Time Out rounds up the acts you can't miss this year as Clockenflap announces its 2018 line-up
It's here! Clockenflap has announced its final line-up for 2018, featuring artists from around the world and canvassing genres from indie rock, R&B, pop, EDM, jazz, hip hop and everything in between. Lauded indie titans Interpol and R&B singer Khalid are among our most anticipated artists, while we welcome returning bands such as local heroines GDJYB. Out of the 88-strong artist roster, we round up 12 of the absolute must-sees.
Also known as Michael Dapaah, the English rapper-actor-comedian went viral in 2017 after freestyling Man's Not Hot on BBC Radio1. He released a video later that year featuring cameos from rap icons like Lil Yachty, Waka Flocka Flame and DJ Khaled, and follwed up with his 2018 Man Don't Dance.
Hong Kong trap rapping collective The Low Mays take the stage representing our local hip hop scene and are best known for their quirkly lyrics and tongue-in-cheek production style.
The EDM tastemaker hit the big time in 2014 when Skrillex asked to play back-to-back with her at 6am at the 2014 Bonnaroo Music Festival and she has not slowed down since. Though EDM's best days may be behind it, Mija's sound is still fresh and more than worth experiencing in person.
Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker makes his Clockenflap debut by introducing Jarv Is..., an all-new concept with freshly minted material.
Deriving their name from Louis Armstrong's famous nickname 'Satchmo, the Japanese sextet combine jazz, rock and hip hop as they take the stage at Clockenflap for the first time.
Touted as one of the breakout acts of 2018, the indie electropop rookie hailing from Manchester released his debut record earlier this year entitled This Is Not An Album.
On the heels of The Higher Brothers' success at Clockenflap last year, Hubei-borne hip hop phenom Bohan Phoenix takes the stage hot off his Overseas EP.
Neo soul songstress Erykah Badu was added to the lineup in a stunning last-minute announcement. The experimental R&B singer is best known as a member of early 2000s alternative hip hop and R&B collective The Soulquarians, during which time she and other artists helped her put out her 2000 effort Mama's Gun which was nominated for a Grammy as Best R&B album. With unparalleled vocal control and ability to sing in and out of time, Badu is an absolute can't-miss.
Local metalcore quintet Instinct of Sight represent our city's robust rock scene providing grit, volume and melody in equal and exuberant doses.
Waving the flag for the Philippines is Manila-based reggae quartet IV of Spades. Founded in 2014, the group have yet to put out a full album of tunes for the world to enjoy, but they're bound to rock the stage this year.
Based in Washington DC and influenced by acts such as De La Soul and Rakim, alt hip hop up-and-comer Oddisee has released 11 albums over the last 10 years and is set to bring his band Good Compny – established to perform beats live – to Clockenflap.
UK DJ and producer Roni Size brings a clean, driving drum'n'bass sound to the stages of Clockenflap this year, producing prolifically since 1997.
Coming all the way from Phoenix, Arizona, metalcore quartet The Word Alive have released five stellar albums since 2009, and most recently with their 2018 effort Violent Noise.
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