Ski
Formerly known as Skiman, this chap was a finalist in FSN way back in 2010. Now he’s back, he’s got a shorter name, a new sound, and an even slicker flow. He was the judges’ favourite in round one, and as such, went straight through to the final. What did he enter? Salsa, which – funnily enough – has a salsa-esque instrumental. Believe us, you never knew you wanted salsa-inspired hip hop in your life until you listen to that tune. We’re proper looking forward to Ski’s return.
For fans of: music without a strict dance code
Oscar Speed
The other act that was put straight through to the final by the round one judges, Oscar Speed is in familiar territory. Rewind to 2014, and Oscar performed his funky, seductive pop to a packed-out Rock City crowd. The uniqueness of Oscar’s sound is that he comes up with plenty of fresh grooves but maintains a seventies feel. Everything about him is sharp – from the melodies, to the production, to the ever-so-suggestive lyrical content. Debut EP After We Dance drops this summer and we can’t wait for a dose of jiggy, sexy, soul music. Jiggy’s a weird word, intit?
For fans of: the word jiggy
Homesick
Winning the public vote, Homesick are a total revelation for FSN this year. New to the scene but already owning it, this pop-punk five-piece know how to hustle. Debut single Coming Second is so darn catchy that the chorus is now imprinted on our brains. You know, metaphorically speaking. With all the chaotic energy you’d expect from a band of this ilk, prepare for plenty of jumping, hair flicks and power chords that are so damn addictive you pick up that guitar for the 27th time to give it another go yourself.
For fans of: hair flicks and bouncing
Babe Punch
Take the Spice Girls, and give each one of them a guitar. Then give ‘em a bit of raucous, rock star personality. Take away the pop songs, and replace them with grungy, in your face alt-rock explosions. Finally, after a very arduous walk to a conclusion, you should have a rough idea of what to expect when Babe Punch take to the Rock City stage on Sunday 19 June. Already causing quite a stir on the local scene with their venomous sound, it’s no wonder their lead single is called Snake Tongue.
For fans of: not the Spice Girls.
Lisa Hendricks and the Project-Us Band
Bringing a whole loada sunshine to the streets of Notts, Lisa Hendricks and the Project-Us Band radiate positive energy. Peace, unity and community are all themes promoted in their ‘conscious reggae’. Single Land Of My Birth is an infectious mix of soulful vocals with a feel-good reggae bop. With gospel roots, Lisa’s sincere voice is given extra gloss by talented musicians Delroy, Joe and Winnie. Nottingham may not be the Caribbean, but with this group in your lug ’oles, at least you can close your eyes and pretend.
For fans of: sun and good times
Super Furniture
Getting through to the FSN semi-finals as winners of Nottingham Music Hub’s ‘Noise From the Next Generation’ competition, Super Furniture have already impressed one set of judges with their live performance. Now they get to have another crack at the Rock City final. They fall somewhere under the alt-rock umbrella. With sprinklings of indie, math rock, and some pop sensibility too. For a band that have only just released their debut single, they sound tight. And wait until you see them rock out – they do it like pros.
For fans of: a good headbang
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