More about: CloseUp FestivalPhoebe Green

At Gigwise we try and cover a great deal of music, stretching over different genres, from different areas of the country, in different kinds of venues. That being said, our heart lives at live intimate sound alongside up and comers who promise excitement in every song they release and gig they perform. As such, it’s hardly a surprise that one of the festivals we’re most excited for this year is CloseUp Festival.

CloseUp Festival has always tried to stretch the kind of sound it explores in its line-ups and has performers of different calibres take to the stage every year. This time around it’s no different with an eclectic mix set to perform, one of the most exciting of which is the Saturday headliner, Phoebe Green.

“I really do enjoy them!” Phoebe spoke to us about playing festivals in general and how CloseUp will be kicking off a run of many in 2023. “They’re definitely a little more daunting than headline gigs as you’re aware you are needing to win an audience over as opposed to them coming solely for you, but I like the challenge.”

Phoebe is used to playing large crowds coming solely to see her by now. Her debut full length album, ‘Lucky Me’ was released back in August of 2022, which was received well by both fans and critics alike. Following the release, she’s been heading to all corners of the country to perform. “It’s been incredible,” she said, “they are important songs for me so I’m glad that audiences have really taken to them. A lot of the set is more upbeat than it has been in the past so I think it will definitely suit a festival crowd.”

Phoebe will be playing alongside plenty of other exciting artists at CloseUp. “I’m looking forward to seeing VIJI, I love her sound and style so much and think she’s a great performer.”

As well as a good range of artists, it is also located at Colours in Hoxton. If you like a good small(ish) venue then you will know in London you’re spoilt for choice. Places like Dublin Castle, The Windmill and The Old Blue Last are all cultural milestones throughout the city; however, for something a bit more modern, that keeps with it the sound, energy and community which is encouraged at more intimate shows but that also brandishes the likes of flower petal style lighting rigs and an unbelievable sound system, Colours is one of the best places that you can go.   

Festival season brings with it a great deal but something that can often get lost within it is the community driven aspect that live music wears on its sleeve. This is nothing against festivals per se, it’s just that when numbers are large and crowds are vast, the idea of connection like what you get in closer spaces isn’t there. Not to mention, sound travels and reverberates in smaller venues so much more effectively, which is perfect for synth and bass heavy music like that which Phoebe produces. She agreed with this, “I love playing more intimate venues for so many reasons,” she said, “but yeah, I love when you can feel the lower end sound in your bones.”

If you want to kick start festival season off in the right way, in an excellent venue with an exciting array of talent on display, you can do so by heading to CloseUp festival on 20^th and 21^st May.

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More about: CloseUp FestivalPhoebe Green