Now in its 13th year, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has grown to be a solid staple on the Scottish festival calendar. Having previously boasted line-ups including the likes of Biffy Clyro, Travis and Frightened Rabbit, amongst many others, Two Door Cinema Club and Madness will be headlining in the Highlands this year. With countless other acts across the weekend, TTV has compiled a list of those that you don’t want to miss.
Circa Waves
The rise of the Liverpudlian indie rock four-piece over the past few years has been incredible. With no complications, their summery, Strokes-esque guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and poppy choruses have made them a cracking addition to many sunny afternoons across the UK, and indeed beyond. If there’s one act guaranteed to bring the sun out this weekend, it’ll be Circa Waves.
C Duncan
The follow-up to his Mercury-nominated debut ‘Architect’ is on its way in October, and he’ll almost certainly allow room to try some of it out, including latest single ‘Wanted To Want It Too’, debuted just yesterday. Enveloping myriad instrumentals and sounds alongside his light, amiable vocals, he draws on everything from folk to psychedelic rock to create a unique blend that defines any pigeonhole.
Nieves
Put simply, Nieves are creating some of the most beautiful, but heart-wrenching, music that Scotland has to offer. Amongst all of the excitement and animosity that comes with festivals, they will deliver a somewhat saddened, yet calming, comfort on Saturday.
WHITE
Bringing their entrancing, darkened disco vibes to the Crabbies Hothouse Stage on Friday night, the Glaswegian five-piece are unmissable, whether you want to dance drunkenly or stand back and enjoy your first beer. Having premiered their latest single ‘I Like You Better When You Needed Me’ earlier this week, they are bound to try out more from their forthcoming EP That Don’t Bleed.
Public Service Broadcasting
The London duo have two outstanding albums under their pseudonymous belts, and much like ‘Inform-Eduate-Entertain’ and ‘The Race for Space’, their live show is captivating, as their exceptional instrumental production takse you on the journey provided by historic broadcasts.
Crash Club
Their pulsating electro rock will bring an infectious enthusiasm that you will struggle to find anywhere else at Belladrum. With your last burst of energy, don’t miss their show on Saturday night. This is the set everyone will be talking about on Sunday morning.
Be Charlotte
Charlotte Brimner has brought a distinctly refreshing note to the Scottish music scene. Having played at SXSW earlier this year, the anticipation that surrounds her isn’t hyperbole: she really is that good. Her often bright, pop productions match perfectly with her melodic vocals and flirtations with spoken word. Don’t miss her on the Seedlings Stage on Friday afternoon.
The Lapelles
Crafting their live show on tour with The Last Shadow Puppets, and recently announcing support slots with The View and The Jesus and Mary Chain (with whom they share their home town of East Kilbride) later this year, their upwards trajectory continues to boom. Confident and energetic, the young indie outfit will certainly draw a strong crowd.
Man of Moon
The Edinburgh duo have recently toured with The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit, and were bold enough to organise secret gig upon the release of their Medicine EP, not only enhancing their elusiveness, but heightening the excitement that surrounds them.
Sinderins
The established Dundonian folk group started off jamming in a pub together years ago, eventually forming what was previously known as Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher. Their renaming, after a well-known junction in Dundee, marked a change in direction for the five-piece, who recently released their self-titled debut album. Allow them to cure your hangover and ease you into your Friday at lunchtime on the Crabbies Houthouse Stage.
