It’s over for another year. Glastonbury, the bastion of the British festival, has sung its final song of 2016. But whilst the mud dries down on Worthy Farm, the reverberation of the 7,000 plus acts still lives loud. With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at the top 5 acts to revisit in an effort to keep that undeniable Glastonbury flame burning bright.
With big name coverage always in abundance, we thought we’d bring something a little different and take a look at the artists who took to the Glasto stage and spoke their very own brand of musical truth.
- Gwenno
Hailing from Cardiff, Gwenno Saunders, or better known by her stage name Gwenno, is a small slice of electro-pop perfection. Previously part of the indie girl group The Pipettes, the Welsh singer songwriter has taken the music back into her own hands in the last few years. Releasing the very essence of otherworldly dance music through her debut Y Dydd Olaf, Saunders is a must listen for synth fans everywhere.
- Isaac Gracie
Already a regular through BBC Introducing, the future looks bright for 21-year-old Gracie. Since recording his acoustic track Last Word, the Ealing lad has gone from strength to strength. A headline night in London and a feature on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 radio show, 2016 may just be the year for the singer-songwriter. Cut from the same cloth as the likes of Jeff Buckley, sweet melancholy is what he does best. Make sure to check out Terrified and Running on Empty too.
- Little Simz
Using her uniqueness to her own advantage, the North London Little Simz packs a punch on first listen. A freewheeling rapper and slick lyricist, in a genre where the male generally rules, the female musician is a breath of fresh. Although bouncing between the realm of music and acting, her debut album A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons never waivers. It’s clear what drives Little Simz and is a must listen for devotees of the genre or newcomers looking for something a little less mainstream.
- Christine and the Queens
Proving to be one of the knock out performances at Glastonbury this year, the French-born singer-songwriter has been making waves since 2010. Inspired by the transgender community and London drag queen scene, her music, as she self describes, is ‘freakpop’. But by her own standards this sells her rather short. Dipping into captivating performance art and disjointing electro synth sounds, she is compelling and curious all at once.
- Ezra Furman
Up there alongside Christine and the Queens in his use of performance art, Ezra Furman is eccentric to say the least. Born and bred in Chicago, the 29-year-old singer songwriter is more than a musician. Twisting the societal expectations of gender and masculinity, the gender fluid Furman is a gift to those who wish to transcend the given roles afforded to them. With his jaunty indie pop and strange psychedelia already spanning six albums, three as Ezra Furman and the Harpoons and three as a solo act, he is an undeniable talent. Make sure to check out his latest LP, Perpetual Motion People, to get a sample of his quirky sound.
– By Emily Harrison
