Words: Ruby Corrigan
Boasting an absolutely stacked lineup this year, including the likes of Paolo Nutini, Bombay Bicycle Club, Snow Patrol and Jamie T, Tramlines (taking place from the 26th – 28th July) is set to be an exciting weekend of good music, (hopefully) good weather, and good vibes. However, while they have some excellent acts who are already huge in the music industry, the weekend festival is also offering a fantastic showcase of extremely talented, smaller artists. So, if you are attending Tramlines this year, and are wanting to expand your musical palette, you need to check out these five acts that will be gracing the Sheffield stages this summer.
Matilda Shakes. Day: Friday. Stage: T’Other Stage Live
Matilda Shakes are an up and coming indie rock band from Sheffield. Garnering lots of success over the years, including having their song ‘Adrenaline’ feature on Premier League, F1, and Fresh Finds playlists on Spotify, it is clear that Matilda Shakes are made for big things, and they have no intention of slowing down. With sing-along lyrics, high energy guitar riffs and pounding drum beats, their music is practically made for the field, so, if you know what’s good for you, make sure to catch them at Tramlines this year.
The Chase. Day: Sunday. Stage: The Library Stage
With their musical influences being rooted in their council estate upbringing, along with their Scottish and Caribbean heritage, it is undeniable that indie band The Chase are making their mark on the British indie scene, for example landing support slots for the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs and The Rifles. The band already has an extremely dedicated fan base, and you can absolutely see why. Their music is so uniquely British – a melting pot of cultures and upbringings that come together to create an incredible sound that mixes indie with ska. If you’re a fan of artists such as Kasabian, The Killers or The Specials, then you won’t want to miss The Chase.
Beachcomber. Day: Sunday. Stage: The Library Stage
For any of our shoegaze lovers attending Tramlines his year, the boy do I have the band for you. With songs drenched in reverb and full of wistful vocals, Sheffield locals Beachcomber are reinventing what it means to be British, as they bring a dream-like sound to the industrial backdrop of the UK. Beachcomber’s music is definitely for the dreamers, for those who romanticise everything in their lives to make it more enjoyable, for those who pick up pebbles on the beach and try to create a backstory for them. If that sounds like you, then don’t miss them!
Hannah Rowe. Day: Friday. Stage: The Library Stage
Hannah Rowe was fortunate enough to win Tramlines’ ‘apply to play’ competition, and boy is it deserved. With soulful vocals paired with languid, jazz style instrumentals, Hannah Rowe really sticks out from the crowd. Her slower pace will also be a welcome change from the usually frantic atmosphere of the festival, as her set will offer the chance to relax, take respite and enjoy some beautifully tranquil music. For fans of Erykah Badu, Raye and Amy Winehouse, Hannah Rowe is the artist you NEED in your life.
Otis Mensah. Day: Saturday Stage: T’Other Stage Live
Otis Mensah, our previous poet laureate (2018), is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the links between poetry and music. Taking influence from jazz, and combining melodies akin to other modern british rap artists such as Loyle Carner and Little Simz, Mensah’s music is extremely experimental and thought provoking. His most recent release ‘colour of sunshine’ is absolutely drenched in summertime energy and is certainly going to be fantastic heard live in the british heat. So, if you’re a poetry lover, or simply enjoy the laid back energy of alternative rap, Otis Mensah is the artist you’ll definitely want to hear at Tramlines this year.
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