The new, hyped up festivals come and go as fast as the acts who play them, but Latitude is one that differs from the rest. Now in its ninth year, it’s really starting to become something rather special. You know, the same “special” that is applied to Glastonbury – the sort of special where people will genuinely consider quitting their jobs just so they can have some sort of life-affirming moment in a field. Latitude is becoming that, just with less mud and more sheep.

Set in the heart of Suffolk, the idyllic Henham Park has provided the setting for headliners such as Arcade Fire, Sigur Rós, Grace Jones, Nick Cave, Belle & Sebastian, Bon Iver and Kraftwerk. On top of being astoundingly impressive on the music front, Latitude does just as well with comedy, theatre, dance and literature. On one occasion I watched a gripping performance of the interrogation scene in Orwell’s 1984 – sorted my hangover right out. As night falls, parties in the woods see the hedonism of Latitude in its purest form, often with a number of BBC 6 Music’s DJs providing the beats.

This year, the obvious acts to look out for include: Two Door Cinema Club, Damon Albarn, The Black Keys, Editors, Bombay Bicycle Club, Haim, Lykke Li and Kelis. But for the slightly less well-known names, here’s a list that will help you pick out acts who deserve the hype.

 

Future Islands

Baltimore three-piece fronted by a singer who nearly outdid Elvis with their TV debut earlier this year.

 

Jungle

A mysterious group of Londoners signed to XL records and oozing with funk.

 

Young Fathers

Hip-hop outfit from Edinburgh (weird, I know) who recently released their debut album Dead through Big Dada.

 

Woman’s Hour

London quartet with pop songs that would sit comfortably alongside Arthur Beatrice.

 

Koreless

Glasgow’s ultra-young producer. The below tune might be three years old, but it still sounds fresh in 2014.

 

Bondax

Producer duo who are even younger than Koreless; they’re about the same age as a first year student!

 

Nils Frahm

Emanating from a Classical background, this contemporary pianist is reminiscent of the great Philip Glass and Steve Reich.

 

There’s plenty more gems to be found, but that should at least get you started.

Find out everything you need to know about the glorious festival here.

Adam Nealon