Waterworks festival: Shunning headline slots for breakthrough talent

2 April 2021

Gunnersbury Park. Percolate. Love International. Waterworks festival.

Join the dots and you’ve got a September shindig that’s maverick in its approach: no headliners, in a woodland setting with a wholesome focus on grassroots UK-talent. 

The festival brings up-and-coming performers to the forefront, shunning headline slots by putting breakthrough artists in the spotlight. It’s a much-needed approach and a refreshing take on clubland’s standard operating procedure.

“Musically, we are focusing on some of the different flavours, strands and genres that have come to shape the rich musical heritage of London. We’re also using our influence to help provide a platform for the younger artists that we are really excited about.” Team Waterworks.

Anz

Manchester’s Anz has been taking the scene by storm in recent times. She debuted on Hessle Audio a few months back, dishing up a knock-out three-tracker of chunky breaks and rave-inspired anthems. Check it out below – proper wallop material. If that’s anything to go by, then we can’t wait to see her behind the ones and twos.

Bandcamp // Soundcloud // Insta

Unai Trotti

If you live in London, like minimal and are partial to a good Sunday knees-up down Hackney Wick or Canning Town, then chances are you’ll know of Unai Trotti. The Cartulis head-honcho has been a staple of London’s minimal scene for over a decade, having hosted several 24-hour labels showcases at FOLD in recent years. Wrap your ears around his most recent EP below – it’s glitchy minimal goodness through and through.

Bandcamp // Soundcloud // Insta

Dr. Banana 

Producer, DJ, record label, clothing range… there are many strings to Dr. Banana’s bow. A mainstay in contemporary UKG, his Rinse FM show is a weekly garage smorgasbord: 2step, vocal four-four bits, unreleased gems… you get the picture. It’s damn good every time and well worth a Friday listen. 

Website // Soundcloud // Insta

Waterworks festival will be taking place at Gunnersbury Park on Saturday, 25th September. Tickets are sold out but some will be made available to subscribers of the mailing list. Sign up here.

Connect with Waterworks festival:

Instagram: @waterworksldn

Facebook: @waterworksLDN