St Vincent
Since first cutting her teeth as a member of The Polyphonic Spree and in Sufjan Steven’s touring band, Annie Clarke has blossomed into one of the most forward-thinking and creative artists in the musical world. Since launching her St Vincent project with 2007’s ‘Marry Me’, she’s gone on to record a further three full-length records as well a collaborative album with David Byrne. Then there was last year’s self-titled LP, her most spectacular creation thus far it was named ‘Album Of The Year’ by The Guardian and was also nominated for ‘Best Alternative Album’ at the Grammy awards.
As a live performer St Vincent is beautifully unique; an electrifying marriage of striking song-craft and exhilarating guitar work that powerfully comes alive on the stage. A rousing mix of genres and mood, her live sets are impossible to pigeonhole but produce the kind of spectacle that simply has to be seen to be believed. An lustrous parade of skill and energy bound together by her distinctive ability and the unending magic of rock and roll as it should be: wild, untamed and completely thrilling.
Hot Chip
After years spent peddling away on the DIY circuit and a number self-released records, Hot Chip finally got their much-deserved break-through after signing to Moshi Moshi for their debut LP ‘Coming On Strong’ back in 2003. It’s follow-up, ‘The Warning’, would see their stock rise again thanks to a Mercury Award nomination and their ‘Over & Over’ single which is now remembered as one of the noughties most-adored singles.
Since then the London synth-poppers have become something of a household name, releasing a slew of critically-acclaimed albums containing some of the most danceable and loveable pop moments of the past decade. Their live show, too, is a true experience in every sense of the word. Often an improvised re-imagining of their studio work, their performances are a restless and relentless display of energy and talent that can shift from blissed-out beats to emphatic dance music in the blink of an eye.
Something of a national treasure, the bands first ever performance at Green Man promises to be a truly spectacular event. Don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes.
Goat
A secretive troop from Korpilombolo in northern Sweden, the infamous GOAT are widely regarded as one of the most mesmerizing live bands on the circuit, armed with the ability to move and shake you in ways you didn’t even know existed. Merging elements of afrobeat with funk and krautrock, the mysterious collective present a twisted fantasy of sound and colour, a somewhat tribal display that takes you on the kind of trip you’ll never forget.
Signed to the legendary Subpop label for last years ‘Communion’ album, the band built upon the hype of 2012’s debut album ‘World Music’ to deliver something truly astonishing - while offering further proof of their unique ability to entertain and transfix.
They’ve been labeled as everything from ‘acid-folk’ to ‘psych-freakery’ but sometimes you just have to let the music do the talking – and in that respect GOAT chant their mantra in the most captivating way imaginable. A unique and spell-binding party you simply can’t afford to miss.
Calexico
‘Legendary’ is something of an over-used term, specifically in the musical world, but it’s also one that has every right to be draped upon Tucson, Arizona’s Calexico. Primarily the musical workings of Joey Burns and John Convertino, the band will release their ninth studio album this year in a career that is approaching the twenty-year mark but actually dates back to 1990 when the two joined Howe Gelb’s much-adored band, Giant Sand.
Beautifully eclectic, Calexico is an ever-evolving project that has touched upon a whole number of varying genres throughout the years, shifting seamlessly from Latin/Mariachi influences to Tex-Mex and straight-up indie rock. Now in their third decade of existence, the band have toured with the likes of Pavement, Lambchop and Dirty Three and are consistently heralded as one of the tightest and most enthralling live bands on the planet.
Mew
In what promises to be one of 2015’s most magical sets, Danish pop purveyors Mew will take to the stage in support of brand new album ‘+ -‘, their first full-length album release since 2009.
Having gained something of a cult following since their debut album 1997, it was 2003’s Frengers LP that saw them gain mainstream recognition, including a European tour with REM. Notoriously difficult to summarise, the band weave beautiful textural instrumentals with shimmering, full-blooded pop hooks, all threaded together with that indescribable magic that Scandinavian bands so often deliver.
Think the atmospheric majesty of Sigur Ros coupled with a pop charm that could light up the dullest of days and you’re somewhere close. A very special band, with a suitably dramatic live show, there’s just nobody else quite like them.
The Staves
After three years of near-constant touring, The Staves return in 2015 with their second full-length album, If I Was, backed-by a wave of hype that should see them cement their place at the forefront of the UK indie-folk scene. A trio of sisters from Hertfordshire, they produce bewitching and memorable pop songs, rich in vocal harmonies and tender hooks.
Their new album was recorded over five trips across to Wisconsin and was produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame; a move which adds a muscular weight to the release, not only in terms of the resultant music but also to the bands high-flying reputation, which seemingly continues to grow with every song they unveil.
Charles Bradley
As a Black American who grew up in the mid-twentieth century, Charles Bradley’s back-story is, unsurprisingly, one of struggle and hardship but it’s also one that’s steeped in deep love and adoration for the musical greats. It was after seeing James Brown in 1966, at the age of fourteen, that Bradley first discovered his own talent - but it wouldn’t be truly unearthed until a full thirty years later when he was spotted by Daptone Records’ co-founder, Gabriel Roth, while performing as a James Brown impersonator in Brooklyn in 1996.
A run of singles throughout the 2000’s culminated in a debut album, with Bradley now in his 60’s, which was released in 2011. A documentary about his life followed, as well as widespread acclaim for his work and his second full-length record, Victim Of Love, in 2013.
In a life dictated by circumstance, Charles Bradley continues to swim against the tide – that he does so with such grace and charm is almost as remarkable as the story that got him here and it’s a true honour for Green Man Festival to have a bit-part in his latest chapter. This one’s going to be very special indeed.
Father John Misty
You might know him as Joshua Tillman, or maybe J Tillman, or perhaps just as the guy who used to drum for Fleet Foxes. All of these would be acceptable, of course, but in 2012 he also became known as Father John Misty – and he’s barely looked back since.
Another Subpop signee, 2015 sees Tillman release ‘I Love You, Honeybear’, the much-anticipated follow-up to his initial FJM-offering, 2012’s ‘Fear Fun’, and the ninth record of his blossoming solo career.
A unique and truly distinctive character, Father John Misty channels seventies Americana (think Scott Walker or Randy Newman) in to something suitably dramatic and stirring. Wonderfully theatrical, he sings both satirically and openly about love, life, the state of the world and all of the ups and downs which that entails. The result is a unique and often spellbinding performance and one of the live highlights of 2015.
