Isle of Wight Build Up // Gypsyfingers // Avocado Sunrise // Germein Sisters // The Optimists // CAVALCADE // L. // BREED // Marlee King // Saint Apache // Swan Levitt.
They say the best things come in threes, don’t they? Think about it, three-leaf clovers, three-leaf clovers…three-leaf clovers. Anyway, you must have read the first two amazing build-up pieces to the Isle of Wight festival, so carry on rollin’ with our third article. Maybe we’ll throw in a virtual three-leaf clover for good luck!
Be sure to read our previous articles which can be found here:
Isle of Wight Build Up // Arno Carstens // Luna Tear // Anavae // deVience // Hashtag // Freazy // Alex Ohm // Rival Bones // Glass Peaks // Noble Jacks //
Gypsyfingers
Gypsyfingers are an ethereal folk-rock and pop band founded by Victoria and Luke Oldfield (son of Mike Oldfield). Victoria’s classical training and love of dance music fuses with Luke’s folk and rock background to create a fresh sound of their own, lauded by R2 Magazine as ‘trip-hop and folk-influenced ethereal pop that delightfully doesn’t fit into any existing musical pigeonhole’. Gypsyfingers perform live as a multi-instrumental quartet and can be enjoyed on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stage at 4:20 pm.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Gypsyfingers: “The best description we have heard was from R2 magazine who described Gypsyfingers as ‘trip-hop and folk-influenced ethereal pop that delightfully doesn’t fit into any existing musical pigeonhole’. Everyone in the band has slightly different musical influences and backgrounds, so between us there is a big melting pot of influences ranging from classical to dance, folk, rock and prog, resulting in a fresh new sound of our own.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Gypsyfingers: “Isle of Wight will be the first festival we play this summer, so we are buzzing to get on stage and perform.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Gypsyfingers: “We have played to large audiences in the past supporting other bands, and in fact, Luke played at the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Mike Oldfield’s band with over one billion people watching on TV. We have recently completed a UK tour, so we are ready to folk-rock ‘n’ roll!”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Gypsyfingers: “The best thing about festivals is discovering new bands, but we will be checking out Blossoms on the Saturday for sure.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Gypsyfingers: “I’d love to see Jonathan Wilson play next year. I love his slow-burning psychedelia, but haven’t managed to see him play live yet. He seems to be getting bigger and bigger, so it would be great to see him appear next year at Isle of Wight Festival.”
Avocado Sunrise
Formed in the latter half of 2016, Avocado Sunrise’s guitar-driven indie sound has gained them a dedicated fanbase around the South Coast of the UK. With Jake’s distinctive vocals backed by George, Patrick and Finn’s strong rhythms, supplemented by guitar effects aplenty, look no further if you love all things fruity, bright and indie. Avocado Sunrise will be performing at the Kashmir Cafe.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Avocado Sunrise: “Indie pop, with hints of rock, shoegaze and reggae; but the best way to find out is to come and see us!”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Avocado Sunrise: “There’s definitely a few nerves, but mainly excitement. We played the Kashmir Cafe last year too, and it was one of our best gigs to date. It’ll be great to do it all over again.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Avocado Sunrise: “Many, many hours of practise, writing and promotion. We’ve got some new tracks to premiere this year, and we can’t wait to show them to everyone, as well as the song that’ll be on our debut EP. Most important of all, stocking up on new garms to make sure we’ve got the stage aesthetic down!”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Avocado Sunrise: “We’re all really excited for The Wombats on Thursday. We saw them in Southampton in March, and it was really something else, so we’d definitely recommend! Also Bare Jams on the Cirque de la Quirk stage, they’re always a great one for the festival.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Avocado Sunrise: “We’d love to see The 1975 come back to the festival again, and maybe Pale Waves too. Peace would be great to see as they’re also a favourite for all of us.”
Germein Sisters
Germein is an Australian indie pop rock sibling band comprising of sisters Georgia (guitar), Ella (bass and electric cello) and Clara Germein (drums). Whether jamming together at their home in the Adelaide Hills, playing alongside Arcade Fire and Catfish and the Bottlemen at the Isle of Wight festival, or opening UK stadium shows for Little Mix, it’s their mutual connection to music that has seen them make their mark in music. Their new single ‘Talking’ combines their close three-part harmonies with a soaring breakout chorus and is a strong statement from the all-female act launching in the UK this summer. Germein will perform at 5:05 pm on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stage.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Georgia: “We’re a sibling indie rock pop band from Australia. I play guitar and keys, Ella plays bass and electric cello, and Clara plays the drums.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Georgia: “We absolutely love the UK, and are so excited to be heading back this summer. Once we board the Qantas flight from Australia to London, the reality really sets in. We’ve been lucky enough to play at the Isle of Wight Festival for the last three years, and it’s always such a blast. The island itself is so beautiful, and the atmosphere of the festival is just so unique. We’re feeling very excited as always, and just can’t wait to hit the stage and play our music! It’s especially an honour to be on the bill for the 50th Anniversary of the Isle of Wight!”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Georgia: “We always try to put on the very best performance we can for every show we play, whether it’s to forty people or 40,000 people, so the Isle of Wight will be no exception! We rehearse regularly leading up to the day so we can be as best prepared as possible. As well as playing mostly original songs, we try to throw in a cover song or mashup of songs that will relate to the audiences we’re playing to or a song in the local language. Keep an ear out for the special song we’ve got planned for the Isle of Wight!”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Georgia: “We grew up listening to a lot of Van Morrison with our Dad, so we definitely look forward to seeing him play. We also can’t wait to see The Script, Jessie J, James Bay, The Killers, Hudson Taylor and The Wombats, James Walsh and Bang Bang Romeo – there are so many amazing artists to choose from!”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Georgia: “We’d love to see U2 on the main stage, love their music and message. We met Bono in Adelaide about ten years ago – what a legend. To play a show with them would be the ultimate!”
The Optimists
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Optimists: “We are a band from the Isle of Wight formed earlier this year. Brit-pop is one of our main influences, but our influences go right back to the 60’s. The band consists of Matt Read (vocal and guitar), Aaron Meakin (guitar), Sebastian Wedge (bass), and Jacob Cass (drums and vocals). Some of our greatest achievements included competing in Wight Noize, as well as being given the opportunity to play the Isle of Wight Festival.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Optimists: “As a band we overwhelmed for receiving the opportunity to play Isle of Wight Festival, considering we had only done four gigs before the opportunity. However, we are confident it’s going to be a good set, and we plan on smashing it as each gig we do will always be our best.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Optimists: “Regular rehearsals mainly. As a band we aim to have two to four, two-hour rehearsal sessions per week gigging or not. This is so we are constantly ready for a gig. Apart from that it’s discussing our image for the night and maintaining our equipment.”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Optimists: “This one is easy. Kasabian. Followed by Liam Gallagher. Seeing as Kasabian and Oasis are two of our main influences, it’s great to have the opportunity to see them perform live. Maybe this will allow us to generate some inspiration in our performances.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Optimists: “Big indie/alternative bands! Like, the Arctic Monkeys, or the Foals.”
CAVALCADE
CAVALCADE is a four-piece indie alternative rock band from Barking, London. Jack Campbell (vocals and guitar), Connor Duggan (vocals and guitar), Tom Nunn (bass), and Steve Norris (drums) recently played Camden Rocks and are featured in our Camden Rocks Build Up- Article 6. CAVALCADE is playing the This Feeling with Pirate Studios & Pretty Green.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Connor: “Catchy tunes, and a whole lot of fun complete with shit jokes.”
Jack: “Musically, I’d say we’re quite difficult to sum up, although someone recently reviewed our live set saying that we play punky alternative/indie rock that has a bit of a retro sound – which I think is a pretty accurate observation. But yeah, generally we’re a bunch of twats with guitars and fantastically shit jokes.”
Tom: “I’d say we’re an indie band with a bit of a rockier edge. We’re sometimes compared to the early Arctic Monkeys sound or Catfish and the Bottlemen.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Connor: “Feels like I’m going on holiday! Having attended festivals for the last eight years or something, it’s a dream come true. We’ve also got a massive new tune to show off, so it’s the perfect place to debut it!”
Tom: “Buzzing is the only word to describe it really – I’m so excited. The Isle of Wight was next on my list of festivals to go to, and the fact that I’m going and playing is madness.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Connor: “We’ve been focusing on getting the set as tight as possible. What it all comes down to is what kind of show we put on. We want people to remember us, so I’ve been practising by jumping off of the toilet into the bath.”
Jack: “Yeah, just practising the set and the live performance as much as possible really. Steve enjoys playing the drums with one hand while drinking beer with the other, so I reckon we’ll try and sneak that in.”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Connor: “I’m looking forward to seeing Kasabian again, and LG goes without saying. Chic are fucking great live, so I’ll be wiggling my hips full force for them, and defo some Soul II Soul. Other than that I’m really looking forward to seeing the bands we’re playing alongside in the This Feeling tent. We saw Hey Charlie at their gig in 2018 earlier in the year, so I’m super excited to see them again.”
Jack: “I’m proper buzzing for Chic. I saw their Glastonbury set on TV a couple of years ago and it just looked top. As Connor said, LG goes without saying, and it’ll be my first time seeing him live. Regarding This Feeling bands, it has to be Himalayas, Hey Charlie and Avalanche Party.”
Tom: “The mighty Liam G, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and T-Rextasy.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Connor: “Us.”
L.
L. is an artist who writes from a deeply emotive, autobiographical place. When she was younger, L. was told that feeling things so strongly was her weakness, but audiences seem to connect strongly to her emotional vulnerability and wearing her heart on her sleeve. L. writes songs based on the piano with catchy lyrics and melodies which come to life when played with a live band.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
L.: “I write catchy indie pop music with meaningful lyrics.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
L.: “I am really excited. This is my third time playing at the Kashmir Cafe, and it’s always so much fun. The audience is always really lovely and supportive.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
L.: “For a festival of this size, preparation involves lots of rehearsals! For me, logistics are always the most stressful part. Once we’re all up on stage playing my songs, then I can relax and just enjoy it!”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
L.: “I am most looking forward to seeing James Bay and The Killers. I went to the same primary school as James Bay, and was in the same year as him, so I’m hoping to bump into him and see if he remembers me. I doubt it!”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
L.: “That’s a tough question! I think John Giddings always does a great job with the lineup, but it would be cool to have a BBC Introducing stage at the festival next year!”
BREED
BREED hail from Essex, bringing all of the noise and vibes associated with a band that look set to undertake a meteoric rise throughout the rest of the year. The band have spent previous months gaining support from the likes of John Kennedy, Radio 1 and even had a headline show at Nambucca earlier in the year. Music enthusiasts look set to be placed on the frontlines when finding out why BREED are considered one to watch for both the present and future. The band play the This Feeling with Pirate Studios & Pretty Green stage.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
BREED: “We’ve been described as having Sabbath‘s riffs meshed with Kasabian-esque grooves and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club‘s meaty bass lines. We play loud and hard. Riffs for days.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
BREED: “We’re all buzzing, the line up is mega as well. We can’t wait.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
BREED: “We just rehearse as much as we can and try an squeeze in a few surprises. Always goes too fast when you’re up there!”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
BREED: “Kasabian, Liam Gallagher, Vida, Proletariat, Bang Bang Romeo; I think there’s a Nirvana and Guns ‘n’ Roses tribute going on somewhere as well that we’ll try and hunt down.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
BREED: “Us on the main stage.”
Marlee King
An Isle of Wight native, Marlee King, is a promising young musician currently based in London after completing her university degree in graphics and media design. She is working on releasing her own material and playing as many gigs as she can. With the Royal Albert Hall, Indig02 and Bestival under her belt, she is undoubtedly one to watch! Catch her on the Platform One Stage Friday at 6:30 pm.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Marlee King: “I find it hard to describe what sort of artist I am when I am still trying to figure that out myself. At the moment, I play a lot of covers, but give them my own little twist. I’m quite rhythmic with my guitar playing, and I keep trying to push what that can be. People can expect to hear me play a wide range of songs from artists like Katy Perry to Joni Mitchell with funky little re-works!”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Marlee King: “Excited! Its always such a joy to come back to the Island and perform. I’m bringing out the electric guitar for this one to add a new dimension to what I play, so that’ll be fun.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Marlee King: “I try to approach it the same way as any performance, not to overthink or over-rehearse the set; no rock and roll partying the night before! In all seriousness, the not overthinking part is the main thing for me. It makes it easier to get up in front of people and just enjoy playing the music with no worries.”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Marlee King: “As well as Nile Rodgers and Chic, Wild Front and Rothwell are two of my favourite acts that will be playing Saturday afternoon on the main stage and big top. I had the pleasure of seeing them in London, and they are fantastic. The Wild Front lads are such a tight band, and Rothwell is a total babe with a killer voice so check them out if you can!”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Marlee King: “Any of my music idols that haven’t played it yet? I was six when David Bowie played, and unfortunately missed that! It would be so cool to see St. Vincent on the main stage.”
Saint Apache
Saint Apache are a four piece politically charged alt-rock band from Eastbourne in the South Coast of England. Formed in the spring of 2015, the band is made up of Thommy Meredith, Leo, Ross Towner and Adam Oarton. Their influences include Rage Against The Machine, Every Time I Die, Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses, Crass, Heavens Basement, Cancer Bats, Dead Kennedy’s and many more! Their EP ‘Wolf Machine’ is out now! Saint Apache are set to tackle the Platform One Stage at this year’s festival.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?Saint Apache: “It’s difficult to pinpoint us as a band. Overall, I guess we are simply a hard rock band. We have a Rage Against The Machine vibe, but we are more on the faster side. We bring a lot of energy and power to the music we write, and the lyrics are very political which reflects our beliefs. We have something to say in our songs!”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Saint Apache: “We are feeling really good. Our last show was part of our tour in Belgium, which was a month ago now, so we are raring to get on the stage and play!”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Saint Apache: “Lots of preparation, and lots of time taken to get things right for the festival! We have been putting the set list together and taking the time to see what is going to work for the IoW festival; looking at it in that light, instead of a normal show. The new songs we recorded for our upcoming EP are all in there, so we are looking forward to seeing how the festival-goers receive them.”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Saint Apache: “Looking forward to catching Feeder on Friday! Also Nile Rodgers and Chic.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Saint Apache: “It would be nice to see Bob Dylan headline again as he was one of the original headliners back in 1969. That would be really special. I hope they could make that happen.”
Swan Levitt
Swan Levitt is an English singer-songwriter from the Isle of Wight, UK. Blending together acoustic folk with refreshingly modern themes, his emotionally charged voice lets you in on a personal level, taking intricate melodies and crafting them into a fully cinematic experience. Swan Levitt plays the Kashmir Stage at this year’s event.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Swan Levitt: “Singer-songwriter, acoustic, folk, depressing as hell.”
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
Swan Levitt: “Excited, of course. The Kashmir Café is always a highlight of my year, whether I’m playing or just drinking. This will be the first outing of my little three-piece band too, so that’s pretty damn cool. Also, the Kashmir has cherry beer. CHERRY BEER. I’ll buy you one if you come to see me play…I might buy you one.”
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Swan Levitt: “This is new ground for me with the aforementioned three-piece band. So, there’s been a bit more practise than usual to make sure everything is tight! I’m still an acoustic act though, so there isn’t much preparation as I know my own songs pretty well.”
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Swan Levitt: “England play Panama.”
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Swan Levitt: “At the moment I’m a little obsessed with Phoebe Bridgers‘ album; it’s on repeat. So, I’d love to see her play live. Sort it, Giddings!”