Summer’s end fest returns
One of Cork city’s newest outdoor music festivals has just announced an outstanding genre-bending 2023 line-up.
Taking place on 16 September in the beautiful harbourside setting of Glounthaune village, indie music fest Upstart Festival Cork 2023 is back for its third outing.
Marking the end of summer, the festival will see five of the most exciting indie bands in the country come together in a showcase of emerging and established talent with a strong Cork flavour.
This year’s line-up covers an eclectic mix of genres to say the least, from psych-rock to indie, from funk to metal, and even some mathematics thrown in, so the audience will be kept on its toes throughout.
Headlining the festival are Belfast act Junk Drawer who are just back from the US where they performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas. The four-piece combine rock, psych, and post-punk to pump out an intense and energetic live show that is not to be missed. Since emerging they have bagged three awards from the prestigious Northern Ireland Music Prize.
One of the local acts on the day is God Alone, a dance infused math/noise rock outfit described as one of the hottest acts on Leeside right now. The five lads, who all attend MTU School of Music, have just returned from a UK tour culminating in performances at StrangeForms Festival in Leeds and Portals Festival in London. They released their second full length album, ‘ETC’ last year.
Another (kind of) local act is Pinhole who are based in Cork and Kerry. Think Kate Bush meets PJ Harvey meets Portishead and then some. With a performance at 'Other Voices' in Dingle under their belt and their eponymous song ‘Pinhole’ featuring in Amy Huberman’s RTÉ courtroom drama ‘Striking Out’, this group are sure to turn heads on the day.
Staying local, Any Joy are a Cork quintet of the indie, post-punk genre. Their debut LP 'Cycles' is a record oozing melodic songs and atmospheric guitars. Any Joy were among The Thin Air's '18 for 2018: Ones to Watch. Any Joy are essential Leeside listening and their debut album stands up there with the best releases of the last decade, a Cork hidden gem!
Starting the day off will be winners of the 2023 UCC's Battle of the Bands competition Kane's Basement who are known for their electric live performances featuring a fusion of genres from funk to jazz to pop ballads. They have gathered a loyal following in their native Cork and beyond since their win and are sure to gain plenty more fans at Upstart.
Upstart is a car free, sustainable event and festival goers are encouraged to make their way to Glounthaune via train, bike, bus, or on foot. Glounthaune train station is an easy five minute walk to the stage with frequent trains from the city, Midleton, and Cobh.
Upstart is supported by funding from Creative Ireland and Cork County Council.
The festival is strictly over 16s with early bird tickets now available at €20 plus a booking fee for a limited time only on Eventbrite. The festival gets underway at 4pm on 16 September.