Dot To Dot Festival

1. DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTISTS FOR FIRST EVER AUTUMN EDITION OF THE MULTI-VENUE FESTIVAL

   

   Tickets for Dot To Dot are priced from £25 and available now through alt. tickets!*

   Dot To Dot Festival have announced the first artists to join the bill for their 2021 event, this year taking place in September; the first autumn event in the 16 year history of the award-winning festival with a reputation for bringing the hottest new talent to city-centre stages.
   

   This year’s event continues Dot To Dot’s rich tradition of championing emerging talent, with the announcement that SPORTS TEAM will headline the festival in Bristol and Nottingham on the 25^th and 26^th of September respectively. Since last playing mid-way down the D2D bill in 2018, followed by a breakout 2019 for the 6-piece band, Sports Team have garnered an unparalleled reputation for excellent live shows that are guaranteed to be injected with raw energy. Their consistency in both performances and releases, have also earnt them a high standing as one of the best British bands right now, championed by the likes of DIY, 6 Music, NME and many more. 2020 saw the band release their debut album, Deep Down Happy, to much critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination.

   Frontman Alex Rice said: “Can’t wait to be back, this’ll be the first time we’ve played our debut album since it was released in 2020. A two night inter-city headline feels the right way to dip our toes back in.”

   Joining Sports Team for D2D’s 2021 edition, are British alternative rock band, PALACE. With two albums under their belt and sold out tours at home & abroad, the London trio will be bringing their revered, shimmering indie rock to D2D. Their anticipated latest EP Someday, Somewhere was released in October and builds on the beautiful sound and image they have curated over the previous 6 years, lending promise to atmospheric live performances ahead.

   Dublin 4-piece GIRL BAND will also be showcasing their tremendous live reputation in Bristol and Nottingham this September. Highly regarded and renowned for their genre-defying cataclysmic noise and infamously ferocious shows, a taste of which can be heard on their 2020 Live at Vicar Street release, but will really need to be seen first-hand to be believed.

   DO NOTHING return to Dot To Dot Festival for 2021. Since emerging through 2018 & 2019, and with debut EP Zero Dollar Bill released in 2020, the Nottingham band have fast become one of the UK music scene’s most exciting prospects; with frontman Chris Bailey’s acerbic & quick-witted lyricism, their driven post-punk-meets-Talking-Heads sound, and a formidable reputation for exquisite live shows. 2021 has already seen the 4-piece release 2 singles in anticipation of their second EP, Glueland, expected March 12^th.

   Elsewhere on the D2D 2021 line up is genre-bending rap artist, SAM WISE. A member of cult London rap crew, House of Pharaohs, who name Frank Ocean among their fans. The Kennington native has also notably featured on tracks by the likes of Octavian, winner of BBC Sound of 2019, as well as building a solid reputation that is entirely his own through the release of his mixtape, Sorry You Were Saying, showcasing his witty storytelling, impeccable flows and fluid approach to genre and tone.

   South-East London collective STEAM DOWN will bring their energetic live show to Bristol and Nottingham. Since forming back in 2007, Steam Down have received two Jazz FM awards, which include ‘Live Experience of the Year Award’ and ‘The Innovation Award’; accolades that clearly emphasise the impact and importance they’ve had on the UK’s flourishing jazz scene throughout the decade.

   OSCAR LANG will bring his ever-growing, genre-crossing back catalogue to Bristol and Nottingham this autumn, showing no sign of slowing down following the release of two EPs and one album in 2020. Also fresh from a new release; their debut album, Speed Kills, London’s loudest breakout band CHUBBY AND THE GANG are certain to make an impression at Dot To Dot this year, if the 28 minutes of the album itself are anything to go by. The unruly punk energy and hardcore kid sensibilities displayed throughout the record are guaranteed mosh pit starters that will have crowds spilling pints and screaming gang vocals back at them.

   Also on board are minimalist rock band YARD ACT who have been gradually dropping proto-punk/post-punk infused singles since mid-2020, with just a handful of singles and a handful of gigs, they have already earned themselves a tip as “one to watch” from The Guardian back in August. Likewise, self-described ‘dream pop trip hop’ three-piece, DRUG STORE ROMEOS’ appearance at Dot To Dot will certainly beone to catch, after being named for Annie Mac’s AMP London emerging artist series in 2020 and generating further buzz with the release of three singles during the year.

   Singer-songwriter AARON SMITH has amassed 8 million+ Spotify streams of his sincere and communicative songs since growing up in the small Scottish town of Polmont, and joins the Dot To Dot bill, as does Birmingham-based rapper KOFI STONE, whose debut album, released in 2019, included features from Loyle Carner, Maverick Sabre and Ady Suleiman, and saw him truly arrive as one of the most exciting rappers on the UK hip-hop scene, thanks to his soulful and introspective flow. New Zealander MOLLY PAYTON will bring her powerful voice and the melancholic vulnerability of her songs to the festival; a relative newcomer, Payton released several attention-grabbing singles throughout 2020, culminating in two EPs. 

   British R&B and trap artist S-X is set to perform, having released an impressive three LPs since 2018, as well as gaining notoriety through working with numerous artists as a record producer, including YouTube star KSI, who he occasionally joins on Celebrity Gogglebox, and with a debut album on the way LOW ISLAND will be at Dot To Dot this September, bringing both uplifting electronica and intimate ballads to crowds at the multi-venue metropolitan festival.

   Dot To Dot Festival prides itself on seeking out the freshest emerging musical talent and 2021 is no exception, particularly with the appointment of Sports Team as headliners, a mere 3 years since they first played the festival. Dot To Dot organiser and Director of Live at DHP Family, Anton Lockwood, said: “After having to postpone our 2020 event, we couldn’t be happier to be announcing D2D 2021. We simply can’t wait to celebrate live music with some of the most exciting emerging acts this year – Dot To Dot has always been about seeing your new favourite band in the middle of the day and your favourite band as headliners. We’re sure Sports Team became a lot of people’s new favourite band when they played in a late afternoon, smaller stage slot 3 years ago, and having them as headliners now really demonstrates this approach and ethos.”

   Completing the bill so far, and filling some of those smaller stage slots that this year’s headliners have graced in the past, are: Bristol-based, queer punk-trio, GRANDMAS HOUSE who combine a love of post-punk with surfy melodies; the unconventional songwriting and pop-leaning sensibilities of MOA MOA; Manchester-based post-punk trio LIINES; WALT DISCO, who draw influence from ‘80s post-punk legends and modern-day art-pop chic; The sweet bedroom pop of 18 year old TINYUMBRELLAS; Crouch End quintet, SAD BOYS CLUB, with their emotive and ambitious indie-pop sound; JOEY MAXWELL, whose bedroom pop is R&B infused and layered with blunt lyricism; Space-rock five-piece, finding romance and humour in everyday life, JUNODREAM; LIZZIE REID and her songs of love, loss and heartbreak from Glasgow; the atmospheric soundscapes of epic proportions created by ELLYSSE MASON; the amorphous creative entity that is FOLLY GROUP, encompassing a group of friends whose practice spans various disciplines; Full-time busker turned indie tastemaker favourite, TAYO SOUND; the macabre stories, told over ear shredding guitar and rattling drums of WYCH ELM; Plus many more still to be announced.

   Tickets for Dot To Dot are priced from £25 and available now through alt. tickets: https://bit.ly/3syZyKX

   
   *Subject to Site Permissions and Licensing
   

   With the announcement of the government’s roadmap detailing plans to lift social distancing restrictions by 21 June, we are so excited to be able to bring D2D back to the streets of Bristol and Nottingham in September this year. We’ll be working really hard to ensure we can deliver the Dot To Dot that we all know and love in the most safe and enjoyable way possible. Should there be any changes to government guidelines which cause us to reschedule or postpone the festival, rest assured your tickets will be valid for the new date or refunds will be available.

   Subscribe to Dot To Dot’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as online at www.dottodotfestival.co.uk to stay up to date on the latest line up announcements and to keep yourself in the loop for all things Dot To Dot.            

2. An update from Team D2D x

   Hi everyone

   Once again, we want to send out a HUGE thank you to all of you for your patience, kindness and messages of support while we’ve been trying to navigate the tricky situation that is this year!

   We were so hopeful that we could bring Dot To Dot Festival to you in 2020, but unfortunately it just won’t be possible. But don’t worry, D2D will be back next year! Tickets purchased for our 2020 dates will be valid for D2D 2021, so we advise keeping hold of yours so that you can celebrate the best in new music with us then.

   We’re looking forward to sharing some exciting updates on artists and dates very soon, so please keep an eye on our social channels to be first in the know, we’ll also contact all ticket holders via email to make sure you’re up to date.

   We can’t wait to see you! Stay safe and look after each other.

   Team D2D x

3. A heartfelt update from us at Dot To Dot. Thanks for all your support. x

   Hi everyone! First of all, we want to send out a massive thank you to all of you for being so patient with us while we’ve been busy figuring out what the best course of action for D2D 2020 will be.

   It is now clear that the festival cannot happen in May but we are endeavouring to make the festival happen in 2020 and look forward to announcing our plans to you all very soon, but in the mean-time we’re advising that you keep hold of your tickets for our 15^th Birthday Dot To Dot. Please keep an eye on our social channels where we’ll post updates as soon as we have them, we’ll also contact all ticket holders via email to explain the options. Please rest assured that we’re working round the clock at D2DHQ (from home!) to find a solution that means we still get to celebrate the greatest new music with all of you.

   Stay safe and look after each other,

   Team D2D x

4. MORE ARTISTS ADDED FOR DOT TO DOT 2020!

   

   We’re excited to announce the first 35 artists to join the bill for our 2020 event, a 15 year milestone for our award-winning festival with a reputation for bringing the hottest new talent to stages in Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham over the late-May bank holiday weekend.

   This year’s event continues that tradition with the announcement of EASY LIFE as headliners following a breakout year for the band, which included a sold out UK tour, the release of their critically acclaimed mixtape, Spaceships, and a show confirmed at the prestigious Roundhouse in London as part of their forthcoming Junk Food tour. There is no doubt that 2019 was an unquestionable triumph for the Leicester five-piece, which they are certain to build upon over the next 12 months, having already been crowned Best New British Act at the 2020 NME Awards in February, and placing second in the BBC Sound Of Poll 2020 at the start of the year.

   Also joining the bill is DOPE LEMON, the vibrant and experimental solo project of renowned Australian musician Angus Stone (one half of the folk-pop duo Angus and Julia Stone). Under the Dope Lemon moniker, Stone has explored new sonic grounds, culminating in the release of his second studio album Smooth Big Cat in September 2019, an album that built on from the success of his 2016 debut Honey Bones in swaggering style, with him ultimately hitting over 100 million streams with music that he describes as “songs for when the eve is about to turn into something special”.

   Having opened Glastonbury’s prestigious John Peel stage in 2019, Heavenly Recordings-signed PIP BLOM, along with her namesake band, return to the UK festival circuit for D2D. Last year also saw the Amsterdam-based indie quartet release their debut album Boat, a critically acclaimed offering full of bright and infectious, grunge-infused melodies.

   South-East London collective STEAM DOWN will also bring their energetic live show to Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham. Since forming back in 2007, Steam Down have received two Jazz FM awards, which include ‘Live Experience of the Year Award’ and ‘The Innovation Award’, an accolade which clearly emphasises the impact and importance they’ve had on the UK’s flourishing jazz scene throughout the decade.

   Wakefield four-piece SKINNY LIVING are set to enchant audiences with their captivating brand of glorious acoustic soul. Having already amassed an impressive back catalogue which includes their recent acclaimed 2019 EP release No Messiah, the band have forged a reputation for crafting songs that contain powerful and heartfelt lyrics which have resonated with audiences en masse.  

   Having previously stunned D2D audiences in 2017 with his crooning songs of love and loss, prolific South London songwriter, MATT MALTESE returns to the festival for 2020. His debut album, 2018’s Bad Contestant, was a deeply charismatic release that was closely followed up by sophomore effort Krystal, released a mere 18 months later, both showcasing and capturing his writing talent.

   With her 2017 debut album Belladonna of Sadness, Portland artist ALEXANDRA SAVIOR demonstrated her effortless ability to combine dreamy song writing, enchanting vocals and atmospheric arrangements, her eagerly awaited follow up, The Archer, dropped on January 10^th, meaning that her appearance at Dot To Dot Festival will be one of the first chances to catch new material live on UK soil.

   British R&B and trap artist S-X also joins the bill, having released an impressive three LPs since 2018. On top of that, the Wolverhampton born performer has worked as a record producer with numerous artists on other projects, including producing YouTube star KSI’s hit collaboration with Rick Ross & Lil Baby, Down Like That, which has amassed over 38 million streams on Spotify. He was also Grammy nominated for his work on Childish Gambino’s 2013 album, Because the Internet.

   Each year we pride ourselves on seeking out the freshest emerging musical talent and our 15^th edition, with the appointment of Easy Life as headliners, demonstrates this approach and ethos right through the core of the festival. Dot To Dot organiser and Director of Live at DHP Family, Dan Ealam, said: “We can’t wait to celebrate the festival’s 15th birthday with some of the most exciting acts from across the World. It’s extra special having Easy Life along to headline after gracing some of the festival’s smaller stages in recent years and we’re excited to mix up the programming to keep the festival moving forward for another 15 years! There’s plenty more acts to be announced as we build up to our birthday and some surprises too!”  

   Completing the bill so far, and filling some of those smaller stage slots that this year’s headliners have graced in the past, are: BAMILY, whose D2D debut comes after months of vibrant live sets at unconventionally located secret gigs in London; BIRTHH, the creative “dark alter-ego” of Italian artist Alice Bisi; Swedish-born Robin Lundback, aka BOY IN SPACE, with his emotional musical landscapes; ALLMAN BROWN, who has been hailed amongst today’s most compelling new singer-songwriters; CHARTREUSE, following a recent stint on tour with Bombay Bicycle Club; OLIVIA DEAN’s undeniable voice and youthful “Friday-night-down-the-pub” storytelling; DRUG STORE ROMEOS, having just been named on the bill for Annie Mac’s emerging artist series; GRACEY, who released her debut EP last year after writing hits for some of the industry’s leading pop acts; TAYLOR JANZEN, fresh from gaining critical acclaim from the likes of NPR, New York Times and NYLON; Nottingham-based, JERUB, with his blend of genres and powerful vocals; Creators of good ol’ fashioned guitar music, LANGKAMER; Manchester-based post-punk trio LIINES; Electro-pop New Zealander NAVVY; The heartfelt lyricism of TAY OSKEE, whose breezy rhythms are reminiscent of his Mission Beach hometown; EVE OWEN, after recently lending her warm and hopeful vocals to The National’s song Where Is Her Head; PIST IDIOTS, who bring their notorious live show to the festival; PRESS CLUB, the Australian garage-punk outfit who released 2 LPs last year; Emerging artist RESPONS, with influences ranging from the sounds of Gospel to Hip-Hop; Crouch End quintet, SAD BOYS CLUB, with their emotive and ambitious indie-pop sound; Recent Island Records signee from Nottingham, ALFIE SHARP; AARON SMITH, the Scottish singer-songwriter with 8 million Spotify streams; East London-born / Birmingham-raised rapper KOFI STONE, whose 2019 debut album included features from Loyle Carner and Maverick Sabre; the honest songwriting and stadium-sized songs of SOMEBODY’S CHILD; SPACEY JANE with the breezy blend of garage pop & indie rock that earned them a nomination for ‘Unearthed Artist of the Year’ at the J Awards in their native Australia; TIDE LINES, whose songs are sung in English with a nod to their Scottish Gaelic heritage; Championed by BBC Introducing, BESSIE TURNER returns after a D2D performance in 2019; and Jacob Slater’s WUNDERHORSE, joins the bill, fresh from touring with the likes of Dope Lemon and Willie J Healy. Plus many more still to be announced.

   Tickets for Dot To Dot are priced from £15 and available now through alt.tickets: www.alttickets.com

   Subscribe to Dot To Dot’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest line up announcements and to keep yourself in the loop for all things Dot To Dot.      
5. 

   DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS FOR ITS 15^TH YEAR CELEBRATIONS

   
   

   EASY LIFE

   STEAM DOWN • SKINNY LIVING

   ALEXANDRA SAVIOR

   CHARTREUSE • DRUG STORE ROMEOS

   GRACEY • TAYLOR JANZEN

   PIST IDIOTS • AARON SMITH • SPACEY JANE

   
   

   Manchester: Friday 22^nd May 2020

   Bristol: Saturday 23^rd May 2020

   Nottingham: Sunday 24^th May 2020

   
   

   #d2dfest

   
   

   
   

   Dot To Dot Festival have announced the first wave of artists for its 2020 event, marking a 15 year milestone for the award-winning festival. Headliners EASY LIFE, along with STEAM DOWN, SKINNY LIVING, ALEXANDRA SAVIOR and many more will descend upon Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham over the May bank holiday weekend on 22^nd – 24^th May. The 2020 edition of the event will aim to build on the success of last year’s instalment, which saw record breaking sales of 15,000 unique new music fans at the festival, as it once again curated an expansive line-up of emerging and established artists.
   

   
   

   The announcement that EASY LIFE will headline Dot To Dot follows a breakout year for the band, which has included a sold out UK tour, the release of their critically acclaimed mixtape Spaceships and a show confirmed at the prestigious Roundhouse in London as part of their forthcoming Junk Food tour. With COLORS recently proclaiming that “Easy Life aren’t like any other band you’ve heard before”, the band’s ability to effortlessly blend together elements of hip-hop and r&b to create a unique silky-smooth sound is demonstrated perfectly on their latest single Sangria; an irresistible collaboration with pop sensation Arlo Parks. There is no doubt that 2019 was an unquestionable triumph for the Leicester five-piece, this new year has already seen them place second in the BBC Sound Of Poll 2020 signalling another huge 12 months to come, and their headline set at Dot To Dot is set to be another significant milestone in their career to date. 
   

   
   

   With its first wave of artists, Dot To Dot Festival have also released the exciting news that its 2020 event will, for the first time, be hosting a new jazz stage at each leg of the festival. The first act announced is South-East London collective STEAM DOWN. Since forming back in 2007, Steam Down have received two Jazz FM awards which include ‘Live Experience of the Year Award’ and ‘The Innovation Award’, an accolade which clearly emphasises the impact and importance they’ve had on the flourishing jazz scene throughout the decade.
   

   
   

   Wakefield four-piece SKINNY LIVING are set to enchant audiences at the festival with their captivating brand of glorious acoustic soul. Having already amassed an impressive back catalogue which includes their recent acclaimed 2019 EP release No Messiah, the band have forged a reputation for crafting songs that contain powerful and heartfelt lyrics which have resonated with audiences en masse.  A perfect example of this is their 2017 single Why, which tackles the subject of depression and has clocked up a staggering 15 million streams. The band are also about to embark on a nationwide UK arena tour supporting indie titans Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight which is guaranteed to propel their profile even further.
   

   
   

   Having released her debut album Belladonna of Sadness back in 2017, Portland artist ALEXANDRA SAVIOR showcased her effortless ability to combine dreamy song writing, enchanting vocals and atmospheric arrangements, leading to Pitchfork declaring that “Savior has a penchant for clever wordplay and a voice that can hypnotize, terrorize, or both”. Her eagerly awaited sophomore album The Archer is due for release on January 10^th on Danger Mouse’s record label 30^th Century Records, meaning that her appearance at Dot To Dot festival will be one of the first chances to catch new material live on UK soil.
   

   
   

   Fresh from supporting Bombay Bicycle Club on tour, CHARTREUSE are set to light up the festival with their richly textured, loose-limbed, country-kissed soul music. Released in November 2019, their debut EP Even Free Money Doesn’t Get Me Out Of Bed was recorded with Luke Smith (Foals, Depeche Mode).

   Each year Dot To Dot Festival prides itself on seeking out the freshest emerging musical talent and its 15^th year anniversary edition is guaranteed to continue with this tradition. Having just been named on the bill for Annie Mac’s AMP London emerging artist series, 2020 is set to be a seismic year for the self-described ‘dream pop trip hop’ three-piece DRUG STORE ROMEOS, making their appearance at Dot To Dot one to catch.

   
   

   Also set to perform at the festival is Brighton pop starlet GRACEY, who released her r&b infused debut EP Imposter Syndrome last year, having previously showcased her undeniable talent writing hits for some of the industry’s leading pop acts such as; Jonas Blue, RAYE and Olly Murs. TAYLOR JANZEN will arrive at Dot To Dot fresh from gaining critical acclaim from the likes of NPR, New York Times and NYLON for her stunningly sparse melodies and minimalistic guitar riffs, whilst Australian rock ‘n’ rollers PIST IDIOTS will bring their notorious live show to the festival for what is guaranteed to be a riotous set.
   

   
   

   With his debut single ‘Unspoken’ netting nearly 8 million streams on Spotify, Scottish singer-songwriter AARON SMITH will also join the festival line-up, along with SPACEY JANE whose breezy blend of garage pop & indie rock has seen them earn a nomination for ‘Unearthed Artist of the Year’ at the J Awards in their native Australia.
   

   
   

   Dot To Dot organiser and Director of Live at DHP Family, Dan Ealam, said: “We can’t wait to celebrate the festival’s 15th birthday with some of the most exciting acts from across the World. It’s extra special having Easy Life along to headline after gracing some of the festival’s smaller stages in recent years and we’re excited to mix up the programming to keep the festival moving forward for another 15 years! There’s plenty more acts to be announced as we build up to our birthday and some surprises too!”
   

   
   

   Tickets for Dot To Dot are priced from £15 and available now through alt.tickets:
   

   
   

   www.alttickets.com

   
   

   Subscribe to Dot To Dot’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as online at www.dottodotfestival.co.uk to stay up to date on the latest line up announcements and to keep yourself in the loop for all things Dot To Dot.

   
   

   #d2dfest

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