Stockton Calling is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about who we all might like to see. And we aren’t exactly short of choice with over 80 artists performing across the day in 11 different venues around the town! From indie to rock, and rap to pop, there’s a performer to suit everyone’s tastes, and potentially lots of new artists to discover.
Now, I’m sure it’s possible, but it’d be difficult to try and squeeze a glimpse of every artist into the day. Plus, you want to actually be able to enjoy a set rather than leaving a song or two in! So to help you make some decisions about who you might like to see, I thought I’d share 10 artists that I’m looking forward to seeing at Stockton Calling. If you need more info about the festival first, check out this blog post.
1. Komparrison
I remember watching Komparrison in a crowded upstairs of The Twisted Lip at Twisterella. Back then, they were an acoustic duo, and they absolutely worked the room and were a total joy. But now, they’ve added three more band members to the line up and produce incredibly catchy tunes with powerful observations of life for women in the North East. Despite talking about taboo topics, they still keep a light heartedness and an unmistakeable confidence, complimented by Brit Pop-style guitars. They’re absolutely lush!
Listen to Komparrison on Spotify.
2. The Reytons
Hailing from sunny Doncaster, The Reytons are an indie rock band with the working man grit and sound of early Arctic Monkeys. Think bright guitars, rough and raw vocals, pounding drums, and heavy accents. They’re a nationally renowned group and have recently found themselves battling for a top 10 debut album chart position, so they’re truly one to watch! Their set promises to be raucous, loud and primed for raising pints.
Listen to The Reytons on Spotify.
3. Mt. Misery
Mt. Misery are for fans of wistful, blissed out sounds, beautiful melodies and a sense of yearning. Think Belle & Sebastian, but from Hartlepool. In fact, their sound pretty much captures the serene feeling of pulling your scarf around a little tighter as the sun hits the sea and the wind bites on a walk along the Headland. I saw Mt. Misery supporting Cattle & Cane at their Navigator album preview gig, and I just fell in love with them. They’re the perfect band for an afternoon gentle sway at the festival and are certain to bring a sense of calm to the room.
Listen to Mt. Misery on Spotify.
4. VENUS GRRRLS
Ethereal and hard-hitting, VENUS GRRRLS tread the lines between astrological, electronic sounds and face-melting alternative rock. Promoting the participation, acknowledgment, and respect of women in the music industry, this all-female quintet are guaranteed to turn up the volume with their ferocity and anthemic voices. They’re a strong addition to the Stockton Calling line up and one that everyone needs to add to their list.
Listen to VENUS GRRRLS on Spotify.
5. bigfatbig
Sunderland indie rockers, bigfatbig, have been making ripples in the North East and beyond since their launch in late 2019, and for very good reason. Their poppy, guitar-tainted vocals are absolutely addictive, and their riot grrrrl sound is hard to ignore. I’ve always had a soft spot for Kate Nash and bigfatbig give me strong Girl Talk album vibes. I’m imagining an exciting, energetic and punchy set from them – exactly what you want at a festival.
Listen to bigfatbig on Spotify.
6. Dylan Cartlidge
Dylan Cartlidge is such a recognisable name in the local music scene, not just because he featured on The Mighty Redcar, but also because he’s making huge waves across the UK with his sound. Multi-talented musician and all round nice guy, Dylan is genre-bending and completely electric to see on stage. As a self-proclaimed alternative hip-hop artist, you can expect rapping, singing, the odd instrument and electronic sounds, but all with a kooky, punky edge. Get there early for a good spot – this guy has a mega following!
Listen to Dylan Cartlidge on Spotify.
7. Frankie Beetlestone
Forget everything you ever thought about bedroom-pop. Frankie Beetlestone is a fresh new voice with a distinctive flair. He’s got an infectious energy, an upbeat aesthetic and a knack for writing lyrics that grab your attention. His songs follow themes of love, youth and growing up, encompassing what life is to grow up in a working class community in modern day Britain. He’s incredibly fun and his set is definitely going to have everyone dancing!
Listen to Frankie Beetlestone on Spotify.
8. Pit Pony
Grungy, dark and ferocious, this Newcastle five-piece are bringing an ominous and industrial sound to Stockton Calling. After spending the 2020/21 lockdowns writing lots of new music, Pit Pony will be bolting out of the gate to give us all a taste of what’s to come later in 2022. But if their thunder-driven, bruising drumbeat-riddled and dark riff-laden catalogue is anything to go off, it’s going to be an absolutely sensational set.
Listen to Pit Pony on Spotify.
9. Pizza Crunch
If Pizza Crunch‘s name doesn’t get you, their 80s post-punk vibe will. This Scottish quartet fuse guitar licks and charming licks into a sound that they describe as “melodic, stimulating and introspective.” Think a fusion of Pulp, The Cure, The Strokes, and just a touch of Wolf Alice – elements of post-punk with a modern indie edge. They also casually mix often gloomy lyrics and vocals with infectious guitar riffs, making true magic for your ears.
Listen to Pizza Crunch on Spotify.
10. HYYTS
For delicious electropop and beautiful vocals, HYYTS is the one to see. With beats that could fill an arena, crystal clear lyrics, impressive falsetto, and unmistakeable techno influences, this duo is a fantastic addition to the line up. I also read that these guys were almost chosen to represent the UK at Eurovision 2022, which gives you an idea of their pop sound (minus any of the cheesy bits). Not only are they one to see at Stockton Calling, I reckon they’re one to watch in the UK music scene.
Listen to HYYTS on Spotify.
And that’s only 10 out of a line up of over 80 artists! There are lots of artists to see and enjoy, maybe some of your faves and some that you’re yet to discover. You can listen to a whole playlist made up of attending artists by hitting play below – that way you can start deciding who you might like to see! And if you want any more information, make sure you take a look at the Stockton Calling site or Facebook page.
Grab your tickets before they sell out and let me know who you’ll be watching at Stockton Calling!
This blog post was written in exchange for tickets to Stockton Calling 2022. All opinions are my own.