Left of the Dial at BIRD: Three Days of New Musical Discoveries

From Thursday to Saturday, BIRD becomes one of the venues hosting Left of the Dial, Rotterdam’s showcase festival for emerging musical talent. Since 2018, the festival has brought artists from the Netherlands and abroad to around 25 venues across Rotterdam’s city centre.

Left of the Dial is all about discovering tomorrow’s favourite artists. With no headliners and every act welcomed with equal enthusiasm, the festival has earned a reputation for its exceptional hospitality. Previous editions have featured artists such as Deadletter, Maruja, Tramhaus, Lambrini Girls and Big Special.

At BIRD, you can discover your next favourite artist from Thursday to Saturday. Here’s what’s on the programme for Friday:

Friday

16:00 – Ben Kidson

For fans of: The Streets, Getdown Services and Sleaford Mods

Ben Kidson describes his music as “accidental pop music made by an anti-chart-music-guy.” Expect offbeat alternative pop with a raw edge, drawing on the spirit of British spoken word and post-punk. An intriguing way to kick off Friday for fans of sharp lyrics, unconventional sounds and music that refuses to follow the usual rules.

17:30 – Telekura

For fans of: Her's, Saint Etienne and Boy Pablo

Telekura are a multicultural four-piece blending electronic experimentation with colourful psychedelic pop. Their sound moves effortlessly across genres and eras, bringing together infectious synths and a playful, offbeat sensibility. The Irish band have received praise from Hot Press and RTÉ, and have been featured on Spotify editorial playlists including Fresh Finds UK & Ireland and Alternative Future. They also showcased at Ireland Music Week and recently supported Nation of Language on their sold-out Irish tour.

19:00 – Bert

For fans of: Arthur Russell, Beck and Car Seat Headrest

Brighton-based songwriter and producer Bert blends indie-folk, alternative rock, soul and breakbeat into a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. He describes songwriting as a kind of GPS for life: a way to find direction, translate personal experiences and bring different musical styles together naturally.

With airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music, alongside sold-out shows in London, Brighton and Leeds, Bert is an artist to keep an eye on. Expect shimmering lo-fi soul, memorable melodies and a sound that is entirely his own.

20:30 – bog band

For fans of: Prefab Sprout, Dijon, Nourished By Time and The Blue Nile

Irish duo bog band consists of Stephen Sorensen on vocals and Isaac Clarke on production. They describe their sound as “Laptop Soul”: understated, romantic melodies layered with sputtering beats, fuzzy guitars and intricate modern production.

Drawing on fragments of pop history and musical memory, they reshape familiar influences into something distinctive, unexpected and heartfelt. Releases such as Vanity Project (2024) and Mocashno Days (2025) showcase their ability to bring experimental production and subtle pop songwriting together. A unique live experience for fans of dreamy, left-field soul.

22:00 – Rian Brazil

For fans of: James Blake, When Saints Go Machine and Tennyson

Alternative pop artist, songwriter and producer Rian Brazil refuses to be confined to a single genre. His music ranges from rave-inflected dance tracks and alternative rap to spoken word and intimate, piano-led ballads. At the centre of it all is his versatile voice, paired with adventurous production and emotionally vivid songwriting.

After developing his sound within Brighton’s underground scene, Brazil moved to London and introduced himself as a solo artist with the 2025 EP People like u. The release attracted attention from publications including i-D and Clash, reflecting his musical upbringing shaped by rave and drum-and-bass culture. With his upcoming mixtape Engine Heartbreak, he continues to explore the possibilities of his voice and songwriting. An unpredictable and versatile way to close out Friday night at BIRD.

Festival Menu at BIRD

During Left of the Dial, Restaurant of BIRD offers a special festival menu. The perfect way to grab a bite before heading to the shows!

Check out the festival menu at BIRD