3 local acts take the stage at Reading Festival this weekend, alongside heavyweight headliners Fall Out Boy, Kendrick Lamar and Kings of Leon.
Performing on the BBC Music Introducing Stage are:
NonameDisciple (appearing Saturday)
NonameDisciple’s performance at Reading Festival follows the recent release of her new double single, “Millennial”/”Godfidence” – the follow up to last year’s debut EP “Therapy Sessions 77”.
The 23-year-old MC has strong links to Bracknell, having recently graduated from university in Binfield (where she studied Theology, Greek and Hebrew).
Her music talks topics, faith and life – aiming to uplift, educate, encourage and empower. “In a day and age where numbers run the conversation, it’s refreshing to see a woman walk on her own beliefs” – Ralph Hardy (NANG).
NonameDisciple has gained the attention of numerous industry professionals.
These include DJ Semtex (BBC 1xtra / Sony Music) Naysap (founder of GRL GNG),Carla Marie Williams (songwriter/founder of Girls I RateAcademy), SBTV, BET Freestyle Fridays, Julie Adenuga, Ms Banks, Etta Bond, Shakka and Lily Allen to name a few. She has also won radio support from Linda Serck (BBC Introducing Berkshire), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Tom Robinson (6 Music), BBC Introducing London, Morgan Keyz (RinseFM),Channel ALT (Radar Radio) and Nia and Kizzy Morrell (Ujima Radio).
Saltwater Sun (appearing Sunday)
Punctured by explosive guitars and deftly fusing elements of shoegaze and indie with the edginess of garage rock, Saltwater Sun are marshalled by Jennifer Stearnes’ gritty yet infectious vocals. Childhood friends, the group formed in Reading and alongside Stearnes are comprised of; Dan Kingham and Joel Neale on guitar, bassist Rob Carter and drummer Benny Chandler.
The five piece issued their debut single ‘Habit On My Mind’ in 2015 to critical acclaim from the online community and BBC introducing, closely following this initial success with their debut EP: ‘Wild’, featuring the single ‘Making Eyes’ and later, with the release of the widely supported single ‘Now or Never’.
Having spent the last 18 months working on new material, Saltwater Sun returned with heavyweight single ‘The Wire’, which topped the Hype Machine charts as well as earning BBC Radio 1, Radio X and BBC 6 Music airtime.
Gaining a reputation for precocious and energetic performances, Saltwater Sun thrived on their return to the live circuit this year – their appearance at Reading Festival follows capacity shows at The Great Escape and Are You Listening? Festivals. Saltwater Sun’s latest single ‘Hot Mess’ is out now on Hand In Hive.
Valeras (appearing Sunday)
The music this dynamic 5-piece from Reading produce belies their years with Katie King, Max Sealy, Rose Yagmur, Kat Beazley and George Parnell – all being aged between 17-19.
Already tipped by Radio 1, BBC Introducing, Radio X and Spotify, and having played support slots with the Wombats, Yonaka, The Amazons, Fickle Friends and Demob Happy this year alone, Valeras are already making 2018 their own.
As one of The Great Escape Festival’s First 50 for 2018, the band have already played Live at Leeds and Are You Listening? Festival, and come to Reading Festival following three shows at both The Great Escape and Dot To Dot Festivals.
Valeras have recently released their new single ‘Painkiller’, a dark slice of alternative indie rock. Teaming up again with producer Larry Hibbitt (Sundara Karma, Nothing But Thieves) the track builds on the unique sound established in debut single ‘Louder’.
Stay tuned for further coverage of the Festival across the weekend – plus interviews with some these guys and girls!
