Coming to fruition only 5 years ago, Strap have quickly gained a sizeable roster of artists including: Warmduscher, Real Farmer, GANS and previously, Andrew Cushin.

The Wednesday lineup, consisting solely of artists signed to the label, was split over the two “Deep End” and “Soundwaves” stages, both situated on the stone shore, just along from the famous Brighton Pier.

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A post shared by Strap Originals (@straporiginals)

 Artists Real Farmer and Junior Brother, from Holland and Ireland respectively, brought the weather with them as the sun shone down on the festival-goers throughout the day, as bands began to take the stage.

Peter Doherty headlined the ‘Deep End’ stage as a part of the launch of his new record ‘Felt Better Alive’, which came out on the Friday and is available now. He was joined on the stage by The Smiths’ drummer Mike Joyce, who has been a regular fixture on the European leg of Peter’s recent ‘Anywhere In Albion’ tour. Peter was also joined by another guest who is frequently seen on stage with him, Gladys the dog.

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Peter was not the only artist celebrating a new release; Real Farmer, GANS and Junior Brother all have had new singles & EPs released recently.

Birmingham duo, GANS, now move onto their set on Sunday at Bearded Theory festival in Derbyshire, headlined by Iggy Pop and Manic Street Preachers.

The festival, situated on the picturesque shores of Brighton Beach, was host to a number of other great artists across the weekend, namely, Coach Party, Luvcat and Getdown Services. After the Strap Originals takeover on Wednesday, the festival splintered off into local bars and venues, creating a dot-to-dot atmosphere, giving local artists and venues a chance to participate in the weekend festival.

The Great Escape festival also offered opportunities for local BIMM students to participate in the festival as performers as well as bar staff and merchandisers.

Falling on the same night of the 2024 BRIT awards, Wunderhorse took to the stage last Saturday to rapturous applause. The legendary 700-year-old pub announced the secret set just hours before the group were scheduled to perform, causing fans to scramble to purchase last-minute tickets. Fronted by singer-songwriter Jacob Slater, his distinctive rough and ready vocals and razor-sharp lyricism are hard to shake off. Slater’s gritty on-stage persona is reminiscent of blistering American garage bands, causing him to launch into a series of rage-fuelled outbursts, only to lose him again in a 90s psychedelic fog.

The Hertfordshire-born musician had made the decision to exit his old band Dead Pretties in 2017, a path that would eventually lead him to form his next project Wunderhorse, releasing their debut, critically-acclaimed album ‘Cub‘ in October 2022, a beautiful yet bloodied catalogue of teenage misadventure. The past two years have seen Slater build up a fair amount of mileage, having scored not only glowing album reviews and international recognition, but rather ironically his first ever acting role as Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook in Danny Boyle’s tv miniseries Pistol.

A multifaceted writer and instrumentalist, Slater has also curated his own separate solo project, releasing his first ever record ‘Pinky, I Love You‘ in August 2023, another deeply personal and tender account of youth driven by a rousing, prog-rock sound. On February 5, the band announced they will be performing at Isle of Wight, TRNSMT, Boardmasters and Reading and Leeds festival this summer.

As of last weekend, they also shared they will be headlining Dot To Dot Festival in May alongside Irish electronic duo Jockstrap, and Brighton’s The Great Escape festival accompanied by other major acts such as Faye Webster and SOFTPLAY. Great Escape Fest is known for showcasing the biggest and brightest up and coming artists from around the country, with over 150 acts set to take part in different venues across the city.

Wunderhorse took to Instagram last month to lift the lid on new music, revealing they are currently in the process of recording their sophomore album, simply commenting: “Back on the road in March, new music in tow”. The four-piece will be supporting English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna on his 2024 UK tour this month, kicking things off at Cardiff University’s Student Union on March 23. You can purchase tickets here.

“On 13th-14th May 2021 you can expect a huge snapshot of the best new artists showcasing their talents, plus The Great Escape Conference featuring the CMU conference strands, keynote speakers, panels, talks and debates as well as dedicated facilities for the industry to come together and network – just without the sea air and dashing between our beloved venues into the early hours…”

Important information regarding The Great Escape 2021 pic.twitter.com/j6s3QYrmE8

— The Great Escape (@thegreatescape) February 26, 2021

The 2020 event was cancelled last year amid complications created by pandemic restrictions, with the hope that 2021 would bring a more fortuitous year. Adding to the news, the organisers also included a message of appreciation for the NHS throughout the pandemic, along with next year’s event dates: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the NHS for their extraordinary efforts in rolling out the vaccine, as well as thanking all of you for your patience and we look forward to being together again in 2022 for our belated 15th birthday. It’s going to be a Huge celebration. We’ll see you online in May 2021 and on the beach in 2022.”

Earlier this week Boris Johnson revealed his ‘roadmap out of lockdown’, outlining each step towards a full dismissal of social restrictions on June 21st. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, a number of festivals have confirmed they will be going ahead as planned later in the year, including Green Man, 2000 Trees and the Reading and Leeds Festival – the latter selling out tickets just two days after the announcement.

Sacha Lord – co-founder of the Manchester Parklife festival – has expressed his optimism that his festival will go ahead this year. “The vaccination roll-out has been incredible and hats off to all our scientists and NHS volunteers,” he told NME. “For once, we can say that we have got something that’s world-beating. It’s phenomenal and we’ve got leading scientists saying they’re confident that everyone will have had their second vaccine by July. We pushed back Parklife to September and we’re confident it will go ahead. We’ve got New Order on the night before and we’re gearing up for success with an 80,000 capacity,””

According to a release on The Great Escape’s website, there will be both three-day tickets from £70, and four-day delegate passes from £180. The festival will be taking place all around Brighton from 12th-15th May 2021.

Organisers took to social media to reveal the news, saying, “We cannot wait to open the TGE doors again in 2021. Tickets for our belated 15th birthday year go on sale tomorrow at 9am. Watch this space….” Having first opened its doors in 2006, this year was to be the 15th anniversary for The Great Escape, however this will now be moved to next year.

We cannot wait to open the TGE doors again in 2021. Tickets for our belated 15th birthday year go on sale tomorrow at 9am. Watch this space…. pic.twitter.com/etu5EtmrTu

— The Great Escape (@thegreatescape) July 13, 2020

On the festival homepage, fans can look back at previous performances, with the likes of Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, Little Simz, Oh Wonder, and AJ Tracey gracing the stage. The acts for 2021 are currently unknown, but it was confirmed by festival organisers that there will be a fresh new line-up for a new year. It is certain that there will be an incredible collection of up and coming artists and bands, as well as a few chart-toppers for the spotlight show, which requires a separate ticket.

Promoter Rory Bett commented, “Once again, we will be curating a line-up of the best in new music, and a conference schedule like no other. We look forward to welcoming back new and old fans alike to make our 2021 edition truly unforgettable!”

During this difficult and confusing time, The Great Escape have been showing their support for campaigns such as ‘Let The Music Play’ and ‘Light It In Red’, which aim to save grassroots venues, record stores, record labels, and, of course, festivals. All of these are at risk since the Covid-19 pandemic caused economic struggle in various industries, especially arts and entertainment.

intimate shows. been craving the closeness a long time.

love to @theninthewave_ for joining me overseas and to @arloparks for coming with me stateside.

tix go on sale next friday, 3/13 @ 10am local. https://t.co/hdIjfLstFb pic.twitter.com/ee1QP8rXa4

— hayley from Paramore (@yelyahwilliams) March 5, 2020

After the end of promotion for 2017’s album After Laughter with Paramore, the 31-year-old singer/songwriter and her bandmates announced hiatus from music to follow solo endeavours. Williams decided to drop her very first body of work as a solo artist with a project under the name Petals for Armor.

Despite its full release on May 8, the project is already shared as a 5-track EP titled Petals for Armor I. “Simmer” is served as the first single cut from the project. It is an alternative rock track with such haunting vibes about letting go of grudge and learning to forgive. The track is produced by Paramore’s guitarist Taylor York.

The Grammy Winner also released a short film cut into three videos of three tracks from the album. After introducing a spooky, thriller/slasher video for “Simmer”, Williams debuted a video for “Leave It Alone” as a sequel for its predecessor. “Cinnamon” is the last one from the series; it is the most upbeat track of all three, with its video featuring the singer does an impressive choreography. All these tracks and videos are such remarkable work that allows Williams’ fans to gain insights into her artistry and personal life.

In support of her first ever solo project, Williams will go on the road for live shows. Apart from numerous gigs in North America, she will come to the UK and Europe as well. Sadly, London is the only city announced in the tour dates for the UK legs where her headlining show will take place. The show is coming to Electric Brixton on May 16, with Scottish dark-pop duo The Ninth Wave joining her as an opening act of all her UK and European shows.

However, Paramore’s fans can still get a chance to see Williams live at The Great Escape in Brighton. The festival just announced that the frontwoman is scheduled to perform on Friday 15th May. Tickets to the festival are also available now on its official site.

About her forthcoming live shows, Williams expressed her excitement to bring the live set for fans: “Wow. I am going on tour. Myself. It’s not Paramore and truthfully, it’s just a little terrifying. But if I know anything, it’s that there’s no safer place (besides at home with my dog) than to be in a room, on a stage, in front of the people who I’ve grown up singing my lungs out for. There was a time I thought I wouldn’t tour Petals For Armor. What a joke. I must.

“This is a brand new adventure. It’s important to embark on something new every now and then just to show yourself that you can. I welcome the discomfort and the joy and I’m ready to be present for this.

“The first run of shows is going to be hot, sweaty, and intimate. My brand-newly-formed band and I will be playing rooms that Paramore outgrew a decade ago. It’s going to be so satisfying to feel the energy of a crowd that close again, especially while performing songs that feel so vital for me; songs I have never performed before for an audience.

“Thank you for the chance to tour this. I hope to see a ton of old friends and make some new ones too.”

Petals for Armor I is available for streaming now on every platform, and the full album is also up for pre-order and will be released on May 6.

The three-day event takes place across 35 venues in the city, between the 8th and 11th of May 2019, giving music lovers the chance to catch future stars and their next favourite musicians in small-scale settings, alongside panels, speeches, debates and more. Among the additional 100 artists revealed this week are YAK, Mount Kimbie, Black Honey, Pumarosa, Rosie Lowe and Izzie Gibbs.

The final 100 artists + TGE19 scheduler have landed! @yak_band, @mountkimbie (DJ Set), @BLACKHONEYUK and more all join the bill, + the full scheduler is live via our app for your planning pleasure.

Discover the full lineup and download our app now >> https://t.co/Z1nrAGx6D4 pic.twitter.com/g1FwIvTSvz

— The Great Escape (@thegreatescape) April 11, 2019

They will be joining the likes of Foals, Lewis Capaldi, Anna Calvi, Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, Indoor Pets, Mini Mansions, The Amazons and Fat White Family. The announcement comes after it The Great Escape confirmed their spotlight shows, which are special standalone gigs that organisers believe deserve to be highlighted within their programme.

This year’s edition of the festival will see the shows split into two separate spotlight shows, the first will take place on Thursday the 9th of May 2019, at Brighton Dome Concert Hall. The spotlight show will be headlined by Lewis Capaldi, who will be joined by Kara Marni and Easy Life. Meanwhile the Foals, are scheduled to perform a celebratory gig, that will celebrate 15 years of Transgressive Records at The Great Escape. The band will perform, on Friday the 10th of May 2019, at Concorde 2, and will be joined by Blaenavon and Boniface.

Speaking about the history of Transgressive Records at The Great Escape, Transgressive Records co-founder, Toby L, said: “The Great Escape is easily one of the world’s most progressive and exciting showcase platforms and since Transgressive always endeavours to unearth and support brand new artists that offer something to say, it felt entirely apt to kickstart a year of parties, special releases and other birthday related gimmickry in Brighton at an event we’ve supported since its inception.

“It’s fair to say we wanted to do something pretty big to launch our birthday year, and I guess that’s how / why we’ve landed here… Foals have some incredible history with Concorde 2 and it seemed like an absolute dream to reunite them.”

Joining the already stellar line-up and headliners Foals and Lewis Capaldi are Allussinlove, Benedict, Benjamin, Black Honey, Broken Hands, Clara McHugh, Corella, cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, Ella Vos, Ellie Ford, Faye Webster, Halfnoise, I See Rivers, Inhaler, Joshua Burnside, Josiah & The Bonnevilles, Kroy, Lola Young, Lxandra, Mae Muller, Max Rad, Mush, Pumarosa, Ralph TV, Rosie Lowe, The Visual, Thorsteinn Einarsson, Warhola, and Wild Youth.

The following names have also been announced this week and joining the already impressive line-up is Abakos, Amaria, BadGirl$, Berwyn Du Bois, Big Heath, Big Zuu, Emiko, Gigi Lo, Haviah Mighty, Izzie Gibbs, Just Banco, Kamakaze, Lava La Rue, Master Peace, Realz, Shawgz & Asha Jane, Conducta, Erika De Casier, Jnr Williams, Kadeem Tyrell, Kiana Lede, L U C Y, Necktr, Nine8 Collective, Pengshui, Ruthanne, and Shane Universe.

Completing the line-up for this year’s Great Escape Festival is Andrra, Babii, Birthday Card, Chaouche, Declan J Donovan, Eadyth, Great Dad, HockeySmith, Jack Vallier, James Gillespie, Le Superhomard, Lorenzo Senni, Mind of a Dragon, Mount Kimbie, Neiked, Object Blue, Oliver Tree, Oteo, Patawawa, Peggy Sue, Ploy, Prep, Roe, Seazoo, Sharda, Swimming Girls, Thyla, Tiwayo, Valeras, Wuh Oh, False Advertising, garden Centre, Heavy Rapids, Hello Yello, Hotel Lux, J.S. Ondara, James Smith, Johnny Mafia, Jordan Prince, Kim Logan, King Nun, Melt Downer, Pinky Pinky, Ruby Fields, Skinny Living, and YAK.

Among the artists performing at this year’s festival are a number of Scottish stars, including the incredible Lewis Capaldi, who will be joined by some of Scotland’s rising stars including Alligator, Aaron Smith, Cloth, Walt Disco, Heavy Rapids, Tamzene, OK Button, Lucia, Kobi Onyame, and The Snuts.

Speaking about this year’s Great Escape Festival line-up, Music Officer at Creative Scotland, Jamie Houston, said: “From hip-hop to alt-rock, this year’s line-up once again showcases the strength and diversity of talent across a variety of genres, all of whom are ready to take the next step in their careers. Working with our partners Wide Days, the showcases and networking reception provide an important opportunity for our home-grown musical talent to gain national and international exposure. Importantly these opportunities can lead to future income, either through subsequent tour bookings, festival invitations or record-release deals for international markets.”