• NO HOT ASHES •
Playing a hometown set in Manchester as well as slots in both Bristol and Nottingham.
Mix songs about getting drunk with friends and defiance towards our grey political climate and you’ll get the majority of bands produced in the North today. Add bass and the undeniable influence of 70’s and 80’s disco and funk, and you’ll get No Hot Ashes.
The infectious songs of No Hot Ashes are like no other. Fashioned through their love for gritty, raw lyrics, together with funky guitar riffs the band conceive memorable tracks fit for the political climate of today. With frequent plays on BBC Introducing Manchester adding their success, as well as support slots alongside the likes of The Amazons, Blossoms and Spring King, the four-piece from Stockport are due a successful year in music.
Having released their debut EP ‘Skint Kids Disco’ in March of 2018, as well as amassing nearly 600,00 Spotify plays of their most well-known single ‘Goose’, No Hot Ashes have been described by Clash magazine to write lyrics of love, heartache and politics; they are indisputably the poster boys for a new age. For fans of Indoor Pets, RedFaces and The Bulletproof Bomb, they are not to be missed at Dot To Dot 2018.
• SWIMMING GIRLS •
Playing in Bristol only.
Formed as part of a musical project whilst at university, Swimming Girls fuse together the warmth and nostalgia of 70’s and 80’s culture with the angelic sound of alt-pop. With influences from the likes of The Cure, The Cranberries and Cyndi Lauper, the four-piece have found common ground within their kaleidoscope-pop genre.
Contrary to what their name suggests, they aren’t a band of just girls, or ones fond of swimming. ‘Swimming Girls’ derives from their first demo written; “the name represents an idealistic depiction of classic beauty/innocence, whilst maintaining a darkness or cinematic element … an untold mystery” lead singer Vanessa explains.
Singing songs of love and naivety, Swimming Girls have already supported renowned bands such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and The View. These impressive slots have allowed the band to work on their live performances in time for their own UK tour. Merging brightness, darkness and the cinematic, all with a 70’s and 80’s twist, their songs are an inspiration to youthful bands wanting to break through the industry.
• ASHFIELDS •
Playing in Nottingham only.
Five-piece indie band ASHFIELDS’ anthemic sound stems from influences including Biffy Clyro, Amber Run and D.I.D. With their debut EP ‘Home Town’ released back in January 2016, the band have grafted, increasing their fan base and building their repertoire of gigs in and around Nottingham. Sold out shows and a television appearance later, their hard work has undeniably paid off.
Having played support slots to the likes of All Tvvins, Amber Run, INHEAVEN and Beach Baby, their following is set to reach the skies. With their second EP ‘New Skin’ well-received by many in 2017, ASHFIELDS are set to write more new material in line for their headline gig at the 450 cap venue, Rescue Rooms, this June.
Certainly, ASHFIELDS is one of the most hard-working bands to brace Nottingham. Proving their success, and bringing larger followings to their support slots than their main headliner, this unsigned band can be branded are no less than enthusing, their melodic indie pop sound is memorable to all.
Words by Molly Butcher
