With only four weeks to go until Wickerman opens its gates, Scotland’s hottest summer party will be turning up the tempo by adding a batch of exciting artists to its already eclectic line-up.
New to the main Summerisle Stage will be hotly tipped South Shields singer Lulu James whose emotive 21st century sound is making waves globally. Her delicate soul songs are influenced by the vulnerability of James Blake and Jamie xx’s work with Gil Scott Heron and are set to be a sure-fire hit with the UK’s friendliest festival crowd.
Also packing a punch on the main stage will be energetic electro duo Cherub who have received rave reviews for their fresh take on risqué pop. From grooving heartfelt ballads to infectious club mixes, they have danced their way into the hearts of audiences with their unique up-tempo sound.
Joining them will be Newcastle five-piece indie act Let’s Buy Happiness, whose debut EP, No Hot Ashes, garnered incredible reviews from musical luminaries. With a successful UK summer tour under their belt, the female fronted indie act is set to wow Wicker fans with their catchy dark melodies and wistful minimalist vocals. The Temperance Movement will bring their ear wringing, heart wrenching sound to the festival masses. Described as a British Black Crowes, the five-piece rock ‘n’ roll band are set to deliver an explosive blues drenched performance.
In 2013 the much loved Reggae Tent will be hosted by Explosion Soundsystem. Originating in Northern Ireland they only play the best of Roots, Reggae, Dub and anything in between, whist honouring the original Jamaican soundsystem culture. Explosion’s own MC Ranking Fox will be joined by Ramon Judah, DJs including Leon D, Dub Foundry and Frankie Dread and crews from the Revelation and Red Rasta Soundsystems from Cork and Belfast respectively, who will be at the controls to ensure celebrations continue throughout the night.
The Solus Tent bill will also be enhanced with additions in the form of Glasgow’s uplifting musical family that is Blochestra. Boasting over 30 members, the group has turned into one of the most successful music collectives in Scotland and will be returning to Wickerman by popular demand. Hard hitting Scottish three-piece rock band Aventus will also be joining the line-up to play a shattering mix of retro rock and metal.
As an impromptu treat for festival goers, walkabout band Blowjangles will be taking fans by surprise with spontaneous performances over the weekend including a mixture of ska, reggae and jazz at various locations.
Up at the Ho Down Wendy House, Glasgow’s footstomping Inishowen Ceilidh Band will this year be joined by jazz maestros The Gramophone Jass Band on Friday and on Saturday by The Kentucky Cow Tippers.
Opening with a mighty musical bang on Thursday night, The Greenman Inn will get campers instantly in the festival swing with popular ceilidh band rhythmnreel, country act Jericho Hill and DJ Jason Dupuy. The Headphone Disco team will invite festival goers to choose a channel dance into the early hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Festival Coordinator Helen Chalmers commented: “With only a month to go it’s fantastic to announce some incredible new acts for the festival and welcome the team behind Explosion Soundsystem to the fold. Every year the Festival grows and evolves to offer some of the best breakthrough talent and established global artists and we are confident that 2013’s line-up won’t disappoint.”
