The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, 15th-18th May 2024

It’s getting close to that time of year again when the streets of Brighton are heaving with new musical talent, as The Great Escape creeps up on the horizon once more. With another 100 artists just announced, the line-up is building nicely, and the range of genres and styles from across the UK and internationally is set up for you to find your new favourite act (or three). Names added last week include Frost Children, The Dare, Fcukers, Muireann Bradley, Jambinai, Tamara & The Dreams, and many more.

We’ll be keeping an eye on further announcements and taking a listen to the new additions but, for now, here are a few artists already on our recommended to see list…

Saloon Dion – Jagged round the edges but sweet in the middle, Bristol’s latest export manage to sit in the Fall/Killing Joke-esque corner while bringing an original twist to proceedings. 2024 looks set to be a very good year for them.

Kuzi Cee – Hailing from Canada, a singer, songwriter and rapper with a voice that will lull you through layers of emotion that seem to run a little deeper than many of his contemporaries. This could be the chill out set of the festival.

Nightbus – Big fan from what I’ve heard already, and definitely keen to see them live. The band exude the lighter side of goth, a fusion of  Banshees/Creatures style vocals and electronica meets jangly guitars. Another fine Manchester collective.

Sailor Honeymoon – Hints of Sonic Youth from the Korean punk trio, who look like they’re having lots of fun along the way to indie stardom. I reckon theirs will be a set not to miss.

Cardinals – Irish acts have really met their potential over the last few years, and this may be the next band to do just that. Alt-folk seeped in tradition and combining friendship with musicianship surely has to be a winning formula. Check them out.

Tickets for the Great Escape, along with details of the full line-up to date, can be found here

Words by Siobhan

Published 5th February 2024