Roundhouse Rising offers top new talent and tips for triumph

Roundhouse Rising 2014

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd February 2014
Roundhouse Theatre, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, Greater London, NW1 8EH, England MAP
varies depending upon event

Daily capacity: 5,000

Camden’s Roundhouse has long been committed to helping young people break into the creative industries. For the past four years, the iconic venue has hosted a weekend entirely devoted to showcasing fresh new talent and aiding those wishing to get ahead in a notoriously competitive business. Back again for 2014, the four-day Roundhouse Rising boasts more live acts and events than ever for wannabe musicians to sink their teeth into.

Having attended a number of events at the Roundhouse over the years, there’s a noticeable difference in the atmosphere at this Camden institution over the festival’s February weekend. Rather than being packed with inebriated fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favourite band on stage, these hallowed halls are instead filled with palpable curiosity and a keenness to learn. And it’s not surprising – the programme is packed with talks, panels, interviews, presentations, masterclasses and round table discussions featuring some of the most influential figures in the business (Jazz Summers, Tim Exile, Jen Long and Emma Hogan, to name but a few). From ‘Deal Making in Music’, to ‘DIY Music Video Tips’, to ‘How to Build Your Career on YouTube’, almost every piece of advice you could ask for when launching a career in music is on offer here. What’s more, there’s a range of exhibitions and installations to be discovered all around the building. It’s impossible not to feel inspired.

Live music-wise, you’re equally spoilt for choice. Over 100 artists grace the Roundhouse’s various stages during the festival’s four days, and there are numerous different genres on display. Thursday’s Little Simz, a North London rapper hotly tipped by Jay-Z, is an intoxicating blend of experimental hip-hop and rock. The 19-year-old does a formidable job of headlining the festival’s opening day, drawing an animated response from the crowd and unveiling several new tracks from her forthcoming EP. Sheffield five-piece Blessa, meanwhile, part of music development agency Generator’s The Tipping Point showcase on Friday, are a dreamier affair. Hearing the band’s dark, brooding shoegaze, it’s as though The XX have teamed up with The Cure – a winning combination if there ever was one. It’s hard to believe that they only began performing together in mid-2012. Expect big things.

Topping the bill on Saturday is Mariam The Believer, one half of the Swedish psychedelic folk duo Wildbirds and Peacedrums. Mariam Wallentin’s solo project sees the singer-songwriter combine her impressive pop vocals with striking, ethereal soundscapes. Even if her music is a little too busy at times (her songs are constantly changing direction and incorporating new genres), it’s hard not to admire Mariam’s imagination.

Capping off proceedings on Sunday night, Brighton outfit Fear of Men’s infectious indie pop provides a charming, if not exactly groundbreaking, end to a weekend of exciting new names. Performing material from debut LP Early Fragments as well as forthcoming album Looms (due for release in April), there are far worse ways to spend a Sunday evening than tapping your toes to this four-piece band’s charming, poppy hooks.

With securing a job in creative industries more difficult than ever, events like Roundhouse Rising are of huge importance to the young people striving to realise their musical dreams. Here’s hoping that the festival will return again to inspire and advise those aiming to conquer the music business.

review by: Nikki Bonnett