Five new names to watch out for at Highest Point 2023

The huge Lancastrian get-together in Williamson Park that is Highest Point Festival is only a matter of days away now, and whilst you are preparing your things, putting together the perfect outfits, and deciding who you are going to see and when, we wanted to let you in on a few of the acts playing, who you may not have heard of, that you quite simply have to be at for their set. 

From up-and-coming DJs tearing up their local scenes; to the singer-songwriters who will be charting before you know it; to some absolute trailblazers in the underground scene that are finally getting the recognition they deserve; Highest Point Festival is stacked with talent that may otherwise go under your radar.

With all this in mind, we've put together this list of the five that we think are the best of the crop, and that you have to get adding to your clash-finders. Scroll down and check them out!

Eldon

Image: Eldon on Facebook

Liverpudlian DJ, Eldon, has spent years honing his craft behind the decks, with his talent seeing him perform alongside some of the biggest house acts from across the globe, including but not limited to Solardo, Camelphat, and Richy Ahmed.

The enticing combo of pure talent and graft has seen Eldon adopt all the hallmarks of a seasoned pro, despite still being a relative unknown in mainstream circuits, and past years have seen Eldon take major strides into achieving the fame his ability so obviously deserves.

With a style reminiscent of early 90's American house and bass scenes previously prevalent in cities like Chicago, Miami, and Detroit. Yet, he is putting his Scouse spin on the genre, with his tracks infused with an undeniably British, bass-driven edge. You can catch Eldon at Highest Point on the Chris Glaba Memorial Stage from 12:00 - 13:15 on Saturday. We have no idea what tunes he will come armed with, all we know is that it's going to get us grooving

Phoebe Hall 

Image: Phoebe Hall on Facebook

Hailing from the picturesque streets of York, Phoebe Hall offers up a brand of alt-pop laden with infectious energy, multifaceted musicianship beyond her years, and lyrics that never shy away from exploring her queerness whilst reminding every listener to love themself as they are.

Rounding out the year with the release of her debut EP Runaway, Phoebes 2022 went from strength to strength. From supporting Larkins on their UK tour, performing on the BBC Introducing Stage at Latitude Festival, and securing a slot at All Points East, it’s clear to see why she’s been booked for Highest Point. 

With tracks from her debut EP alongside a few unreleased tunes, Phoebe Halls's introspective bops will undoubtedly set the crowd at Highest Point alight. If you want to be a part of this memorable occasion and be able to say you saw her before she blew up, then you can catch her on the Main Stage from 15:45 - 16:30 on Friday.

Murphy's Law

Image: Murphys Law on Facebook

Brothers Sonny and Finn Murphy, aka Murphys Law, have been spinning tracks together since they were 11 and 13 respectively previously producing anything from grime to dubstep. But now, following their exposure to the rave world, the duo have since embraced the dark and dingy nature of the underground rave scene, and are crafting tunes that’ll fit right in.

Hailing from Leicester, the boys have, in a short time, made a name for themselves. From a residency for their local brand ‘Full House’ to playing abroad at WeAreFstvl in Cancun to BPM Festival in Portugal, they are quickly becoming an international force that looks set to provide generations to come with the dirtiest of tracks.

The duo are also renowned for the originality of their live shows, making sure to incorporate live elements into their set, particularly through extra percussive layers. We can't wait to see what rabbit they pull out of their hats at Highest Point, and we want you down there to experience it too. You can catch Murphy's Law on the Chris Glaba Memorial Stage from 17:00 - 16:15 on Saturday.

Emily Makis 

Image: Emily Makis on Facebook

Bubbling under the surface and tearing up the underground scene for years, Emily Makis is quite possibly the most exciting Drum and Bass vocalist in the scene at the minute. Featuring on energetic tracks with millions of listens like ‘Stand Up’ with Kanine and ‘High Note’ with K Motionz, Emily has crafted herself a dark and authentic sound that slots flawlessly into bass-heavy numbers.

The Nottingham-based artist has an accomplished spectrum of lyricism, and has already proven that she can hold her own in every facet of the genre, from the high-octane to the more introspective and reserved; basically, everything she touches turns to gold.

We can't wait to see Emily Makis tear up Highest Point with her huge, euphoric medleys, and we want to see you down at the front grooving along too. If this sounds up your alley, then you can catch her at The Sundial from 19:00 - 20:00 on Friday.

Nathan X

Image: Nathan X on Facebook

From spearheading the UK's first mainstream LGBTQ+ Drum and Bass movement, ‘Unorthodox’, a brand with has made a serious impact through their legendarily inclusive rave takeovers and championing of queer talent at open decks nights; to shredding up stages across the country in his full drag persona Nathan X, it’s fair to say that Toby Nathan has laid some considerable groundwork for his eventual rise to stardom. 

As Nathan X, he brings the groove every time. With his bold look and relentless energy, the DJ is pioneering a new style of hosting and mixing. Expect banging pop remixes, dancefloor fillers and hard-hitting rollers, all sprinkled with elements of dubstep, liquid and jungle.

Consistently driving to curate a safe space for all queer people within the Drum and Bass world, we can't wait to see Nathan X run riot on The Sundial on Friday at Highest Point, and you won't be able to either. He will be playing from 18:00 - 19:00 and we will see you down there for a boogie. 

If you haven't yet secured your ticket to Highest Point Festival 2023, then don't worry there are still some left!

However, it is on its last release, so if you want to make sure you can see all the incredible acts listed above, alongside all the other amazing artists at the festival, then scroll to the bottom of this page and secure those tickets before its too late!

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Tickets for Highest Point Festival 2023

Tickets are no longer available for this event