A new festival launches in the UK next week (3-5 November), Community which takes place across 11 venues in east London. Booked by the same man who sorts out the bands for the Reading & Leeds Festivals, Jon Mac, he’s made Q this playlist to guide you through the event. Not only does represent his personal picks from this inaugural line-up, but he hopes to give you a sense of new talent showcase idea behind the festival. “We wanted to create an exciting new festival in east London and work with the best emerging talent to take over some of the area’s favourite venues as well as producing some free events in unusual spaces to run alongside the core programme,” he tells Q. “When booking festivals there’s so much focus on the more established talent so it’s great to have a platform purely for new talent. As there are no new band events at this time of year, for us festival bookers and for journalists deciding on their tips for the following year, Community is perfectly timed.”
Marc Pinol – Arrebato
“One of Barcelona’s most admired and promising electronic DJs. His work with the highly respected John Talabot and Hivern Discs has pushed his music and image into the ears and eyes of the world.”
Lianne La Havas – What You Don’t Do (pictured)
“Lianne La Havas is a British folk and soul singer who is taking the UK and the world by storm. Starting up as a backing singer for Paloma Faith this star was in good musical company from a young age. Her song writing ability and craftsmanship is highly respected having spent over two years developing her skills. Her recent album “Blood” has been released this summer on Warner Brothers. This new release was inspired by her Jamaican heritage after a voyage of self-discovery with her mother, you can hear the influence on Blood as the beats, grooves and rhythm is taken from reggae and dancehall genres.”
Samm Henshaw – Better
“Singer-songwriter from London who is years ahead of his contemporaries. He has the unmistakeable sound of soul, gospel and R’n’B legends who have been touring for decades and yet only in his 20s. Watching him will show you how assured he is an how much style and confidence flows from him during live performances.”
Will Joseph Cook – Hearse
“Will is an incredibly talented songwriter who sings about love and life through the eyes of a romantic. Listening to his tracks brings memories flooding back of a young and inspired Jeff Buckley. He is truly a gem waiting to be unearthed.”
Petite Meller – Baby Love
“Petite Meller is a pop starlet destined for great things. She combines euro pop and euphoric beats with influences as wide ranging as Fela Kuti, Brigitte Bardot, Sébastien Tellier, Freud, Hemingway, Andrei Tarkovsky and LadySmith Black Mombazo to name a few. Petite is the sound track of the summer for 2016 that you have been waiting for.”
Nothing But Thieves – Ban All The Music
“Nothing But Thieves are a group of school mates from Southend Essex. The have been playing since a young age in various bands but it was the introduction of classically trained guitarist Dom who worked with the others to create their recent sounds. Inspired by the late great Jeff Buckley and Led Zepellin they have set their sights high and we find that incredibly admirable.”
Sundara Karma – Flame
“Effortlessly cool and a band that has no trouble standing out from the crowd. Sunadra Karma have made some big waves at Reading and Leeds this year and continue to grow from strength to strength having signed to the irreplaceable Chess Club, and recently to RCA Victor.”
Blonde – Feel Good (It’s Alright)
“Hot-off-the-heels from their early-summer banger All Cried Out, Blonde return with the official follow-up, Feel Good (It’s Alright). They craft floor fillers you have been waiting for mixing elements of 90’s house with their own uplifting and upbeat tempos.”
Clean Cut Kid – Vitamin C
“Clean Cut Kid are a band of great promise and have been on the lips of all those in the know now for the last six months. They play rock jams that have gained comparisons to Springsteen. I think that is a mighty good comparison. Come and catch these Mersey stars now before they take over the world!”
Vince Staples – Senorita
“Vince Staples is an American rapper from Long Beach, California who’s debut album has just landed and it is everything we have been waiting for. He came to prominence with his appearances on albums by Odd Future members and his collaborative mixtape titled Stolen Youth, with fellow American rapper Mac Miller.”
VÉRITÉ – Sentiment
“VÉRITÉ is a an act that can’t be categorised or filed away under a genre specific tag. She is truly a rising star and will been a very welcome addition to the community line up. Expect characterful synth and percussion driven tracks with heavy emotional resonance. Lovely.”
Borns – Electric Love
“Borns hail from Michigan whilst his dreamy blend of folk, glam and electro rock sounds like it comes straight from the cosmos. This tree-house dwelling LA transplant will be bringing his angelic voice and dynamic live show to community in November. Do not miss a chance to catch this unique, otherworldly talent.”
Rat Boy – Fake ID
“The sound of Rat Boy’s fuzzed out lo-fi hip hop rock has been gathering comparisons from the likes of Jamie T. Rat Boy’s socially observant comments and lyrics have hit a chord with the disaffected youth and have begun to create an air of excitement amongst his generation. This could be the beginning of a very exciting artist who breaks the normal constraints of musician and listener. If Rat Boy keeps on this track he will be a household name very soon until then he will remain an admired artist who is not afraid of speaking his mind and address real issues.”
For more, including the full line-up, ticket news and details of the In The Community series of pop-up events that take place during the festival, head to Communityldn.com.
