After a successful first edition, next week, Pitchfork festival returns to London for an expertly curated program of live spectacle. The multi-genre lineup boasts the best in experimental electronic (KoKoKo!), indie (Bar Italia), spoken word (Kae Tempest) and much, much more. Artists will play across London’s various cultural hubs and venues, including EartH Theatre, Village Underground and the Roundhouse, from 9-13 November.
With the nights beginning to sell out, we want to share some of our favourite names on the bill. Whittling down over 60 artists to 5 proved difficult but here is a selection of the finest performers gracing London’s stages next weekend.
They Hate Change
Avid record collectors, Tampa Bay duo They Hate Change release shapeshifting music that feels at home in the clubs of England as it does their native America. Vonne and Dre’s post-genre approach sees them indulge in anything with a groove. From footwork to trap and deep dub to jungle, the volume of textures on their debut album “Finally, New” has won them respect among music heads across the world. They’re in great company, with Injury Reserve, Billy Woods and Nukuluk all taking to the Village Underground next Thursday too.
Bar Italia
The combined project of Nina Cristante and Double Virgo, Bar Italia continues to release some of the most compelling indie music we’ve heard in a while. Signed to Dean Blunt’s ‘WORLD MUSIC’, the ever-elusive outfit embodies elements of grunge, folk and shoegaze to create a truly uncompromising sound. They don’t play live too often, so their night at Earth with Coby Sey and Moin isn’t one to be missed.
YaYa Bey
Signed to Bid Dada, the home of everyone from LYZZA to Roots Manuva, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Yaya Bey released one of 2022’s best r&b records earlier this year. ‘Remember Your Northstar’, with its explosion of soul, reggae and jazz, explores Black womanhood over upbeat and free-flowing production. ‘meet me in Brooklyn, with Bey’s undulating delivery, is certainly a highlight. Take a listen below.
Coby Sey
Dark and diaristic, Coby Sey’s unique vocal performances are best encapsulated on his debut album, “Conduit”. Released earlier this year, the record revels in drony post-punk and dubstep sounds. The frequent Tirzah collaborator has also worked with BabyFather, Mella Dee and Kelly Lee Owens: an illustrious roster who all crave his gravelly tones.
LCY & I.JORDAN
Fans of ours will be no strangers to LCY, who’s frequently appeared on the platform over the years. They’ll be going b2b with I.JORDAN at a rather unknown location on Saturday night, promising selections of utopian breakbeats and pumping four-to-the-floor. Expect the unexpected as both DJs are known for throwing some curveballs in their sets, and with an arsenal of stellar solo material each, the night promises to be a rather fantastic one.