It’s almost that time of year again, when Sheffield comes alive with hours of live music hosted in every possible corner of the city, bringing people closer to the bands they love. Tramlines is now in its 7th year and it’s bigger than ever; the Ponderosa Main Stage will host thousands of guests as they come in to see Dizzee Rascal, Kelis, Catfish & The Bottlemen and many more headline the event.
Still, it’s not all about the headliners, is it? Here’s 10 artists you need to see at Tramlines this year:
Eliza and the Bear – O2 ACADEMY – 3:45pm Saturday
I saw this group in Manchester earlier this year and instantly fell in love. If you’re looking for big melodies and sing-along choruses, look no further than Eliza and the Bear. You’ll feel like you’re dancing with friends, not strangers, when you see these guys.
Little Comets – MAIN STAGE – 3pm Saturday
This eclectic pop group have made their way up from support slots at Leadmill to holding their own on Tramlines Main Stage. Little Comets have songs for every mood; marrying intellectual social commentary with quirky pop beats and winning you over with their sincerity. I’ve known this band for a while now and I’m always impressed when I get to see them live, so take a chance on them and you won’t regret it.
Four Authors – CRYSTAL STAGE – 12pm Saturday
You won’t need a wristband to see Four Authors, as they’re opening the prestigious Crystal Stage on Tramlines weekend. They’ll be joined by an amazing line-up of local and not-so-local bands, giving you the chance to see the next big thing at zero cost. What have you got to lose? Four Authors are a talented foursome that bring powerful vocals to the forefront of indie pop; perfect if you want to kickstart your weekend.
October Drift – CRYSTAL STAGE – 8:20pm Saturday
This four-piece have a reputation for putting on a good live show, so you’ll be a fool to miss out on a free offering at this year’s Tramlines. October Drift are coming home in the middle of their July 2016 tour to impress the crowds with their powerful indie rock vibes. These guys are full of loud sounds and are supported by an even louder word-of-mouth, so listen to your mates and get down to the Crystal Stage on Saturday night.
The Crookes – O2 ACADEMY – 6:30pm Saturday
It will be a surprise to nobody when I admit I’ve been a fan of local band The Crookes for years. This foursome prides themselves on travelling the world and documenting their stories in catchy new-pop tunes, bringing everyone to their feet and encouraging them to dance when their hearts are breaking.
Hannah Lou Clark – BUNGALOWS AND BEARS – Satuday
Up-and-coming singer-songwriter caught my attention at this year’s Live At Leeds festival, where she performed in a church. It was a beautiful setting but not without its difficulties; she played only 3 songs after trying to get her sound equipment to co-operate. However, she impressed me with her perserverance and her beautiful voice, so I’m glad I get another opportunity to see her this summer. She’s at Bungalow’s And Bears so it’s free entry – no wristband required.
Hot Soles – LEADMILL – 7:05pm Sunday
I dare you to find a duo who are louder than Hot Soles. These two have become local legends in Sheffield, putting on great shows with nothing but massive tunes and a great sense of humour. Fierce attitude, quick humour and brilliant music is what they’re known for, so see them at Tramlines to avoid disappointment.
LOAM – THE HARLEY – 7pm Sunday
Relatively new to the local music scene, LOAM are making quick strides to get noticed, grabbing support slots at Leadmill and impressing Sheffield with their grand, atmospheric sounds. LOAM tend to specialise in crashing drums and harrowing vocals, capturing your gaze and not letting you go until its over. If you’re looking for something new, get down to the Harley and show your support for these fledgling artists – we’ve all got to start somewhere.
Listen to LOAM [here].
Silver Wilson – THE HARLEY – 5pm Sunday
Featuring members from recently disbanded Gorgeous Chans, Silver Wilson are quickly gaining fans with their summery, cheerful vibes and excellent pop tunes with an original twist. They’re a fun band with hearts of gold, trying their best to invoke those summer feelings all year round. They’re perfect for a festival like Tramlines, so grab a beer and put on your sunglasses; you’ve got a band to catch.
The Orielles – PICTURE HOUSE SOCIAL – 8:00pm Saturday
This band have earned an incredible reputation on the indie circuit, bringing their surf-pop vibes to every corner of the UK as they play as many gigs as they are physically able. It’s time you pay attention to the band whom everyone seems to already know about so make sure you see them at Tramlines. There’s no need for a wristband at the Picture House Social, so what have you got to lose?
These are only 10 artists from the hundreds announced for Tramlines 2016, so make sure you check out the full line-up before next week and start planning your weekend. The Fringe events should never be ignored, but the headline acts are bringing something unmissable to Sheffield, so plan your time wisely and have a great weekend!
Full line-up is available here: tramlines.org.uk/lineup
Full weekend tickets are £42, with day tickets available at a cheaper cost.
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