Having been lucky enough to attend North Yorkshire’s Deer Shed Festival for the last three years, it’s become a complete highlight of my year; something I look forward to as each summer rolls around. Oozing the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – it creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non-binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for the most dreamy time. If, for some reason, you’ve not yet got your tickets for next weekend, you can still nab them here.
So, ahead of this year’s festival, which all kicks off next Friday 25th July, we wanted to highlight some of the artists we’re most excited to be seeing over the weekend. Having caught faves like CMAT, Self Esteem, Sprints and Nadine Shah in previous years, below we’ve listed some of the female, non-binary and queer artists we’re looking forward to seeing this time around. Make sure you check them out and follow / watch / listen ahead of catching their sets next week!
Kae Tempest
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Kae Tempest live many times, and each time he delivers a fiercely moving, cathartic and joyous set; every single second pulsating with resonance and pride. And the most recent time I saw him earlier this year, it felt particularly special – a genuine sense of euphoria emanated from him: a proud trans person able to be their true selves and share this with us. Kae Tempest will be headlining the Main Stage on Saturday 26th July.
Ibibio Sound Machine
Afro-funk legends Ibibio Sound Machine deliver their wonderfully colourful cacophonies with a swirling joyous energy. Fronted by London-born Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, they fuse African rhythms with a fierce punk attitude to create a sound which is truly their own. Ibibio Sound Machine play the Main Stage on Saturday 26th July, just before Kae.
Moonchild Sanelly
Innovative South African artist Moonchild Sanelly has been making waves over the last couple of years with her empowering genre-defying creations and joyous live shows, as well as collaborations with the likes of Self Esteem, and Little Simz, and I just can’t get enough of her trailblazing, fearless attitude. So, I’m mega excited to finally be seeing her live – especially after speaking to her recently about all the effort she puts into her shows, choreographing everything herself and making all her own outfits. Moonchild Sanelly will be headlining the In The Dock stage on Saturday 26th July.
Cowboy Hunters
Having been building a reputation in the Glasgow scene for their memorable live shows, Scottish punks Cowboy Hunters create immense riotous anthems, combining their scathing dry humour with a ferocious seething energy and frenzied raw power. Cowboy Hunters open the In The Dock stage on Saturday 26th July.
The None
With Kaila Whyte on vocals (Blue Ruth, Youth Man), Gordon Moakes on bass (Bloc Party, Young Legionnaire), Jim Beck on guitar (Cassels) and Chris Francombe on drums (Frauds), you could call THE NONE an experimental super-group. We’re big fans of their abrasive punk cacophonies delivered with a raw, tenacious spirit. The None play the In The Dock stage on Friday 25th July (shortly before my little Silent Disco DJ set!).
The Bug Club
Having been lucky enough to catch The Bug Club at Deer Shed a couple of years back, we’re big fans of their playful garage-rock and frenetic energy and can’t wait to dance along to their uplifting offerings again! The Bug Club play The Main Stage on Sunday 27th July.
The Pill
We caught The Pill playing alongside GIHE fave Jasmine.4T at The Old Blue Last a while back and were immediately drawn to their effervescent quirky humour and catchy tunes. The Pill play the Main Stage on Friday 25th July.
Divorce
Another band we’ve had the pleasure of seeing at Deer Shed in the past, two years ago I really loved their Americana-tinged indie-pop, as they kicked off the Sunday with their beautifully emotive lilting harmonies and scuzzy hooks. This year, Divorce play the Main Stage on Friday 25th July.
The Big Moon
Watching The Big Moon play the Main Stage at Deer Shed a couple of years back, as the rain lashed down along with my tears, is a memory that really sticks with me. As the searing twinkling emotion and evocative power of ‘Wide Eyes’ flowed from the stage, it all got too much, but in the most beautifully cathartic of ways. I can’t wait for plenty more crying at their set this year! The Big Moon are headlining the Main Stage on Sunday 27th July.
King Hannah
Having been big fans of Liverpool’s King Hannah here at GIHE since first hearing their debut single ‘Creme Brulee’ about five years ago, it’s been really lovely to see them go from strength to strength, gathering fans across the world with their spellbinding, iridescent splendour. King Hannah play the In The Dock stage on Sunday 27th July.
Alice Boyd
Having collaborated with the likes of Adam Buxton and Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor, musician, sound artist and composer Alice Boyd delivers beautifully enchanting soundscapes. Alice Boyd opens the Wilderwild stage on Saturday 26th July.
Neve Cariad
A new discovery for me, Welsh-born Leeds-based alt-folk artist Neve Cariad is set to release her debut album this autumn, and I’ve been loving what I’ve heard of her beautifully lilting offerings so far. Neve Cariad opens the Lodge stage on Sunday 27th July.
Nadia Kadek
Another new one for me, British-Indonesian artist Nadia Kadek creates heartfelt indie-folk anthems, showcasing the rich tones of glistening vocals and emotional intimacy of her stirring lyricism. Nadia Kadek plays the Wilderwild stage on Sunday 27th July.
Jacob Alon
I’d been hearing Jacob Alon’s for a while, but recently listened to an episode of the ‘Sidetracked’ podcast with Annie Macmanus and Nick Grimshaw where they spoke to them, and Cob just seemed like such a thoughtful, sensitive soul and wonderful creator. So, I immediately listened to their album In Limerence and was completely spellbound. And since then I’ve not stopped listening, the whole collection is just exquisite – really beautiful. Jacob Alon plays the Main Stage on Saturday 26th July.
Sheherazaad
I’ve been a big fan of Sheherazaad since first being introduced to the immersive, captivating splendour of ‘Mashoor’ Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to see her live and just am in awe of her ability to blend a stirring alternative folk musicality with experimental techniques, exuding a contemporary, genre-defying spirit. Sheherazaad plays the Lodge stage on Sunday 27th July.
We can’t wait to catch all these incredible artists, and loads more, at Deer Shed Festival next weekend 25th – 27th July in Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire! If you’re still using Spotify (we’ll be coming off it soon), you can listen to tracks from everyone we’ve mentioned in a handy playlist here. And don’t forget to nab your tickets for the festival here! Andd, if you already planning on heading to the festival, you can catch a little Silent DJ set from yours truly at the In The Dock stage at 9.45pm – see you then!
Get In Her Ears 
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