Latitude Loves… The Great Escape

86TVs

86TVs’ set at The Great Escape was initially shrouded in mystery, as the group have not yet actually released any music. However, they were one of the most hotly anticipated acts at the festival, as they’re something of an indie supergroup: the band is comprised of brothers Will, Hugo and Felix White of The Maccabees fame, and Jamie Morrison, best known as the drummer of Noisettes and Stereophonics. It’s testament to the group’s talent that the crowd at the Amazon Music Stage was buzzing despite the privacy of their music collection so far, and needless to say, their set did not disappoint. The carousel rotation of the Whites kept us all on our toes throughout, elevated wonderfully by Morrison’s spectacular drumming. We’re delighted to have these indie rock icons joining us in the Sunrise Arena this year.

Caity Baser

Caity Baser is the name on everyone’s lips right now: she has cemented herself as one to watch following her success on TikTok, with multiple viral videos and well over 500,000 followers. The Brighton-based singer burst onto the stage fizzing with her trademark breezy, bubbly energy which clearly rubbed off on the crowd as she reeled off hits from her debut EP Thanks For Nothing, See You Never.  It’s no wonder Baser’s taken the internet by storm – her up-tempo melodies and no-holds barred lyrics, blended with her effortless charm, marked this set out as one of the highlights of The Great Escape. Caity Baser has reinvented the bubblegum pop genre for the TikTok generation, and we can’t wait to see her take to the BBC Sounds stage in July.

Gurriers

Up next are Dublin-based post punk band Gurriers. Formed in the lockdown of COVID, the band took a megaphone to any ears that would listen with their own commentary on society. As the floor of the Prince Albert was close to caving in from the weight of bodies jumping, the frontman Dan Hoff stepped into the excited crowd, as though stepping down from the podium to his people. An intense energy connected the crowd and the moves of the frontman conducted the band in an ever-such groovy manner. Released on 16th May, their latest single ‘Sign Of The Times’, dons the quintessential Gurriers sound with a splash of dance seeping from the surface. Recorded and mixed by Alex Greaves at The Nave Studio, the thumping and vigorous bassline surrounded the room, every line of lyrics filled with curt commentary of the world around us and of how people alike are getting desensitised to the horrors we witness online through the growth of social media. Something straight out of a running scene from a Danny Boyle film. We are looking forward to seeing Gurriers perform on the Trailer Park stage this July.

Katie Gregson-MacLeod

Katie Gregson-MacLeod only recently left her job at a coffee shop, and she’s already been nominated for an Ivor Novello award. The 22-year-old had the entire crowd at Horatio’s under her spell as she took us on an emotionally eviscerating journey, covering the full spectrum of the Gen-Z romantic experience; ranging from unconsummated sexual tension with friends to the ordeal of dating a man who “thinks he’s Alex Turner”. The set was rounded off by Katie’s 2022 viral hit ‘Complex’, a heart-wrenching ballad of unrequited love: “I need him like water / He thinks that I’m alright”. The juxtaposition of Katie’s haunting tearjerkers with her self-effacing quips highlighted the vulnerability that saturates her repertoire – hitting a nerve with the audience while simultaneously helping us feel truly seen throughout our own romantic misadventures. If you want to experience a set that feels like both an emotional gut-punch and a warm hug, be sure to catch Katie at the Sunrise Arena.

Mae Stephens

The Great Escape Festival 2023 also witnessed an electrifying performance by the talented up- and coming singer-songwriter Mae Stephens. Taking the stage with an aura of confidence and raw energy, Stephens charmed the audience with her captivating vocals, fun lyrics, and engaging stage presence she has become so known and loved for. Dancing through a set of well-known hits and yet-to-be-released tracks, the singer exuded an undeniable charisma that instantly drew the crowd in. As a highlight of the performance, it was her standout number (and ultimate TikTok anthem) ‘If We Ever Broke Up’ that had the audience erupt as the familiar opening beat filled the air and left everyone urging for more. With her powerful vocals, exciting lyrics, and powerful stage presence, Stephens proved that she is an artist to watch and one to not miss out on at Henham Park this July.

Sophie May

At this year’s The Great Escape Festival, the talented and enchanting Sophie May took the stage in Brighton after her successful tour in Australia and delivered a mesmerizing performance that left her audience in awe and came as a true testament to her artistry and undeniable talent. Moving through some of her most popular tracks, including ‘Bruises & Scratches’ and ‘Bad Man’, the singer-songwriter always took the time to tell little tales in between her songs which glistened with the artist’s humour and unique outlook on life. Shining brightly thanks to her exceptional vocals, captivating stage presence, and heartfelt performances, the famous singer created an unforgettable evening for all fortunate enough to witness it and fit into the packed venue. As we watch Sophie May’s star continue to rise, it’s clear that she has a bright future ahead, and we cannot wait to catch her spark at Latitude later this year.

We are now just two months away from a magical summer weekend at Barclaycard presents Latitude, where we’ll be indulging ourselves in all the greatest music, art, comedy, theatre, literature, food and wellness on offer. Day and Weekend tickets are on sale now.