The first headline act for 2013’s highly anticipated Stockton Calling has been revealed as Leeds-based Fossil Collective. 

The band will head an eclectic bill of up-and-coming acts at new venue The Storytellers, lovingly curated by left-field Middlesbrough promoters The Kids Are Solid Gold (TKASG), who have already experienced sell out gigs courtesy of Fossil Collective. 

The band consists of multi instrumentalists David Fendick and Jonny Hooker – the latter being Stockton born and bred – who formerly made up the critically acclaimed Vib Gyor. 

In their short time together the duo have performed sell out gigs across Europe and built a large and loyal following. This year was the band’s most productive yet as they released two E.Ps to critical acclaim and supported Grammy award-winners Civil Wars on their UK tour. 

Their sound takes inspiration from such classic artists as Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel and comparisons with more contemporary artists such as Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver.  

Jonny Hooker from the band said of the festival, “Having grown up in Stockton I’m very aware of how vibrant and diverse the local music scene is and we're very happy to be back in the area playing such an up-and-coming music festival.” 

Also confirmed to perform is melodic Sunderland five-piece Lilliput, York-based indie outfit Littlemores and two acts make the trip down from Edinburgh; three-piece Discopolis, who create an immersive mix of shoegaze/disco/house music with synthesizers, guitars and drum machines, and alternative hip-hop sextet Stanley Odd. 

Andy Carr of TKASG says “We are once again delighted to play our part in Stockton Calling 2013. We have assembled a fantastic line up of eclectic, emerging acts and, as is now customary, we have the next generation of exciting Scottish artists making the trip to Teesside. With a move to the bigger stage at The Storytellers and more great acts still to announce we can’t wait for the festival to start”. 

More acts are still to be announced. 

The Storytellers is one of seven stages at 2013’s event, joining ARC, The Georgian Theatre, KU Bar, The Sun Inn, The Green Room and The Vault. 

Tickets are priced £14.50 in advance and £17.50 on the day, and on sale now. Book online or call 01642 525199/01642 674115 or buy them in person at ARC or Green Dragon Studios.