7 Artists To Watch Out For At Festivals This Summer
Festival season is finally here, bringing a thrilling showcase of some of the best music talent of the moment. OLIVE WAKEFIELD breaks down the seven must-see acts of the summer
Who: HAIM
What: Each one of this trio of sisters is supremely talented in their own right, but, together, they make up the pop-rock powerband Haim. When they are not bringing best friend Taylor Swift out on stage to perform with them, catch Este, Alana and Danielle dance, play and sing their way through their critically acclaimed classics. A headline slot at London’s All Points East this summer will see them share the stage with Lizzy McAlpine and Girl in Red.
Where: All Points East, London; August 28, 2023
Must-listen track: Summer Girl is Haim’s feel-good nod to Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side and sounds like a sundowner on a hot day.
Who: BOYGENIUS
What: Boygenius is the ‘sadcore’ supergroup comprised of the buzziest singer-songwriters in the industry right now: Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus. Although they first assembled for a one-off EP back in 2018, this year sees them reunite for their highly anticipated debut album The Record, which is sure to go down as one of 2023’s top musical moments. Watching this talented triumvirate perform together is nothing short of magical.
Where: Coachella, California; April 14-16 and 21-23, 2023; Lowlands, The Netherlands; August 18-20, 2023
Must-listen track: The grungy $20, which will have you headbanging around the room.
Who: RINA SAWAYAMA
What: Rina Sawayama has gone from chart-topping singer to silver-screen icon in the past year. Not only is she stealing the spotlight in the new John Wick: Chapter 4, this summer she will bring all the special effects to her slot on the prestigious Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, which is sure to get everyone dancing (glowsticks in the air) as the sun sets.
Where: Glastonbury, England; June 21-25, 2023
Must-listen track: The disco-pop-inspired Hold the Girl is the title track off Sawayama’s latest album and is truly anthemic.
Who: ROSALÍA
What: A popstar with a mononym is surely destined for great things, and this can certainly be said for Rosalía, who has broken all sorts of records with her unique blend of avant-pop, flamenco and reggaeton. Known for flamboyant shows that are more performance art than concerts, her Primavera set will be one of the talking-point performances of summer.
Where: Primavera Sound, Barcelona; May 29-June 4, 2023
Must-listen track: Her collaboration with The Weeknd on La Fama will get the crowds throwing shapes.
Who: WET LEG
What: This quirky band popped out of nowhere with their single Chaise Longue, the catchiest tune to hit the airwaves last year. When Harry Styles played a cover version of their song Wet Dream and invited them on tour, their fate was sealed. Two Grammy awards later and Wet Leg are this summer’s hot ticket.
Where: Coachella, California; April 14-16 and 21-23, 2023; Rock en Seine, Paris; 23-27 August, 2023
Must-listen track: Chaise Longue completely sums up their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and upbeat riffs – but, be warned, it will remain firmly stuck in your head for weeks to come.
Who: BLACKPINK
What: Probably the biggest phenomenon to come out of the K-pop scene so far, Blackpink has millions of obsessed fans watching their every move. With collaborations with Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa under their belts, their spot on the Coachella bill goes to show that they have firmly cemented their place in the pop world.
Where: Coachella, California; April 14-16 and 21-23, 2023; Rock en Seine, Paris; 23-27 August, 2023
Must-listen track: The chart-topping Pink Venom – on their latest album – is a perfect piece of rap-pop and a great introduction to this relentlessly surprising band.
Who: JOY CROOKES
What: Since London-based Joy Crookes released her debut album, Skin, in 2021, she has amassed something of a cult following, as well as many musical accolades. Fans keep coming back for her nostalgic and soulful sound that is pure joy from start to finish. Fresh from opening for Lizzo on the London leg of her tour, Crookes heads to Coachella for a career-defining performance across the pond.
Where: Coachella, California; April 14-16 and 21-23, 2023
Must-listen track: Although there are whispers of new music any day, Crooke’s standout track When You Were Mine is sure to be on the setlist at the festival.
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