Eminem: Main Stage
‘Guess who’s back, back again. Shady’s back, tell a friend’. Yes, the most successfull rapper in history is set to dominate Main Stage on Saturday for his one and only UK festival performance.
With an impressive 7 UK number 1′s spanning back to 1999′s Slim Shady EP, be prepared to relive some classic tracks such as ‘The Way I Am’, ‘Stan’ ‘Without Me’ and ‘Lose Yourself’.
Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide and winner of 13 Grammy Awards, Eminem is gearing up for the release of his 8th studio album. The first new material we’ve heard from the forthcoming album is ‘Survival’ ft SKylar Grey. With rumours that Kendrick Lamar is set to feature on the album, it will no doubt be one of the most highly anticipated hip hop albums of the year.
Having collaborated with so many artists throughout his career, rumours are circulating as to who will join him on the Reading stage. Last time Eminem headlined Reading in 2001, he duetted with Marilyn Manson on ‘The Way I Am’ , followed by V’s 2011 performance with Rihanna for ‘Love The Way You Lie’. There may also be apearances from Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator or Earl Sweatshirt, having recently performed with them on mini EU tour. 70.000 fans at Slane Castle in Ireland were recently treated to a 28 track set list… So Watch Out Reading – Marshall Mathers is back!
Foals: Main Stage
Indie Rock band Foals are riding high off the success of their third studio album ‘Holy Fire’.
This will be the groups 4th appearance at Reading and Leeds, so main stage is sure to be electric with massive hits such as ‘Inhaler’ and ‘My Number’.
Having recently completed their North American Tour, the group are gearing up for performances in Australia as well as further EU dates. Nominated for Best Live Band recently, there’s no denying Foals belong on Main Stage having recently headlined Lattitude Festival to high praise!
- Other acts to check out on Main Stage: Chase and Status
Jake Bugg: NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage
2013 has been a massive year for Jake Bugg, whose self-titled debut album shot to no 1 in the UK as well as being nominated for Best British Breakthrough Act at this year’s BRIT awards.
The 19 year old singer/songwriter has been greatly influenced by classic artists such as ‘The Beatles’, ‘Oasis’, ‘Jimi Hendrix’ and ‘Bob Dylan’ and transports us back to sounds of the 60′s with tracks such as ‘Lighting Bolt’, ‘Taste It’, ‘Two Fingers‘ and ‘Seen It All‘.
Having performed at all the major festivals this summer including Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight, T in the Park, Coachella and Benicassim, Bugg is set to embark upon some US dates before retrning in Octber for his UK tour.
- Other acts to check out on BBC Radio 1/NME Stage: Alt J, Tame Impala, Theme park
Flux Pavillion: Radio 1/ 1Xtra Stage
Dubstep DJ and Producer Flux Pavillion, is set to shake things up on the Radio 1/1Xtra Stage.
Flux is well known for his track ‘I Can’t Stop’, which was sampled on Jay Z and Kanye’s ‘Watch The Throne’ album for the single ‘Who Gon Stop Me‘. Further singles from his impressive track record include ‘Bass Cannon’, ‘Superbad’ ft Doctor P and ‘Blow The Roof‘
Co-founder of Circus One Records with Doctor P, Flux Pavilion was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll, which he followed with the release of his EP ‘Blow The Roof’ in January. Having recently played at Lollapalooza, Electric Daisy Carnival and Global Gathering, Flux is set to embark upon his US tour this September.
- Others acts to check out on Radio 1/ 1Xtra stage: Magnetic Man, A Trak, Willy Moon
The 1975: Festival Republic Stage
Manchester 4 piece indie band, The 1975, have already released 4 EP’s: ‘Facedown’, ‘Sex’, ’Music for Cars’ and the most recent EP ‘IV’. With an already impressive track record including ‘The City’, ‘Sex’ and ‘Chocolate’, The 1975 highlight their alternative mix of genres from electro indie-pop to 90’s r’n’b.
Their self-titled album, produced by Mike Crossey (Foals, Jake Bugg), is set for release this September. Upcoming performances include Electric Picnic in Ireland, UK tour before setting off for the US and Australia.
- Other acts to check out on the Festival Republic Stages: Lucy Rose, DIIV, Savages.
Casablanca & Ruen Brothers: BBC Introducing Stage:
The BBC Introducing Stage, supports unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians and gives artists the opportunity to perform at major festivals including, Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds as well as recording sessions at BBC Maida Vale Studios. Previous artists that have emerged from BBC Introducing include: Bombay Bicycle Club, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine and Jake Bugg. Two acts in particular to check out are Casablanca and Ruen Brothers.
Indie pop quartet Casablanca, made up of Jacob, Callum, Tom H, and Tom M, are making quite the impact with their upbeat vibes and infectious catchy hooks. With friends in bands such as Foals, Theme Park and Palma Violets, as well as an older sibling in Bombay Bicycle Club, you can see where their thrilling indie-pop influences stem from.
With their debut single ‘Hurricane Season’ receiving great support from the likes of Huw Stephens and Phil & Alice on BBC Radio 1, the group’s new single ‘We Could Forever’ is set to follow in the same footsteps.
From Jake Bugg to the Strypes – the classic vintage vibes are certainly striking a chord in today’s music scene. Ruen Brothers (Henry and Rupert Stansall from Scunthorpe), are constantly gaining momentum with tracks such as ‘Walk Like A Man’ and ‘Aces’, which featured as Zane Lowe’s ‘Next Hype’ record. Huw Stephens is also a big supporter and the duo and have already performed a session at Maida Value Studio.
Having performed to high praise at Glastonbury Festival, the duo are set to bring their unique vibes to Berlin Festival and Gathering Festival.
Check back soon for Day 3 Top Picks at Reading!