Every October, the city of Rotterdam transforms into a playground for music lovers, as Left of the Dial takes over the vibrant heart of the city. This international showcase festival is more than just a lineup—it's an exploration of the cutting edge of alternative music. Born in 2018 as a solution to the cramped autumn club schedules, Left of the Dial has quickly become a haven for rising stars eager to break through the noise. True to its name, the event champions under-the-radar artists, offering them a stage across Rotterdam's eclectic mix of venues.
What makes Left of the Dial a must-attend event? It’s the festival’s dedication to creating a sense of community—there are no headliners, no hierarchy, just pure discovery. Attendees are encouraged to experience the entire weekend, ensuring they catch not only familiar faces but also brand-new artists on the cusp of breaking through. Whether it's a spontaneous gig on a floating stage or a pop-up merch stand circumventing post-Brexit woes, every corner of Left of the Dial bursts with moments waiting to be discovered.
We’ve curated a list of this year’s must-see acts—each promising to capture the spirit and energy that makes Left of the Dial a true gem in the European festival scene.
OUR MUST-SEES
London five-piece Dog Race are making waves with their latest single, "It’s The Squeeze"—a tense, visceral track that dives into the anxieties and claustrophobia of modern life. Known for their electrifying live shows alongside acts like Fat Dog, Maruja, and Nuha Ruby Ra,, Dog Race are rapidly building a reputation on the alternative scene.
Brodie Milner crafts songs that feel like poetic misfits—delicate, intricate, and deeply evocative. His sound is a thoughtful blend of folk introspection and indie flair, perfect for those who appreciate storytelling in every note. With intelligent lyricism layered over nuanced melodies, his music carries a melancholy that might not suit a summer party but resonates on a deeper level.
Robin Kester is a Dutch artist known for her adventurous blend of chamber pop, electronic music, and psychedelic rock. Her critically acclaimed debut album "Honeycomb Shades" has drawn comparisons to Portishead and Julia Holter, establishing her as a distinct and compelling voice in the alternative music scene.
Sam Akpro is a talented South London artist known for his genre-defying sound and captivating performances. He gained significant recognition with his A-listed BBC radio hit “Death By Entertainment” and has quickly established himself as a compelling voice in the music scene. With a distinct style that blends various influences, Akpro is poised to make a lasting impact.
Adore are a garage punk trio hailing from Galway, Donegal, and Dublin. Their music fuses surf, disco, and pop elements, all while staying true to their punk roots. Adore deliver an electrifying, genre-bending experience that’s as catchy as it is chaotic.
Emerging from the lockdown era, Saloon Dion are a five-piece band that has refined their songwriting to complement their energetic and uncompromising live performances. Driven purely by their love of music, they’ve captivated audiences at festivals like SXSW in Texas and New Colossus in Manhattan.
Tiberius b’s music blends grunge, trip-hop, folk, and Brit pop, creating a vibrant soundscape that captures the complexities of loss and intimacy. With poetic lyrics and silvery acoustic guitar riffs, their work immerses listeners in a rich atmosphere that explores the magic of everyday life and the nuances of queer experience. Tiberius b’s distinct pop sensibility brings an engaging freshness to the music scene.
Formed in 2022 in the aftermath of lockdown, Irish quartet Blue Slate quickly made their mark with a series of alternative tracks. Channeling a chaotic muse, the band explores new sonic territories, laying the groundwork for a dynamic and mature musical journey. With their roots in the turbulence of recent years, Blue Slate's music captures both raw emotion and the excitement of artistic transformation.
L’objectif are a Leeds-based quartet formed by childhood friends Saul Kane, Louis Bullock, Ezra Glennon, and Dan Richardson. Despite their youth, they blend genres from jazz funk to post-punk, drawing inspiration from artists like Basquiat and Francis Bacon. Their music thrives on intellectual curiosity and creative chaos.
Man of Moon are a Glasgow-based psychedelic rock duo known for their electrifying live shows and critically acclaimed releases. Formed in Edinburgh, they’ve toured with Django Django and The Twilight Sad.