Five Must See Acts at Nozstock

Image: Nozstock

There's a tonne of great stuff on offer at Nozstock: The Hidden Valley, with its eight stages of everything from world class DJs to intimate acoustic stages soundtracking a sublime independent return to Bromyard's Rowden Paddocks on August 1st.

What's more, the 5000 attendees heading the Herefordshire spectacular this year are going to be treated to perhaps its most impressive line up yet. Here is our selection of must see acts.

Roots Manuva

This one is a no-brainer. We've long been big fans of Rodney Smith here at Skiddle since he burst onto the urban scene back in 1999 with one of UK hip hop's best ever albums Brand New Second Hand (we had it on our office radio not so long back - read our reaction here).

His subsequent career has been nothing short of breathtaking, as he continues to plunder the worlds of hip hop, jazz, funk, soul, dub and electronica to continue to be one of the country's most innovative rappers. Whatever you do, do not miss the mighty Roots Manuva in action.

Calyx and Teebee

The drum 'n' bass on show at Nozstock this year in is extensive, with the likes of Ram Records boss Andy C and Shogun Audio head honcho Friction giving festival goers plenty of skanking opportunities. However, our top selection lands on colossal two piece Calyx and Teebee.

The two d 'n' b veterans have been carving a name for themselves for years now, with their penchant for the hard hitting, dark and pulverising successfully setting them apart as true stars of the higher tempos. Check out their tough as nails mix for Crissy Criss' 1Xtra show above to see what we mean.

Fun Lovin Criminals

Perhaps one of the coolest sets of individuals in music full stop, Huey Morgan, Brian Leiser and Frank Benbini have been favourites on British airwaves since back in 1996, when hits like 'Scooby Snacks' and 'King of New York' blew up across the country, with their hip hop, jazz, blues and funk fusion yielding some of the sexiest, catchiest downtempo tunes of the time.

They've continued to embed themselves in the British music scene throughout their careers, with further albums continuing to showcase a sound that is as fresh and unique as it was when they first excited our eardrums.

Sonny Wharton

We can't overlook one of the DJs who's been our mate for what seems like forever, the one and only Sonny Wharton. A frequent player at the Wickerman Bass Camp with us and our recent forages in Lancaster Prison as A Wing (listen to that above), Sonny's command of a dancefloor is renowned across the globe.

James Zabiela

And last but by no means least is the wonderfully gifted DJ James Zabiela. As one of the most exciting and technically advanced jocks out there, his party primed sets comprised of almost every genre imaginable are a real tour de force of DJing power, and his ability to get a crowd whipped up into a rave fueled frenzy remains unparalleled. Check out his classic Boiler Room appearance to see the evidence for yourselves. Superb.

Grab your Nozstock tickets here.

Tickets are no longer available for this event