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 Saturday:

Saturday

16:00 – What Jen Wants

For fans of: Been Stellar, feeble little horse, Pretty Sick and Wednesday

What Jen Wants are a much-talked-about new band blending dreamy, ethereal textures with raw college rock. Their sound moves between gritty guitars and floating melodies, creating an exciting balance of energy and atmosphere.

Since playing their first show late last year, they have shared stages across London with the likes of The Orchestra (For Now), Little Grandad and Night Swimming. The band are currently working on their debut EP, with their first single set to arrive this autumn. A promising new name for fans of alternative guitar music with a dreamy edge.

17:30 – RAGEFLOWER

For fans of: Garbage, HAIM, Wolf Alice and St. Vincent

What would happen if Chappell Roan and The Japanese House had a musical love child who then went through a punk phase? RAGEFLOWER might be the answer. Her sound blends alternative rock, dream-pop and experimental art-pop into an immersive mix of raw emotion and cinematic energy.

Balancing vulnerability with power, RAGEFLOWER creates a distinctive musical world full of sharp edges and open-hearted moments. Her live performances are intense and cathartic, somewhere between a personal confession and a theatrical spectacle. Expect a set that is as emotionally resonant as it is unpredictable.

19:00 – Yoo Doo Right

For fans of: Neu! and Zonbi

Canadian experimental rock duo Yoo Doo Right take their name from a song by legendary band Can. Hailing from Montréal, Justin Cober and John Talbot combine distorted guitars, layered synthesizers, deep bass grooves and explosive percussion to create sprawling, hypnotic soundscapes.

Since forming in 2016, the band have released multiple albums and EPs and toured across Canada, the United States, Europe and the UK. They have appeared at festivals including SXSW, Levitation and Amplifest, and shared stages with acts such as DIIV and A Place to Bury Strangers. Their album From the Heights of Our Pastureland was longlisted for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize. Expect an intense, immersive live performance where towering riffs collide with restless rhythms.

20:30 – Curiosity Shop

For fans of: James Taylor and Whitney

Curiosity Shop are a five-piece alt-folk band from Edinburgh, blending folk, jazz and indie with traditional Scottish musical influences. Their warm, layered sound combines intricate arrangements with memorable melodies.

At the heart of the band are songwriting duo Ru Wallace and Sonny Scott, who have been writing music together since their teenage years. Their songs are rooted in storytelling and rich natural imagery, often reflecting a world far removed from urban life. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Fleet Foxes, Pentangle and Whitney, they create music that feels both lush and intimate. Since forming in 2024, the band have been building a growing reputation through standout performances at Tenement Trail and shows across the UK.

22:00 – wing!

For fans of: Tricky, Boards of Canada and Beck

wing! is the producer alias of Adam Swan, who combines heavy samples and ambient textures to create ethereal hip-hop. His productions move between dreamy soundscapes, understated beats and an atmospheric, cinematic sound.

Live, wing! becomes a trio featuring drummer Joe Killick and bassist Kai Charlton. Together, they bring elements of jazz, trip-hop and post-rock into the electronic foundations, giving the music an organic and immersive feel. An atmospheric way to close out Saturday at BIRD, perfect for fans of layered production and music that slowly unfolds.

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