Sound City Ipswich: 'Truly eclectic' acts announced

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Sound City Ipswich posterImage source, Sound City Ipswich
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Sound City will make its Ipswich debut on 4 October

The initial line-up for a new music festival aimed at boosting a town's appeal to touring bands has been announced.

Sound City Ipswich on 4 October is modelled on the Liverpool-based Sound City festival with 21 live bands and industry conference events.

Performers include Manchester synth pop act WH Lung and Ipswich's late-80s John Peel favourites The Stupids.

Organisers said the programme offers "a truly eclectic range".

The one-day event is being supported by the team behind the successful Sound City Liverpool festival.

Image source, PA Media
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Snapped Ankles have been announced as one of the bands performing at Sound City Ipswich

It has been funded by a £40,000 Arts Council grant, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The first nine bands to be announced are:

  • Novelist: Grime MC from south east London who was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2018

  • Snapped Ankles: Homemade synths and guitars act will make the trip from their base in London, although they have roots in east Suffolk

  • WH Lung: Manchester-based synth-pop act with 70s influences

  • Emma-Jean Thackray: Composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, bandleader and DJ who has worked with the London Symphony Orchestra

  • Gaffa Tape Sandy: Bury St Edmunds-based band who have performed at Glastonbury and BBC Introducing in Suffolk's 10th anniversary gig

  • The Stupids: Reformed John Peel favourites from Ipswich who were part of the late-80s "skate punk" scene

  • Happyness: South London trio with two albums under their belt

  • Diving Station: Quartet from Manchester who have appeared on BBC 6 Music as well as Glastonbury and the Dot to Dot Festival

Marcus Neal, from Sound City Ipswich, said the different styles reflect the "make-up of our home town".

Image caption,

Dingus Khan have recorded a session at the BBC's Maida Vale studios

More names will be added to the line-up in the coming weeks.

Acts will perform across three stages at the Corn Exchange, Manor Ballroom and The Smokehouse.

There will also be a BBC Music Introducing in Suffolk live stage on the Cornhill.

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