Music

eleanorthrower / 20 August 2014

Who To Watch at Reading Festival 2014

One of the last festivals of the year, the mighty Reading and Leeds is just around the corner.

For all of you heading to the sites this weekend, we’ve done a run down of who we can’t wait to check out at this year’s Reading festival. 

 

Paramore

Paramore have built a reputation as one of the most exciting live bands around, but it’s 2013’s self-titled album, which went straight to number one on both sides of the pond, that has propelled them into the headlining slot this year. With the charisma and commandment of the stage which even veteran performers still aspire to, Hayley has grown into an extraordinary frontperson, boasting one of the best voices in the business. Prepare to be blown away by a high-energy set jam-packed with hits, from classics such as ‘Misery Business’ and ‘Decode’, to more recent offerings such as the pop smash ‘Still Into You’ and the infectious ‘Ain’t It Fun’. Their set is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and the perfect way to start the weekend.

 

Raleigh Ritchie
While Raleigh Ritchie might not ring a bell, Game of Thrones fans may know him better as Grey Worm, also known as his real name Jacob Anderson. The 23 year old, who has also acted in Adulthood and Broadchurch, is now making a name for himself in music and with three EPs under his belt and a debut album on the way, his Sunday slot on the Festival Republic stage sill be a great chance to see another side to his talents.

 

Duke Dumont
With two massive number ones under his belt already, Duke Dumont is sure to be a popular choice. With new single ‘Won’t Look Back’ well on its way to being another huge Summer hit, if you’re looking for the nearest party, head to the Radio 1 dance stage on Friday.

 

Royal Blood
This duo from Brighton first drew attention when Saturday headliners Arctic Monkeys’ drummer Matt Helders wore a Royal Blood shirt during their Glastonbury set last year. Since then they’ve supported the Sheffield rockers at their Finsbury Park shows, been nominated as the BBC Sound of 2014 and are currently tearing the radio apart with their single Figure It Out. Head to the NME / Radio 1 stage on Saturday to see why these guys count Muse’s Matt Bellamy and Jimmy Page as fans, and to get a sneak peak of the monster album that is on its way from these guys, out the following Monday.

 

Vic Mensa
Hip-hop fans will know Vic as part of SAVEMONEY along with his frequent collaborator Chance The Rapper. His first single ‘Down on My Luck’, from his debut EP Street Lights is currently making waves, and with nearly 2 million YouTube views, we’re intruiged to see what the hype is about!

 

Gerard Way
One of the most highly anticipated bookings in recent memory, Friday sees the global debut of Gerard Ways solo material. The former My Chemical Romance frontman is no stranger to Reading & Leeds having headlined the festivals in 2011, but this will be the first chance to hear tracks from his forthcoming album Hesitant Alien, due out later this year. Although an early timeslot can often be a curse, in this case it may make little difference. The fanbase is truly fervent, and if the reception that first single ‘Action Cat’ received is anything to go by, expect early festival goers en masse, a buzzing atmosphere and a set that has the potential to be nothing short of showstopping.

 

Hozier
Hozier released his debut EP Take Me to Church, in 2013, on which he played all the instruments, sung all the parts and recorded at home. After the title single went viral, it reached number one on the Irish iTunes singles chart and currently has over 6million views on Youtube. Check out his haunting, gospel- influenced sound and see what all the fuss is about at the Festival Republic stage on Saturday.

 

Kwabs
Whilst he may not be a household name quite yet, we’re sure to be seeing great things from this talented Londoner in the near future. Having been tipped as one to watch in 2014 by MTV and BBC Radio 1Xtra, and with the fantastic ‘Walk’ due for release in September, grab the chance to check out this rising star and see why it’s almost impossible to get your hands on tickets to his headline shows.

 

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis mark their triumphant return to the UK with the penultimate mainstage slot on Sunday and, with 2012’s multi-platinum The Heist to draw from , you can be sure they’ll get a rapturous response. While huge hits such as ‘Thrift Shop’ and ‘Same Love’ will showcase the duo’s range and undoubtedly go down a storm, we predict the rousing ‘Can’t Hold Us’ will be the standout of their set. Expect the opening chords to mark the demise of any kind of restraint, and to kick off the real start to the end-of-weekend party!