Are You Listening? Festival, Reading, UK
Saturday 25th April 2020
2020 Artists
"Utterly compelling" - UNCUT
"sticking two fingers up at the patriarchy... breaking gender norms and creating a genuine safe space for their fans in the process." - INDEPENDENT
"Seductive, inescapable, overpowering, and you might need to take a shower afterwards." - THE LINE OF BEST FIT
‘Are You Listening? is not only easily one of the best value festivals in the UK - it's simply one of the best festivals in the UK’
Faded Glamour
‘Hear the very finest in emerging music while raising money for [Learning Disability] charities? We don’t mind if we do!’
No.1 in Metro Weekend
‘...a must-attend for all discerning festival goers’
Artrocker
‘It truly felt like the whole town was buzzing!’
Alt Reading
‘The fundraising festival with it’s finger firmly on the pulse’
Reading Chronicle
Latest News
SECOND WAVE OF AYL? ACTS ANNOUNCED
January 17 2020
Leading the announcement is one of the most exciting acts in the UK, Warmduscher. Featuring members of Fat White Family, Insecure Men and Childhood, the anarchic rockers sweaty and visceral live shows have become legendary, selling out shows across the country. Their debut album ‘Tainted Lunch’ boasts guests appearances from legends Iggy Pop and Kool Keith, and has been picked for ‘Best of 2019’ lists by BBC 6 Music, Amazing Radio, The Quietus and many more. We can’t wait to dance with them.
The hugely talented Matt Maltese has been announced to return to his home turf too. Described by Noisey as ‘Jarvis Cocker in a better mood’, Maltese’s debut album had rave reviews from DIY, Q, CLASH, NME and saw him tour the US, play All Points East, Citadel and Latitude as well as support Billy Bragg. The sharp-witted songwriter returns to play the festival for the second time in support of his forthcoming new album, ‘Curl Up & Die’.
Leeds’ angular post-punks Mush return to play the festival in support of their highly anticipated debut album ‘3-D Routine’ on Memphis Industries. The four-piece’s off kilter music and anarchic live shows have seen them support Shame, Yak, The Lovely Eggs and Girl Band, and play numerous live sessions on BBC 6 Music. We can’t wait to welcome them back.
South London’s Talk Show have been announced to return to Reading, following their crowd-pleasing performance at Beat Connection in November. Signed to YALA! Records (owned by ex-Maccabees Felix White), the four-piece’s post-punk rhythms coupled with their mesmeric frontman’s punchy lyrics has built a real buzz about this band.
Among the other acts announced are Reading troubadour, and long time Frank Turner collaborator, Ben Marwood; Berkshire’s Sophie Jamieson, who makes a highly anticipated return to music after a five year break; recent Down At The Abbey performers The Keep Cats; previous Pigeon Detectives openers Nobodies Birthday and recent Sleaford Mods support act Here Are The Young Men & Uncle Peanut.
The other acts to be announced are Bex Ruth, Carlos, Bought It For The Bottle, Head Drop, Little Brother Eli, Kid Kin, Ocean Ruins, Self Help, The Boileroom DJs and Wild Island.
This announcement bolsters a line-up that is already bursting with talent, including alternative piano rocker BC Camplight; noisy Brighton punks Dream Wife; Breakbeat pioneers Freestylers; alternative Jazz-punks Melt Yourself Down; Little Dragon-collaborator sir Was; two-piece noiseniks JOHN and many more exciting acts. With more acts to still be announced, this looks to be a vintage year for the festival that continues to impress.
Are You Listening Festival raises money for the local Learning Disability charity, Reading Mencap, and has raised nearly £70,000 for the charity since starting in 2013. The festival is proud to be partnered with Safe Gigs For Women, supporting their work to combat harassment in live music.
Are You Listening? Festival 2020
September 27 2019See All News
Venues
Supporting Reading Mencap
Are You Listening? are proud that Reading Mencap has been our official charity partner since the first AYL music festival in 2013. In that time, we have raised nearly £60,000 for this vital local charity. Thank you from AYL, Reading Mencap and everyone that supports us for all your help.
“We love what Reading Mencap does and stands for. Music knows no prejudice, no barriers and brings everyone together, whatever their background. And Reading Mencap does the same – ensuring we are all, irrespective of any learning disability, able to live full and active lives in our community. It deserves all our support. Please give whatever you can.” (Shane Daunt and Dave Maul, AYL Festival organisers)
Click here to learn more about supporting Reading Mencap
