2023 Festival

[VCK]

4 minutes ago, Benj said:

When did he start with the music though. 

Was it always a passion or was it suddenly another potential revenue stream. 

There’s no bigger ‘plant’ than taking someone famous, attaching them to a production team and turning out hits. 

See Kylie and Jason…etc…etc

I mean, that's a fair point, but he used the level which he himself got himself up to, to start making music.

[Chad888]

1 hour ago, VCK said:

KSI, while he might not be to everyone's taste, and while he does have an annoying personality, did work his way up. Started off as some guy making YouTube videos in his parent's home and now he's a massive name.

So is RiceGum.

YouTube Vlogger who talked shit, released rap music that went Platinum, got in to Diss battles with Jake Paul. Its Everyday Bro has 10 times the viewers than anything by KSI.

His career dropped off a cliff though. KSI is going to go the same way as every other viral sensation that got big off a gimmick, cashed in that fame by making a few tracks, followers take a nosedive and they become irrelevant in a matter of weeks.

 

Edited October 9, 2022 by Chad888

[Chad888]

19 minutes ago, Benj said:

When did he start with the music though. 

Was it always a passion or was it suddenly another potential revenue stream. 

There’s no bigger ‘plant’ than taking someone famous, attaching them to a production team and turning out hits. 

See Kylie and Jason…etc…etc

Madison Beer, Ramz, Maggie Linderman - all they did was take Instagram models that already had a huge following, gave them a finely tuned catchy summer production, autotune them to fuck and release it for the kids who follow them on Instagram to stream. They all drop off when the next thing comes along.

 

Maybe I have higher expectations of R&L, maybe I thought they'd want artists headlining that had staying power and would add to the legacy of the festival.

[Benj]

22 minutes ago, VCK said:

I mean, that's a fair point, but he used the level which he himself got himself up to, to start making music.

Yup. Is it not just a cynical income stream though? Or did he do some music stuff in the early days too?

Either way there’s precedent to this type of act playing at Reading. With Tenacious D and 30 seconds to Mars getting big slots

[charlierc]

21 hours ago, mttJ said:

Random question that just popped into my head whilst at the gym though, what’s the Reading set you weren’t at which you’d have most liked to have seen? Before you even starting going as well, of course.

This might be cheating but whole weekend 2008 (was too young and had never been to a gig before) or 2011 (only went for Muse day because I didn't have the money for all 3 days). Both had a shit ton of acts I listen regularly.

Pulp 2011 is the stand-out off the top of my head. Controversially, I would've liked to have been at Arctic Monkeys 2009 as I love Humbug and I thought it sounded good on TV at the time, but I'm aware many said they were overshadowed by The Prodigy (who, tbf, would also have been awesome to see as I've not seen them before).

[charlierc]

I'm willing to admit I didn't know KSI did music so was very much scratching my head at the idea of him being a headliner in this debate. But that could easily stem from my habits of being out of touch or living in a certain rock musical bubble.

Based on a half-arsed glanced at Wikipedia and setlist.fm (the latter just to see most recent UK shows played as was curious), I'm not sure it's enough to go right in as a headliner. If R&L still used the old format, sub-headline would be a fair shout, especially if the new album coming out hits #1, but that's obviously a pre-2020 way of booking an R&L line-up now.

Was there even a rumour of him being on the bill?

[Andre91]

19 minutes ago, Chad888 said:

Madison Beer, Ramz, Maggie Linderman - all they did was take Instagram models that already had a huge following, gave them a finely tuned catchy summer production, autotune them to fuck and release it for the kids who follow them on Instagram to stream. They all drop off when the next thing comes along.

 

Maybe I have higher expectations of R&L, maybe I thought they'd want artists headlining that had staying power and would add to the legacy of the festival.

You’re being purposefully selective with your knowledge of the festival’s history if you think that’s what R&L has in mind when booking all of their headliners. There are countless examples of bands who have been one and done headliners who didn’t add a thing to the ‘legacy’ of the festival. I think you’re just choosing to aim this dig at KSI because you a) don’t like the music he makes and b) don’t like him as a personality. 

Edited October 9, 2022 by Andre91

[Benj]

16 minutes ago, charlierc said:

I'm willing to admit I didn't know KSI did music so was very much scratching my head at the idea of him being a headliner in this debate. But that could easily stem from my habits of being out of touch or living in a certain rock musical bubble.

Based on a half-arsed glanced at Wikipedia and setlist.fm (the latter just to see most recent UK shows played as was curious), I'm not sure it's enough to go right in as a headliner. If R&L still used the old format, sub-headline would be a fair shout, especially if the new album coming out hits #1, but that's obviously a pre-2020 way of booking an R&L line-up now.

Was there even a rumour of him being on the bill?

MSW is in effect sub. 

I think it makes perfect sense as a second string ‘name’ to get the kids excited.

Chad’s point re legacy etc… is a fair one too though. It’s quite the gamble for the festival take regarding credibility if this ‘fad’ dies. I think they’re gambling in it not be a fad and is here to stay, in which case, we can expect a whole load more of it in future

 

[Andre91]

15 minutes ago, Benj said:

MSW is in effect sub. 

I think it makes perfect sense as a second string ‘name’ to get the kids excited.

Chad’s point re legacy etc… is a fair one too though. It’s quite the gamble for the festival take regarding credibility if this ‘fad’ dies. I think they’re gambling in it not be a fad and is here to stay, in which case, we can expect a whole load more of it in future

 

Who cares if it’s a fad even for a year? If people buy tickets and turn up to the set, it’s job done, right? R&L relies on fads; always has done and always will. 

[Chad888]

2 hours ago, Andre91 said:

 I think you’re just choosing to aim this dig at KSI because you a) don’t like the music he makes and b) don’t like him as a personality. 

I am aiming the dig because it's a very slippery slope to having headliners that are the latest Instagram influencer, or a Kardashian taking selfies. It is booking somebody that gets views and streams because they are a celebrity - 'famous for being famous' is the saying, rather than booking somebody based on their talent. 

If Jack Jones TV started making music 10 years ago on Vine, we'd be stunned to have him headline. The same as LadBaby, who has had far more musical success than KSI. Manneskin sold out the O2 arena, that is bigger than Wembley arena, in far quicker time. They were in 3rd down.

 

I am mostly pissed off that this could have been an opportunity given to literally any upcoming artist, and not a viral YouTuber that talks shit and boxes other TikTokers. So many women in music aren't given the opportunities (Just Billie? In a year that Doja, Dua, Lizzo, Paramore, Lorde, Cardi etc are all touring) and they give it to the fucking man named "TikTok UKs biggest influencer 2021".

 

And I'm not questioning that he'd bring out the kids to watch. But they would turn up in droves to see the guy that fucked the McChicken Sandwich.

Edited October 9, 2022 by Chad888

[Andre91]

9 minutes ago, Chad888 said:

I am aiming the dig because it's a very slippery slope to having headliners that are the latest Instagram influencer, or a Kardashian taking selfies. It is booking somebody that gets views and streams because they are a celebrity - 'famous for being famous' is the saying, rather than booking somebody based on their talent. 

If Jack Jones TV started making music 10 years ago on Vine, we'd be stunned to have him headline. The same as LadBaby, who has had far more musical success than KSI. Manneskin sold out the O2 arena, that is bigger than Wembley arena, in far quicker time. They were in 3rd down.

 

I am mostly pissed off that this could have been an opportunity given to literally any upcoming artist, and not a viral YouTuber that talks shit and boxes other TikTokers. So many women in music aren't given the opportunities (Just Billie? In a year that Doja, Dua, Lizzo, Paramore, Lorde, Cardi etc are all touring) and they give it to the fucking man named "TikTok UKs biggest influencer 2021".

 

And I'm not questioning that he'd bring out the kids to watch. But they would turn up in droves to see the guy that fucked the McChicken Sandwich.

There’s a guy who fucked a McChicken Sandwich!? I’d watch that tbf. 
 

They can only book who is available, though. It’s all well and good reeling off a list of female artists they could book but if they aren’t touring at that time or have other commitments, they can’t get them. 

Edited October 9, 2022 by Andre91

[WhoOdyssey]

3 hours ago, Chad888 said:

So is RiceGum.

YouTube Vlogger who talked shit, released rap music that went Platinum, got in to Diss battles with Jake Paul. Its Everyday Bro has 10 times the viewers than anything by KSI.

His career dropped off a cliff though. KSI is going to go the same way as every other viral sensation that got big off a gimmick, cashed in that fame by making a few tracks, followers take a nosedive and they become irrelevant in a matter of weeks.

 

17 top 40 singles across 3 years now. Clearly KSI’s music career isn’t just a fad, so it’s silly to compare to actual one-hit wonder YouTuber-turned musicians. 

Edited October 9, 2022 by WhoOdyssey

[Huwey]

3 hours ago, Andre91 said:

You’re being purposefully selective with your knowledge of the festival’s history if you think that’s what R&L has in mind when booking all of their headliners. There are countless examples of bands who have been one and done headliners who didn’t add a thing to the ‘legacy’ of the festival. I think you’re just choosing to aim this dig at KSI because you a) don’t like the music he makes and b) don’t like him as a personality. 

If you don't like him, don't watch him, have a conversation with a stranger , take a walk up town,1 act doesn't make or break a festival.

[SleepingGiants]

6 hours ago, Benj said:

Muse 2002 is the one you want

Nothing from Supermassive or Drones...

[Chad888]

1 hour ago, WhoOdyssey said:

17 top 40 singles across 3 years now. Clearly KSI’s music career isn’t just a fad, so it’s silly to compare to actual one-hit wonder YouTuber-turned musicians. 

That's misrepresenting the situation though. He has 2 singles just him, the rest of them he's a feature on his own song with a single verse, or the hook.

 

If they announced DJ Khaled as a headliner, there'd be equal outrage. He has 28 singles in the top 40, including 3 number 1s. They're his songs, he's the lead. All he does is shout DJ KHALED WE THE BEST.

[thatTFBguy]

On 10/8/2022 at 5:59 PM, mttJ said:

Just checked in and can’t believe the KSI thing is still happening.

Random question that just popped into my head whilst at the gym though, what’s the Reading set you weren’t at which you’d have most liked to have seen? Before you even starting going as well, of course.

The Front Bottoms, 2014. 

[Will b]

BILLIE EILISH / Rex Orange County / Aitch

FOALS / Jamie T / The Vaccines

 

GREEN DAY / Yungblud / Don Bronco

KSI / Playboi Carti / central cee 

 

SAM FENDER / Loyle Carner / Becky hill 

MACHINE GUN KELLY / idles / architects 

 

special guest wet leg somewhere

[WhoOdyssey]

1 hour ago, Chad888 said:

That's misrepresenting the situation though. He has 2 singles just him, the rest of them he's a feature on his own song with a single verse, or the hook.

 

If they announced DJ Khaled as a headliner, there'd be equal outrage. He has 28 singles in the top 40, including 3 number 1s. They're his songs, he's the lead. All he does is shout DJ KHALED WE THE BEST.

That doesn’t really matter, he’s still the reason the songs are big. 
 

some of those Top 40 singles are with Craig David, Offset, Lil Durk, Trippie Redd,, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne etc - all of whom don’t chart reach those heights their own single releases. Tom Grennan’s new single peaked at #54, his KSI collab went straight to the Top 10.

Edited October 9, 2022 by WhoOdyssey

[gfa]

On 10/8/2022 at 4:06 PM, Chad888 said:

With headliners confirmed:

Friday // Sam Fender | Foals

Saturday // Billie Eilish | KSI

Sunday // Greenday | Machine Gun Kelly

 

Who do we think will be subbing them?

Sam Fender > Rex Orange County

Billie Eilish > Playboi Carti

Greenday > Yungblud

 

Foals > Lewis Capaldi

KSI > Aitch

Machine Gun Kelly > Don Broco

 

I thought we only had 5 locked in

3 hours ago, Chad888 said:

I am aiming the dig because it's a very slippery slope to having headliners that are the latest Instagram influencer, or a Kardashian taking selfies. It is booking somebody that gets views and streams because they are a celebrity - 'famous for being famous' is the saying, rather than booking somebody based on their talent. 

If Jack Jones TV started making music 10 years ago on Vine, we'd be stunned to have him headline. The same as LadBaby, who has had far more musical success than KSI. Manneskin sold out the O2 arena, that is bigger than Wembley arena, in far quicker time. They were in 3rd down.

 

I am mostly pissed off that this could have been an opportunity given to literally any upcoming artist, and not a viral YouTuber that talks shit and boxes other TikTokers. So many women in music aren't given the opportunities (Just Billie? In a year that Doja, Dua, Lizzo, Paramore, Lorde, Cardi etc are all touring) and they give it to the fucking man named "TikTok UKs biggest influencer 2021".

 

And I'm not questioning that he'd bring out the kids to watch. But they would turn up in droves to see the guy that fucked the McChicken Sandwich.

LadBaby and KSI are completely incomparable, they make a parody song for charity every christmas and then fuck off for 11 months.

3 hours ago, Andre91 said:

There’s a guy who fucked a McChicken Sandwich!? I’d watch that tbf. 
 

They can only book who is available, though. It’s all well and good reeling off a list of female artists they could book but if they aren’t touring at that time or have other commitments, they can’t get them. 

Not sure if it was Joji but take a delve into his wikipedia page, will keep you entertained for hours

[Benj]

9 hours ago, Andre91 said:

Who cares if it’s a fad even for a year? If people buy tickets and turn up to the set, it’s job done, right? R&L relies on fads; always has done and always will. 

It’s always followed trends not memes

There’s been a sea change in youth culture even in the past 2-3 years with COVID, with people forced to go more online/ remote though and I think it is here to stay

There is no alternative culture anymore, everything is mainstream every niche has a huge TikTok moment taking it to the masses

[BenG92]

This "taking a gamble on credibility" fake concern is absolute guff. It happens every other year with some group of people who consider themselves an imaginary core demographic and then the festival sells out anyway and they still come back and keep moaning about it regardless. Mumford in 2015 was the death of L&R to some people. Then it was Disclosure; "they just press play on a computer!". 2018 having two rap acts at the top was the final straw, and then Post Malone - who blew up through the internet - headlined two festivals in a row and the festival was ran into the ground.

Twaddle. KSI can play the fake headline slot one year and never show up again if he's not relevant. It won't hurt the festival at all.

[JSmurphy]

On 10/8/2022 at 5:59 PM, mttJ said:

Random question that just popped into my head whilst at the gym though, what’s the Reading set you weren’t at which you’d have most liked to have seen? Before you even starting going as well, of course.

Nirvana 1992

[gfa]

Here's a thought (i think KSI is a fine choice for context)

If KSI was to play at Glastonbury where would he play. I'm saying firmly mid afternoon other stage

[WhoOdyssey]

Same as BMTH in 2019 then

[BenG92]

They're two different festivals, it doesn't work as a litmus test. Like debating where Elbow would land on a R&L bill, they just wouldn't any more.