August 2, 2023 |
The sun may not be shining as brightly as we’d so desire, or at all actually, but there are still plenty of other happenings that’ll save London from the “worst summer ever” allegations. One such event is Rally, a brand new multi-media festival launching in Southwark Park this Saturday, August 5.
Conceived as a cross-collaboration from the team behind Peckham’s Gala festival & alternative live music promoters Bird On The Wire, Rally exists to celebrate the multifaceted creative scene that exists south of the Thames. Calling on artists from across the globe to lend their talents and expertise to the proceedings, help is also on hand from Goldsmiths, Institute of Contemporary Art and Disturbance (the queer art collective) for a host of immersive installations, in addition to premiere after-parties offered up from the likes of Bermondsey’s Venue MOT and Peckham’s wax-playing haven, Jumbi. Here are five acts we won’t be missing at all costs – even if it rains.
Princess Nokia
Emo queen, Versace Hottie & mellow rap icon, the Y2K-fixated Princess Nokia, exists entirely in a league of her own. In a European festival exclusive, Nokia’s headline slot at Rally marks her first performance in the UK capital since 2019. Expect plenty of cuts from her latest album, I Love You But This is Goodbye, and with any luck, a few oldies but goldies that enamoured us with her unique artistry in the first place. “Saggy Denim” & “Dragons”, we’re looking at you.
Obongjayar
Taking influence from soul, rap and afrobeats, Obongjayar is a musical shapeshifter. With vocals softer than silk, his words dance over funky drum beats or lace themselves between delicate synths and melodies so strung out they have red eyes. If there were ever a more mesmeric audio-visual live experience on offer this weekend, the Nigerian-born, London-based musician would have them beat by a long shot.
Squid
Hailing from Brighton, Squid are the lanky fivesome that comprise one of Britain’s most unnervingly brilliant post-punk acts. Signed to Sheffield’s legendarily experimental record label Warp, the band are best known for their unruly guitars and powerful vocal chops – proof that indie rock is alive, kicking and a little bit off-kilter.
Erika de Casier
Whether flitting between subdued R&B melodies or groovy 2-steppers reimagined by the most exciting names in electronica, Erika de Casier simply defies categorisation. With each new release, the Danish singer-songwriter seeks to capture something fresh & honest, flipping the script as she sees fit. At Rally, a surprise appearance from Mura Masa, co-architect of her N-UKG smash “E-motions” certainly wouldn’t go amiss… nor would a front-to-back playing of The Sensational Remixes. But we’re sure whatever de Casier has in store will delight Saturday’s crowd.
OK Williams
If there’s one selector on this lineup that knows a thing or two about bringing the heaters, it’s OK Williams. A frequent fixture of Berlin’s Panorama Bar & London’s Corsica Studios, Williams’ sets are all about getting the party started. If you, too, have a penchant for Sugababes remixes, pulse-raising club classics and a bit of bumpy techno, this floor-filling set is for you.
Top image: Princess Nokia by Daniel Spector. Buy tickets to Rally here.
