In a relatively short period of time, Field Day has triumphed as one of London’s hottest day-time festivals, with ticket numbers soaring every year, bigger and better acts appearing in the line up, and some of the city’s finest street food vendors dishing delicious food. It’s a damn serious contender for summer day-festivals. And 2019 should be no different.
This year the festival has acquired a new home at the new North London venue The Drumsheds, in Meridian Water. Comprising ten acres of outdoor space with giant interlinking warehouses in secluded fields, it boasts a new sophisticated production and sound system that would usually take pride in dinning out the next village over. Especially since the music doesn’t stop until three AM! Both nights.
It takes place over the course of two days, June 7-8, with 60+ acts attending. All artists are split over the course of two days, and each day can be bought separately. Late night admission is only an extra £15 per day, and if you’re not into staying up, you can stay as late as 10.30 PM.
Its aesthetic is pretty uncomplicated, pretty drinking in the long grass, listening to big beats, watching carnival antics. Artists such as Jorja Smith, Pusha T, Skee Mask, Skepta, Death Grips, and Octavian are just a few of the big names attending, alongside DJs like Seth Troxler, DJ Seinfeld, Todd Terje, and Mall Grab.
Here are a few ones to watch.
Earl Sweatshirt
This is arguably the greatest act performing at Field Day this year. His lyrical genius is widely appreciated as one of the best, and his latest album Some Rap Songs defied already crazy high expectations, consisting of reserved word-plays, warped vocals, loose percussion, hypnotic loops; nothing like he has ever done before. Many will buy tickets for the sole purpose of seeing this man. Do. Not. Miss. this.
Celeste
Watching celeste live is pretty special. A soul singer on the rise, her voice is enticing and finds depth in all sorts of places. You might even recognise Amy in there somewhere. Her angelic “Both Sides Of The Moon” is one to listen out for. You can find her on the Saturday leg of the festival. Just buy your ticket already.
Homeshake
Peter Sagar or Homeshake is performing on the first of the two days, and will no doubt enjoy considerable audience. Listening to his music is like trailing off on some dodgy cough syrup — or doubling up on your opioid medication. The former bassist of Mac Demarco encapsulates a slow, synth-heavy sound, with rhythmic guitar, gentle percussion, and steady bass. If you do miss out, check out Midnight Snack or Fresh Air anyway. They’re really quite moreish.
The Black Madonna
Marea Stamper is one of the major players driving dance music today, in a scene that attracts mostly younger male artists. The forty two year old diva from Kentucky remedies this stereotype by dishing out some of the hardest techno, disco and house anthems going, which has exploded her reputation globally as a queen of lo-fi, or some kind of twisted mother of tech house.
From her pulpit she exhibits a formidable female energy that caters for woman’s rights, and is not afraid to divulge her social and political stance, if the questions were to arise. Catch her on GTA’s Los Santos Radio station, if thats what your into.
Head to the Field Day website here for more information on the festival and the full line-up and the festival, and to buy your tickets! You can also get tickets at DICE, Resident Advisor, Skiddle and all the usual outlets.
Words by Mike Griffiths
