For its debut year, Wild Paths didn't set themselves an easy task. There was to be no gradual build-up to a Norwich City music festival. Instead, 20 venues, over 200 acts, spread over 4 days covering a huge variety of genres. The question on everyone's lips was 'can they really pull this off?'.

In a similar vein to Brighton's The Great Escape Festival, Norwich was taken over for a weekend with some of the finest new musicians the UK has to offer. The organisers clearly know the music scene and carefully and cleverly picked out established headliners for every stage, supported by a huge collection of up and coming artists from Jazz, Soul, Punk, Rock, Hip Hop, World Music, Indie, House, Techno and some that I couldn't place. - everything was covered!

Covering the festival from a Hip Hop perspective, I was naturally biased towards the acts and genres that suit, such as; Jazz, Soul, Funk and Blues. I planned my route, pencilled in the acts I had to catch and set off.

First up Maya Law, a Norfolk local with an incredible voice who set the tone nicely for [KSR], a soul singer from Manchester who has been making moves on the UK Soul scene for a minute. Definitely one to check out if you haven't already. Later that evening Etta Bond graced the stage with a new look, so much so that I didn't recognise her! Stunning as always and warmed Epic Studios up nicely, ready for Simian Mobile Disco to play into the night.

Saturday paved the way for some new names. I'd heard good things about Amber Burgoyne and knowing she was performing at The Shoe Factory meant she was well placed. The old empty warehouse venue gave the perfect acoustics to lift an amazing voice. Undeniably similar to Amy Winehouse, this act are definitely one to watch in 2020 (thank you Wild Paths).

Next on my list was Laura Misch, who for obvious reasons is compared to her brother Tom but stands out with her own very established sound. Again at The Shoe Factory, Laura compiled music and vocals using a variety of instruments including saxophone, keyboard, and RAV drum. She was hypnotic and filled the glass roofed warehouse with her incredible sound. Showcasing many talents throughout her set, Laura addressed the crowd humbly and with genuine openness. After the set you left feeling like you knew her personally as much as her music.

We took a breather and went back to the map to plan our route for the next location The Bowling House and catch Abi Wade in action. You may have seen Abi on Sofar Sounds - A solo cello player with a truly unique technique to creating her music. Using electronic beats, loops, piano, synths, cello and vocals, Abi mesmerised the crowd who fell completely silent until each track had finished. Amazing!

Into the evening, Franc Moody and Crazy P kicked off the party. Franc Moody with their funk infused bouncy set got the crowd hyper! One of the best funk bassists I've seen live too (Rosetta Carr).

Sunday, feeling a little weary after a few too many Wild Paths X Redwell IPA's I was gutted to find out The Isle of CC had cancelled at the last minute. Spirits were soon lifted though once Jerome Thomas entered the stage at Open! This guy's got a stage presence like no other and killed his set with a full live band. 

Onto Wordplay favourites Jungle Brown, who I'd never managed to catch before! Trying to photograph Maear in low light was near impossible, he never stops moving! Great set from the three piece with an added saxophone player, they really pulled in a crowd and provided laughs and a show that encapsulates Hip Hop culture.

The biggest surprise of the weekend had to be Yadasofi, this five piece Hardbop inspired jazz band were incredible. Lead by drummer Nadav Schneerson they cover a range of cultures including Middle Eastern, African and Afrobeat to create their own style of Desert Jazz. You will be hearing much more from this band, we're lucky to have seen them at an intimate setting at Wild Paths.

Other highlights of the festival were China Bowls, who not only played on stage but performed an acoustic set at The Wallow. It was moments like these that made the festival so special. Also Pom Poko, Anna Meredith, Superglu and many others. There was too much good music to mention.

With so many festivals in the UK, Wild Paths was a breath of fresh air. They are doing things differently and focusing on real musicians making music as an art form. There is no huge pop-chart headliner purely booked for ticket sales, instead there is a well thought out and compiled list of artists. Each venue has clearly been chosen to suit each musician and the order of performances designed with the viewer in mind.

So to answer my own question, can Wild Paths pull this off? - Yes - and with flying colours. Of the twelve festivals we've covered this year, Wild Paths is the one we're most excited to revisit in 2020. Don't be fooled, this isn't a festival just for the people of Norwich. Instead, it is a showcase of emerging UK talent, presented in a fine city across the best venues it has to offer. 

Wherever you are from, keep an eye out for line up announcements for next year's Wild Path's Festival!

https://wildpaths.co.uk

@wildpathsfestival

Words - Nev

Photography - Team Wordplay