The Wickerman Festival has today announced an exciting new collaboration which will bring the nation’s best bands to Scotland’s hottest summer party. This year, XFM, one of the UK’s leading music radio stations, will sponsor the legendary Solus Tent
Over the years, Wickerman has built a reputation as one of the finest platforms for shining the spotlight on rising Scottish stars, and this year will be no exception as a host of red hot acts join the Solus bill.
On Friday, Glasgow two-piece Tuff Love will debut their hyper-infectious, indie pop, which has been championed by Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq, Rob Da Bank and Huw Stephens among others. Their sun-soaked dreamy melodies, mesmerising lyrics and heart wrenching vocals are sure to set the vibe for an amazing weekend of music. Another act poised to stun the crowds is Zyna Hel, the new avant-pop project from award-winning, leftfield musician Elisabeth Oswell. Subversive and inherently political, beneath the dark-pop veneer, Zyna’s breath-taking live performances have received critical acclaim.
Picking up the pace on Friday will be dance-pop twosome Bossy Love aka singer/mechanical scientist Amandah and ex-Dananananaykroyd drummer John Baillie Jr, who promise to take Wicker fans on an electronic music journey from 1981 onwards. Also announced is Skies Fell, a four-piece, progressive, post-rock band and Ubre Blanca, whose synth-based sound pays homage to music and film soundtracks from the 70s and 80s. BBC 6 music regulars, Miaoux Miaoux will also take to the stage on Friday evening
One line-up addition set to electrify the crowds is Sluts of Trust, a Glaswegian rock outfit whose thunderous live performances have been described as a collision of AC/DC, White Stripes and Queen. Loved by the one and only Mr John Peel, the wildly original rockers made a much anticipated return to the live circuit last year. Oban folk rock act Washington Irving, enigmatic singer songwriter Kathryn Joseph, retro-inspired pop rock star Martha Ffion and soul bearing folk singer Aaron Fyfe will also join the bill.
Two acts making a triumphant return to the Wickerman stage this year are Glasgow’s biggest band Blochestra, led by Admiral Fallow front man Louis Abbot, and Scottish singer-songwriter Tommy Reilly who gained recognition after winning the T4 TV show Orange unsignedAct. Joining them will enigmatic alternative project Man of Moon, whose sound is inspired by She Keeps Bees, Pink Floyd, Jeff Buckley and Polica.
Hip hop fans can expect a rousing set from Scotland-based rap artist Kobi Onyame who has opened for acts such as Kanye West, Akon, Flo Rida, Wu Tang and Jessie J. Glaswegian composer and recording artist C Duncan, 15 year old Dumfries-based electro pop sensation Mogen and Outerblinker, brand new six-piece Krautrockers from Glasgow, will also play.
Talented up and coming stars from outwith Scotland will also be showcased in the Festival’s much-loved tent this year, acts who have been building their Scottish fan base include singer songwriter Rob Lynch, Manchester-based duo Shield Patterns and Liverpool trio Kids on Bridges.
In addition to a stellar Solus line-up, the legendary DJ duo Optimo (Espacio) will be keeping the party stoked into the early hours by closing the Festival’s main bar after the burning of the Wickerman with their legendary, eclectic set.
The Wickerman Festival’s Brian Reynolds, commented: ‘“The team at XFM Scotland share Wickerman’s passion for encouraging and celebrating up and coming artists, so we are really excited to be working closely with them on this year’s Solus line-up. Everybody wins thanks to this exciting new collaboration – with the biggest winners being music lovers who are keen to discover some great new and established bands and fantastic live performances.”
Jim Gellatly, XFM’s Drivetime presenter, said: "The Solus tent has always been my first port of call at Wickerman, so it's brilliant that XFM is involved this year. My passion is for emerging Scottish music and the Solus tent presents some of the country's most exciting new talent."
Published on 30 April 2015 by Ben Robinson
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