Are you listening?

AS the best day of the musical calendar approaches, we’re taking a look through the brilliant line-up at this year’s Are You Listening Festival to recommend our favourite musicians on the bill.

Taking place at multiple venues across Reading, it sees the best bands from across the country, and in the local area, coming together to raise money for Reading Mencap.

So, if you’re looking for a new band to see, the local acts to follow, or you’re wanting to fill in the gaps of your timetable, discover the acts you should make sure to see at Are You Listening Festival 2018.

Saltwater Sun

Local stars Saltwater Sun are back, after a year’s absence, to kick down the door. Backed with their latest single ‘The Wire’, this is sure to be a show on many punters’ lists. Expect infectious melodies, rip-roaring guitars, and a rhythm section that’ll blow you away.

The Lovely Eggs

Indie rock legends, The Lovely Eggs are guaranteed to pull in a big crowd, and deservedly so. They’re armed with punk rock-inspired songs like ‘Food’, as well as recent material from ‘This is Eggland’, that sees the band moving into a new territory. This will easily be one of the most exhilarating shows of the day!

Everhazel

The brilliance of Everhazel is hard to put down. With an array of influences, her music has been described as electronic tinged alternative pop.

With audible parallels to Kate Bush, Everhazel are one of the most unique and intriguing acts on the bill.

Valeras

The past year has seen Reading’s very own Valeras supporting Demob Happy, The Wombats, and pretty much every other live act out there. Along the way, they’ve built their live show into the remarkable force it is today. Their latest single ‘Louder’ was released this month, and showcases a band who are really hitting their stride. It won’t be long before Valeras will be headlining venues across the country.

Idles

If there is one band that it seems everyone is talking about this festival, it’s Idles.

Furious punk rock, with intelligent lyrics and a blistering soundtrack, they are one of the most exciting bands in the UK right now. Songs like ‘Well Done’, and ‘Divide & Conquer’ are sure to send Sub89 into a sweaty mess. Their live shows are known for their chaos, passion, and intense crowd activity. This is a set that cannot be missed!

These incredible artists join the equally brilliant line-up that includes, Field Music, Steve Lamaq, The Surfing Magazines, Mellor, Febueder, Vinyl Staircase, and many more!

Tickets are available for the best festival of the year from our shop for £20, or alternatively, at areyoulistening.org.uk