by Tom Hallett on the
The beautiful, lake-filled, Henham Park in Suffolk will be hosting the 10th instalment of Latitude Festival this weekend (16th - 19th July 2015). With over twenty stages all hosting a vortex of top acts - including headliners alt-J, Portishead, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - we’ve selected ten of the absolute very best.
1. DJ EZ:
EZ doesn’t need a helping hand when it comes to convincing you to go and see him this year. There’s no doubt you’ll take the hint when half of Latitude starts to move towards whichever stage the notorious, all Nike wearing, DJ will be tearing up that night. Don’t get left behind!
2. José Gonzalez:
As a U.K. festival exclusive, José Gonzalez is a must see at Latitude this summer. The ‘Heartbeats’ hitmaker will also be playing Latitude’s sister festival, Longitude, in Dublin. This could very well be your only opportunity to see him perform his intimate and minimal set in the U.K. for a long time.
3. Summer Camp:
Dreamy duo Summer Camp are set to open the main Obelisk Stage on Friday with their infectious take on indie-pop. With musical influences harking back to the 1960’s and 80’s, the multi-instrumentalist married couple are sure to draw revellers from their tents to the fields with their soothing retro sounds. - The perfect cure to a Thursday night hangover.
4. Jon Hopkins:
Jon Hopkins’ music can be inciting a rave one minute, and have you floating about on a soothing, sonic cloud the next. Hopkins has also become notorious for his use of Kaoss Pads, amongst other tools, during his performances, which he uses to apply a variety of different effects. Performances are often not set in stone, and tracks can be spontaneously manipulated at will. Prepare for a sensory adventure.
5. Years & Years:
Having recently released their debut record ‘Communion’, Years & Years are currently on track for a No. 1 album this Friday. The trio’s record is currently outselling the rest of the Top 10 combined and following an appearance in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge; the boys are in high demand. Their appearance at Latitude this Sunday will be a special one. - Don’t miss it.
6. Gengahr:
This indie pop-rock band are a diamond in the rough waiting to be discovered. Their warm, fuzzy guitar tones are often accompanied by clean and catchy melodies before being gently bathed in reverb, which makes for a beautiful landscape of sound. Gengahr have just released their debut album, ‘A Dream Outside’, which has received support from the likes of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. They’ll be touring this October - catch them at Latitude first.
7. The Charlatans:
Following a surprise set at Glastonbury, The Charlatans are very much back in Vogue at the moment. Rising to prominence as part of the infamous ‘MADchester’ scene during the 90’s, even after 25 years, they haven’t lost it. With a back catalogue of hits and early 2015 release ‘Modern Nature’ to showcase at Latitude, Tim Burgess and co. are sure to get Henham Park rocking.
8. Drenge:
With recommendations for the likes of Labour MP Tom Watson and Wolf Alice, who they’ll be supporting on tour this September, Drenge are a must see at Latitude. The alt-rock duo will be performing on the same stage as Wolf Alice - so here’s hoping for another collaboration like at Glasto.
9. Werkha:
Werkha has been turning heads since releasing his debut ‘Cube & Puzzle’ EP in 2012, most notably Gilles Peterson’s. More recently Werkha has put together a live band and released his debut album ‘Colours Of A Red Brick Raft’. The record incorporates genres such as afrobeat, jazz, dance, and electro, delivering a playful and funky package that is sure to get you dancing.
10. Leon Bridges:
Leon Bridges will bring a Sunday blues soundtrack to Latitude with an afternoon set at the i Arena. After a weekend of late night revelry, the sweet sounds of ‘Coming Home’ will never feel so appropriate.