Writers__Lucie Horton & Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff
With sites like Soundcloud and Youtube being dominated by young talent showcasing their sounds, from some perspectives it would seem that the youngest artists are infiltrating the music scene. Young people know that one of the easiest, (and best) ways to get noticed is online, and they’re using this to their advantage. The hype surrounding adolescent DJs Disclosure and Bondax show just how successful today’s youthful musicians are becoming. But their ascent also begs the question as to what’s happening to the old-timers? Can they keep up with the influx of new, fresh sounds? As noted in a recent article in Clash, “Strange things are happening to British dance music. For years cut adrift from the mainstream, 2013 has opened with a sensational coup. Production team Disclosure have rammed into the Top 10, adding some effortlessly classy vocals from AlunaGeorge to ‘White Noise’.”
However, the recent number one hit ‘Get Lucky’ by industry legends Daft Punk, channelling late 70’s Chic disco vibes through a late 90’s prism, reassures any anxieties that more experienced artists are being forgotten. Therefore, the fact that the older generation is aiming to help the younger one into the limelight is very important.
Rob da Bank, almost 40, and a prominent figure on the music scene, has been helping out the new generation of artists since the early 90’s. His BBC Radio 1 Show is focused on promoting new, up and coming ‘left-field’ music. And he’s also the man behind ‘Sunday Best’, which is primarily a record label home to an eclectic mix of music and rising stars Kitty, David and Lewis and Valerie June, but also the creative force behind Bestival.
Rob da Bank’s ethos of encouraging new talent is well reflected in the festival line-up. This year the stage ‘Replay with Rob da Bank’ will be coming back to Bestival with up-and-comers such as Nina Nesbitt, Sam Smith (of Disclosure’s ‘Latch’) and Dog is Dead; it’s the perfect example of the old providing the ladder to recognition for the young.
With festival season just around the corner, Bestival’s new talent surely marks it out in the competitive UK festival market. Stating that it’s “one of the best line-ups of fresh music that you’re likely to see all year long,” Rob da Bank is unashamedly excited about the festival. With one more headliner to be announced for Bestival, the [smiths] team will be heading down to the HMS Bestival Party to check out Rob da Bank’s DJ set and the revealing of the final performer. We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we do on Twitter!
In the mean time, head to Deptford Bunker on the 24th of May to see Goldsmiths up-and-comers showcase their skills with the wiredradio night. You never know, you might just be dancing to one of the next big (young) things. Featuring favourites such as Future Beats and Sub Gold, ‘Goldsmith’s very own Wired Radio takeover of the Bunker’ is going to be a welcome night out after the stress of exams.
With sets from Disclosure, Bondax and many others, Bestival runs from the 6-10th of September 2013. Tickets start from £180 with student discount.
