Now firmly established as one of London's finest one-day festivals, the Communion Records-run Bushstock once again descends on Shepherd's Bush. The festival typically has a strong dedication to new music, much like the mid-noughties clubnights that spawned the Communion brand, previously featuring on-the-rise acts such as Bastille and Daughter before they hit big. We've highlighted a few of our choice bands from the 2017 line up below:
Rukhsana Merrise @ The Courtyard (14.00)
Both one of Communion and West London's own, this soulful singer-songwriter could be the perfect start to your Bushstock. Although we'd certainly suggest catching the festival's first act of the day, Mirror Fury, if you can.
Avante Black @ Defector's Weld (14.30)
The melodic-meets-scuzz of 'Imaginary Love' provided one of our favourite tracks of 2015, and Ottilia Zimmerman Kjulsten's outfit has continued to make waves subsequently. They've most recently worked with former Clor man turned producer Luke Smith (Foals, Crystal Fighters) and we're excited to see what they can offer in the live environment.
Mosa Wild @ The Courtyard (15.00)
This new outfit have only unleashed one song thus far, making them more of a "mosawildcard" option here, amiright? Moving swiftly on...while their material is scant, it is of sufficiently high quality to warrant a mention, successfully channeling the might of The National.
Gordi @ St Stephen's Church (17.00)
Shades of Imogen Heap (and therefore Jason DeRulo to some extent) permeate through Sydney musician Gordi's delectable offerings. Bon Iver is another strong influence, as demonstrated by the above cover of '0000 Million', and expect plenty more emotive and delightful efforts.
Arlissa @ Bush Hall (18.00)
Arlissa's head-turning vocals saw her procure collaborations with Nas and Crystal Fighters, as well as make it onto the BBC Sound of 2013 longlist. She's still belting them out and will be kicking off the Bush Hall strand of Bushstock in undoubtedly imperious fashion. However, if Arlissa isn't your bag, then the hypnotic Siren-esque Tender Central might be up your street, also playing at 6pm but at the Traid venue.
Outlya @ Defector's Weld (18.45)
Port Isla played Bushstock in 2015 and it's pleasing to see their latest incarnation have the opportunity to showcase their new material in the intimate pub surroundings of the Defector's Weld. Their piano-led pop anthems have a mainstream appeal that could see the band return again in future, but as headliners.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich @ St Stephen's Church (20.00)
We can imagine few better settings for Benjamin Francis Leftwich's acoustic songwriting than the iconic St Stephen's Church. His earnest, tender tracks lend comparison to Passenger, and hopefully a similar level of success will follow in the near future.
The Staves @ St Stephen's Church (21.20)
Arguably the festival's biggest act, these three sisters offer wonderfully soaring harmonies, embodying the folk sound that has typified the heart of Bushstock across the years. Their 2015 Bon Iver/Justin Vernon produced second album should see a follow-up shortly, but for now, we'll have to tide ourselves over with this headline slot.
Times/venue subject to change, as per the festival schedule. Find more info and purchase tickets at bushstock.co.uk.
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