With Dot to Dot festival around the corner we’re taking a glance at our absolute must-see artists at this year’s event. Taking place across Nottingham, Bristol and Manchester this bank holiday weekend, the festival showcases the best new and emerging artists. Headlined by The Drums, the line-up looks remarkably like the Amazing Radio playlist. You can see the full line-up over at the official website but here’s what we’ll be checking out:

Pond

Pond‘s live shows have become a thing of blog legend. Their blend of classic rock and psychedelic jams enamored audiences at SXSW this year where they emerged as one of the highlights of festival. Featuring the rhythm section of Tame Impala you can expect to get locked into a groove and come out the other side in a weird psych-haze. Coming to the end of their UK tour, Dot to Dot is their last group of gigs before they head back down under. Do not miss them.

 

Friends

With their debut album out on Monday you have two tasks. Buy the album and then go see them in Manchester. Their tracks are laced with an R&B swagger courtesy of front-woman Samantha Urbani which is elevated further when performed live. Oh, and the delicious, funk-inspired bass-lines help too.

 

Bastille

Since Bastille‘s breakthrough single Flaws hit the internet last year, things have taken off in a big way for Dan Smith; the architect behind Bastille‘s quirky synth pop sound. Currently writing their debut album, the band are taking in a handful of live dates. We caught their HUGE set at The Great Escape some weeks back. What began as bedroom produced tracks have evolved into powerful, euphoric crowd-pleasers. And if their cover of City High‘s – ‘What Would You Do?‘ doesn’t convert you then there’s no hope for you.

 

Hooray For Earth

Hooray for Earth have mastered the delicate task of balancing huge power and energy with catchy, almost pop vocal hooks. The result is a compelling listen, every sound is deep and massive. You can imagine how this translates to an incredible live show.

 

Pulled Apart By Horses

Sitting at the top of the line-up, you’re hardly likely to miss them. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t urge you to go and see them. It’s unlike any live show you’re likely to see. Last time I saw them, the guitarist climbed the lighting rig before dropping into the audience. Par for the course for a band who have put each other in hospital during their gigs before. Check out the live session they did for us here and get to their show for all kinds of crazy.

 

Rae Morris

Rae Morris live is an experience difficult to describe to those who haven’t seen her. The atmosphere created by simply a piano and her beautiful, soft voice is mesmerising. It silences a room whilst her audience watch in awe. We were lucky enough to have her play our Great Escape stage two weeks back. Her set packed the room to capacity so if you are planning to see her, get there earlier.

 

If somehow you’d rather not see these, we suggest you’ll find much enjoyment by hanging out at Swiss Lips, Lucy Rose, Clock Opera, Lulu James or Peace too.

Shell Zenner is running a Dot to Dot special show this Friday at 1pm highlighting the festival and many of the artists involved. Get involved!