by Isabel Weeks-Hankins
As the summer welcomed a new set of lineups hitting stages across the country, major festivals like TRNSMT and Latitude are still being criticised for their lack of female acts. Whilst Tramlines didn’t have any female headliners across the three nights, it was the women who made the weekend one for the memory books.
Pippa Crossland
This year’s BBC Introducing act, Sheffield’s own Pippa Crossland has deservedly come full circle.
On the Library stage, she admitted, “This time last year I could hear the band’s sound checking from my window and now I’m here.”
Marrying together her love of Holly Humberstone and Olivia Dean, Crossland has created a unique and intimate sound. To open her set on Friday, she teased a brand-new song set to be released in August. Her lyrics echoed simplicity and resonation as she sang, LI’ll keep the peace and you’ll keep the friends,” perfectly encapsulating the awkward fallout of a breakout.
Her presence on stage was radiant attracting a large audience around the stage by the end of the set. Crossland was just as obsessed with bows as she was donning a denim vest with bow ties, pink striped linen trousers and bow earrings. Her latest single, Sleep On It, was a standout, articulating the nervousness in moving on along with a calming and captivating melody whilst still packing a punch. I look forward to watching Crossland climb to headline status.
Hannah Rowe
Where to begin with Hannah Rowe? Winner of Apply to Play, a scheme which offers the next generation of talent the experience of playing at a large event, Rowe is known for her jazz-infused earthy sound which is difficult to define.
The Barnsley-born singer performed as someone way beyond their years, but when the crowd applauded at the end of each song she almost went quite shy, quietly blushing with a big smile.
Overly Sentimental, her track discussing the feeling of liking someone way too much, began with a guitar instrumental instantly grabbing the audience’s attention. The lyrics were effortless as Rowe sang “Silly me, playing cat and mouse and hide and seek” in her Raye-esque voice.
But Hannah Rowe isn’t just one person. Six extremely talented musicians and fellow graduates of Leeds Conservatoire joined Rowe on stage, making it crystal clear it is a team effort to curate the sound of the summer. On stage, Charlie Tanner, performed some of the best drumming I heard all weekend.
Waistcoat, Rowe’s latest release, earned Tanner that title along with the rest of the group delivering a powerful and energetic performance. This won’t be the last time you hear the name of Hannah Rowe.
Flowerovlove
Moving away from locals, South London’s own, Flowerovlove was an act that was not on my radar but by the end of the day I had followed her on Spotify and added multiple songs to my playlist.
Her melodic pop sounds discuss girlhood with undeniable positive vibes and colour. With an infectiously bubbly personality and bright illustrative backdrop, her performance brought a smile to my face.
Going live at quarter to three on the Sarah Nulty main stage made for a tricky set time. At the beginning there was only a small crowd, but by the end her positive vibes were noticed and drew in more ears while earning her a long-lasting applause. Oh, and did I mention she is only 19 years old?
Her latest title track, Boys, with its fun and instantly catchy lyrics, defines the feeling of having a childhood crush. It was nice to see Flowerovlove invite a lucky few onto the stage with her where she had a chat and a quick hug, fitting into the community feel this festival has at its core since 2009. The 19-year- old didn’t perform with ego (a quality typically seen from many an indie performer) but with love for the music and her newly acquainted fans.
Holly Humberstone
Arriving at Tramlines with a list of acts that were a must-see, Holly Humberstone was at the top of that list.
The Grantham-born singer and 2022 Brits Rising Star, Humberstone is well-adored for her wholesome, alt-pop sound. Closing the day off at the T’Other Stage on Saturday, Humberstone opened with Paint My Bedroom Black, the titular track of her album which earned high praise after its release late last year.
The song is reminiscent of the same female-angst, narrative style that has garnered Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Rodrigo worldwide fame. Her performance at the Truck Festival the night before and her busy summer performing at the Y Not Festival in early August and the Oya Festival only evidenced her success with no signs of her getting tired despite the hectic and high-pressure schedule. She actively skipped around the stage, guitar in hand, creating kinetic energy in the packed tent.
Her 2022 intimate and confessional track, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, was a standout of the set and a testament to the power of live music. It was special for Tramlines to witness a small part of her upward trajectory.
Edited by Emily Duff