Top 5: Must-See Shows at Roundhouse Rising Festival 2018By Alicia Grimshaw
Roundhouse Rising Festival is back once more and the line up is epic. Taking place at The Roundhouse in Camden from 21st February – 4th March, the festival celebrates and unites breakthrough talent with globally acclaimed artists.
Artists on the bills this year include Little Simz, Blair Dunlop, Bossy LDN, and DJ Target among others. If you’re not familiar with Roundhouse Rising, the festival provides top quality shows for a ticket price that won’t break the bank – and this year expect they’re everything from sound clashes, workshops, panels to talks and much more. Here’s what you must-see at this year’s festival:
The Lowdown: Camden raised Awate has been honing his craft since he was just 12, going on to carve out his name at iconic hiphop spot, Deal Real. As a refugee from Eritrea via Saudi Arabia, Awate’s lyrics are a complex train of thought, tackling subjects of self-esteem, racism, pride and class through the lens of his own personal experience. Building a reputation as an electrifying and engaging live performer, Awate has toured worldwide with Lowkey since 2010 and has supported the likes of Jay Electronica, Ghetts, Big Daddy Kane, and Blackstar (Mos Def & Talib Kweli).
When: Thursday 22nd February at 7:30pm
Price: Tickets from £10. Buy here.
2. Little Simz: Welcome to Wonderland Part II: The Experience
The Lowdown: Championing established and emerging talent everywhere from London to NYC and in between, Little Simz brings a global crew of her best loved artists to the Roundhouse for one night only. Expect new musicians, DJs, art exhibitions, pop-up performances, talks, food and visuals throughout the day and into the night.
When: Sunday 4th March 1pm-11pm
Price: From £25. See here
The Lowdown: This year’s Rising Festival Artist Toolkit Day will be free (thanks to the nice folks at YouTube). In partnership with YouTube and hosted at their Headquarters in Kings Cross, this event brings together experts from all areas of the music industry for a special Music & Digital Technology themed toolkit day. Submissions are open until 11th Feb, for aspiring artists to learn valuable skills from industry legends who have worked with Rudimental, Drake, Jess Glynne and more.
When: Saturday 24th February
Price: Free
4. Roundhouse Rising Presents: Blair Dunlop and Ailbhe Reddy
The Lowdown: A pre-launch of acclaimed folk singer songwriter Blair Dunlop’s upcoming album is set to stun. Award winning artist Blair first saw stardom as a young Willy Wonka, staring alongside Johnny Depp in the hit film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Fast forward, and Dunlop is one of Britain’s most exciting talents.
When: Sunday 25th February
Price: From £8. Tickets here
The Lowdown: Roundhouse Rising Festival 2018 is supported by YouTube, and for this very special night BBC Music Introducing returns to present a night of homegrown creatives with The Glastonbury 2017 Emerging Talent runner ups; Yizzy, Dapz on the Map, Mvngo X Lashes and Alicai Harley all performing with BBC mainstay, DJ Target co-hosting. Roundhouse are running a ticket lottery offering two free tickets to this highly anticipated night – the perfect chance to discover new sounds.
When: Wednesday 28th February
Price: Free. Win tickets here
Photo Credit: Ariel DaSnapper Majtas Photography
