By Harry Ballmann
Swansea Summer Balls understandably aspire better the previous year, and the 2017 ball proves no exception. With a host of live performances, remaining optimistic for Swansea’s weather and being high in anticipation seems to be the only things left to do.
Always a pleasant afternoon jaunt in the fields of the university, sipping gin and tonic in your chinos, it’s certainly an afternoon of festivity, enjoying the acoustic rhythms of Swansea University’s own Tom Martin. Certainly worth a listen for those wanting a more summery atmosphere, light-hearted banter ensues as he takes to the stage.
The main stage will be prove slightly different however, kicking off with Nadia Rose, an artist whose career began centric to the hip-hop movement, moving into a direction far more versatile and individual. Second will be AJ Tracey, primarily a grime artist from West London, boasting an array of accolades already in 2016, including two MOBO (Urban Music and Culture) nominations and above all, selection as one to watch by MTV, Vevo and the BBC Sound Poll.
The next artist I am particularly excited to watch, being a huge fan of the Bristol electronic movement featuring the likes of Tricky, Massive Attack, Portishead and The Cortinas, Bristol is infamous for the avid music fan. Dr Meaker seeks to bring an incredible energy to the stage, with an exciting take on original drum and bass, swooning rhythms and powerful vocals characterise this exciting band.
As the fairy lights turn on, the music and alcohol in full flow, Raye takes to the stage, quite a feat for the 18 year old Londoner. Supporting Jess Glynne on her upcoming arena tour, Raye’s only has eyes for the top of the industry, and at only 18, co-writing songs with a colossal prestige, such as I, U, Us (co-written by Charli XCX) and boasting her own fashion line, she is certainly on her way.
However, there is one band which will take our fancy because of the nostalgia within us. 2010. Watercolour. Immersion. Pendulum. A band which needs an extremely small introduction, with a CV which includes sets on Glastonbury’s world renowned Pyramid Sage, headlining T In the Park, V Fest and Bestival, their professionalism and class is certainly second to none.
Nothing can quite be compared to what’s in store for this year’s headline act; with some unaware of just how talented Charlie XCX actually is. Taking the credit for writing Iggy Azalea’s Fancy, in addition to Icona Pop’s somewhat cheesy and still somehow iconic single I love it, Charli XCX is at the peak of her powers, receiving thoroughly well-deserved Billboard ‘Hitmaker of the Year’ (2014) and SESAC ‘Songwriter of the Year’ (2013). She will certainly be the best headliner Swansea has ever had, and potentially ever will have, an array of talent lies in store, with a collection of genres descending on Swansea’s main stage on the 18th June.
Official Summer Ball 2017 packages on sale now!
