The best of Bristol: Acts to watch at 2023’s Forwards Festival

After a successful inaugural event in 2022, Fowards Festival returns to the Downs on September 1 and 2.

Headliners included Aphex Twin and Eryka Badu as well as a whole host of other names such as Ezra Collective, Biig Piig, Olivia Dean, Arlo Parks and Primal Scream will be taking to the stage.

Joining this national and international names will be a collective of local artists who will be showcasing some of the best talent Bristol has to offer.

Here’s a roundup of some of the local acts you can watch at this weekend’s event.

Grove

The Bristol-based artist celebrates black, queer nightlife through their dance and electronic hits and they’re not afraid of framing their work through a political lens either.

Grove’s debut EP was a fusion of dancehall, punk and jungle that is filled with dancefloor hits aimed to get the audience sweaty, loose and feeling a sense of catharsis and they will be bringing their club hits to the Information Stage on Friday night.

Prima Queen

The transatlantic indie-pop duo Prima Queen is formed of Bristol born Louise Macphail and Chicago born Kristin McFadden.

The pair met while studying music together in London and have enjoyed support from BBC Radio 1, Six Music, MTV and a host of festivals including Latitude, Green Man and Glastonbury Festival.

The duo will be performing on Friday evening at The Information stage.

Marla Kether

A bassist, producer and DJ from London but now living in Redland, Marla first got into the music industry through friends Ezra Collective, who will also be performing at this year’s Forwards Festival.

Having been a session bassist for the likes of Yazmin Lacey and Obongjayar and toured globally as a core member of Loyle Carner’s band, her performance at Forwards Festival marks only the third ever Marla Kether live show and it will not be one to miss!

Scalping

Techno-metal band, Scalping, will be bringing their high energy live performance for a headline set at the Information Stage on Saturday night.

Fusing heavy metal with the electronic dance sounds of techno, the four piece band are an exciting addition to this year’s lineup and a great opportunity to watch them in their hometown.

Saloon Dion

After a seven day stint at SXSW in Austin, Texas earlier this year, the band have gone from strength to strength.

With gigs at last year’s edition of Ritual Union, Bristol Takeover and Dot To Dot, they have a loyal following with each crowd completely capitvated by their live performance.

Their performance at this year’s Forwards Festival is sue to be no different as they warm up the crowd on Saturday night at the Information Stage ahead of Scalping’s set.

Intoku

The Bristol based electronic three piece will be kicking things off at the Information Stage on Saturday with some live music.

Combining an eclectic mix of influences, from synths and basslines to raw vocals and high energy drumming, the band will be bringing their unique sound to the stage.

Miss Mash

Miss Mash is a vinyl enthusiast out of Bristol who specialises in all music that’s uplifting, soulful and sourced from all corners of the world.

From Egyptian disco to French jazz, the DJ will be kicking things off over on the West Stage at midday on Saturday.

t l k

Independent producer, collaborator and vocalist t l k will follow Miss Mash’s performance over on the West Stage.

The artist will be bringing her improvised and fluid approach to music to the live stage, promising a beautiful etheral set to start the day.

Max Rad

The multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Max Rad has been making waves throughout the country, from Cornwall to London.

Since moving to Bristol, the artist has been on a mission to find out more about “the Bristol sound” – and with the upcoming release of his new EP, Bristol24/7 will be going on a journey with him over the next few months.

Don’t miss his live set over on the East Stage for some Saturday afternoon sun-filled vibes.

Katy J Pearson

Originally from Stroud and now based in Bristol, singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson released her debut album, Return, via Heavenly Recordings back in 2020 and hasn’t stopped since.

The singer will be bringing her renowned blend of folk, indie and pop music to the West Stage on Saturday afternoon.

Main photo: Katy J Pearson

Read next:

• Marla Kether on jamming with Ezra Collective, touring with Loyle Carner and the release of her debut EP
• ‘Silences is violence, voices have to be heard’: Antonia Cross on the importance of open discussions at festivals
• Forwards Festival announce lineup for 2023

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