New-ish Brummie outfit GANS are bringing a fresh take on the guitar and drums duo and judging by the reactions to their dates throughout 2024, they’re doing something right. Euan Woodman and Thomas Rhodes are Birmingham scene veterans but this new incarnation sees them nailing a gnarly, low end-driven sound, with electronic flourishes and some hard-hitting lyrical content. They’ve been dropping new tracks onto their Bandcamp for a little over a year and it’s clear their sound is getting honed and heavy. With a BBC session and some choice support slots over the last few months, it looks like GANS are about to break out. (Lee Fisher)
Getting their name – and their original inspiration – from Måneskin, Baby Said are a young, fresh, sassy explosion of big attitude, big tunes and big hair who’ve made an appropriately big splash in their comparatively brief existence. They’re fronted by the teenage Pal sisters, Veronica and Jess, hail from the Portsmouth area and have racked up all sorts of plaudits and playlists since they formed right out of school. This summer’s EP Who Gives A Rock? was an excellent showcase for the band, showing off their heady blend of nineties grunge/alt. pop influences (with a splash of current faves like Wet Leg). (Lee Fisher)
Heralded as an electrifying force in the new wave of UK experimental music, Bristol trio Waldo’s Gift released their debut album, Malcolm’s Law, in January to rave reviews from the likes of BBC 6Music and Radio 1 following a string of early releases lauded by tastemakers in Bristol and beyond and bringing them to the attention of Stockton Calling organisers. Malcolm’s Law captures the story of their unusual beginnings: the intense, bizarre weekly residency at Bristol’s Gallimaufry where they built a cult following blending jazz, rock and electronic music, and gaining them a cult live following from the off. (Steve Spithray)
This Highlands trio only made it south of the border for a gig for the first time in October, more than earning their spot on a stacked Twisterella Festival bill, but they’ve been a big festival draw in Scotland for a while now. The Joshua Hotel wear their 70s/80s influences proudly – there’s the electro pop elements of their sound and a hint of Russ Mael to frontman Josh MacKenzie’s vocals, while their popular live cover of Orange Juice’s magnificent Rip It Up tells you a lot about where this band are coming from. Check out new EP Wide Days and get ready to be impressed at Stockton Calling. (Lee Fisher)
From the same songwriting stable as previous festival favourites CVC, Glasgow’s Sister Madds have already created their own quirky next generation of relatable songs. With catchy hooks and pop-rock anthems juxtaposed with a punk ethos and arch lyricism, the band successfully blends everyday nuances of life into the performance sphere previously popularised by Self Esteem and The Last Dinner Party. Having already headlined stages at both Tenement Trail and Great Western Festival, the five-piece have also supported Connie Constance, Peaness and Arxx as well as numerous headline shows of their own throughout the UK. (Steve Spithray)
Teesside’s best kept secret, Dressed Like Wolves are already veterans of the local music scene having formed way back in 2009 whilst also spearheading the seminal Spooker Rekkids label collective. Essentially the solo project of Thornaby’s Rick Dobbing, Dressed Like Wolves have released two studio albums including 2017’s second album The Big Try, which included live favourite Tiny Ides, while debut album highlight Trying To Walk Off Into The Sea But It’s Too Late remains both one of the saddest and most uplifting tracks of Teesside origin in recent years. Expect lo-fi shenanigans, triolas and possibly a vocoder interlude… (Steve Spithray)
Leeds’ Nature Kids feel the need to stress that they will arrive fully clothed to the Stockton Calling stage despite being heralded as one of Yorkshire’s hottest new bands. The five-piece’s debut self-titled album will be released the same week as the festival so expect them to be in ebullient mood. The summery lo-fi gooiness of previous single Nothing At All should complement Stockton Calling’s traditional spring sunshine, while previous singles have highlighted a penchant for beat-driven post-punk for fans of anything from Beck to The Human League. (Steve Spithray)
Line-ups are subject to change.
ARC’s theatre space is transformed into a music venue for Stockton Calling. For this event we’re calling it ARC 2 and it’s situated on the ground floor.
Curating this years stage are promoters The Kids Are Solid Gold; a promoter based in the North East of England. They are responsible early shows across the region by many of the UK’s most successful acts including Mumford & Sons, James Bay, The Vaccines, Fanfarlo, Fatherson, The Howl & The Hum and The Snuts. The promoter is a fervent champion of the very best in new and emerging acts and also co-promotes Twisterella Festival and Songs From Northern Britain.
Access information
ARC’s building is fully wheelchair accessible. There is level flooring throughout the building. A lift is available. There are accessible toilets on every floor. ARC 2 is located on the ground floor of the building.
