Still in its youth, Forwards is already Bristol’s best-loved festival. Prioritising
emerging acts, musicians who set stages energetically alight, and hall-of-famers,
Forwards promises fresh air from the same-old of the mainstream festival circuit.
Olivia Dean’s exuberance is so exciting it makes one wonder how such headliner
potential is just opening: it’s a testament to the calibre of the acts. She skips along
notes in ‘Danger’ and ‘Echo’ like she’s gliding across stepping-stones. There’s
something of Amy Winehouse, Joy Crookes, and Brooke Combe in the way she
brings lounge singer ease to such grand halls.
On the East Stage, Biig Piig offers a daytime disco; a bouncy performance at
break-neck speed. To the West, Ezra Collective mirror the heat as they glitter in
the sun, moving into the crowd to form a collective so strong that even the stage
serves no boundary.
Prima Queen take to the Information Stage to invite the night in with a siren’s
call. Kids dance in the front as the sky goes dark, swapping hands and smiles like
the band are sound tracking a film not yet written. When the light is in its final
throes, the duo perform ‘Eclipse’ – “a song about the moon and having sex” – and
it embodies both Forwards’ freewheeling spirit and its summer feeling.
Posters exclaiming ‘THE QUEEN IS COMING’ have dotted Bristol for weeks; the
whole city has been waiting for just one woman. Erykah Badu starts ‘On & On’
and ‘Appletree’ with the laidback star quality of a person already promised their
place in history. Songs flow like stream of consciousness rather than patterned
performance; the setlist is ripped at the seams before Badu ever appears. The last
show of the night is a psychedelic trip, a soapbox, and a séance.
Forwards delivers on its promise; something progressive and new, with
foundations still firmly rooted in the city it loves. If the third time’s a charm, then
next year’s weekend has a history both difficult and deeply impressive to top.
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream