2013 Round-up: Michelle Lloyd (Unsigned Guide)

Next up in our year round ups is Michelle Lloyd, our woman in the field for festival coverage and the delightful voice of the Unsigned Guide.

How has 2013 been for you then overall?

It's been fun! Quite where it's disappeared to though I'm not sure. I'm fortunate enough to work full time in music at The Unsigned Guide and with my freelance writing on the side I get to go to lots of gigs and festivals and that's where I'm happiest.

2013 has been a great year for gigs and music in general really and I've met some great people this year too and made lots of new friends; so yeah all in all a great year.

What highlights have you had?

Where to start! Wireless festival at the Olympic Park was a definite highlight - watching Justin Timberlake from the top of the Starflyer deliriously drunk having just downed a jagerbomb is a memory that will stay with me forever – a paradox considering. 

Seeing Frank Ocean and Jay-Z do their thing there too was pretty spectacular. I'm not known for my love of hip-hop but this year has seen me fully embrace it; I even saw Kendrick Lamar twice in one week - dedication.

Leeds Festival as always was a hoot despite the torrential rain and mud baths. Live at Leeds and Dot to Dot were up there too as was the divine Festival No.6. I'm originally from North Wales and it's a real treat to be able to stay at home and travel on site every day (I hate camping) and this year was even more magical than the last.

Watching the Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir performing in the moonlight on the piazza gave me goosebumps and proved to be a fitting way to end the festival season.

Finally getting to see Arctic Monkeys was not only a highlight of my year but probably my life. Hands down the best gig I’ve ever been to. Finsbury Park next year is going to be spectacular and I have to be there.

On a personal note, I realised a bit of a dream in finally getting my name in print having taken on a column with my colleague tipping Manchester acts in the MEN's CityLife Extra magazine. 

And I also managed to raise a hefty sum for the Alzheimer's Society in walking 26 miles across Wiltshire in memory of my granddad. It was one of the most heart-warming things I've ever done.

You’ve done a Spotify playlist (above) for us, thanks! Explain the songs you’ve chosen and why?

I'm very unashamedly a guitar girl and a real sucker for a catchy hook so the majority of the playlist is centred on boys with guitars and jaunty melodies. But there’s a few more mellow tracks in there from some of my favourite acts this year including Daughter and Cloud Control.

There's some Two Door Cinema Club in there as I absolutely love those boys and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. They've had a fantastic year which culminated in a headline slot at the O2 last week. 'Changing of The Seasons' was produced by Madeon and is incredibly infectious.

Arctic Monkeys had to feature; 'Snap Out of It' was my favourite song from AM so it made the cut. There's some Foals in there as they made my Leeds festival (and I'm a little in love with Yannis). Local Natives were a given, they returned with their second album Hummingbird this year and it quite literally blew me away. Beautiful stuff. 

Pop starlet Chloe Howl had to be included, she's the girl I wish I had been at 18 - so ballsy. Her debut album’s out next year and it’s going to be a real cracker. 

Local boys Everything Everything and Dutch Uncles feature as they’ve both had a great year and they’re thoroughly nice chaps....and I couldn't make a playlist without featuring Joy Division and The Maccabees because they're my faves.

What other music have you been into this year?

2013's going to go down as the year I finally realised the genius of Radiohead and The National. They're two bands I never really 'got' before but having spent some time with their back catalogues I'm well and truly hooked. I saw The National at the Apollo last month and they were phenomenal. 

What have you got planned for Boxing Day/New Year?

Well, I'm going back to the depths of Snowdonia for Christmas and New Year to recharge the batteries and spend some time with friends and family so my options are pretty limited. 

I dare say I'll be frequenting my locals and causing all manner of mischief with my nearest and dearest though, and I might even pay a little visit to the only nightclub we have - The Venue, Barmouth. Watch out dancefloor.

And finally; any plans you can let slip for 2014?

Apart from obviously meeting the man of my dreams and becoming a millionaire? Well I'm looking forward to getting involved with a radio show that the wonderful Emily Brinnand hosts on Wythenshawe FM showcasing emerging music. 

I've always wanted to get involved in radio and this seemed like the perfect place to start and as my brother’s always told me; I have a face for radio. And of course I’ll be getting stuck in with plenty more reviews for you guys!