Just around the corner is Manchester’s number one festival, Parklife. In contention with some of the major UK camping festivals such as Leeds, this unique urban city two day festival has a line up that is deemed unmissable with acts including The Chemical Brothers and Major Lazer headlining. From the city which cultivated world-class acts including The Smiths, Oasis and Joy Division, Parklife sees a range of indie, dance and electronic artists from the mainstream and the underground. Heaton Park, only a short shuttle bus ride away from Manchester city center, will play host to the independent festival for the fifth year running.
Who Not To Miss…
DJ EZ
Garage legend DJ EZ has officially taken over the bass music scene in the UK, with sold-out sets all over the country and being described by industry experts as one of the most creative mixers with instinct and technical prowess. With his signature motif, “DJ EZ”, he is bound to draw the crowds in from all around the northern city’s signature festival.
Afterlife
Yes, I know this isn’t *technically* an act but Afterlife, Parklife’s official after-parties, never disappoint. A mix of house, grime, drum & bass, techno and disco acts are spread across 16 different offerings over the weekend, held at eight different venues. The Afterlife continues with the same quality Parklife has to offer however is arguably more intense, with a darker, Madchester vibe. Having so much choice it is hard to make any single recommendation, but excitement has been building around Chase & Status’s DJ set in Albert Hall on the Saturday.
Jack Garratt
Breaking onto the pop scene with his hit single, ‘Breathe Life’, the BBC Sound of 2016 winner has blown over people, not only with his great choice of beats but also with his extraordinary vocals, a real raw talent.
Expect soul infused electro-pop and neck snapping beats, a versatile act that can range from up beat to chilled out. If you’re searching for any more reasons why you should go and watch Garratt, just take a look at his amazing Radio 1 Live Lounge performances to give you an idea of the talent that will be before you.
Who To Discover…
Bugzy Malone
Raw. Real. Fresh. Bugzy Malone has literally put ‘Manny on the map’ with his emotional and hard-hitting solid lyrics following the trend of the new underground grime revival, moving the UK scene away from more commercially-orientated music and towards more ‘street-level’ music. Grime fans should expect a slightly different sound to what you are used to, with a knock-out delivery and heartfelt lyrics. He will be playing on the MTA stage on the Saturday.
Mura Masa
A homegrown Manchester band, Blossoms have literally blossomed onto the indie music scene. From playing at small venues such as 42s, the youthful band now have an extensive line up of international tour dates ahead. Judging from the surge in popularity of the five-piece band, there is little doubt that they will in no time be serious contenders with the likes of the Courteeners. ‘
At Most a Kiss’ and ‘Charlemagne’ are just some of many of the alternative indie-pop sounds from their upcoming debut album, which is available to pre-order now.
Blossoms
A homegrown Manchester band, Blossoms have literally blossomed onto the indie music scene. From playing at small venues such as 42s, the youthful band now have an extensive line up of international tour dates ahead. Judging from the surge in popularity of the five-piece band, there is little doubt that they will in no time be serious contenders with the likes of the Courteeners. ‘At Most a Kiss’ and ‘Charlemagne’ are just some of many of the alternative indie-pop sounds from their upcoming debut album, which is available to pre-order now.