With Leeds Festival 2018 just around the mud-lined corner, a roundup of the best tunes to look forward to when August Bank Holiday rolls around is a must. The eclectic line-up and variety of stages means that there is an act for everyone and with the recent warm weather what more could you want to get hyped for the summer’s biggest UK festival this year? A mixtape to remind you of things to come, of course! Listen along on Spotify.
Kings of Leon – “Sex on Fire”
What a way to kick off the weekend, one of the most popular rock bands of the past 15 years and a song that EVERYONE knows and loves, really one to get you in the festival mood. Kings of Leon headline the festival on the main stage on the Friday – the perfect way to spend your first night in the fields.
Dua Lipa – “Hotter Than Hell”
One of the fastest rising stars of the past few years, Dua Lipa hits the main stage on the Sunday of Leeds Festival. Her incredible stage presence along with her insane voice and energetic choreography make her set unmissable and “Hotter Than Hell” is the epitome of summer.
The Kooks – “She Moves in Her Own Way”
For an indie addition to the Leeds Festival 2018 line-up, The Kooks are surprisingly well known through their songs, especially “She Moves in Her Own Way” which is the feel-good anthem that would get any festival audience going. The Kooks perform on the main stage on the Saturday of the festival.
Wolf Alice – “Moaning Lisa Smile”
As well as a witty play on words, Wolf Alice provide alternative rock vibes with “Moaning Lisa Smile” and are sure to rock audiences with this tune at Leeds Festival. Wolf Alice play the BBC Radio 1 Stage on the Saturday of Leeds Festival.
Tom Grennan – “Royal Highness”
The pop vibes from Tom Grennan will never go amiss at a festival, especially his popular single “Royal Highness” which combines his unique, raw voice with a streetwise look and sound. Tom Grennan headlines the Festival Republic stage on the Friday of the festival.
Papa Roach – “Last Resort”
This absolute rock classic has to be played when Papa Roach headline The Pit on the Sunday of Leeds Festival, the tune is the utter definition of 2000’s rock and evokes such a response whether that is live or in a club environment. Don’t miss Papa Roach’s set at Leeds 2018 if you’re a fan of that distinct early 2000’s metal sound.
The Wombats – “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”
This indie summer classic comes from Liverpool exports The Wombats, singing about the irony of being happy when everything is going wrong, who wouldn’t love that? The Wombats are not to be missed on the main stage at Leeds Festival on the Saturday.
Kate Nash – “Foundations”
Kate Nash’s witty ode to relationships “Foundations” came out in 2007 and to this day seems to be a hit with audiences of all ages, so no doubt she will be including it in her performance at Leeds this year. Get down to the Festival Republic stage on the Sunday of Leeds Fest to see Kate Nash in action.
Spring King – “Rectifier”
Indie rock foursome Spring King will hit the Festival Republic stage on the Sunday of Leeds Festival, undoubtedly with this upbeat banger. “Rectifier” is a tune perfectly suited to the festival, some more muted rock vibes that allow you to nod your head with a pint in hand or bounce your way to the front in an adrenaline fuelled frenzy – either is fine.
Skepta – “Shutdown”
Skepta has become a grime pride of Britain in the last few years and the catchy, distinctive “Shutdown” has played a huge part in his rise to success. Don’t miss Skepta’s set on the BBC Radio 1 stage on the Friday of Leeds and be sure to catch ‘Shutdown’ for and incredible atmosphere.
Hannah Wants – “Rhymes”
“Rhymes” is the perfect accompaniment for a sunny Leeds day, or perhaps a consolation for a rainy one, and encourages letting you hair down and having a good dance to a massive tune. Catch Hannah Wants on the BBC Radio 1 Dance stage on the Friday of the festival to get in on the action.
J Hus – “Did You See”
Becoming very popular in the last year, J Hus storms the main stage on the Friday of Leeds with his hip-hop sound which will no doubt get the crowds warmed up nicely. “Did You See” should be no exception to the rousing response that J Hus demands wherever he goes, and with the song’s popularity in clubs the world over it should be one to get hyped for at Leeds.
Courteeners – “Acrylic”
A Manchester band is always good at a festival, and who better than the Liam Fray-led Courteeners to represent our great city? “Acrylic” is just classic Courteeners sound and absolutely perfect to bring about that euphoric feeling so craved by festival and concert-goers. Don’t miss Courteeners when they play the main stage on the Friday of Leeds.
The Vaccines – “If You Wanna”
The Vaccines must be the kings of festivals with pretty much all of their tunes screaming out to be played on a sunny day, but especially their once ubiquitous “If You Wanna” with its extremely catchy lyrics and its ability to get anyone up and dancing. Do yourself a favour and see them perform on the main stage on the Friday of Leeds Festival.
Words by Emmeline Banks.
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