Thursday 26th August 2021 will mark a day in history. The day that the holy grail of UK festivals is returning. A date that has been marked in every music lover’s diary – whether you’ve got a ticket or not. Reading and Leeds Festival is the festival everyone wants to be at, and with Festival Republic now announcing two separate main stages, it will be as if we didn’t even miss a year. Here is a closer look at some of the artists you will not want to miss.
S-X
Radio 1 Xtra Stage
Leeds – Friday / Reading – Sunday
Having grown to fame collaborating with famous YouTuber KSI, a lot of people overlook upcoming producer/rapper S-X’s rap career due to his association with KSI. However, the rapper is a really exciting prospect, his hip-hop/trap influenced beats work wonderfully around his soprano voice. It feels as if it’s only a matter of time before the rapper’s career really kicks off out of obscurity and into the ears of millions, so he’s definitely one to see live, and don’t be surprised to see him bring a certain YouTube boxer out during his performance.
Bad Boy Chiller Crew
BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage
Leeds – Friday / Reading – Sunday
Photo Credit: Mia Clark
Grime is arguably the genre of the 21st century that has grown the most in popularity with the likes of Skepta, Stormzy, Dave, and JME all pushing the genre to heights never before imagined. Bradford’s BBCC put a Yorkshire twist on the genre which you don’t think would work, but it does, and it’s brilliant. Their early noughties ‘bassline house’ beats work fantastically around the lyricism of Kane, GK, and Clive, and their show on the Main Stage will undoubtedly be one of the sets of the festival, and we’d be willing to put a bet on that.
YONAKA
The Lock Up
Leeds – Saturday/Reading – Friday
Photo Credit: Dave East
YONAKA are a young British rock band whose energy, and passion for their music has seen them creep up festival posters higher and higher, and if you want to catch them whilst their still playing smaller stages, Reading and Leeds festival is your best chance. With their recent Seize The Power mixtape taking them over the 1 million monthly listeners mark on Spotify and the Brighton band are not planning on stopping this trajectory anytime soon. After their debut album which consisted of stunning melodies and rock anthems fit for any night out, their latest mixtape consists of a huge sound that is tailor made for the live show – watch this space because their Reading and Leeds set may be remembered for years.
Wargasm
The Lock Up
Leeds – Saturday/Reading – Friday
Photo Credit: Haris Nukem
Wargasm are THE band on the scene everyone is talking about right now. Milkie Way and Sam Matlock blend nu-metal and rap together like no-one out there. They’re aggressive, heavy, and gaining a big following rapidly. If a heavy band was made for Reading and Leeds Festival, it’s undoubtedly Wargasm, despite only having limited festival appearances, their live reputation is already through the roof – so if you’re someone who likes mosh pits and basically going mental then do yourself a favour and see Wargasm.
Holding Absence
The Pit
Leeds – Sunday/Reading – Saturday
When you think Holding Absence, you think emotion, honesty, passion, and riffs. Lead singer Lucas Woodland’s ways of provoking emotion with his words and emphatic delivery combined with post-hardcore riffs and synths has made them a standout in the heavy music scene. They have gained a passionate following around the United Kingdom for the pure emotion the band evoke, and they more than do that justice on their busy touring schedule. Through their live performances they give everything and expect the same from their audience so make sure you’re prepared.
Creeper
The Pit
Leeds – Sunday/Reading – Saturday
Creeper is a band hot on the lips of every rock/emo fan. Their brand of theatrical rock has caught the attention of thousands of fans. Their ability to make huge arena-filling choruses in the style of Green Day and they produce lyrics Gerard Way would be proud of. Still at the early stages of their career with two records to their name; coming off the back off their top 20 EP American Noir, Creeper are a band you’ve got to see live.
Reading and Leeds Festival takes place 27th – 29th August 2021 and the festivals are both sold-out. Be the first to hear further line-up details, artist news and more by signing up to the Reading Festival newsletter HERE and Leeds Festival newsletter HERE.
Written By: Joe Loughran
