Festival season is underway and I’m thrilled to share that Record Weekly has been invited as press* to cover Long Division Festival in Wakefield on 25th September. It’ll be the first time having access to a day-long event of its kind, so it’s very exciting indeed!

Not sure what to expect yourself? Here’s a preview of Long Division and its line-up based on my preferences, though I’m sure there’ll be plenty, plenty more talent to remark about afterwards. 

WHAT IS LONG DIVISION FESTIVAL?

The city-wide Long Division Festival is about to celebrate its tenth year, so you can bet on 2021 being an extravaganza. The way it works? Gigs take place across participating venues around Wakefield, all within walking distance, and you just hop from one to another depending on who you want to see. It’s a doddle. And when you eyeball the list of acts on the billing, you’ll be sold. You can read more details about what’s on here. 

RECORD WEEKLY’S PRE-FESTIVAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Ready to wrap your ears around some of the tunes you’ll get to hear on the day? I’ve cherry-picked a few must-know favourite bands and artists…

Low Hummer

The garage-rock-meets-indie misfits, Low Hummer, are right up there as ones to watch in 2021 here at Record Weekly. Every dark melody, scorching riff and throwback synth is seamlessly executed, so you won’t want to miss out on seeing the Hull outfit do their thing. They’ll be on a buzz from releasing their debut album on 17th September. 

PRIESTGATE

I first got into PRIESTGATE when they were announced as support for certain dates of The Ninth Wave’s upcoming tour. Their back catalogue isn’t expansive yet, so now’s the time to catch them. Their dreamy, ‘80s-style hooks are super-catchy and guitar-led, and they’ve also been endorsed by Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches. 

The Futureheads

The feisty post-punk leanings of The Futureheads can be enjoyed by one and all as they take on the festival as a chief, headline act. They’ve stacks of songs and albums up their sleeve, so their set ought to be brimming full of action for rockers and indie fans alike. Hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners can’t be wrong…

Glasvegas

Bit mad that the ‘Geraldine’ hit-makers, Glasvegas, will be in town, isn’t it? That 2008 balladic belter — with its well-known Scots-twang vocals and simple chords — will be ace to hear loud and proud, so I’m pretty stoked that this band have been booked. Prepare to be taken right back to the noughties! 

Sunflower Thieves

The Leeds-based pop-folk duo, Sunflower Thieves, will be gracing us with their presence, which will be fantastically melancholic. Their angelic tones and acoustic guitars create a sense of The Staves or Julien Baker — does it get any quainter? They’ll be serving us some softness between the day’s heavier artists. 

Lanterns on the Lake

The gentle, Daughter-esque tones of Lanterns on the Lake will also be very welcome in Wakefield. Of course, their grungier elements grip me, but there are so many stripped-back, wholesome qualities to relish from this five-piece as well. Not yet familiar? Sea Power, Field Music and King Creosote have similarities. 

Too Many T’s

I’m massively into my hip-hop, but I often veer towards America’s exports. When you stumble upon rappers from the UK that bring good vibes and bold beats, I’ve got to sit up and take note though. That’s the essence of Too Many T’s really, who should have no trouble raising the roof and laying on a party atmosphere. 

Big Joanie

The all-female London punk-rockers, Big Joanie, are explosive! They know their way around shredding riffs, rumbling bass chords and stomping drums, so for a ferocious set made for head-banging, get on down to see them take centre stage. They’ve even toured with Sleater-Kinney, which is really major stuff. 

Hands Off Gretel

Keen to revisit those angsty teenage years? You and me both. Let loose with Hands Off Gretel, who’ve got this very slick pop-punk niche going on, with a generous dollop of emo for good measure. There’s something slightly Saint Agnes about them as well, so you’ll be moshing along in minutes of them thrashing around. 

Peggy Sue

For easy-to-listen-to indie-rock with sweet female vocals, Peggy Sue (actually a duo) get a thumbs-up. They’ve been chatted about in the same breath as Slow Club, Cate Le Bon and others. So, if those up your street, check the set times for this bubbly Brighton band and you’ll be having a blast at the drop of a bucket hat.

There are so many artists that you’ll want to see as well! Weekend Recovery, VENUS GRRRLS, The Lounge Society, Bunkerpop, Lemon Drink, The Golden Age of TV… I can’t stress enough that the list goes on (and on). Arm yourself with all the latest info by heading to the website for the finer details and news.

Can’t wait to boogie on the 25th! 

*A big thanks to Hanglands for the opportunity. Press tickets supplied by them.