The 10 Acts at Electric Picnic You Can’t Afford to Miss

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets, you have some decisions to make. The impressive lineup this year is full of plenty of “can’t miss” acts, but unless you have the ability to be in two places at once, here’s 10 of the acts you should prioritise throughout the weekend.

1. Dermot Kennedy

Since the release of his successful mixtape “Doves and Ravens” in 2017, Dermot Kennedy has made a splash across the international music scene. At this year’s SxSW, the Dublin-born artist, was hailed as the “breakout act of 2018” by the New York Times and “next level” by NPR. He manages to create a unique sound that combines folk and hip hop, grit and delicacy. With two sold-out shows coming up in October, you’d best catch him while you can at Electric Picnic. It might be the last chance you have to see him perform for awhile.

2. George Ezra

In the span of about 18 months, George Ezra became one of the most popular breakout stars of modern times. In 2014, his debut record Wanted On Voyage trailed only Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith in sales. The single “Budapest” was an instant chart-topper across Europe and retained airplay for several months after its release. His 2017 TOP SECRET tour found him delighting audiences in intimate venues across the UK, all of which sold out in just a few hours after they were announced.

3. Dua Lipa

The most nominated artist at this year’s BRIT awards, Dua Lipa hits Electric Picnic after a year of sold out shows, chart-topping hits, and Spotify stream figures worth boasting about. Her only album, a self-titled debut, spawned eight singles including “New Rules,” which has over a billion YouTube views to date. The pop artist brings a confidence to the table that young artists rarely do, blending an artful catchiness with her heartfelt, edgy vocal prowess. Lipa’s set is sure to be packed with fans, so make sure to head to the stage early if you want a view.

4. Picture This

Since forming in 2016, Picture This has become Ireland’s hottest native act. The alt-rocking Athy duo have already sold over 300,000 tickets across the UK and Ireland in venues like O2 Shepherd’s Bush London, SSE Arena Belfast, and 3Arena in Dublin. Their eponymous album earned the honour of Album Of The Year at the 2018 Irish Post Music Awards after holding the top spot on the Irish charts for a full month. Energetic, raw, and modern, Picture This will have their audience on their feet throughout the set.

5. Sigrid

Her single “Don’t Kill My Vibe” won BBC’s Sound of 2018 and it’s not hard to understand why. The young Norwegian synth-pop artist has been active since she was just 17 after releasing her debut single, “Sun.” Since then, she’s charted in Norway, Australia, and the UK and has been nominated for several awards. In the next few years, we’ll probably see her headlining festivals selling out massive arenas, so catch her at Electric Picnic while you can.

6. St. Vincent

Blending soft rock, experimentalism, electropop, and jazz, St. Vincent’s music has received consistent praise since she began fronting her own band in 2006. Her most recent album, MASSEDUCTION debuted at number 6 in the UK and promoted it on a yearlong world tour. Spiritual and funky, St. Vincent’s music seems to live in the future with its unique ability to deliver clarity and chaos at the same time. Her live shows are known to be energetic and enthralling with artful lighting and special effects displays.

7. The Kooks

Fourteen years after forming, The Kooks still claim avid fans all over the world. The quartet from Brighton quickly rose to chart-topping fame with In/Inside Out, which went Platinum five times. Ever since, they’ve been exploring a variety of styles ranging from British 60s revival to funk. Their energy, punchy riffs, and catchiness are nothing short of enchanting to watch live, and since they’re set to drop their album on August 31st, you can expect them to be in good form.

8. Kendrick Lamar

He’s won a Pulitzer Prize for his lyrics and twelve Grammys for just about everything else. Right now, Kendrick Lamar is an important kingpin in not just the hip hop scene, but modern music itself. He is the first non-jazz or classical artist to win a Pulitzer Prize for Music, breaking down barriers that felt like they’d never crumble. The Los Angeles rapper’s appearance at Electric Picnic is much anticipated after his February show at 3Arena brought the house down.

9. Walking on Cars

Everything This Way was released over two years ago, but it still picks up 500,000 listeners on Spotify each month. The five-piece band from Dingle boasts a unique sound, each member so musically talented that every track they produce feels polished and clean. A follow-up album is in the works, but for now, they’re delighting audiences all over Europe in festivals and concerts.

10. The Coronas

It’s hard to believe that the lads from Terenure College have been active for over a decade, reaching international fame at festivals and gigs all over the world. Their five studio albums have all achieved plenty of critical acclaim, but it’s their live shows full of energy and soulful sounds that keep them in the hearts and minds of their loyal fans. They’ve played for the likes of Barack Obama, opened for Paul McCartney, and have become famous for their Christmas gigs at the Olympia theatre in Dublin.