Latitude 2016

If you’ve been fortunate enough to catch any of her Art Angels tour to date, you’ll already be well aware that Claire Boucher is one of the most enthralling performers about. And if you haven’t? Well, you’re in for a massive treat during Friday’s set on the Radio 6 Music Stage. Without sharing too many spoilers, expect a high-energy show featuring Boucher backed by her protégé Hana, plus two dancers, and hook-heavy art-pop that’s powered by blistering electronics but infused with all the heaviness of hard-rock.

From side projects EL VY and LNZNDRF, to all-star collaborations, production work and documentaries, The National have barely paused for breath since 2013’s Trouble Will Find Me. Nevertheless, the Brooklyn-based five-piece are poised to return with the follow-up later this year, and they’ll doubtless be previewing new material at Latitude. If you’re keen to get to the front for their Saturday night headline slot, we’d recommend arriving early: it’s their only UK festival date this year.

Though Laura Mvula set the bar vertiginously high with her BRIT, Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello-approved debut, she still smashed our expectations with the follow-up. Released in June, The Dreaming Room is brimming with innovative arrangements and heartfelt storytelling plus, in ‘Phenomenal Woman’, boasts her strongest single to date. Hear the highlights of both records during her set at the Obelisk Arena, and get ready to get down to Mvula’s unique blend of baroque-pop, funk and soul.