Isle of Wight Build Up // Chase Cohl // Timeless // Alex Francis // Mint // The Sea Monsters // Mondern Strangers // Monico Blonde // Lucie Barât // Ulysses Wells // Nadia Sheikh // Ivory Wave // Blind Motive
Our final article for Isle of Wight Festival 2018 is here. And it’s an absolute monster of an article. We have twelve remaining artists to bring to you with our five quick-fire questions.
Thank you to all of the artists that have taken the time to support us with these articles. You can view previous articles below.
Chase Cohl
Like letters committed to well-worn paper in elegant cursive by hand, the music of Chase Cohl channels a bygone charm and delicate magic. Born in Canada to a mother and father of impeccable taste, the songstress fell in love with classic songwriters early on. Combing her parents’ record collections, she consumed everything from Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie to James Taylor and Emmylou Harris. With dad in the record industry, a young Chase can share snapshots of being backstage as a kid with the Rolling Stones and other luminaries, citing Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood as her “style icons” to this day. She quietly picked up piano before eventually moving on to guitar and banjo during her college days as a poetry major in New York City where she devoured the works of Jerome Rothenberg, Henry Miller, Arthur Rimbaud, and others.
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
I like to think of it as dreamy folk pop. The music is intimate and personal and the songwriting comes straight from the heart. The style of show I’m doing on this England run is quite acoustic, just myself and one other player, a very cozy vibe.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
I’m looking forward to it! It should be a really good time.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
Loads of practising, and feeling out what will help your show stand out. I am going sort of in the opposite direction of what most people expect from a festival performance and keeping things incredibly intimate & tender.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Liam Gallagher! I have been an Oasis fan for years and never had the chance to see either of them play.
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
There are so many incredible California based musicians these days, the list is never-ending. I think there should be as much crossover culture between countries as possible.
Timeless
Timeless is a three-piece cover band hailing from Portsmouth, made up of members Lindsey Bonnick, Lauren Potter and Chloe Shipman. Timeless will take you on a journey through music history from the 40’s to the 00’s in an all-singing, all-dancing cabaret show. The group list some of their influences as being: Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Beyonce, Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, The Andrew Sisters, Fleetwood Mac, The Jacksons, David Bowie, Cilla Black, Doris Day and The Beach Boys. The group play Electro Love on Saturday at 6pm!
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
We are called Timeless and we are a vocal harmony trio based in Portsmouth. We cover a huge repertoire of music from the 1940’s up to modern day hits so you can imagine our set list is pretty vast. Us Timeless ladies appear not only as a vocal harmony trio but as a live 7 piece band.
Although we have several talented songwriters in our team, Timeless is a cover group. We always put a Timeless twist on each song we cover and are known for our close harmonies as well as our humour and on-stage energy.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
This is our fourth year performing at the Isle Of Wight Festival but this is our debut performance with our full band so we are utterly excited!
We have been rehearsing hard in the studio practising some classic 80’s and 90’s tracks to get the crowd going in the Electro Love tent on Saturday at 6pm!
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
Timeless spends hours practising to perfect each riff and harmony. On the day, it will be plenty of water and then lots of adrenalin to get us all through the set!
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Collectively Timeless‘ musical tastes span from Aretha Franklin to the likes of Fleetwood Mac even stretching to the sounds of Sean Paul but the artist uniting us ladies at the Isle Of Wight Festival this year is James Bay. You will often catch his albums blasting out from our car as we travel to gigs across the UK. Some up and coming bands we are looking forward to catching are Jazz Morley and Punch The Sky.
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
What a choice – we love that the Isle Of Wight Festival is so inclusive of big known names and also up and coming artists. As for established artists, it would be great to see the powerhouse that is Jess Glynn or even Queen B making an appearance!
Two local and original bands close to our hearts that would rock the festival are Guildford’s own Indie Rock group Fuzzwalker and Portsmouth’s very own blues, soul and funk outfit Brave Rival!
Alex Francis
Alex Francis’ emotive melding of rock and soul has spurned an organic rise to prominence that few singer-songwriters have experience. Alex released his debut EP “These Words” in summer 2017 which included singles ‘Make Believe’ and ‘The Last Time’. The EP was produced by Eddie Serifica (Jake Bugg). Alex’s latest EP ‘A Stronger Love’ was released in December and was produced by Gus Pirelli (Disclosure, Sam Smith) and mastered by Chris Kimsey (The Rolling Stones). Alex
How would you describe yourself as an artist/band for those who haven’t heard of you?
My music is a blend of all sorts of influences, but many people like to place it somewhere in between rootsy rock and soul music influences.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance at the Isle of Wight?
I’m thrilled to back at the IOW Festival again, we had such an amazing time last year and the performance was a great opportunity to engage new people – hoping for much of the same this weekend!
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival of this size?
My band and I take great care in carefully constructing our set lists for every performance. My new single ‘Free’ arrives this Friday just as the IOW begins, so that will certainly be included along with tracks from my EP releases last year and a couple of more recently written songs. I love the challenge of bringing brand new music to listeners to see what engages best. This festival is an amazing platform to do so.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
I’m really looking forward to catching Sheryl Crow on Sunday – massive fan and she’s got an incredible bank of amazing songs that I’m hoping I’ll hear plenty of! It will, of course, be a super proud moment watching my brother and his band on the main stage on Saturday, too.
Who do you feel should be on the lineup for next year?
Every year always boasts an amazing line up so I’m going to keep it ambiguous and wait and see what they can pull off! I’ll, of course, be hoping to make an appearance 😉
Mint
Mint are the backstreet exorcism on everything you thought you knew about alternative guitar music. Fronted by Zak Rashid and boasted to create “Music to make you kiss strangers”, these guys have been famously known for their incredible and captivating live show. Catchy hooks, dreamy melodies and attitude-drenched lyrics are some of the essential ingredients that make a Mint track. Often referred to the similar sounds of The Cure, The Strokes, Pulp and Arctic Monkeys. Championed by BBC 6 Music, Radio X, BBC Introducing and ITV This Morning.
How would you describe yourself as a band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Really bloody fun.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
Really excited. We played last year and it was incredible. Andy broke his arm it was THAT fun.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
We all buy a KG instant noodle, loads of orange juice and fresh underpants. Then we will all go to Zaks (singer) house and do water aerobics in his sink with his mum…
Nah we just get mad excited and buy booze xxx
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Liam Gallagher. We are absolutely determined to become his mate xx
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
The Sherlocks over and over again on every single stage all weekend xx
The Seamonsters
The Seamonsters are an indie glitter band from Sheffield, driven by 80s inspired synths and angelic vocals. Comprising of Naomi Mann, Holly Thompson, Tassie Drobinski, Lauren Smith, Ella Taylor and Ciara Hurding; the six 18 and 19 year olds are influenced by Pulp, Altered Images and Orange Juice along with more recent indie artists like Black Honey and The Wombats, creating catchy songs for dreamy dance floors.
How would you describe yourself as a band for those who haven’t heard of you?
We often describe the three songs we’ve released so far as ‘indie glitter’ but our sound has definitely progressed since those tracks and I think that’s evident in our live performance. Our newer tracks (which we hope to release soon) are definitely taking us in a more experimental, 80s synth inspired direction.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
Soooo excited! This will be the biggest festival we’ve ever played at and we can’t wait. This Feeling and Pirate Studios have curated a really interesting lineup and their stage is a great addition to an already insane lineup and we’re so happy to be a part of it. Ask us the night before and we might be a bit more nervous but right now we just honestly cannot wait.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
Rehearse lots and get a setlist we’re all happy with, we change our set based on how we’re feeling at the time and what we think will go down well at that event. When we practice before a gig we also perform a lot more instead of just sitting around playing our songs.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
We’re excited to have a dance to Nile Rodgers & Chic and to see Depeche Mode and Liam Gallagher on Saturday night. We’re also going to see Sophie & The Giants for the first time which we can’t wait for because we’ve heard so much about them. Would also recommend going to see our fellow Pirate Prodigy winners (YVES, Red Rum Club and Alex Ohm) to anyone going to the festival, all insanely talented!
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
In terms of small bands, Heavy Lids are a really great dream-pop band also from Sheffield, they’ve just released their first single and are getting a really positive response. Sheafs and Redfaces are also both great bands who are local to us and have and will continue to play big stages at festivals across the UK. For bigger bands, we all love Belle and Sebastian and they’re a great festival band and The Cure because they’re The Cure.
The Modern Strangers
The Modern Strangers are a 5 piece Indie-Disco band from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Fronted by brothers Max & Archie Davenport, they first sprang to life in the summer of 2016 off the back of debut single Vanilla which earned them early support from BBC Introducing in Kent and BBC Radio 1. They’ve since spent their 2017 releasing seminal singles Hot Rain, Margarita and Coco Hello in the midst of a rather busy summer full of festival slots.
It’s also a few of the band members first time on a ferry, so that’ll be an experience.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
The Killers, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen them live. Also, Hey Charlie, they’re on after us on our stage, hopefully, they don’t clash. Also Van Morrison.
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
Monico Blonde
Monico Blonde are one of the UK’s most exciting indie-pop newcomers. A string of singles and UK tour support with Coasts saw the band championed by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Radio X’s John Kennedy, alongside a feature on BBC Music’s Best Of R1 Introducing Playlist and critical acclaim in media. 2018 is set to be the biggest year for the band yet, who will be heading on tour this Summer alongside more new music.
How would you describe yourself as a band for those who haven’t heard of you?
We are four boys from Cardiff who write catchy riffs and catchier choruses.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
We’re excited and feel like our set is the best it’s been so far.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
Lots of rehearsing and thorough ferry-booking skills.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Can’t wait to see Sheryl Crow, her songs are amazing. She’s on just before us so hopefully, we’ll be able to catch her set.
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
We feel like the line-up is really strong this year, it’d be great to see First Aid Kit playing next year. They’re on fire at the moment!
Lucie Barât
Following the release of acclaimed taster single ‘Be Uprising’ earlier last year, punk poet and singer Lucie Barât swiftly returned with her official debut single Take Me Away. A guitar-driven composition with passionate vocals and direct lyricism, the track is a lament on the morning after a night of debauchery. The frenetic music video features Irish actress Fiona O’Shaughnessy of the British drama series Utopia.
I’m an artistic Del Boy – fingers in all the pies 😉 Musically, I’d say my solo stuff is kind of electro indie with big poppy choruses and smatterings of spoken word…
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
Looking forward to it, it’s a biggy – 50th anniversary – so its an honour to be a part of all that history. I have a new backing band so am busy rehearsing up with them.
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
Much the same as any other… I have to feel 100% rehearsed whether I’m playing to thousands or two nuns and a whippet.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Depeche Mode and Nile Roger with Chic… Bang Bang Romeo are always awesome.
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
Would love to see Patti Smith at IOW! And in terms of breaking acts… I love Anteros, Himalayas and Mic Righteous!
Ulysses Wells
Ulysses Wells may very well be our most unique set of answers yet on Nexus. We couldn’t have assumed that any artist would be quite so witty and inventive when replying to our quick-fire questions but we are glad that the character of the band has shone through. They look set to bring their “Crack Rock” style to the Isle of Wight and look set to be one act that you do not want to miss.
Nadia Sheikh
The London based artist combines indie, rock and pop with folky and jazzy vocals creating a characteristic and unique sound that she showcases in her original songs. Quirky melodies and catchy choruses with incredibly insightful lyrics.
2013 saw the release of her debut EP “50 feet” produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Nigel Walker (Elton John, Paul McCartney…). The six original songs had a great welcoming from Spanish and British press and the public, with blogs such as Backseat Mafia covering the release: “…there’s plenty to enjoy about her songwriting in 50 Feet, and her smoky vocal, which hints towards a folkier, indie-r Joss Stone, it’s lovely.”
How would you describe yourself as an artist for those who haven’t heard of you?
My music has been described as clean rock, the poppier side of indie rock. I write pop songs with soft vocals over heavy guitars. I like to write songs with a meaning, I like story-telling and although I also write songs based on personal experience I mainly write songs about universal things that everyone can relate to.
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
I am beyond excited. It’s that sort of thing that feels miles away and then suddenly you realise it’s just around the corner, aaaaand it’s probably going to fly by! haha
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
It’s quite daunting because we are used to playing smaller festivals, but the boys and I have been getting new songs together and have been testing them out on the road. We’ve got some more uptempo tracks, so hopefully, the new set will work well at the festival.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
I was really excited to see Liam Gallagher, Kasabian, James Bay, Bang Bang Romeo and Tom Grennan, but unfortunately, due to other commitments, we can’t stay for the whole festival. We’re playing on Sunday, so I’m well excited to see the Manics, The Killers and Travis, and also Gerry Cinnamon, he’s killing it but I haven’t had the chance to see him live yet! There are also lots of bands on the This Feeling stage that I want to check out too, the RPM’s are one of them and The Scruff, who we’ve played with before!
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. It would be amazing to see the Stones! Arctic Monkeys would be great too and the DMA’s.
Ivory Wave
Ivory Wave are a five-piece hailing from Birmingham. Consisting of George, Connor, Luke, Rob and Seb, the five-piece have seen their 2018 eclipse their previous years as a band so far. We picked up Ivory Wave having released their track “Separate Beat” which we well and truly fell in love with. Festival-goers are in for a lot of energy when watching this band, and they will no doubt live up to all of the surrounding hype.
How would you describe yourself as a band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Dance style tunes with a mix of hip hop beats
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
We’re buzzing, it’s our first proper festival so it’s exciting for us. We’re trying out a couple of new tunes as well so that always gets us more raring to go a bit more
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
We treat every gig the same really so nothing that we don’t usually do. Just rehearse solid
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
The Modern Strangers, love them they’ve got some great tunes. Also our friends from Birmingham The Cosmics are playing after us so we’ll watch them
Who do you feel should be on the line-up for next year?
A band from Birmingham called Violet. Amazing.
Blind Motive
London based northern native techno duo Blind Motive have an impressive record
behind the decks, most notably playing the final record at Sankeys Manchester and the first record of 2018 at E1’s illustrious NYE/NYD opening party as well as making their home turf debut at Manchester’s Warehouse Project for Drumcode last November. With releases grabbing the attention of tastemakers Charlotte De Witte, Dense and Pika and Berghain resident Etapp Kyle, as well as being named ones to watch by Mixmag, Blind Motive are certainly a name to watch out for.
How would you describe yourself as a band for those who haven’t heard of you?
Two northerners based in London making minimal emphatic techo
How are you feeling in the build-up to your performance?
As it’s our first major UK festival we are ecstatic to be celebrating 50 years of IOW with you guys – feels like the perfect way to start our summer
What sort of preparation do you have as an artist for a festival the size of this?
The same preparation we have for most shows. Lots of new music hunting, good food, good company. Even though we play together we try to keep our distance before we perform, means we
connect and bounce off each other better when we meet on stage.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Really excited to share the stage with Madam x Chloe Fontaine and Cal Griffin that’s gonna be a really special day, will try to catch the fellow Manc (Liam) and The Killers though.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Be great to see some more Techno acts – But in terms of bands. Catfish, Drew Thomas and Billy Lockett would be solid