Rochdale Feel Good Festival announces stellar music lineup
Following four years of increasingly eye-catching events, one of Greater Manchester’s biggest street festivals has unveiled 2012’s box of delights. The words ‘biggest’, ‘best’, and ‘ever’ all come to mind.
First up for this year’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival, which takes place on Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September, are British legends The Beat. Melding reggae, pop, punk and, of course, a healthy dose of ska, the outfit will bring with them sounds like Mirror In The Bathroom, Can’t Get Used To Losing You, and All Out To Get You, amongst others.
Alongside the British heroes Martha Reeves dominates the billing, accompanied by a full live band. This true Motown icon is famous for spellbinding live shows, and that Mojo Outstanding Contribution to Music Award adds to her prestige. With a chart topping oeuvre that doesn’t end at Nowhere to Run, Heat Wave, or I’m Ready For Love, big hits and even bigger vocals will be the order of the day.
In contrast, The Heartbreaks have just begun to ascend the upper chart ranks. Heartfelt Romanticism married to deft guitar work being their modus, taking them from Morecambe, Lancashire across the world to tour Japan, and back again. Meanwhile, bridging the trans-Atlantic gap will be Manchester-based U.S. artist Jesca Hoop, who has garnered a stellar reputation for beguiling folk-tinged arrangements.
The Shinies are also on hand, a hotly tipped act from the same city, known for unabashed northern rock. And, Xfm’s revered morning host Tim Coker completes the Mancunian trio via a DJ set. But the highlights certainly don’t stop there, with this year’s acoustic line up putting Alex Hulme centre stage, making the journey from Liverpool to showcase the skills he honed at Paul McCartney’s LIPA.
Certainly one to watch, the same can be said about Songs For Walter, who joins on the bill. As those who have heard his recent Meet Me At The Empire EP will know, his sound is a bittersweet ode to falling in love and holidaying in caravans. All of which just about sums things up, except to say Chris Butler will be perform under his We Are Willow moniker, delivering dark folk and delicate pop tones in the process.
Debbie O’Brien, Event Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to have finalised what could arguably be seen as the strongest Feel Good line up to date. With classic R&B, ska-punk, contemporary indie, alternative folk and more besides, it really has the making of an exceptional event. This is before we’ve even mentioned our Battle of the Bands finalists, and the sumptuous treats our celebrity chefs are set to serve. With just a few weeks to go everyone is really counting down the days now”
