two star-studded albums in 2023. Few seem better placed to bring the party. (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Sunday)
Sonny Fodera
From the biggest names in UK and US dance music to Australia’s own contribution. The last five years have been huge for Sonny Fodera as his move from tech and deep house to something more pop-flavoured has helped solidify his reputation as one of electronic music’s rising stars. Following a high-profile 2022 Ibiza residency alongside Gorgon City, he landed his biggest UK chart success with the 2023 MK and Clementine Douglas collaboration ‘Asking’. Expect blissful summer anthems to match the late August sun. (Reading: Sunday, Leeds: Friday)
Nia Archives
Elements of Nia Archives’ 24 years on this planet are sewn through her music, from her musical adolescence as part of a Jamaican family in Yorkshire, to her musical adulthood in Manchester and London. That journey has woven together dancehall, rave, neo-soul and jungle into a unique sound she refers to as “future classic”.
In the three years since her debut EP Headz Gone West, Nia Archives has covered even more ground. She was named BBC Introducing’s artist of the year for 2022, the same year that her Brazilian-tinged single ‘Baianá’ marked her first foray into the UK dance charts, while she also successfully petitioned the MOBOs to introduce an electronic/dance category, which she then won. In 2023, Nia Archives landed a coveted support slot with Béyonce in London and was nominated for a BRIT Rising Star award. (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Sunday)
Barry Can’t Swim
Edinburgh native Joshua (not Barry) Mannie is one of the brightest new stars in dance music. He brings a bittersweet pop influence to his Barry Can’t Swim project, with his bright, jazz-inflected tunes and euphoric productions earning comparisons to Fred Again.., Bonobo and Moby. A move to London brought about a string of singles and EPs ahead of his well-received debut When Will We Land, released in 2023 on the illustrious Ninja Tune label.
(Reading: Sunday, Leeds: Friday)
Bou
Although still just in his 20s, Algerian-born Mancunian DJ Bou has already been performing for 10 years. The last four of those have seen him rise at an astounding rate, becoming one of the most exciting names in drum and bass, collaborating with Example, Slay and Chase & Status and even reportedly inspiring Piri & Tommy’s use of cowbell. His Chase & Status collaboration ‘Baddadan’ gave Bou his highest-charting single to date, peaking at No.5 in the UK singles chart. (Reading: Friday; Leeds: Saturday)
Full Chevron Stage line-up to date:
Reading Friday/Leeds Saturday
The Prodigy
Bou
Denzel Curry
Kenya Grace
Sota
Killowen
Simone
Reading Saturday/Leeds Sunday
Sonny Fodera
Barry Can’t Swim
Digga D
Goddard
4AM Kru
A Little Sound
DJ Jackum
Reading Sunday/Leeds Friday
Skrillex
Nia Archives
Dom Dolla
Kenny Beats
Danny Howard
