BELLADRUM Tartan Heart festival takes place this Friday and Saturday with first-time headliners Twin Atlantic, iconic-group James and everyone’s favourite bearded man Seasick Steve bursting out the line-up.
A Sophie’s choice decision must be made between country hip-hop revellers Alabama 3 and Scotland’s very own success story of 2013, Twin Atlantic on Friday night as they both grab the top spot on opposing stages.
Twin Atlantic had Radio 1’s backing with their tremendous track Free, making the BBC Radio 1 Playlist and nailing performances at festivals and headlining shows including T in the Park and Glasgow’s 02 Academy. The Glasgow band, are ecstatic about the impending headlining slot, and after the rave reviews from their T performance last month, the guys are sure to bring the energy and bravado required for the Belladrum crowd, this weekend.
Alabama 3 are a weird and wonderful mix of country and hip-hop. With outstanding hits including Woke Up This Morning and I’m Johnny Cash exploding when brought to their live set, Alabama 3 have just the right amount of arrogance to charm the crowd.
T in the Park favourites, The LaFontaines had, arguably, the performance of their career this year at the Balado festival. But it’s north of the border on Friday as they perform on the Hothouse Stage. With a sound that is fresh, innovative and utterly infectious – The LaFontaines are the original party band, bringing energy, enthusiasm and raw talent to everything that they do. Their Belladrum performance is not to be missed this weekend.
Fame fell at the feet of The 1975 as their single Chocolate became an ultimate mainstream hit. Another Hothouse contender on Friday, the band are continuing the legacy of Manchester’s phenomenal musical history. This four piece are definitely one to watch.
With a name taken from T-Rex’s 1972 album The Slider, Baby Strange are the talk of the town for reasons much more than their name choice. Punk and grunge, interestingly entwined, Baby Strange are a festival band at heart- lighting up the stage during their wild performances. Don’t miss them
Seasick Steve has one of the most endearing stories in music, born in the 1940’s Steve made a living busking in Paris. In 2007, after appearing on Later….. with Jools Holland he blew up in the popularity stakes and was quoted saying, “I can’t believe it, all of a sudden I am the cats meow!” His endearing nature, beautiful blues tales and talented guitar playing all make for an outstanding live act that should be caught time and time again, while he’s still playing.
Beautiful blonde Nina Nesbitt just celebrated her twentieth birthday, and with three EP’s under her belt is well on her way to a successful debut album. Teaching herself guitar a few years ago on an iPhone app, Nesbitt and her Nesbians are riding the wave of pretty folk-pop. Catch her on the Hothouse Stage on Saturday.
Stellar garage rockers, The Horrors make their debut at Belladrum, closing the Hothouse stage on Saturday night. The band played an explosive headlining slot at this year’s Glastonbury festival- up against Main Stage headliners Arctic Monkeys, the band remained transfixed on the moment throughout their joyous performance. This band have really grown since their introduction to the limelight, their last album testament to their growth as artists. A band that really come to life live and not to be missed.
And if all of those acts aren’t enough for your musical soul, you can always skate the night away to the sounds of the 60’s, 70’s and (sometimes) criminal 80’s at the festival’s Roller Disco. Pull on your knee pads and put down your cider for a fun-filled frolic in the skating area.
Belladrum celebrates its 10th birthday this year, and with this line-up and quirky areas all over the site, its sure to be one to remember.
