LeeFest: The Neverland – ten acts not to miss

An advert by Google was circulating earlier this year; we were shown the spectacular rise of Lee and his festival, all powered supposedly through the mighty Android phone. Whilst many may have believed that this was the dark powers of marketing working at their darkest, it was in fact no lie. There is a LeeFest, and it is run by a man called Lee. It returns for its tenth edition on 28^th of July, in a brand spanking new location, and with a stellar cast of live music ready to sate the appetite of its attendees. Without further ado, here are The Upcoming’s ten acts not to miss.

Roots Manuva

Rodney Hylton Smith, AKA Roots Manuva, is set to make his LeeFest debut this year, much to the joy of those attending. Touring on the back of 2015’s Bleeds, you can expect a set loaded with the absolute best alternative hip-hop and trip-hop the singer can muster.

Ghostpoet

Triple Mercury prize-nominee Ghostpoet returns to Leefest after a four-year hiatus from the festival. Since his last appearance, he’s released two more albums, 2013’s Some Say I So I Say Light and 2015’s Shedding Skin. You can look forward to the wonderful melodies and arrangements that have made him such a hit, as well as his trademark lyrical style.

Big Deal

Shoegaze rockers Big Deal are sure to delight those who lean more to the distortion-heavy side of the musical spectrum. Renowned for their frenetic live shows, Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe will tear up the LeeFest stage on the back of new album Say Yes.

Lianne La Havas

London-born soul queen Lianne La Havas is understandably one of the festival’s headline acts and, after the success of her two albums, is sure to pull one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. Her acoustic musical style and silky sweet vocals will surely delight even the most stone-hearted guests.

Shura

Fresh from releasing her debut album Nothing’s Real merely a few weeks ago, Alexandra Denton – or Shura as we know her – will be looking to display her considerable talent when she takes the stage. An electro-pop superstar in the making, you’ll want to say you saw her first before she gets the superstardom her music deserves.

DJ Luck & MC Neat

UK Garage heavyweights DJ Luck & MC Neat have played their fair share of shows over the last two decades. Despite this, they’re set to bring some much-desired moving and shaking to the LeeFest environment, and with a little bit of luck they can help you make it through the night.

Midland

Techno master Midland has become a firm favourite at the biggest nights around the UK and Europe, tirelessly showing off his DJ skills on some of the world’s biggest stages. He’ll no doubt bring the house down at LeeFest, and you won’t want to miss it.

Submotion Orchestra

The kings and queen of electronic beats, ambient jazz and just about everything in between, Leeds seven-piece Submotion Orchestra have captured the hearts and souls of all who have listened to their beautiful arrangements. With 2016’s Colour Theory under their belts, they’ll continue to dazzle and bewitch fans old and new, so make sure they are top of your list at LeeFest.

Little Simz

Despite being only 22, English rapper Little Simz has shown the lyrical maturity and musical prowess to start punching with the best. Hailed by Zane Lowe and Dizzee Rascal, and on the back of her debut A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, she’ll bring some of the heaviest beats and hard hitting verses you’ll see all weekend.

Dinosaur Pile Up

Leeds Alt-rockers Dinosaur Pile Up know how to make a racket, and make it well. With clear inspiration taken from the Foo Fighters and Nirvana, if long hair and classic 90s grunge are your flavour of choice, then look no further. With a new album to boot, Dinosaur Pile Up should provide all the ear drum-bursting scuzz needed for a great weekend.

James Fisher

For further information about LeeFest: The Neverland visit here.

Check back soon for our reviews from the festival!