ReadiPop bursts back on the scene with a scorcher of a summer festival
LAST WEEKEND, ReadiPop landed back in Christchurch Meadows for its fifth anniversary.
The likes of Badly Drawn Boy, Morcheeba, and Grandmaster Flash took to the stage to bring the festival season to its hottest heights yet.
With three stages of music and three days of acts and activities, ReadiPop showed that it is stronger than ever.
It offered a number of local beers from Siren Craft Brew, Phantom Brewing, and Double Barrel Brewery, including festival exclusives ReadiHop and ReadiParka, through its Purple Turtle bar tent.
As well as its live offerings, ReadiPop makes a big difference through its efforts in the community, too.
Reading-based rap artist K. Kayne was one of the acts of the weekend who had been helped by ReadiPop’s work in the community.
He said: “I’m signed to Riser, ReadiPop’s label, and they took me on when I was a vulnerable youth.
“They really liked the way I worked, and said we really want you to be a part of this, while I was doing some sessions, and now I’ve got an EP coming in a couple of months.”
He says also that he wants to be able to give back and help people like him.
“The way I look at it, I want to leave a legacy – we’re all gonna pass, we’ll all be in the same place eventually, so I wanna make something that people will remember.
“I’ve been in dark places, and I want people to speak out, to know that they can reach out.
“ReadiPop pushes as hard as it can to get unsigned artists into the spotlight.”
Headliner Badly Drawn Boy said that the charity’s work was something “that should be an integral thing.” “Everybody needs more help, and the community spirit brings younger, unsigned bands to stages like this, and we’re all the same.
“I don’t take this for granted, and anything that can help and nurture talent is going to help the industry.
“And it will help young people have a life and a living through something they enjoy doing, and what’s not to like about that?”
Reading rock quartet Third Lung said: “The crowd were phenomenal – so supportive and there was a beautiful vibe, the four of us were buzzing.
“The heat was intense all day but it just added to the energy, and we tried out a couple of new tracks from our debut album, Gameplay.”
The album is due to launch at an event at Sub89 on Thursday, November 10.
“After waiting years for ReadiPop to finally happen, it felt really special – they have done such an incredible job, and they’re amazing at showcasing and supporting a wide range of local talent, too.
“It’s so important to the local scene and may it long continue.”
No Feathers, a three-piece outfit hailing from Jersey, played on Sunday, and recently launched their latest single with a show in Reading.
Vocalist and keyboardist Michelle said: “I think a lot of people would assume that there isn’t much of a scene but, we were really quite surprised when we launched our single.”
“We got quite a lot of returning fans, and there are so many good bands in Reading, and people are really into it.”
She said also that the familyfriendly nature of the festival is a highlight.
“I love seeing families here, seeing little kids watching with their ear defenders, I think it’s so lovely to see that.
“Not many festivals are particularly family-friendly, really, so when it’s there it’s so nice.”
Tsungai Tsikirai was also among the acts on Sunday’s line-up.
She said: “I’ve been itching to get out there and work with
people, and work with ReadiPop for the first time, and today is just amazing– I don’t want it to end.”
“I enjoy festivals, the food, the music, and in the summer there’s nothing better for the mind than being out there, even if you’re not performing.
“And ReadiPop has an advantage of families and kids everywhere–childcare is expensive, and everyone wants to come out and do something, and here ther’re acts and timeslots for whatever age group.”
Tim Lane, of The Pink Diamond Revue, said that the festival is “Just the perfect size– you can get right to the front for Grandmaster Flash, it’s just right.
“And what they’re doing is just so good, for a kid now, in Reading, it’s impossible to get hold of the music gear, but they’ve got stuff that’ll make you drool, plus a studio, which even if you’ve got the money can be difficult to get.”