by Tom Hallett on the
Descending from a Brick Lane club night hosted by Groove Armada in 2002, Lovebox Festival has grown in popularity and size over the years to its current East End location at Victoria Park. The festival returns on Fri 17th and Sat 18th July 2015 and with such a diverse lineup on offer from reggae and soul to trip-hop and house. We’ve selected ten of the must-see acts to catch at this year’s event.
1. Flume:
Australian producer Flume has paved his own way to success after a series of high-profile remixes, of tracks such as Disclosure’s ‘You & Me’ and Lorde’s ‘Tennis Court’ and two successful albums. He now stands tall at the forefront of electronic music with his unique and vibrant brand of trip-hop. He might be from ‘down under’, but Flume will be on top of the world at Lovebox this year.
2. Nils Frahm:
Modern classical pianist, Nils Frahm has become renowned for combining piano with a variety of different synthesisers during his intriguing live setup, which has been met with critical acclaim. Fan favourites such as ‘Says’ and ‘For’ are beautifully replicated live. - Don’t miss his renditions at Lovebox.
3. Pedestrian:
Relatively new to the scene, producer Pedestrian dabbles in a variety of different styles of house and bass music. Most recently he achieved some mainstream limelight when Radio 1 producer, B Traits, played his latest release ‘Drop Bear’ - a gritty, bass-heavy track. As an exciting and refreshing addition to the Lovebox lineup, he’s well worth checking out.
4. Bonobo:
Simon Green, AKA Bonobo, is an artist at the forefront of his field. Combining a variety of genres such as house, trip-hop, and acid jazz Bonobo uses synths, world instruments, and a touch of sampling to mesmerising effect. If you didn’t catch him during the world tour of his latest album, ‘The North Borders’, here’s your chance at Lovebox.
5. Lion Babe:
New York City duo Lion Babe are definitely one to watch. With Erykah Badu-esque vocals, layered over Lucas Goodman’s funk-infused beats, they are quite simply modern soul perfection. Having worked with the likes of Childish Gambino, and recently pinned down studio sessions with Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, they look set to dominate the scene in 2015. - Catch them at Lovebox first.
6. Snakehips:
Funk and soul duo Snakehips have become immensely popular after frequently being featured on the YouTube channel ‘Majestic Casual’ and a run of viral remixes. Snakehips’ most recent release, an EP called ‘Forever, Pt. II’, features guest vocals from Syd, a member of rap collective Odd Future. Perfect for summer, expect the same feel-good vibes throughout their set at Lovebox.
7. XXXY:
Born in Berlin, this man has a penchant for bright, pulsing pads and exciting drum rhythms that, all in all, create an immersive, yet extremely danceable, atmosphere. His most recent release, ‘Last Dance’, is testament to that. XXXY has a new EP, ‘Regrets’, set for release on the 24th July 2015, which narrowly overshoots Lovebox dates. However, I have no doubt he’ll be showcasing the new material during his energetic set.
8. Kaytranada:
Multi-talented producer Kaytranada creates a unique, loose feeling, blend of hip-hop, trap and house music. After his remix of Teedra Moses’ track, ‘Be Your Girl’, went viral Kaytranada was plunged into the limelight. He has continued to shine with releases such as ‘At All’, and ‘Leave Me Alone’ featuring vocalist Sia. He is sure to get London pumping in no time.
9. Jazzie B:
Jazzie B may be part of the legendary Soul II Soul, but he has also carved a successful career as a solo artist, producer and remixer. Lending his hand to tracks by James Brown, Public Enemy and Fine Young Cannibals, amongst others. Jazzie B’s set at Lovebox promises some feel-good tunes you can grind your hips to.
10. Kiko Bun:
Producer, songwriter, and singer Kiko Bun is one of the U.K.’s most exciting and refreshing talents - especially in the reggae/dub domains. In the highly saturated world of music, Kiko stands out and has subsequently earned himself radio play from the likes of Zane Lowe. His most recent release ‘Where I’m From’ is as catchy dub-wise track, whereas ‘Sticky Situation’ is a funky, infectious and more upbeat song; made for the sunshine. You’d be a fool to miss him at Lovebox.