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Laura Rosierse finds out what’s in store at Middlesbrough’s multi-venue musical all-dayer Twisterella
Image: The Howl & The Hum
Multi-venue musical all-dayer Twisterella returns to Middlesbrough to highlight all manor of local and emerging artists on Saturday 12th October. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the award-winning festival really have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to scouting out exciting artists. This year’s activities centre around Teesside University SU, Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt, The Townhouse and Cafe Etch, plus there’s pop-up venues hosting artists including Dressed Like Wolves, Frazer Lambert, Josh Atkinson and Parissa Zarifi. The festival is also keen to give local musicians a leg up, and their (Un)Conference, which takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall from 10.30am includes informal and relaxed round table sessions with industry experts, including BBC Introducing’s Shakk, Pippa and Sarah from Index and Runway Agency’s Matt Hanner among others.
The event itself is bursting at the seams with varied and interesting sounds, here’s just a few of them…
A hint of alternative
Unmissable York-based alternative rock headliners The Howl & The Hum grace the top of the bill and they’ll be no strangers to Twisterella fans. Soaring alt. rock track Godmanchester Chinese Bridge and 2020 album Human Contact showcase the band’s infinite musical abilities. Local heroes Martha bring their fast-paced alternative sound rife with political ire to proceedings; while indie outfit Make Friends present their anthemic indie bops.
Local favourites
Be Quiet. Shout Loud! return from a lengthy hiatus, and their eclectic and incredibly danceable disco rock sound and thrilling live performance is always a joy; Moon Wax bring a soulful touch with an incredible band and an undeniably catchy catalogue of songs; alternative outfit Marketplace bounce from pillar to post on their expansive soundscapes; and The Early Purple have gained a loyal local following who are completely hooked to their captivating indie folk. There’s also quirky and uplifting alt. rock from Melanie Baker, powerful indie sounds courtesy of The Ilfords, rising Teesside queer pop star Loren Heat and many more.
Female talent
Amelia Coburn’s delightful storytelling and infinitely musical performance will be a joy to behold; Marina Josephina brings layered pop songs driven by her beautiful voice and mesmerising key compositions; Leeds outfit Sunflower Thieves are a force to be reckoned with as they present open-hearted stories in the form of warm and subtly addictive folk pop songs; while Liverpool’s Pet Snake confides in her audience with open-hearted, quirky and poetic lyricism that is so very hard to let go of when you have finally got the hang of it.
Extreme thrills
If you like your lyrics punchy and in your face, then Newcastle’s Irked are an outfit not to miss; BBC Introducing’s Shakk presents his masterful hip-hop vibes; shoegaze rock outfit Low Girl should be high on your must-see list; and for the ultimate quirk, Perfect Chicken’s performance will be a show to hang out at. Two of the headliners push boundaries to create rollercoasters of sound, evidenced in Pom Poko’s raucous sugar-coated songs and Belfast’s CHALK, whose electro/noise combo is a winning one.
