New York-based band Been Stellar are making waves in the music industry, bringing their distinctive fusion of raw emotion and frenetic energy to this weekend’s highly anticipated Truck Festival in Oxfordshire. The band—composed of guitarist Skyler Knapp, vocalist Sam Slocum, guitarist Nando Dale, bassist Nico Brunstein, and drummer Layla Wayans—will ignite the stage today, Saturday, July 27, as part of the festival’s vibrant and eclectic line-up.
The Truck Festival, hosted at Hill Farm in Steventon, near Didcot, is a hotspot for showcasing fresh musical talent, making Been Stellar a perfect addition to the roster. Riding high on the success of their debut album, Scream from New York, NY, released earlier this year, the band has already amassed over 184,000 regular listeners on streaming platforms. Their performance this weekend follows a triumphant run supporting British indie giants The 1975 on a European tour and their own sold-out headline UK tour—a meteoric rise for this indie-rock powerhouse.
The Rise of Been Stellar
Been Stellar’s unique sound, blending influences from legends like Radiohead and The Cribs with new-wave electronica elements, emerges from the gritty realities of their hometown, New York City. The band describes their debut album as a deep dive into a version of the city where “tenderness is a finite resource burned up by the machinery of the city and human connection is a luxury product.”
This stark yet refreshing perspective has resonated with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Their fearless honesty and cheeky critiques of mainstream music have drawn a loyal and growing fanbase. Looking ahead, Been Stellar will continue their whirlwind year as the opening act for Fontaines D.C.’s 2024 US and Canada tour.
Behind the Scenes: Q&A with Been Stellar
We caught up with the band before their Truck Festival debut to get the inside scoop on their music, touring adventures, and thoughts on the UK music scene.
- What should we expect from your Truck Festival performance?
“Expect a lot of new songs from the album and a high-energy atmosphere. We’re all about good vibes.” - What do you enjoy most about the UK music scene?
“The fact that it’s earnest. People in the UK really want to discover and appreciate new music, it’s refreshing.” - What’s your tour routine and how do you get in the zone before a performance?
“We catch up on sleep when we can and try local delicacies—pickled onion and prawn cocktail flavored things have been a hit. Before a show, we have a group huddle and a mini meditation.” - Which song from Scream from New York, NY was your favorite to make?
“The title track was a blast to make. We kept stacking guitars on top of each other—it’s quite the sonic experience!”
As they take the stage at Truck Festival with their powerhouse sound, it’s clear Been Stellar is carving out a significant place in the UK indie scene. With their roots deeply planted in the bold energies of New York and their eyes firmly set on global stages, this is just the beginning for the electrifying quintet.
If you’re a fan of live music or local events near Wantage, consider exploring opportunities to connect with performers or music groups through our Performing Arts, Music, Dance & Theatre listings. Plus, if you’re hosting your own musical events or gigs, share your listing with the community for free here. Let’s keep promoting vibrant cultural experiences locally!
