Bushstock Festival - Top Picks
Once a year, in the heart of London's Shepherds Bush, Communion Music plays host to Bushstock Festival, one of the leading musical events for catapulting new music into the public eye.
In it's seven year history it has hosted many artists who are now household names, including Bastille, George Ezra, Bears Den and Jack Garret. So it is no wonder that the festival has gained the reputation for being the place to see “the next big thing”.
We at When The Horn Blows have already got our scheduled pencilled in for the day and honestly, there's barely any time to breath, the line up is that good. But fear not, we have selected our tops picks for the day for those of you who may be overwhelmed by the selection or are simply open to suggestions. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we will.
The Beach
13:00-13:30 – The Courtyard
Arguably one of the artists on the line up who are on the verge of becoming one of those household names, The Beach kicks of proceedings on The Courtyard stage. 2018 has been a momentous year for The Beach. May saw the release of his latest EP U.R Beautiful and he even joined man of the moment, Tom Walker on tour. For fans of Vance Joy, Tom Speight and Saint Raymond.
Tors
19:00-19:30 – Bush Hall
Tors will be bringing their glorious indie-folk sounds to the befitting Bush Hall stage. The harmonising trio have gained a strong following after supporting Tom Walker (I did say man of the moment) on his sold out 2017 tour, and with brothers Matt and Theo being related to a musical legend in the form of Bert Weedon, the expectation is high for Tors. If you're a fan of The Lumineers, Kodaline and Ben Howard, then you will not be disappointed.
Sam Fender
21:00-21:30 – Bush Hall
Making it on to BBC's sound of 2018, Sam Fender has already turned a number of heads this year. He also secured support slots for other big names including Bears Den, Ben Howard and Declan McKenna. His sound is powerful and thought provoking, his voice is hard to ignore and the moment it starts to fill the Bush Hall is a moment I suggest do not miss. For fans of Tom Grennan, Dermot Kennedy and Catfish and the Bottlemen,
Adam French
15:00-15:30 – the Courtyard
Adam French has been on my radar for a while now and I imagine it won't be long until he's on yours too. His songs feel like they should be soundtracking an Oscar winning film, full of depth and emotion that can easily captivate an audience. He plays The Courtyard stage in the late afternoon, however I feel his sound would be more befitting to either St. Stephens Church or Bush Hall, somewhere intimate with atmosphere and good acoustics to really emphasise that powerful voice. His sound is similar in tone to Tom Odell, Hozier and Amber Run.
FLYTE
22:00-11:00 – Bush Hall
Flyte are a band who have been working the circuit for a few years now and I am thrilled to see they are headlining the Bush Hall stage. They released their debut album, the Loved Ones, last year to much critical acclaim and their stripped back sound has been likened to classics such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Hermens Hermits, which to my delight are all artists I grew up with thanks to my dad. So if you fancy ending the night being serenaded by four chaps who keep their set up simple and let their vocals do the talking, especially on tracks like Orphans of the Storm and Archie, Marry Me, then Bush Hall at 10pm is the only place to be. For fans of Arcade Fire, Blossoms, Sundara Karma and The Magic Gang.
Words by Rachel Prew