For those of you who remember Beacons of 2011, one thing will have no doubt stuck in your mind – not the awful weather or the flooded fields that ultimately led to it’s cancellation – but the rallying around of musicians, organisers, venue owners and fans alike to ensure that something good still came from everyone’s hard work.
Beacons Festival 2012 is bigger (and hopefully brighter) than before, with a lineup diverse enough to boast Wild Beasts, Roots Manuva and Toots and the Maytals as their headliners, plus a plethora of new and emerging artists from right across the genre-spectrum.
Given that ‘new and emerging’ is what we do best here at Amazing Radio, we’ve compiled a handy list of must-see artists, plus a little sneaky insider information from the guys on site!
Friday
MUST SEE – SAVAGES
We’re completely enamoured with this London based 4 piece. Completely. The release of their double a-side Husbands b/w Flying To Berlin has sent waves of excitement through the industry and beyond. Team amazing caught them on their current tour and were blown away by the intensity of their live set up, they put on an absolutely mesmerising show and you’d be a fool to miss it. They close the Noisey/Vice stage at 11.30pm, Friday.
Earlier that same day you can also catch ex-session guests of ours Theme Park and Veronica Falls on the The Stool Pigeon Stage from 3pm, or alternatively from 2.45pm there’s Outfit over on the Greendales Stage. If you prefer things a little louder then you can set up camp at the aforementioned Noisey/Vice stage and see the likes of Wot Gorilla? followed by Leeds indie popsters Runaround Kids, Hey Sholay, Manchester based Pins plus the excellent Pale Seas – setting you up nicely for Savages.
Saturday
MUST SEE – JAPANDROIDS
Since releasing second album Celebration Rock there’s been an outpouring of acclaim for the Canadian garage rock two-piece, and rightly so. The House That Heaven Built is a favourite here at Amazing Radio and come 7pm Saturday that’s where you’ll find us – The Stool Pigeon Stage, centre front.
Other highlights from Saturday include the wonderful Ghostpoet, who’s 2011 visit to The Amazing Sessions you can see here. Add to this the guys responsible for one of our favourite tracks of the that same year, Clock Opera, and The Stool Pigeon Stage is looking like a good place to be.
For those who prefer their music at a slightly accelerated pace you can always head to the Noisey/Vice stage from 2pm to catch Juffage, Eagulls and exciting newcomers Splashh.
Sunday
MUST SEE – BLACKLISTERS
This was a really difficult choice to make for the Sunday, there are so many great bands playing and in the end it will entirely depend upon your mood. We plan to begin our day with Admiral Fallow at 1pm, followed by the consistently brilliant London 3 piece The Wave Pictures at 2.30pm. Come 6 o’clock it’ll be time to show your true colours – will it be Lanterns On The Lake over on The Stool Pigeon Stage, followed by Patrick Wolf acoustic? OR, join us in staking your spot at the Noisey/Vice stage for a barrage of brilliance from Hawkeyes, That Fucking Tank, Tall Ships and the much anticipated live set from Leeds based Blacklisters.
We’ve heard nothing but excellent reviews of their live shows, and they’ve developed further still in the past 6 months into something we’re incredibly excited to see.
If all of that gets a bit too much for you then don’t forget the full programme of events surrounding the music itself. There’s a special section named ‘Into The Woods’ that promises comedy, relevant discussions, spoken word, film screenings and best of all, Aerockbics.
That’s right, Aerobics to rock music.
We have it on good authority that there wont be a single overpriced burger van in sight; check out the catering options available throughout the weekend. Also, anyone familiar with Leeds itself will be thrilled to know that Whitelocks themselves are supplying the Real Ale.
For those who prefer a little more comfort whilst on site then it may be worth splurging your savings on one of these beauties – ‘glamping’ at it’s best!
However you choose to do it, and whoever you choose to see, you’re guaranteed a great time at Beacons 2012. We can’t wait!
