Ones To Watch… Croatia Rocks

Once upon a time, Ibiza was at the top of everyone’s to do list when it came to summer. In recent years, however, the Balearic island’s title as number one party destination seems to have been pilfered by a little place called Croatia. The home of Outlook, Dimensions, Hideout, Garden Festival; between June and September, this Eastern European country is brimming with nightlife, day life and more quality music than you can shake a headphone jack at. So this year, the legendary Ibiza Rocks after a decade over on the The White Isle will be taking take their sound to the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings of Croatia’s Zcre beach. For five days and five nights, DJs and artists will come together on three stages to Croatia’s clubbing capital for Croatia Rocks: a must on your festival calendar.

Mella Dee

Mella Dee is a producer from Doncaster who has been making music for a little while now, but has only recently started to get the recognition he deserves. He manages to create a clever link that is the golden thread between hardcore, garage and jungle. His main aim is to celebrate everything that embodies a UK sound. His last release was a collection of work called Rhythm Nation released on Digital Soundboy in 2014; a collection that proved that Mella Dee likes to get dark and dirty. If you enjoy the feeling when your vision gets blurry because the bass is vibrating your body so much – then Mella Dee is the man for you. He is supporting Rudimental on Tuesday 21 July at one of Croatia Rocks boat parties – so definitely one for the lovers of bass.

Kwabs 

Kwabs or Kwabena Adjepong to give him his full title is a British-Ghanaian singer songwriter. Born in Bermondsey South London, his teachers recognised his talents early on and encouraged him to join the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and later he also graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. If you have had enough of all the dance music and are nursing a sore head from the night before I would recommend catching Kwabs. Best known for his single ‘Walk’ his crisp well-produced soul accompanied by his sultry classic Motown voice will be something of an oasis in Croatia. He will be supporting Clean Bandit on the main stage on Tuesday 21 July.

Shura

Shura is a British singer, songwriter and producer. She grew up in Manchester to a Russian mother and a documentary maker father; it is clear creativity runs through her veins. It’s certainly not a bad thing, nor is it inaccurate, for her to be compared to the likes of La Roux and Madonna. She embodies 80s revival dance with her excellent use of electronic synths. Best known for her single ‘2Shy’ she is lyrically sombre yet musically uplifting creating a magical contrast. This is definitely one for the ladies, or one for those who enjoy being nostalgic. Shura has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2015 Poll, woth her debut album set to be released on Polydor. She is supporting Jungle on the main stage on Tuesday 21 July.

Fancy seeing these artists live for yourself? You’re in luck. The Playground are Croatia Rocks are offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets to this years festival. Click here and follow the instructions. Good luck.

Words by Nadina Mustafa