This Is Tomorrow, Newcastle

24 – 26 May, Newcastle, Exhibition Park

Words: Sammy Sadler

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Newcastle has really pulled it out the bag this year in terms of bringing both well-known and upcoming musicians together to form festivals with impressive line-ups. Earlier this month the Toon’s music fans were treated to Hit The North across a range of Newcastle’s best venues and this weekend the Popped gang are gearing up for This Is Tomorrow.

I was lucky enough to be at This Is Tomorrow last year and had quite literally the best time ever, I got on stage with Jared Leto so my ultimate purpose in life is now complete, but I have to say that the line-up this year is even bigger and even better than 2018.

Moving to Exhibition Park, which I for one am thrilled about, this May bank holiday weekend is set to be a milestone for the North East music scene and I really hope it puts us back on the map for touring artists. Lately we’ve been going through a bit of a dry spell, with many artists completely missing out the area between Manchester and Edinburgh, so with a bit of luck this festival line-up will give those playing an excuse to come back again and again.

As is customary at Popped, we’ve pulled together the best acts you have to see this weekend. I’ve purposely not included headliners in this as they are a given and this year they are all spectacular, plus I’ll give my special shout out to Marsicans now as I recommend catching them at any live date you can this year if you’re up for a bit of a party.

With the festival split across three days, we’ve included acts from each day so everyone can benefit from a bit of new music in their life.

Ones to watch

The Pale White

If you’re a big fan of the North East music scene, chances are that you’ve probably already seen The Pale White and if not, shame on you! They’ve already supported the likes of Sam Fender and when I caught their headline show at Northumbria University a little while ago, it was totally packed. If huge tracks stuffed with massive riffs and a funkier nod to rock and roll are your thing, you won’t want to miss this trio at 5pm on the Friday night. 

Find The Pale White on Facebook.

Listen to Loveless below:

Wild Front

I hadn’t heard of Wild Front before I stumbled across them at Hit The North but I’m so glad they are on my Spotify playlists now. Experimental, atmospheric indie-pop feels like a fitting category to put this Southampton quartet in and their harmonies are absolutely stunning. If you’re after something a bit different and more laid-back, get these guys on your list. 

Find Wild Front on Facebook.

Listen to Rico below:

FEVA

Always certain to put on a cracking show, FEVA often make it onto my top picks and after missing them at Hit the North, and regretting it ever since, I’ll definitely be sure to catch them. The Newcastle outfit’s onstage energy is infectious and their anthemic tunes will have you chanting back the lyrics and jumping around. They’re on early doors on Saturday so make sure you get down to catch them – I’ll see you at the front. 

Find FEVA on Facebook. 

Listen to Undone below:

Social Room

I’ve been a fan of Social Room for a little while now and they always bring a canny crowd of fans with them to provide a lively atmosphere. Their Brit-pop inspired singles are certain to be a huge win with the Noel Gallagher fans and with an impressive string of live dates already under their belts, Social Room are not one to be missed. 

Find Social Room on Facebook.

Listen to SR7 below:

PLAZA

Hazier rock vibes embellished with chunky melodies are on the agenda if you head to the BBC Music Introducing North East stage on Sunday and they’ll be provided by the region’s very own PLAZA. I love the intricacy of PLAZA’s soundscapes and even though I’ve not caught them live yet, I’ve got a feeling they are going to sound huge. Fingers crossed they play the absolute banger In the Know.

Find PLAZA on Facebook.

Listen to In The Know below:

Dirty Laces

Manchester five-piece Dirty Laces radiate influences from the best of the Mancunian artists we all know and love with a modern twist. Having played with the likes of Pete Doherty at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, you can rest assured that they’ll know how to put on a show and I reckon they could be destined for big things.

Find Dirty Laces on Facebook.

Listen to Set In Stone below: