In the next of our Basingstoke Live 2015 previews, we take a look at the AMPED Stage

Rockbitch’s Jon runs through what is coming up on July 11 and 12.

“We have had a busy year taking over a music venue – Sanctuary in London Street – and organising over 150 shows which has given us a good chance to scope out some top talent for Basingstoke Live.

We gone for the usual approach so expect to see some of the regular faces mixed in with some quality new acts. All of them are ready to bring a proper party so come, hang out, and say hi.

SATURDAY

The Saturday sees a festival favourite bought back as headliner. It has been three or four years since Smokey Bastard played the festival (couple since they've played Basingstoke) - great live band. Can't go wrong.

Formed in early 2007, this Reading-based folk-Punk outfit started with the intention of being the UK’s answer to the likes of Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.

After self-releasing their debut album, Propping Up the Floor in 2009, they began incorporating influences from further afield resulting in 2011's Tales From The Wasteland.

Now, after touring the UK and mainland Europe, playing a live Maida Vale session for the BBC Radio 1 Punk Show and countless festival appearances, Smokey B*stard are writing and recording their third offering.

With a more progressive approach to rhythm and song writing, Smokey B*stard are pushing the limits of what you thought Folk-Punk could be.

Main supports are Treasures who have toured nonstop this year, as well as being featured all over the place, as have the stunning Flashfires.

Add to that festival veterans We Deny, newcomers Elasea and the cracking Tribeca, and it’s clear to see that the line-up is incredibly strong from top to bottom.

Tribeca 

The line-up in full

1pm Carnevale

1.40pm The Dabhands

2.20pm Tribeca

3pm Redhead

3.45pm The Wicked Venetians

4.30pm It Varies

5.15pm Lux

6pm Elasea

6.45pm We Deny

7.30pm No People Club

8.15pm Flashfires

9pm Treasures

HEADLINERS 9.45pm Smokey Bastard

SUNDAY

The Sunday is headlined by Emp!re, who are a band new to Basingstoke but one which is lighting up the national festival circuit. They have been described by Kerrang! as having ‘the best new voice in rock’.

This five piece rock band from the South West of England formed in early 2012. They recorded their debut mini album Where the World Begins in 2013 with Chris Coulter and released it to critical acclaim later that year.

They will be supported by, among others, Strange Planes - who count a couple of ex-Misnomer members in their ranks - the rocking Freeway Mad, the stupidly heavy Biolith and the chilled tones of The Glowing Juniper.

This is a day full of new acts who are well worth checking out.”

Biolith 

The line-up in full

1pm Take Warning

1.40pm The Glowing Juniper

2.25pm Tonight We Fall

3.05pm Biolith

3.45pm The Afterparty

4.30pm Tapestry

5.15pm Freeway Mad

6pm Strange Planes

HEADLINERS 6.45pm Emp!re

Basingstoke Live returns to War Memorial Park on July 11-12. Full details are online at basingstokelive.co.uk.