George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
In September, Forwards Festival will return to Bristol’s Downs for two days packed with huge headliners and a massive variety of sounds
Following on from last year’s festival with Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu headlining, Forwards Festival will return to Bristol this year on 31st August – 1st September. Tickets are still available here.
With most of the lineup now announced, the headliners are equally as exciting as last year. On the Saturday, Loyle Carner and Four Tet will take charge, while Sunday is headlined by LCD Soundsystem and Jessie Ware. Other big names include Underworld and The Jesus And Mary Chain.
But, if you want a heads up on some of the smaller names on the lineup, we thought we would put together a few selections for you to check out before September.
CMAT
CMAT’s rise over the last couple of years has been one of the most satisfying to watch. The Irish country-pop singer has consistently been churning out tune after tune; from the impossibly catchy ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!’ to last year’s album ‘Crazymad, For Me!’ we can’t get enough of CMAT.
Having played countless gigs and festivals, CMAT is a true performer, never afraid to let her hilarious character shine through. If you see CMAT on the lineup, you know it’s gonna be a good time.
Listen to ‘Crazymad, For Me!’ here:
LICE
A little more local than the huge international names on the list (but no less exciting) are Bristol’s very own LICE. With their new album ‘Third Time At The Beach’ coming out on 20th September, there couldn’t be a better time to get on board with LICE.
Their sound is jagged, unpredictable and aggressive, all of which is showcased perfectly on sinister new single ‘Red Fibers’. We can’t wait to see the beast come to life on stage and we think you should be just as excited too.
Listen to ‘Red Fibers’ here:
Nubya Garcia
If you’re looking for something a little less intense, we would suggest checking out Nubya Garcia. Garcia is one of the most exciting new jazz musicians to come out of London in the last few years and, as a saxophonist, she is currently unmatched in the UK.
Her debut album ‘SOURCE’ saw Garcia experiment with a whole array of genres, from jazz to dub to R&B. What remained consistent throughout were the insane solos, powerful climaxes and tight musicianship between Garcia and her incredibly talented band. With a new album on the way this year, we’re looking forward to getting to see some new material right here in Bristol.
Listen to ‘The Seer’ here:
Yussef Dayes
Before we jump off the jazz train, there’s just one more stop: Yussef Dayes. As a drummer, composer and producer, Dayes has been involved in many of the most exciting projects of the last few years, including his collaboration with Tom Misch ‘What Kinda Music’ and his duo Yussef Kamaal with Kamaal Williams.
As a solo artist, Dayes released the fantastic ‘Black Classical Music’ last year, filled with exciting collaborations, beautiful arrangements and, of course, tight, tight drumming.
Listen to ‘Black Classical Music’ here:
Yard Act
They’re a CLUNK favorite and we’re sure they’re a favorite for many of you too. Yard Act’s journey from early post-punk singles to critically acclaimed debut album to the most danceable ‘Where’s My Utopia’ you have been so much fun to be apart of.
Anyone who has seen them live can vouch for Yard Act being everything you could ask for from a festival band, with the group jumping to life and holding their crowds masterfully. Whether we get a taste of new music or just some of the classics, we’ll be happy seeing Yard Act at Forwards this year.
Forwards Festival will take place in Bristol on 31st August-1st September 2024.
Tickets are still available here.
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