Five must see acts at City Sound Project

Image: City Sound Project

Established back in 2012, City Sound Project aims to bring music of all genres to the historic city of Canterbury to mark it down as one of the best city-based festivals around.

Previous headliners have included the likes of Bastille, George Ezra, Duke Dumont, Slaves, Gorgon City and Hannah Wants.

This year the metropolitan festival plays host to gigs on 16 stages within the its walls, including events taking place in chapels, castles, ancient theatres, on cobbled streets, in clubs and pubs, and even a medieval hospital located within the Kings Bridge. 

With dozens of bands making their way to Canterbury in May, we've picked a few of the highlights that simply can't be missed.

Applebottom

The incredibly youthful Applebottom has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks catching the attention of the likes of Kerri Chandler and Annie Mac with his merging of house and bass music (listen to his mix for us above).

He's already being earmarked as one of the future totems of dance music and the Bristol DJ's love of classic, house and disco makes him a welcome introduction to any dance floor. 

Big Narstie

A big favourite with everyone at Skiddle, grime's biggest personality was the artist of the month on our latest podcast where we spoke to him about what life is like when touring schedules get busy, partying on the Skiddle bus (watch above) and his role in the development of grime.

Nastie's gritty portrayals of inner city life, have seen him collaborate with the likes of N-Dubz and Professor Green and his live show has become the by-word for dropping the bassline. 

Clean Cut Kid

Coming straight out of Liverpool, Clean Cut Kid are the epitome of the buzz band. Their indie pop melodies have caught the ear of industry figures across the board, receiving countless spins on BBC Radio 1 and earning the band a headline spot on Reading and Leeds' Introducing stage.

Their interchanging harmonies and on-trend influences should see them become one of the breakthrough bands of 2016 and you'd do well to catch them while you can. 

Mystery Jets 

2016 feels like a big year for the Mystery Jets, who released their fifth album, Curve of the Earth in January. Since emerging from Eel Pie Island a decade ago, the Thames-beat oddballs have ploughed an individualistic furrow through British indie.

Taking in Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, The Kinks and a big dollop of 'seventies prog on their new material, this summer could see a major and deserved breakthrough for the band who have taken on a prolific tour schedule. With their love of the historic, Canterbury could be the perfect place to watch one of the UK's best bands. 

Samu.l

Featuring on the likes of Adam Shelton's One Records, Birmingham beat sculpter Samu.l is equally adept in the studio as he is pushing house and techno to a crowd. His productions drive deep and lean heavily on killer grooves, like stripped-down cut 'Searching' (listen above) released on Italian based Moan Recordings '4 years of' compilation. 

One for the minimal heads looking to get lost in the sounds, Samu.l is a justified choice if you want to get in one of the most in-demand producers navigating the underground right now. Watch out for his incoming live set.

City Sound Project takes places from Saturday 30th April to Sunday 1st May - tickets available via the box below.

Read our interview with Tim Burgess: "Anything can happen at Tim Peaks Diner"

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