11 female artists you need to check out at this year’s Leeds Festival
We know you don’t need us to tell you that women are f*cking amazing and today is as good a time as any to highlight some of the incredible female acts on our line up. So whether you want to have an all-female weekend, or just find some brand new artists to immerse yourself in before the festival – you’re in the right place, my friend.
Charli XCX
If you’ve witnessed Charli XCX at Leeds Festival before, you’ll know her live show is a glorious, hot, sweaty mess. Charli’s huge hit, ‘Boys’ saw her flip the male gaze on its head putting some of her famous male friends into stereotypical scenarios that girls are often seen in.
The Distillers
There’s nothing like a bit of hardcore punk on a Friday afternoon – just imagine how good ‘City of Angels’ and ‘Drain The Blood’ will sound blasting out on the Main Stage. The bands’ ‘Seneca Falls’ is about the first women’s convention for rights that happened in New York.
Alma
Alma is basically a highlighter-haired cease and desist letter to boring societal norms. Her bass-thumping anthems and cybergoth image make her one of our favourites that we can’t wait to catch this year.
Billie Eilish
One of the biggest break-out stars of 2018, Billie Eilish, makes her Leeds Festival debut this year. Billie’s signature, no f*cks given attitude and post-emo lyrics make her the perfect addition to the BBC Radio 1 Stage. Did we mention she also commands a sick circle pit?
CHVRCHES
‘The Mother We Share’ singers are set to slay the BBC Radio 1 Stage on Friday. One of the ultimate festival bands, you’ll be in for some sparking, synth-pop that’s guaranteed to have you screaming back the lyrics.
Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko has been breaking stereotypes even since before she was crowned Lesbian Jesus. Hayley coined the term 20GayTeen and has been pushing for lesbian representation for the entirety of her career.
Stefflon Don
If you needed another outspoken, bold, empowering woman – you just need to look on the BBC Radio 1 Stage again. Stefflon Don’s signed one of the biggest recording contracts in years and has already put out some HUGE bangers. We’re waiting for our invite up on stage to shake what our momma’s gave us.
King Princess
Another huge emerging talent you need to get down the front to see, and we’d go as far as saying she has the best song title on the entire line up.
Hot Milk
You look like you need some brand new emo, pop punk in your life. Luckily for you, we’ve added Hot Milk to our ever-growing line up. ‘Awful Ever After’ is a self-proclaiming statement that you can do better and life doesn’t have to be Awful Ever After’.
PVRIS
US electro-pop PVRIS bring their meaty riffs and powerful vocals to this year’s festival. Lead singer, Lyndsey spoke out about embracing her sexuality and becoming a role model for her fans:
“I think a lot of people are trying to accept themselves and come to terms with it because it’s still a pretty big thing right now. I never had someone to look up to and be like ‘oh that person is OK and they’re gay.’ If I can be that for someone then it’s why I’m open about it.”
Truemendous
Heading to the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage this year, Truemendous carefully intertwines the art of storytelling with ear clenching wordplay, bizarre punchlines and in detailed poetry to narrate her work. Trumendous will be joining us after successfully gaining a place on Festival Republic’s ReBalance programme, which aims to address gender imbalance within the industry.
All these artists and more join us at this year’s Leeds Festival – don’t be the only one who misses out.