Lovebox began way back in 2002, and was started by legendary electronic duo Groove Armanda. Casual listeners may remember them for seminal tracks like “Paper Romance” (from FIFA 2011 Soundtrack), and the oldies amongst us will definitely remember “I See you Baby” a cut from the late nineties.
Originally beginning as a club night in East London, the event quickly outgrew the confines of a music venue, and has gone on to become one of the biggest festivals based in the capital. Although beginning mainly as a dance music festival, Lovebox now offers an eclectic mix of genres that perfectly capture the current musical zeitgeist.
Lovebox is taking place on the 12th – 13th of July, and is now in its second year at West London’s Gunnersbury Park. With the line up is looking as stacked as ever, we’re on hand to help you to decide who you definitely ought to catch when presented with the inevitable problem of conflicting set times, check out our 5 must see acts for this years festival below.
J Hus
It would be criminal if we didn’t mention J Hus first. Lovebox will be the only UK festival appearance that The Hustler will be making and it is absolutely certain to go off.
Aside from his Daily Duppy (which has racked up a whooping 5.3 million views since dropping in April), we haven’t had any new solo outings from J Hus. However, with a back catalogue boasting “Bouff Daddy”, “Dem Boy Paigon” and “Dark Vader” as well as plenty of recent guest spots on both Skepta and Dave’s albums he is certainly not in short supply of bangers.
Reportedly in album mode, we might even be treated to some unreleased music from The Hustler, either way he is certainly not one to miss on Friday.
Loyle Carner
Another one not to miss on Friday is undeniably Loyle Carner. Nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2017 for his debut album Yesterday’s Gone, Loyle Carner followed up this success with his sophomore album Not Waving, but drowning; which went straight in at number three on the UK album charts.
The album features heavyweight vocalists like Jorja Smith and one of the finest British male singers of our time, Sampha. So if you want a change of pace, Loyle Carner is certain to provide you with an array softer tones to offset the high energy levels of some of the other acts on our list.
Tion Wayne
Tion Wayne has to put it simply, been doing bits. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that he has been a part of some of the biggest songs of the year featuring on both “Options” and “Keisha Becky”.
Most recently dropping another banger featuring Swarmz entitled “Drive By”, the work ethic is something that cannot be sniffed at and he is sure to bring this same energy to the stage on Saturday.
Giggs
Another one of Saturday’s must see acts is of course the landlord, Giggs. Giggs dropped his fifth studio album this year Big Bad, which saw the landlord bring together one of the most star studded line ups of features a UK artist has ever had under one roof with the likes of: Jadakiss, Swizz Beats, French Montana, Wretch 32, Labrinth, Ghetts & Gashi all making appearances on the album.
Although Giggs has five studio albums to his name, he also has countless classic street tapes already in his repertoire, so fans can expect the landlord to draw from his wide selection of hits to provide one of the most entertaining sets of the weekend.
slowthai
One of the most exciting artists to come out of the UK in the last five years has to be Northampton’s slowthai. As well as his lyrical content and delivery, it has been his cinematic visuals that have set him apart from the rest of the scene.
Releasing an impressive run of singles throughout 2018, which eventually culminated in his debut album, Nothing Great About Britain; which went straight into the top ten on the album charts. If his Glastonbury set is anything to go by, slowthai is certain to put on an unforgettable show on Friday.
Check out the full line up right here, and lets pray the weather holds out till next weekend!