There's something special about discovering an artist just before everyone else catches on. That was exactly the case with Irish singer-songwriter Jamie McIntyre. After being pointed in his direction by countless people at TRNSMT Festival the weekend before, I made my way over to the Introducing Stage - and I'm so glad I did.

Some interviews begin with a conversation about the new album. My chat with Anna Graves began with tongue twisters, doing makeup in the back of a van and both of us trying not to melt in a London heatwave.

Catching up with LiveWithLP backstage at State Fayre in Essex just hours before taking to the stage, the American singer-songwriter Landon Smith was understandably buzzing. Between joking about misunderstood lyrics, talking poetic songwriting and teasing what's next, it was clear this wasn't just another stop on the tour schedule – it was a milestone.

Making UK music festival history, the inaugural State Fayre opened its doors this weekend to over 50,000 people across three days, delivering incredible music, legendary performers, entertainment for all ages,

Festival Republic and Live Nation are introducing State Fayre, a brand-new major weekend festival taking place 26-28 June in Chelmsford, Essex.

State Fayre Saturday night headlinerALANIS MORISSETTE Plus SKUNK ANANSIE announced

STATE FAYRE - KINGS OF LEON, NEIL YOUNG AND THE CHROME HEARTS AND THE LUMINEERS TO HEADLINE