Guide to the Reading Music Festival

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With the summer festival season in full swing, keeping track of where the hottest artists are playing – and what they’re wearing – can be tricky! Luckily, we’re here to help.

The Reading Festival is a biggie on the summer music calendar, occurring simultaneously with the Leeds festival every August bank holiday weekend. Bringing together the hottest indie, rock, punk and alternative bands, the Reading Festival is a must for music lovers. And since it takes place in the height of summer, most festival-goers, including performers, pack a pair of sunnies for the occasion.

We take a look at some of the festival’s hottest acts, and get the scoop on their sunnies of choice.

The act: Phoenix

The Grammy-winning band Phoenix hails from France, but their music reach has been far and wide. From appearing on SNL to the Superbowl halftime montage, the songs of Phoenix are catchy and distinctive (lead singer Thomas Mars is married to Hollywood royalty Sofia Coppola, who known for her soundtracks, enlisted the band to score her 2012 film “Somewhere”). We love their catchy tunes for summer, with their new album Bankrupt! having been released earlier this year.

The look: Mod

With ties as skinny as the jeans, Phoenix rock a mod look featuring bags of plaid and plenty of attitude. When it comes to sunglasses, guitarists Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz are frequently seen sporting Ray-Ban.

Recommended songs: Lisztomania, Fences, 1901, Girlfriend

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The act: Waaves

Hailing from the beaches of Southern California, Waaves epitomizes a chilled out surfer/skater sound with their music. Consisting of Nathan Williams and Stephen Pope, Waaves released their LP Afraid of Heights in March of this year, and consequently headed on a supporting tour. Embodying the carefree feel of summer, this album is perfect for long road trips and days spent out in the sun.

The look: New punk

Skater shoes, ball caps and plaid shirts are staples of Waaves’ look, as are bright sunglasses. The guys are often found wearing squares or round frames in colours like bright white or neon green, perfect for grabbing some attention while keeping cool in the sun.

Recommended songs: Nodding off (featuring California’s other indie sweetheart, Best Coast), Post Acid, Kings of the Beach, Bug, Shoes for Running

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The act: The Lumineers

The Lumineers went from little-known folk band to Grammy-nominated superstars virtually overnight. Following the success of their hit Hey Ho, the band has gone on to receive critical acclaim and commercial success, bringing their self-described “super simple” musical style to the masses. This Americana five-piece is bound to go down a storm at Reading.

The look: Folk

In keeping with their musical style, The Lumineers favour a folksy look, championing suspenders, fedoras and simple dresses. No doubt the group will be sporting some retro sunglasses on stage to match their kookie look.

Recommended songs: Ho Hey, Stubborn Love, The Big Parade

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The act: Azealia Banks

Although Azealia Banks has yet to release a debut album, this feisty New Yorker has become a regular on the festival circuit, appearing at Glasto, Coachella and of course, Reading. With bold lyrics and catchy hooks, Bank’s musical repertoire is fast gaining a reputation. With her album Broke with Expensive Taste expected to drop some time late summer, this rising star is one to keep an eye on.

The look: Grunge

Blending high street with high fashion, Banks always manages to look effortlessly cool. Sneakers, printed tees, neon colours and brightly-hued-hair are all must-haves to this look. Having been spied in everything from round to cat eye frames, her choice in sunnies is as varied as her music!

Recommended songs: 212, Yung Repunxel, 1991

2012 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Day 2

 

The act: Nine Inch Nails

NIN need little introduction, having been at the front of industrial rock music since being founded by Trent Reznor in 1988. This legendary group is bound to be talk of the town when they take to the main stage at this year’s Reading Festival, as they’ll be playing no other UK venues this year. With their new album, Hesitation Marks, slated for release in September of this year, this progressive act shows no signs of slowing down. Catch them if you can!

The look: Rock

Keeping the focus on the music, this band pays little heed to fashion. Sporting plain shirts and jackets when not performing and often sleeveless shirts when on stage, a cool pair of pilots would be right at home with this look.

Recommended songs: Closer, The Hand That Feeds, Wish, The Perfect Drug

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