ONES TO WATCH: SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2024
YOU ME AT SIX
All good things must come to an end, and You Me At Six has announced that theirs is on the horizon. Here is your opportunity to witness their last-ever UK festival appearance. The two-decade-spanning history of this band has thrown up so many great albums from Take Off Your Colours, to Sinners Never Sleep right up until Truth Decay. Now it's time to enter the final era and what is sure to be an emotional goodbye. Don't miss this headlining set as they will undoubtedly give the performance of a lifetime. (Cat Wiltshire)
WATERPARKS
With Awsten Knight’s mind, nothing is impossible. This act has garnered massive praise for their newest album, Intellectual Property and continues to bring listeners into a carefully curated world through their live set. Attendees can expect a mix of the band’s greatest hits as well as a few deep cuts with Knight’s humor being spread in between songs and incredible visuals making them one act you’d have to see to believe. (Niki Davidson)
THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS
Making their Slam Dunk return ten years later, The All American Rejects will forever be a massive headliner for the annual festival and one you don’t want to miss. With hit singles such as ‘Dirty Little Secret’, ‘Gives You Hell’ and ‘Move Along’, the 2000’s American rock band are renowned for their high-energy shows that guarantee good times and you can count on their setlist to never disappoint. With their repertoire of bangers, it’s inevitable that The All American Rejects will deliver a performance that will send festival-goers into a nostalgia-riddled trip, one that finds them screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs as if they are back in high school, and leave them buzzing with excitement that they were there to witness such moments long after it’s over. (Shannon Garner)
THE WONDER YEARS
This year, catching The Wonder Years at the Slam Dunk Festival is an opportunity not to be missed. Known for their electrifying live performances and emotive lyrics the band’s dynamic stage presence and powerful connection with their audience promise an unforgettable experience. As they continue to redefine pop-punk, their set at Slam Dunk Fest is sure to be a highlight, making it a must-see set for fans! (Amber Frost)
PALE WAVES
Hitting Temple Newsam’s and Hatfield Park’s grounds for the first time, Pale Waves are making their Slam Dunk debut in 2024. Formed in 2014, the English rock band from Manchester have kept listeners hooked with their catchy blend of exuberant dark pop inspired by various 1980s and ‘90s bands such as Cocteau, Twins and The Cranberries. Their recent Avril-inspired third record, Unwanted, makes them a perfect fit for Slam Dunk as it revels in pop-punk contradictions, plunging deeply into the genre that the festival’s audience welcomes with open arms. So, do exactly that, welcome Pale Waves with open arms and go catch their set! (Shannon Garner)
STATE CHAMPS
If you want to see the finer things this festival season be sure to check out State Champs playing their debut album The Finer Things in full. Apart from the fact this album is incredibly catchy, the band are great to watch live. You are sure to dance the evening away because their feel-good on-stage antics are contagious, with an energy that hits the crowd and bounces back to the stage every time. This is the UK’s only 10th-anniversary celebration for the album - be a part of it! (Cat Wiltshire)
AGAINST THE CURRENT
Following their 2023 Nightmares and Daydreams world tour, it’s straight to Slam Dunk for Against The Current! The Poughkeepsie trio, who made their debut in 2014, are a band that have something for everyone with their brand of pop, rock, and indie sounds, making them an act you don’t want to miss. With their previous releases (2015’s Gravity, 2016’s In Our Bones, and 2018’s Past Lives) blending sounds reminiscent of Paramore, MisterWives and Churches, the band have done a full circle over the last three years and returned to their punchy, pop-rock sound with 2021’s fever, proving that they are more than ready to tackle Slam Dunk. Powered by catchy, upbeat melodies and lead singer Chrissy Costanza’s strong vocals, we can only hope their set sees them bring the likes of ‘Weapon’, ‘Jump’ and even ‘Paralyzed’ if they’re feeling a little bit nostalgic looking at the rest of the lineup. (Shannon Garner)
BOB VYLAN
Bob Vylan are fast cementing themselves as ones to watch everywhere they perform, as they rile against the establishment. Disrupting the status quo in the music industry and challenging the norm they have already made an impact, won awards and generally shook things up. So be sure to catch them and get your groove on to what is bound to be one of the best sets of the day. (Amber Frost)
SET IT OFF
Witness the new era of Set It Off. The trio composed of Cody Carson, Maxx Danziger, and Zach DeWall are returning to their roots with a heavier sound. This band's versatility on stage is unmatched with Danziger and Carson switching parts for a song out of their set. With the band’s newfound independence, each show easily tops the last making this a must-see in your Slam Dunk lineup. (Niki Davidson)
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
Having thrilled crowds all over the world for more than 20 years, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are coming to thrill the people of Leeds and Hatfield later this year. If you and your friends are looking for a blazingly-good, explosive rock set then be sure to find them over the weekend as they’ll be bringing their contagious, air-punching sets to Slam Dunk, smashing out emo classics such as ‘Face Down’, ‘False Pretence’, ‘Your Guardian Angel’, and many, many more. (Shannon Garner)
mom jeans
If you and your friends are looking for an electric, explosive alt-rock set then you won't want to miss out on seeing Mom Jeans this year! With their infectious blend of emo and indie rock, their live shows are known for creating an atmosphere of pure energy and raw emotion. Their heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies have garnered a dedicated fanbase, and experiencing their performance at Slam Dunk Festival promises to be a memorable and immersive journey into the heart of contemporary alternative music. (Amber Frost)
WE THE KINGS
Bringing along nostalgia and new music, We The Kings are taking over the main stage at Slam Dunk Festival this year. Renowned for their high-energy shows and chart-topping hits, the band's infectious pop-rock anthems and engaging stage presence create an electric atmosphere that is not to be missed. With their repertoire of crowd-pleasing songs and undeniable charisma, We The Kings are set to deliver a performance that will leave festival-goers buzzing with excitement and singing along long after the event is over. (Amber Frost)
HONEY REVENGE
Making their Slam Dunk debut, Honey Revenge is a fast-growing act out of Los Angeles, California. The band, having released their first album just last year has kept listeners hooked with catchy lyrics and tracks that make listeners want to get up and dance making this the perfect act to watch with all your friends. (Niki Davidson)
AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS
Making their long-awaited Slam Dunk debut, As Everything Unfolds will kick things off on the festival’s heavy stage - headlined this year by I Prevail. Known for their infectious energy and synth-infused live show, their set will undoubtedly be nothing short of excellence. Off the back of their sophomore album, the Ultraviolet era is in full swing - with no plans to Slow Down anytime soon. (Claire Hodgkins)
ARM’S LENGTH
Do you want a feeling of nostalgia in your lineup? Allow us to introduce you to Arm’s Length, hailing from Canada. This band perfectly mixes high energy and mellow feel-good tracks in their sets keeping listeners on their toes to what is to come. Having recently released their cover of the My Chemical Romance classic, ‘I Don’t Love You,’ the band shows diversity also seen between their tracks, ‘Tough Love’ and ‘Up In Smoke’ making this the perfect set for anyone that loves high energy, but also loves to just vibe to the music. (Niki Davidson)