Glastonbury Festival returns to Worthy Farm in Somerset today (June 21-25), with an eclectic line-up spanning across 80 stages. With thousands of acts performing, it’s nearly impossible to select my top picks, however, I’m going to try a select a few ‘must-see’ acts each day from Thursday-Sunday. I’m not going to do my top picks for Wednesday, as the first day is all about settling in, getting your tent pitched and preparing yourself for the fun-filled days ahead – unless you’re one of the early birds who went yesterday and already have your tent pitched with a drink in hand! However, if you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off Glastonbury tonight, check out the Shangri-La warm up session at the Clash stage (19.00-3.00).
Ok, let’s crack on with Thursday’s Picks shall we?
1) First up is jungle and bass producer Andre Williams, aka SHY FX, who takes to the WOW! Stage from 02.00-03.00 along with Stamina MC. The UK Producer, fresh off the success of his latest single ‘We Just Don’t Care’ featuring the incredible vocals of Shingai Shoniwa (Noisettes), will showcase his eclectic style and Reggae summertime vibes. The innovative producer has always championed new sounds, having previously joined forces with Chase & Status, David Rodigan and MC Rage in 2014 to form sound system Rebel Sound, and ultimately winning the Red Bull Culture Clash. Get ready for SHY FX to kick off this years festival in style.
2) Danish tech-house DJ and producer, Kölsch (Rune Reilly Kölsch) is set to light up the BBC Introducing Stage with his live Radio 1 Residency show from 23.00-00.00. Known for this ability to produce emotion-induced music, Kölsch perfectly combines both mainstream and underground styles, all the while producing luscious, sonic soundscapes. With the success of his critically acclaimed album 1977 followed by 1983, Kölsch consistently delivers with tracks such as ‘Grey’, ‘DerDieDas’, ‘Cassiopeia’, ‘Der Alte’ and recent single ’Speicher 97’ EP – not to mention producing some excellent remixes such as Eric Prydz ‘Generate’ and personal favourite, Monkey Safari’s ‘Cranes’. Currently signed to iconic German electronic label, Kompakt and set to take up residency in Hï Ibiza this Summer, expect an epic set from the Danish Don with his melodic and intimate form of electronica.
3) Radio 1 DJ and premiere tastemaker Annie Mac, is set to host her weekday 19.00-21.00 show live from the BBC Introducing Stage. Having made her highly anticipated return to the airwaves last week after giving birth to her second child, Annie returns with a bang, bringing along a few special guests with her. Known for impeccable music curation talents, this year’s eclectic lineup includes performances from George Ezra, Charli XCX, Donae’o, Shy FX and Nadia Rose – all championed throughout her weekday show. Following the success and antics of last year’s live show from Glastonbury, with performances from Mura Masa, Shy FX and Mele and Monki’s NRG Flash, we’re no doubt in for yet another exciting live show from the Queen of Radio 1. Welcome back Annie!
4) Bristolian producer Daniel Pearce, AKA Eats Everything, also brings his Radio 1 Residency show live from the BBC Introducing Stage at 22.00-23.00 – the first of four performances throughout the festival. Having kicked off the year joining the Radio 1 Residency series alongside the likes of Kölsch and Deadmau5, Eats Everything is set to take up residency at Amnesia in Ibiza this Summer with his infectious, party stylings. With a string of impressive releases under his belt, including ‘Big Discs’ EP, ‘The Duster’ ft Green Velvet, his most recent ‘Clash Of The Tight-Uns’ EP and a personal favourite, Tiga vs Audion’s ‘Dancing (Again!)’ – Eats Everything continually proves why he’s one of the UK’s finest dance music exports.
5) Oliver Jones, AKA Skream, is set to take to the Love Bullets Stage at 22.00-23.20 for a B2B Special. The former member of pioneering dubstep duo Skream & Benga, has helped shaped the direction of dance music over the last decade, and now showcases more of a tech-house vibe as seen in his recent reworking of Leftfield’s ‘Open Up’. With the success of his imprint Of Unsound Mind, Skream has pioneered both rising and established artists, with releases from the likes of Eli Brown, Motions, Billy Turner, Waifs & Strays and Solardo. While Skream is set to go B2B with tech-house duo Solardo on the Friday night, the identify of the special guest for Thursday remains a mystery. Could it be Patrick Topping, who he went B2B with in Barcelona recently? One thing’s for sure, we’re in for one electrifying set.
Check out my Glastonbury Playlist below with all of Thursday’s picks. Check back soon for Friday’s selections.
