For many up-and-coming bands in the UK, Europe has turned into a desirable destination for independent touring. With higher payments, more enthusiastic crowds, and a friendlier hospitality approach (all supported by improved arts funding), the continent has seen British bands flocking there in large numbers in recent years. A significant number have discovered that touring in Europe is far more enjoyable than traveling back home, and many have made a stop at the Left of the Dial Festival during their journeys.
Scheduled each October in the port city of Rotterdam, Left of the Dial has evolved into one of the best examples of mainland Europe's growing appreciation for live music and DIY culture. The festival lineup is consistently packed with international rising stars from the alternative scene, encompassing everything from noise-rock bands to classically-trained violinists, all of whom remain a central focus for the organizers throughout the planning stages. Bands are accommodated for the weekend, provided a private bar, and allowed to print and sell their merchandise on-site at the Merch Mini Market.
That said, festival attendees are also well taken care of. In addition to an impressive selection of artists and venues (which includes several boats), Left of the Dial this year features a synth workshop, daytime parties, and an extensive conference schedule for when it gets too noisy, along with innovative accessibility programs. The festival’s ‘Sharing Is Caring’ initiative allows attendees who cannot attend all three days to donate their tickets to fans who might not otherwise afford to go, while the ‘Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself’ tour aims to educate festival-goers on the challenges of navigating a citywide festival as a wheelchair user.
A true sense of consideration permeates the planning of Left of the Dial, with ongoing attention to both its attendees and performers. This thoughtfulness is equally reflected in the lineup. Bands and solo artists are carefully selected from DIY communities worldwide and brought together in Rotterdam for a genuine celebration of alternative music and its surrounding culture. From Leeds indie to Los Angeles electronica, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite acts on this year’s lineup below.
We also asked the artists involved to share their favorite picks for the weekend, so you can check out your favorite band’s favorite acts too. If you’re planning to head to Rotterdam later this month to experience all that DIY has to offer, be sure to grab a notebook and pen to chart out your schedule.
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Fuzz Lightyear // Performing at V11, Friday 24th, 22:40 & Waterfront, Saturday 25th, 16:50
Leeds’ loudest and grungiest boy band has an exciting autumn lined up. After signing with Nice Swan Records in 2024, Fuzz Lightyear has been gradually releasing new singles throughout the year, building up to the launch of their new EP ‘Zero Guilt’ which arrives on vinyl this November. In the meantime, they’ve been diligently refining their live performance, incorporating unusual samples, strobe lights (when available), and an increasing interest in electronica, elements sure to get the Rotterdam crowd moving.
Bassist Varun Govil mentions, “We need to give a shout out to all our friends performing; they wouldn’t be our friends if their music wasn’t great, so definitely check them out: Elwell, Fossick, Green Gardens, Magda, SILVERWINGKILLER, The None, Sick Man of Europe. Beyond that, I’m personally really looking forward to seeing Eterna. They have a super atmospheric, captivating sound that I've wanted to catch for a long time. Big shoutout to Left of the Dial!”
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Green Gardens // Performing at De Deolen Studio 1, Thursday 23rd, 19:40 & The Cube, Friday 24th, 19:00 & Theater Rotterdam, Saturday 25th, 21:40
In September, guitar-centric band Green Gardens released their second full-length album, ‘Thistlesifting’. The three-disc record explores themes of love, loss, and the space between, marked by a new level of clarity and confidence. With performances scheduled for each day of Left of the Dial, they’re a must-see, particularly for festival-goers looking for a softer sound but with weighty themes.
Songwriter Jacob Cracknell expresses, “We’re really excited to see Van Zon, Tommy Barlow Truthpaste, Shaking Hand, and Classic Trucks. Van Zon played with us for our new album launch, and their set was so lovely and poignant. There’s also a strong Leeds presence this year with our friends Fuzz Lightyear, Elwell, and Fossick, who are brilliant. I caught them in Leeds recently, and it felt monumental, like being at a Godflesh concert.”
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SILVERWINGKILLER // Performing at Worm 2, Thursday 23rd, 23:20 & Perron Big, Friday 24th, 20:20
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For numerous emerging bands in the UK, Europe has turned into a paradise for DIY touring. With better pay, more enthusiastic audiences, and a friendlier atmosphere towards