Ten acts to catch at We Out Here festival 2022

The stage is set as We Out Here prepares to return to Cambridge for its anticipated third chapter this August bank holiday weekend (25th-28th).

Curated by renowned broadcaster and DJ Gilles Peterson, the festival’s wide-spanning line up promises to bring a world-beating selection of electronic music, jazz, UK rap and beyond to the fields of Abbots Ripton once again. Below, we’ve highlighted 10 acts on our radar who are poised to be some of the weekend’s must-sees…

Ben UFO

Label head Ben Thompson, better known by his stage name Ben UFO, is one of London’s most forward-thinking selectors and a pioneer in the post-dubstep bass scene. Since co-founding the left-field dance label Hessle Audio in 2007, the DJ has gone on to establish himself as a cornerstone of all things club music in the UK and will be pitching up at We Out Here this weekend alongside some of the label’s heavy-hitters for an all-star takeover of the Rhythm Corner stage.

Bradley Zero

Label boss of Rhythm Section, Bradley Zero is quickly becoming one of the most influential tastemakers coming out of South London’s thriving music scene right now. His work building out Peckham’s clubbing community earned him a role at Boiler Room back when the platform was in its infancy and his ascent hasn’t stopped since. He’ll be bringing a slice of South East London to the Cambridge festival this weekend – expect good vibes and an endless arsenal of dance-floor heaters.

Elkka

Cross-pollinating house, electronica and dreamy vocals, Elkka’s live shows are known to impress. Synonymous with high-energy, adventurous DJ sets, the femme culture founder will be taking residency on the Rhythm Corner stage to show exactly why she’s fast becoming a staple of the UK dance scene.

Fabio & Grooverider and the Outlook Orchestra

Godfathers of the drum ‘n’ bass and jungle scene Fabio & Grooverider are set to join the Outlook Orchestra for a massive live performance celebrating the past, present and future of UK rave culture. Taking iconic tracks from the underground and transforming them in ways never before heard on the dance-floor thanks to the Outlook Orchestra, We Out Here is set to continue what is fast becoming a legendary collaboration.

John Glacier

East London rapper John Glacier doesn’t try to be particularly enigmatic but her introspective, dream-like brand of DIY hip hop has other ideas. Her profile was raised last year following the release of her critically-acclaimed ‘SHILOH: Lost For Words’ record, as well as sharing a stage with Dean Blunt, Vegyn and Klein at 2021’s infamous Corsica Studios show. Her live performances are few and far between so We Out Here is in for a treat this weekend.

Kokoroko

Kokoroko specialise in soul shaking, horn fuelled sounds with West African roots and inner London hues. The female-led, multicultural collective of under 30s are a vibrant example of the shape of things to come for British music and they’ll be taking over the Main Stage for a show to remember.

Koreless

First emerging from the vibrant electronic scene of the 2010’s, Welsh artist, producer and composer Koreless is one of the most unique acts on the roster this weekend. Last year’s spell-binding ‘Agor’ album was tipped by us as one of 2021’s best projects so it’s hardly surprising we’ve picked him out again as someone you won’t want to miss at We Out Here.

Overmono

Ready to build upon the success of their ‘Cash Romantic’ EP released earlier this year, London production duo Overmono will be transporting their euphoric dance-floor-ready sound to the Rhythm Corner stage this weekend. Informed by their love for hard-edged ’90s rave, trance and breakbeat, it won’t take long to realise why they’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking electronic acts.

SHERELLE

SHERELLE’s ascent to the forefront of UK dance music has been something of an unstoppable force. Since her viral Boiler Room performance took place back in 2019, the London-born DJ has held down a Radio 1 residency while also becoming label boss of Hooversound and BEAUTIFUL. Leading a new generation of ravers with her high-energy brand of jungle and drum ‘n’ bass, this might just be one of the liveliest sets of the festival.

Underground Resistance

This year’s headliners include Stateside techno legends Underground Resistance. Producing and guiding Detroit techno since the early 1990s with a grungy four-track aesthetic, this DIY collective have become known for their political and anti-corporate ideology. One of the first acts to bring a truly punk rock attitude into dance music, their Main Stage performance is heating up to be an unmissable spectacle.

Tickets are available now via weoutherefestival.com as both day and full weekend tickets.

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