5 Acts To Catch At Shambala

Festivals

Claudia Downs

26 May 2018

A look into the soundtrack of 2018's Adventures in Utopia

Shambala 2018 is providing a huge, varied and eclectic soundtrack of everything from hip-hop, to folk, to electronic. Here’s 5 acts we’re excited for - something to whet your appetite in the run up to the August bank holiday weekend.

ANIMANZ
Venue: Chai Wallahs

“Born into captivity; Animanz rattled, scratched, bit and gnawed until they developed an awareness of what lay beyond the confines of LDN ZOO.”

This London group, founded by guitarist Max Rodriguez, describe themselves as “Space-Fro-Latin-Hop”. They’ll be bringing their vibrant, feel-good dancefloor sound, which combines funk, ska, Latin, hip-hop and grime flavours for truly unique grooving. They were nominated for 2018’s Best Alternative Act at The Lukas Awards, and their first vinyl EP release went down a storm.



ANCHORSONG
Venue: The Kamikaze

“Anchorsong – aka Masaaki Yoshida - has become globally recognised for his unique live shows, which many people have described as "like watching a painter drawing on a white canvas", as he creates electronic music completely live using a sampler (MPC2500) and a keyboard, right in front of the audience.”

Originally from Tokyo, now living in London, and touring all over the world, Anchorsong is a truly modern composer who has released two critically acclaimed albums. He has cultivated a beautiful electric sound with influences from all over the globe.



ZARA MCFARLANE
Venue: The Shambala Stage

“Zara’s music is seductive and earthy. As a performer she is uniquely engaging, deftly combining the intricacies of jazz with a deep soulfulness, melding multiple influences from reggae to pop, folk and blues with both her originals and choice of covers.”

Awarded the title of ‘Best Jazz Act’ at the 2014 MOBO Awards, East London singer-songwriter Zara McFarlane has released three albums of soulful jazz. Her newest album, 2017’s ARISE, explores her Jamaican heritage, moving with sophistication between the many genres that inspire her.



STICK IN THE WHEEL
VENUE: Sankofa's

“Known for Kearey’s fierce, authentic delivery, this is culturally and politically switched on music with its roots firmly embedded in the genre’s traditional, working-class heritage.”

If folk’s your thing (and even if it’s not) Stick In The Wheel are a group you don’t want to miss. Their 2015 debut
From Here was awarded MOJO’s ‘Folk Album of the Year’, and their bold, stomping sound that fuses acoustic and electric is sure to excite Shambala crowds. Pitchfork has praised them for “respecting folk music’s past while uprooting it from the pastoral” - a truly modern take on the genre.

MR RAOUL K
Venue: The Kamikaze

“Mr Raoul K combines traditional African instruments and rhythms with European production techniques and soundscapes to make beautiful afro-beat house and techno.”

Hailing from Ivory Coast, West Africa, with roots in the 90’s dance music scene of Hamburg, Germany, Mr Raoul K has created a truly distinctive sound that has filled dancefloors all over the globe. It’s deep house with bright, joyful African flavour: what’s not to love?

Shambala 2018 is sold-out, but keep checking the website for returned tickets!

Photo Credit: George Harrison