5 Must-See acts at this years Reading Festival.

Reading Festival is fast approaching, and with a lineup full of well-known names like Chappell Roan, Hozier and more, it’s easy to overlook the many great emerging artists taking to the stage this weekend. Here are five up-and-coming artists you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on.

Alessi Rose 

A pop girly well-versed in catchy melodies and introspective, relatable lyrics about girlhood and all things growing up, yearning and bad relationships. Alessi Rose has been busy, steadily growing her fanbase over the past couple of years and releasing two EP’s in the space of 7 months this year. If you’re a fan of Gracie Abrams, you’ll love her – catch her on the Main Stage on Friday.

Listen to: oh my, That Could Be Me

Been Stellar

Hailing from New York and drawing inspiration from bands who have previously haunted the Big Apple like The Strokes, Been Stellar is a five-piece indie-rock band with a discography of gritty, guitar-driven tracks. They released their debut album ‘Scream from New York, NY’ last year with Dirty Hit. Catch them on the Festival Republic Stage on Friday. 

Listen to: Start Again, Breakaway

Sunday (1994)

Formed by American Vocalist, Paige Turner, and English guitarist, Lee Newell, Sunday (1994) is a dream-pop, shoegaze band with a passion for cinema. Their self-titled debut EP is dramatic, romantic and melancholic, exploring themes of love, jealousy and modern life. Often likened to 90’s bands like The Sundays and The Cranberries, they are not one to miss – see them at The Festival Republic Stage on Saturday. 

Listen to: Blonde, Mascara

Matilda Mann

Blending pop with indie-folk, Matilda Mann is known for her delicate vocals and her introspective lyrics. Inspired by Laura Marling’s lyricism, Mann has developed a songwriting style heavily steeped in poetry. Although a pro at folky, lullaby-esque songs, she also has also revealed her versatility with upbeat pop anthems like ‘Say it Back’. Watch her at the Festival Republic Stage on Sunday.

Listen to: Just Because, There Will Never Be Another You 

Radio Free Alice 

Heavily inspired by their parents' music tastes growing up, Melbourne-based five-piece, Radio Free Alice, blend genres to create an alternative post-punk, new wave sound. They are influenced by favourites like The Cure, Talking Heads and The Strokes and are well-known for their high-energy, guitar-driven tracks. They’ll be playing at the Festival Republic Stage on Sunday. 

Listen to: Look What You’ve Done, Paris is Gone