The 2023 edition of Stendhal is only round the corner and despite losing a substantial chunk of funding from Discover NI, the festival have put together another huge programme of live music. With so many great artists to choose from, we thought we’d help you out by selecting ten must see artists.
Chalk
Quite simply the hottest live band in the scene at the minute. Storming performances at their own headline show in Belfast, a well received UK tour and arguably the best display at Output Belfast make them simply unmissable.
Robocobra Quartet
Robocobra walked as winners of Album of the Year at the 2022 NI Music Prize and on any other occasion could easily walk away with Best Live Act too. Chris Ryan’s outfit are a uniquely brilliant outfit that need to be seen to be believed.
Tramp
The North West’s latest indie newcomers are living up to the hype. Two brilliant singles and a dynamic live show saw them score one of the biggest crowds at Output 2023 and become one of the most in demand bands in NI right now.
Sasha Samara
Sasha has been hotly tipped for a long time but the release of her debut EP saw her reach the next level. The shift away from her acoustic beginnings to nuanced electro pop was the right one and spells an even brighter future.
Rosborough
Rosborough has been around for a long time in several different guises but is always a highlight at Stendhal. We’ve fond memories of singing “Never Gonna Let You Down” among the trees and with lots of new material from that long awaited album around the corner, his set is a no brainer.
Fya Fox
A superstar in the making. Fya Fox is working her magic in the realms of alt-pop. Supporters include BBC Radio 1, Nialler9, RTE & the Last Mixed Tape are all fans and so are we. An opportunity to see her in intimate surroundings before she reaches the next level.
PiNKSLiPS
A Plastic Rose are one of the most treasured and most missed bands from these shores. While we may not be getting any new music from them, we’ve the next best thing, PiNKSLiPS. Fronted by former APR front man Gerry Norman, we are confident there’ll be riffs aplenty.
Red Eye Pariah
Antrim’s Red Eye Pariah are a force to be reckoned with. The alt-rock outfit’s performances are chock full of riffs and big choruses that has seen them play sold out shows across the province.
Emily McCormick
Introspective song writing, with R&B influences ranging from Marvin Gaye to Destiny’s Child, honest storytelling reminiscent of Lianne La Havas or Nick Hakim, and laid-back melodies inline with the likes of Men I Trust, McCormick will bring a fresh sound to Limavady this July.
Thom Southern
Thom released one of our favourite albums of 2022, played our 10th anniversary gig and just continues to release stunning new music. His latest releases flit into his more lofi roots and will go down a treat.
We’ve naturally steered away from picking the headline artists but regardless of who you go to see, we know you’ll have the time of your life in those beautiful country surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm.
Last minute tickets are still available for Stendhal 2023 and we’d advise you to act quickly to secure yours.
