Five Must See Acts at Wickerman Festival

Photo: Jimmy Cliff

As one of our favourite festivals north of the border, Wickerman continues to enchant us with its feel good, laid back atmosphere and regular supply of high grade line ups. This year alone sees a typically diverse contingent take over the bill, with the likes of Neneh Cherry, Example, Tom Odell, The Sugarhill Gang and The Waterboys amongst the main draws. 

This time round, we've decided to take more of an under-the-radar approach for our five essential Wickerman acts, shining light on what could be some of the festival's more hidden highlights, bar of course the inclusion of the mighty Jimmy Cliff - an essential artist to witness in any situation.

Jimmy Cliff

In amongst the huge names hitting Wickerman this year, the one that really stands out is Jimmy Cliff, arguably the greatest living ambassador of ska and reggae. Despite being well into his sixties, Jimmy Cliff delivers live performances with more soul and effortless brilliance than almost anyone else. With roughly a billion hits in his back catalogue too, you'd be daft to miss out on his main stage performance.

Tuff Love

With plenty of attitude, buckets of energy and echoes of shoegaze giants like My Bloody Valentine and Jesus and Mary Chain, Glasgow band Tuff Love have in their short careers already been earmarked for greatness. Heading up the Solus Tent, their honeyed harmonies, fuzzy guitar work, and frenzied live performance will be one of the highlights of the festival. Listen to the superb 'Sweet Discontent' above.

Hector Bizerk

Doing more for Scottish hip hop than almost anyone before them, Hector Bizerk have become regulars on the Scottish festival circuit. Combining the unique, raw MCing of Louie with hefty percussion, live bass and sporadic synths, there are few acts out there that have a sound quite as bold as theirs. You'll either love it or hate it, and we definitely love it. Listen to 'Skin and Bone' above.

Miaoux Miaoux

Another choice selection from the Solus Tent is the Miaoux Miaoux lads. Often heard on Radio 6, their combining of noodling guitars, overtly driving synths, classic dance templates and intimate vocals has yielded some cracking results. Check out their live set for Stereo above to see what's in store.

Zyna Hel

You might not be acquainted with the work of Zyna Hel, but once you've heard a glimpse of her ethereal, washed out vocals and experimentally charged compositions you'll be hooked. Lying somewhere between Sisters of Mercy, Kate Bush and Cocteau Twins with added electronics and rousing choruses galore, Zyna Hel's music will leave you feeling a whole lot better about, well, everything.

Head here for the complete Wickerman Festival line up. Get your tickets here.

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