Kick Out the Jams brings the best of indie alt-rock to Brighton between 17 and 19 May.
First always gets remembered. Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic, this is common knowledge for most people. But, who was second? Don’t know? Me neither.
At this year’s Alternative Escape festival in Brighton, Kick Out the Jams will make sure you’re first.
First to hear a cornucopia of up-and-coming artists, first to see their music grace the stage, and first to enjoy a variety of intimate venues.
Organiser Roger Kent said:
“KOTJ was started by myself, a music industry veteran of over 40 years’ experience, as a monthly indie club night at Tunbridge Wells Forum in October last year.”
Roger continued: “I’m putting on 24 bands at The Alternative Escape across four stages over the three days of the festival.”
Kent’s proven nose for new music has compiled a fiery line-up that includes some of the most promising names in rock. Bands such as False Heads, Sisteray, Calva Louise, RPMs, Desert Mountain Tribe, Fontaines D.C., VITO and many more will descend on the seaside town to set the South East alight with their amps turned up to eleven.
As mentioned by Kent himself, KOTJ has four stages at this year’s festival. Thursday sees The Black Lion take charge with a full evening’s entertainment and DJ set to finish. Then, The Marlborough Theatre takes over for a Friday afternoon of alt-rock. Shortt’s Bar provides Saturday afternoon’s serving of new sound, and the music finally returns to The Black Lion on the Saturday evening to see out the festival in style – again, this ends with a DJ set, leaving no chance of an early night.
Kent said: “Brighton music fans are unlikely to be offered another opportunity to attend free entry shows with this caliber of bands performing any time soon. At least, not until my shows at the Alt Escape next year!”
If the above statement didn’t excite you, then I’m wasting my time here. Quality bands and an entry fee that’s cheaper than a penny sweet. That’s two sizeable ticks in our book.
KOTJ also plays a pivotal role in getting these rising acts the attention they deserve.
Kent added: “With its comprehensive convention program running alongside the music festival, The Great Escape attracts a huge music industry presence and my stages give these bands the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the cream of UK agents, managers, promoters and venue owners.”
So, from the 17 to the 19 May, the seaside awaits you for three free days (and nights) of alt-rock’s next big bands. Put a reminder in your diary, set a silly amount of alarms on your phone, and we’ll see you there.
You can find out more information about Kick Out The Jams here. Read our post about The Alternative Escape. Check out The Alternative Escape’s website for further information, and also be sure to check out the full programme for each day: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If that’s not enough for you, you can still get tickets to The Great Escape here.
