Ahead of Knockanstockan festival taking place this weekend, here’s a look at the acts you won’t want to miss
This Friday, 19 July, Knockanstockan is set to return to Blessington Lakes for its 12th year. It’s a festival that has grown hugely in recent years, with a lineup that looks bigger and better than ever before. We’re very excited to see a few acts in particular.
Mango X Mathman
Rapper Mango describes his music as “rap records for the people who go to work with the club stamp still on their wrist”. Attendees at his Saturday night set will definitely be going to work on Monday still wearing their festival wristbands.
We can’t wait to hear tracks like ‘No Surrender F.M.’ and ‘Badman’ played in all their glory on the Spirit Animal stage. Get yourself in the mood for the weekend by blasting his cover of Robyn’s ‘Show Me Love’ now!
Soft Boy Records
The guys from Soft Boy Records have had a busy year. Over the last few months they seem to have been turning up absolutely everywhere. Kean Kavanagh, Wastefellow, Luka Palm and more will be taking over the Dimestore Tent from 9pm onwards on the Saturday night. Hopefully that means Kojaque will make a surprise appearance too?
Emma Langford
There seems to be no stopping Limerick native Emma Langford, who recently returned from a 100-date promotional tour and her first US shows. Her distinct folk sound will bring a welcome calm to the Faerie Field at 2pm on Sunday afternoon, the perfect hangover cure.
Emmet Kirwan
As KnockanStockan has expanded, there have been more spoken word artists taking part. Writer, actor and spoken word artist Emmet Kirwan will be taking to the Wishbone stage on Sunday afternoon.
From his brilliant spoken word videos to his RTE series Sarah and Steve, chances are you’re probably familiar with his work. Get hyped for the festival by watching the feature film he wrote, Dublin Oldschool on Netflix tonight.
Clip via KnockanStockanLive
Tebi Rex
With their unique mixture of R&B and DIY pop, this duo will be warming crowds up for the final night of the festival at 7pm on Sunday. We can’t wait to hear some of their best verses live, like their collaboration with The Blizzards and recent track ‘Financial Controller’. Matt O’Baoill and Max Zanga’s wit and energy are bound to make it an unforgettable performance.
Kneecap
If you haven’t heard of these Belfast lads yet, now is your chance to get acquainted. They’ve been getting lots of critical acclaim for their rapping as Gaeilge and the political themes in their songs.
Recently, they’ve been condemned by the DUP, pulled off the air by RTÉ and escorted off UCD campus after starting chants of ‘Tiocfaidh ár Lá’. Their set on the Spirit Animal stage at 9pm on Sunday is bound to be as controversial as ever.
Farah Elle
Singer songwriter and pianist Farah Elle is another Sunday feature on the Faerie Field Stage. If the reviews are anything to go by, her powerful stage presence will make for a weekend highlight.
The BIMM graduate is currently in the process of writing her debut album, drawing influences from everything from contemporary R&B to her Libyan roots. We’re looking forward to getting a preview of what’s to come.
Tune in to the JOE Instagram story this weekend to catch some exclusive interviews with all of these artists and more. We’ve also prepared a guide for everything you need to know about the weekend.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
