As we start to move past the midway point of July, it only means one thing – MADE is fastly approaching. MADE is a festival held at the infamous Rainbow Venues in Digbeth, Birmingham. Showcasing the best in Grime, House, Drum & Bass and beyond, it’s now one of the major one day festivals found across the UK. So, out of pure excitement, I’ve selected five artists who will appear across the six stages and why you should look out for them.

Dusky: The London boys will be releasing a new album later this year and from what I’ve already heard, it’s going to be absolutely faultless. ‘Ingrid Is A Hybrid’  live is a spectacle not to be missed. A dusky live performance always has a touching sentiment and it’s certain to send a shiver or two down your spine. Their latest single ‘Sort It Out Sharon’ featuring grime godfather Wiley is gathering a nice bit of momentum also, so expect to hear that one dropped. Dusky over Stormzy for the headlining slot time for me ( and for you).

Tom Shorterz: If you’re from Birmingham, you’ll know Shorterz. And if you don’t – then you should. He’s been doing the rounds for a few years now and he’s finally started to get the recognition he deserves. Having played Rainbow on numerous occasions, Shorterz will be returning to his stomping ground. His sets replicate those of someone who’s been applying their trade for many a year. His last set I saw was a mix of bass and house but I’m unsure as to what kind of set he’ll play at MADE so I suppose it’s up to you to go and find out. A must watch.

Redlight: Many people don’t know that Hugh Pescod AKA Redlight is an actual veteran of the game. Appearing under different aliases for many years, Redlight has produced drum and bass, grime, house and many others. Still releasing tunes on a reg, he’s still committed as ever. X Colour , his most recent album is a belter and his live sets are no different. Mostly playing house, he’ll play your commercial gems to your underground classics. A big name on the MADE lineup.

Stormzy: Does Big Mikey need any introduction. First he took the UK by storm and now he seems to be conquering the world. Shows all over Europe is now common practice for Stiff Chocolate. Arguably Grime’s biggest start, alongside Skepta, his live shows have filtered through onto social media and have been received as one of the best from an urban artist by some people. If you’re after an high-octane electrifying performance to wrap up your MADE experience over something a little less dreamy in Dusky, then Stormzy is your man.

Chris Lorenzo: Another Birmingham boy makes the list. Some believe him to be the brains behind Hannah Wants but we’ll leave that for another time. He’s been doing bits for years now, from making hard-hitting house to more recently softer house – and even more specifically the wonderful ‘I Wanna Be’ with the equally as wonderful Katy B. He’s remixed a whole heap of brilliant tunes and he’s one to watch for everyone who’s attending MADE.

Matt Cooper – @mcooperwrites