If it’s anything like previous years, an air of anticipation will swallow last-minute pint buyers in a body-heat smog, as the crowd takes its place – ready to witness the fast-rising underdog. The Great Escape festival (14-17 May) is back with a bang and it’s still hell-bent on unleashing ‘the next big thing’.
Widely hailed as the launchpad for the hottest emerging talent, The Great Escape has earned its reputation for showcasing the crème de la crème of new music. With over 30 venues scattered across the city, each one plays host to upcoming artists from around the globe. Past alumni say it all: Kneecap, Wunderhorse, Arlo Parks, Lola Young, Gabriels, Little Simz and a long list of others the word count simply would not allow for.
Taking the stage this year is one of Brighton’s own shiny pearls, the garage rock trio,Currls. Gaining fierce momentum, they slam down punchy hooks and riotous basslines with raw, unfiltered power. I caught up with them to find out what playing The Great Escape festival means to a homegrown band: “We’re super excited to have the opportunity- especially as it’s such an industry – focused festival,” they told me. “As a DIY band, being in those rooms with key people is what helps push us to the next level.”
“We started the band at university here in Brighton back in 2017. Festivals like this always felt out of reach at that point. Playing The Great Escape now almost feels like telling your younger self, ‘we did it’—and doing it in your hometown makes it even more special.”
Following in the footsteps of Brighton-born trailblazers like Lambrini Girls and The Kooks, Currls are proudly repping the grassroots rock scene—and they have no plans to do it quietly. So who are they most excited to see?
Hannah: Queen Cult, Carne, Ladylike
Holly: Sulk, Karen Dió, Kamran Kaur
Sal: Arxx, Nxdia, She’s in Parties
Check out the full line-up and buy tickets at www.greatescapefestival.com. Catch Currls live at the BBC Introducing Stage in the Paganini Ballroom, Wed 14 May at 19:15. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
