Exploding Head:
Exploding Head is a band hailing from North and West Cumbria. As proponents of shimmering grunge, this four piece creates a sound which is equal parts the fuzz-fuelled frenzy of Mudhoney and the sky-scraping introspection of Slowdive. On their debut EP ‘A Polar Bear Stare’, Exploding Head explores and filters these influences through the playful slacker inventiveness of Pavement, the psychedelic drones of Brian Jonestown Massacre and the raw punk power of The Stooges to deliver a release which is as unique as it is affirming, and as raucous as it is accessible. After a busy UK-wide summer touring schedule in support of their debut release, the collective efforts of Exploding Head were recognised at last year’s Kendal Calling festival, where the band received the inaugural Calling Out award for best emerging artist. With a new EP in the works and a busy tour itinerary planned, Exploding Head is a band on the precipice of scaling new heights.
Grace Price
Grace Price is a Leeds-based indie singer-songwriter from West Cumbria. A fresh voice on the indie-folk scene, Grace uses diverse acoustic sources to create lyrically intricate songs centred around groove, her debut EP ‘Harbour’ gaining airplay on BBC Radio 1 and 6. Her organic sound thrives live, seen at festivals such as Kendal
Calling and multiple headline shows. Inspired by the poetry and literature close to her, and looking to artists such as Tori Amos and Madison Cunningham, Grace has been described as reminiscent of ‘a young Laura Marling’.
bodyroot
bodyroot is a producer/guitarist from the Lake District. Inspired by the natural world, his sensory beats ride the line between experimental and accessible. Moving from Cumbria to Manchester left bodyroot feeling like a fish out of water. Unsure of how to reconcile his love of nature with big city life, he began recording the world around him and using these sounds in his productions. His debut release ‘root tape 001’ is a journal of various locations, feelings and experiences from this time, topped off with tight electronic grooves and memorable hooks. bodyroot’s sound is defined by contrast, blending the beautiful with the abrasive in an attempt to capture something truly authentic. He draws inspiration from artists like Porter Robinson, Fred again.. and Louis Cole, while also borrowing from more experimental acts like Aphex Twin and Cornelius. “Creating ‘root tape 001’ was definitely a balancing act. I was taking ideas from my ambient/electronic influences and condensing them into something more in line with my favourite pop instrumentals. I was worried that by placing myself between genres, I might end up not pleasing anybody. Doing every part of the process yourself makes you doubt stuff like that. Listening back to it now, though, I realise I’ve made the exact record I would’ve wanted to hear a year ago. I’m very proud of it.”