Back with renewed vigour and vitality after a two-year absence, Karima Francis is famed for being able to hush a crowded gig into complete silence with her bare-to-the-bone sound and raw emotion
The waiting is finally over and we’re delighted to be able to divulge the all important line up break down over three days and three stages at this year’s Bingley Music Live! With so much incredible music on offer be sure to get your tickets and come to soak up the atmosphere in Myrtle Park from 31st August to 2nd September.
We’re also thrilled to spill the beans on three more exciting Main Stage acts – The Jim Jones Revue, L Marshall and a specially selected BBC Introducing band from the Hackney Weekend. Meanwhile the Raise the Roof stage has another nine incredible bands that are well worth closer investigation. Juan Zelada, Karima Francis, Lilygreen & Maguire, Me and My Friends, Spirit of John, The Milk, Matt Belmont, Nico Cara and Maquipucuna further enhance our dizzying list of performers, which now splits as follows:
Opening proceedings on the Main Stage on Friday afternoon we have some special guests performing for us. The band is still to be revealed but they will be one of 18 acts specially selected by a panel of judges to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Hackney Weekend festival this Saturday and Sunday. This initiative is a partnership between the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) and the BBC to bring new music to a wider audience.
Winners of Artrocker magazine’s inaugural ‘Best Live Band Award’ last year The Jim Jones Revue have an unprecedented reputation for their onstage performance. This 5-piece bring a no-holds-barred energy to the fore and a unique take on blues-tinged, punk rock that has a truly vital, life affirming feel. Their speaker-ripping frenzy of furious, pounding sound has earned them an army of followers and you too can be blown away this summer. As lead singer and eponymous band member, Jim, explains it’s a role that “you just feel in your bones.” Here! Here!
The name L Marshall may as yet be unfamiliar but you’re likely to have heard his music. An exceptionally talented songwriter he’s already scored two top 5 hits with Loick Essien’s How we roll and Wretch 32’s Traktor. Now stepping into the limelight, this London born 24-year old will take to the Main Stage to display his incredible vocal talent that melds rap with song in a genre-refining style. Currently busy recording his debut album, BML audiences can experience for themselves the tempo-twisting tunes that range from grime to RnB… catch him while you can.
Over on the Raise the Roof stage, Juan Zelada comes armed with a simple manifesto… to show everyone “what a good time people can have if they go for it”. Born in Madrid, Juan attended Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, where Macca even presented the young Juan with a songwriting prize. Fast forward a few years and the hardworking lad has been signed to Decca Records with recent singles from his debut album High Ceiling and Collar Bones receiving heavy airplay on Radio 2.
Back with renewed vigour and vitality after a two-year absence, Karima Francis is famed for being able to hush a crowded gig into complete silence with her bare-to-the-bone sound and raw emotion. Produced by Flood, Karima’s new album The Remedy is due for release on 13th August. This extraordinary singer songwriter from Blackpool is set to captivate our BML audience with her highly charged lyrics and potent stage presence.
Fresh from supporting Olly Murs and Westlife on their arena tours, the two Jons, Lilygreen & Maguire have already established a loyal following and look set for big things with a record deal with Warner Bros and the release of new single Ain’t Love Crazy. With their clean cut looks, pitch perfect harmonies and acoustic guitars the duo from Newport, Wales are pure pop magic.
Me and My Friends are the perfect band for a gloriously sunny afternoon at a festival. This Leeds based five-piece promise to deliver a healthy dose of musical sunshine that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Mixing seemingly disparate styles and influences together, the group has mastered creating unified and infectiously upbeat melodies and rhythms. A big, warm musical hug is in store for everyone in attendance.
Acoustic two-piece Spirit of John deliver a raw, rasping and sometimes rowdy sound that evokes the Deep South of last century rather than modern day Halifax! Signed to Yorkshire’s dedicated roots music label ‘Ginhouse’ the duo effortlessly encompass blues, country, skiffle, folk as well as occasional punk influences. Regularly joined on stage by guest musicians they deliver a rich earthy sound and robust live performance.
The Milk are four guys from Essex on a mission to ‘bring proper music to the charts’. They succeed in achieving a soulful sound that has something of a retro vibe about it. New single Every time we fight is released next week (look out for the video featuring Jay from ‘The Inbetweeners’) and with a string of live dates over the summer and debut album Tales from the Thames Delta to follow later in the year; 2012 could well be the year that The Milk gets the cream.
Leeds based singer-songwriter Matt Belmont has spent the last 12 months tirelessly touring the UK. Matt’s debut EP Not Coming Down was released in February this year, reaching the Top 30 of the iTunes Alternative Chart and picking up airplay on various radio stations including Alan Raw’s BBC introducing show. Expect original arrangements, faultless playing and a confident, mature voice – definitely one to watch.
Originally from London, 16 year old Nico Cara is now based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Blessed with an extraordinary musical talent, his songs have a worldly-wiseness about them and include some cracking titles such as Back away you stupid bint. As yet unsigned, the teenager possesses a distinctive vocal style that’s sure to have plenty of appeal.
Macquipucuna (that’s pronounced Mack-wi-pa-coona just so you know!!) will be bringing the sound of the Balkans to Bingley. Expect a high-energy musical riot that delivers frenetic Eastern rhythms by a band of super-skilled West Yorkshire based musicians. Formed in 2010 by German violinist Brigitte Mallon, the band’s sole intent is to cause widespread uncontrolled and uncontrollable dancing… something BML audiences always excel at.
Published on 22 June 2012 by Ben Robinson
