From Thursday July 12 to Sunday July 15 bands and solo artists will be taking over Swindon’s music venues and watering holes. As per usual the line-up is a glorious combination of familiar faces and up and coming artists - and it’s completely free to attend.
This year Swindon Shuffle will be supporting Swindon Mind - a local mental health charity who do incredible work to support people battling mental health issues. This chosen charity in particular also looks to raise awareness of mental health issues within the music industry - donation buckets will be available at every venue.
Each year Swindon Shuffle has been growing in size and bringing more and more variety to the stages across town - over four days there will be over 40 artists playing across five venues.
I am incredibly excited for this year’s Shuffle because the line-up is looking like it’s the best yet. Granted this will be my first time attending the Shuffle, but despite briefly migrating I’ve always kept my eye on it. This year I am delighted to see some acts on the list which I’ve seen growing over the last year or two which I highly recommend - shout out to The Harlers, Flour Babies, Hip Route, Grasslands, Canute’s Plastic Army, Emily-Jane Sheppard and SexJazz. That being said I am more than curious to see some acts new on my radar including SN Dubstation, Tamsin Quin, Slagerji, Palm Rose, The Oxymora, and ‘special guests’.
Eight-piece ska and reggae band - these guys come highly rated and I am incredibly intrigued to see these guys in action. I’m thinking Hypnotic Brass Ensemble meets The Specials.
Shoegazing synths with raw guitar riffs - Flour Babies are a post-punk sensation with dejecting lyrics (a mix of angst, trauma and honesty). They always make me think “Nu Wave meets post-punk” and consistently show signs of progression whilst remaining adherent to their founding sound. One for Pixies fans.
[caption id=“attachment_39909” align=“aligncenter” width=“699”]
Photo by Olie Hunking[/caption]
I saw their first live set and I’m completely sold on seeing them again - I didn’t actually realise it was their first live set until half way through, but they had me blissfully fooled. Ones to watch for a hypnotic session, and resurgence, of indie dream pop!
New music alert: this will be the band’s first live performance, bringing fresh material onto the grunge and alt-rock scene. Although this will be their first performance a a newly formed band, the trio aren’t strangers to the stage - familiar faces will be recognised as the lead singer (centre) and bassist (right) from A Way With Words.
They get more polished with every show - a band that’s very much on their way. Their latest single ‘Heart of Gold’ has gone down and treat, and also resonates with an tamer Royal Blood whilst also boarding on the line of RnB. You’d be a fool to miss a free set.
Tamsin is the antidote to riotous sweaty bands - a sombre and intimate show of harmonious folk and blues songs, or so I’ve heard. Bliss. No promises but given that Tamsin has released her a new album ‘Gypsy Blood’ through Earthworm Recording Studios, there could be some new exciting new material to add to her set.
My favourite reprobates - an infectious fusion of psychedelia, punk and cross-dressing - who always bring a strange organised chaos to the stage. They’re always high energy, and SexJazz are always a great show.
Her spunky and delightful personality merges perfectly with her gentle and compelling vocals. Emily’s a lovely listen with both her original music and covers, and there’s something about her sets that brings a pub of people to a amiable attention.
For the full line-up visit www.swindonshuffle.co.uk or look below.
