The annual music festival based in and around Sheffield city centre, Tramlines, is back this year and it is bigger than ever so here is my guide to the bands and acts I would love to see playing my city over the course of the weekend:
Thumpers
This alt-pop duo are bound to kick up a storm during their Saturday slot. With dance along melodies, catchy riffs and drums and plenty of talent this will be the perfect time for the band to showcase not only their two successful singles ‘Unkinder’ and ‘Dancing’s Done’ but also more of their work and it will be the perfect time for anyone at the festival wanting to discover a brilliant new band or just looking for dance. A must see act from this year’s Tramlines.
When and Where: Saturday, Stage Two
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Tensnake
One of my absolute favourite dance producers will be making his way to my fair city bringing his brilliant music with him. Creating one of my favourite ever dance tracks in ‘Coma Cat’, a track I’ve said many times that I could listen to on repeat for hours as well as creating one of my all time favourite remixes [see below], if you are looking for a party this is where it will be. This is a moment not to be missed and it is a very big booking for the festival.
When and Where: Saturday, Nando’s Out There
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Holy Other
This mysterious dance producer took the world by storm last year when his brilliant debut album ‘Held’ was released. With moody, ambient and sparse tracks he may not be the one for a night full of dancing but he certainly has some amazing chill out songs to really just sit back and listen to. There is no doubt that this will be an amazing set so make sure you catch it.
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Swiss Lips
Manchester power pop indie kids will be bringing their upbeat and fun sounds to one of the city’s most famous venues The Leadmill. I first saw this band supporting Bastille last year and they were brilliant, they got the crowd going and ready for the main act and they certainly made a lot of new fans converting them to their infectious rhythm and dance along poppy synths. These guys are the perfect band to kick off the first night for the festival setting you up for a wonderful 3 days of music.
When and Where: Friday, Leadmill
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Theme Park
When I saw Theme Park at Leeds Festival 2012 though I’d never heard any of their stuff before I was blown away by how good they are and how catchy their songs are. Expect huge sing along’s and plenty of swaying hips from the attendees in the crowd to accompany their guitar hooks and summery sound. With the release of their debut earlier this year they will also have plenty of new material to showcase along with older more seasoned songs of theirs.
When and Where: Sunday, Main Stage on Devonshire Green
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Rolo Tomassi
One of Sheffield’s finest and a band that has been a huge supporter of this festival will take to the stage at Tramlines once again. They always go down a treat whether you are a fan or not they do get the crowd interested. Eva Spence’s demonic screams forever drawing the crowd in wondering how such a small girl can make such a big sound. The rock riffs, prog sounds and brilliant drums all top off what made them and continues to make them so good and so different to everything else out there.
When and Where: Sunday, Stage Two
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The Crookes
Another of Sheffield’s finest, this time from the indie circuit. This band have gone from strength to strength over the past couple of years and a set on the Main Stage in their hometown is bound to go down an absolute treat as they are sure to draw a big crowd and it will obviously be a big moment for the band themselves. Definitely make sure you check out these local lads moment.
When and Where: Sunday, Main Stage on Devonshire Green
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Canterbury
This Surrey four piece have created quite a fanbase for themselves over the last few years becoming increasingly popular after support slots for bands such as You Me At Six and Enter Shikari, their own headline tours and plenty of festival sets. With all that experience of playing live shows relentlessly for 4 years behind them they have built themselves up perfectly for what should be a really good set and the perfect place to showcase the stuff from their latest album ‘Heavy In The Day’ which was released last year.
When and Where: Saturday, Corporation
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Toddla T Sound
Another Sheffielder well respected DJ and past Tramlines event curator Toddla T will be headlining on Saturday night of the festival. Not quite a DJ set and not quite a live show as Toddla T sound is a collective put together by the man himself consisting of Serocee, DRS and Shola AMA, their sets feature elements of live performances as well as Djing with live vocalists bringing the sounds from the clubs and studios to the festival field. This will definitely be an interesting set to catch and a really good way to party on Saturday night.
When and Where: Saturday, O2 Academy
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Dutch Uncles
The upbeat, happy sounds of Dutch Uncles will be gracing the main stage in Sheffield on Saturday. With 3 albums under their belts the band have plenty of material to pick from for their set, one which is bound to be one of the sets of the weekend. With anthems perfect for a festival field and sunny day they will definitely kick off Saturday in style and have everyone dancing.
When and Where: Saturday, Main Stage on Devonshire Green
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Dog Is Dead
Debut album ‘All Our Favourite Stories’ only came out last year so for anyone that might not have heard of these guys it will be the perfect time for you to check out their material. Hailing from Nottingham this indie-pop five piece look set to shake off those Sunday hangovers and have you partying again for one last time with their disco-jazz tinged sound, be sure to check these guys out!
When and Where: Sunday, Stage Two
For the first year, Tramlines will be charging due to loss of sponsors and council tax cuts the festival has had to charge to still be put on but it is still at a very affordable price. Day tickets cost £6 and can be bought on the day from all venues or bought in advance from the festival’s website and weekend tickets are £15 which can also be bought from the website. With plenty of bands and acts from all different genres playing in plenty of venues from big to small all over the city for the weekend of 19th to 21st July it is the festival with plenty of good music, a wonderful atmosphere and in a city full of musical heritage, it is one not to be missed.
Credits
– Thumpers picture
– Tensnake picture
– Holy Other picture
– Swiss Lips picture
– Theme Park picture
– Rolo Tomassi picture
– The Crookes picture
– Canterbury picture
– Toddla T Sound picture
– Dutch Uncles picture
– Dog Is Dead picture
Mixtape Couture 
