I’m not a lifer but I am delighted to have been a regular Latituder for many years prior to having the having the honour of booking the music at Latitude (alongside Lucy Wood last year, of course). So, memories, I have a few. And a load of sadness for 2020’s event not happening. Plus, some excitement for what 2021 holds too. So please enjoy this playlist of moments I loved from past Latitudes, shows I’m gutted to miss from the cancelled present, and some peeks into Latitude’s future with our announcements this weekend.
Talent buyer Ed Lilo shares his top music picks from Latitudes past, present and future.
Check out the playlist and commentary from Ed below.
Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
I’ve really enjoyed reading Lewis’ Wikipedia – did you know he is second cousin once removed of actor Peter Capaldi? Makes sense, given the surname. Combining a killer personality and an absolutely colossal voice, Lewis Capaldi will dominate Suffolk’s stunning Henham Park in July 2021.
Underworld – Two Months Off
Hard to pick a highlight from 2019’s festival but the second track of Underworld’s set is high up the list; it was a moment where you just knew this was going to be a seminal hour of hyper-credible techno to tens of thousands of Saturday night Latitude revellers. Even more impressive given I was completely sober and had barely slept for the week prior.
Portishead – Machine Gun
A huge peak in a monumental set, ‘Machine Gun’’s iconic sonic onslaught accompanied by some of the most progressive visuals I’ve seen at a concert. Easily in my top ten shows of all time.
Purity Ring – pink lightning
Hugely gutted to not be watching Purity Ring this weekend at Latitude, or this year anywhere, given the current global situash. Their new album slaps! And so do their past ones. Please get acquainted.
Röyksopp & Robyn – Do It Again
I’d slipped away from Damon Albarn on the Obelisk Arena with my then eight year old nephew to catch as much of this one off coupling as I could and WOW it was everything I’d dreamed of and more; two unique, genius artists collaborating. And then the storm! Epic! Rory (the young person) and I ran through the woods afterwards and while drenched it was absolutely worth it. This is the highlight of their EP – check it out if you like either artist.
Future Islands – For Sure
This, their new single, slaps; it’s like a quintessential Future Islands track and I mean that as an absolute compliment. But their 2014 show on what is now the Sunrise Arena was the moment for me when they became the Future Islands that we love now. Special.
BODEGA – Jack in Titanic
New York art-punks proved that The Lake Stage really cultivates more experimental sounds – this is the closest to a banger the band have. The Latitude audience really embraces less traditional sounds as well as the big headliners.
Snow Patrol featuring Martha Wainwright – Set The Fire To The Third Bar
An amazing collaboration between two iconic, and incredibly “Latitude” artists – I really am hoping it’s third time lucky for Snow Patrol and we get to enjoy them in the sun on Sunday afternoon 🙂
Wolf Alice – Beautifully Unconventional
One of my favourite bands and Latitude regulars – 2018’s penultimate slot was a real statement of intent from these future headliners. Beautifully Unconventional is an absolute belter.
Texas – Summer Son
We’d got to Latitude quite late on the Friday and were “having a chill one” but then! Texas! Did not realise how many absolute heaters this band have, but the monumental crowd they attracted sure did.
Bastille – Quarter Past Midnight
One of Dan Bastille’s many many emotion-laden, anthem-strewn, headliner-worthy tracks. 2021 will be their first ever Latitude and I am confident they will prove deserving of their headline billing.
Phoebe Bridgers – I Know The End
My favourite song from Phoebe’s second record – I am absolutely devastated not to be watching her this weekend. Properly sad. Not that I wouldn’t be sad watching her; but it would be happy sad you know. Good sad. One of my faves from all of music.
Latitude 2021 will return to Henham Park on 22nd-25th July. Tickets are on sale now.