In celebration of The Great Escape turning ten years old in 2015, we're turning back the years to take a look at what's become of some of our greatest alumni. This week it's 2011...

Bastille (UK)

Played @ Komedia

Bastille were no strangers to The Great Escape by the time they got to their Dome show in 2013. The sold out set marked their third consecutive year at the festival where we've seen them journey from a little-known indie act to all-conquering headliners. Debut album "Bad Blood' set the indie pop four-piece on a trajectory that looks set to continue upwards: the album entered the UK charts at number 1, with singles "Pompeii' and "Of the Night' both reaching number 2 in the singles chart. Their success earned them four BRIT nominations last year, including a win for British Breakthrough Act. Currently off on a world tour and with a second album already in the works, is their anything Bastille can't do?

Daughter (UK)

Played @ Life

The haunting, delicate power of Daughter's atmospheric indie has enchanted listeners since the success of their debut EPs. Their 2011 TGE show proved just how captivating the group's soft indie folk can be. Daughter's highly distinctive, atmospheric sound, combined with their exquisite lyrics, electronic undertones and Elena Tonra's ethereal vocals, has made them a favourite with audiences and critics alike. Debut album "If You Leave', premiered in the UK top 20, winning Independent Album of the year at the AIM Independent Music Awards and receiving great critical praise from the likes of the BBC. Having now finished touring with their first record, the band is currently back in the studio working on their second offering: we can't wait to hear what they come up with.

Frank Turner (UK)

Played @ HMV Store Extra/Coalition

Now a household name after performing at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, Frank Turner has carved out a niche for himself as some kind of alternative hero. And it's not without graft: with well over 1600 solo shows to his name, he's worked his way up the ranks before reaching his current standing with a sold out Wembley Arena, headline sets at 2000 Trees and Blissfields, and main stage slots at Reading and Leeds to his name. A testament to the power of man and music, his TGE sets proved hugely popular, with a raucous crowd soaking up his every word. Not scared of being direct, Turner's forthrightness and integrity coupled with rousing melodies have earned his folk-punk a devoted following. Catch him next month headlining XFM's Winter Wonderland at Brixton Academy in December.

Ben Howard (UK)

Played @ Komedia

To get an idea of the demand for indie folk star Ben Howard, one only has to look at the sales of tickets for his upcoming arena tour - his first London date at Alexandra Palace sold out in ten minutes, prompting the addition of another two shortly after. Despite the huge venues he's now playing, we're sure he hasn't lost any of the intimacy we saw back at TGE 2011, where a packed Komedia was treated to his soul-piercing charm. After enchanting the masses with acoustic-based debut album Every Kingdom, he was granted a slot on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2013 as well as two BRIT awards and a Mercury Prize nomination. This summer he headlined the inaugural Somersault festival, before new album "I Forgot What We Were' hit the album charts at number one on the following its release last month. With a multitude of dates around the UK heading into next year, be sure to bag yourself a ticket while you still can.

Ed Sheeran (UK)

Played @ Concorde 2

Singer-songwriter sensation Ed Sheeran stands as one of the biggest stars in the British music industry today. His fantastic TGE performance came shortly after the release of debut single The A Team, largely responsible for catapulting Sheeran into the mainstream spotlight. Since then it's only been up: debut album "+' has been certified platinum six times in the UK, with follow-up "x' featuring two number one singles and charting at number one in 12 countries and featuring two number one singles. His urban folk - a striking combination of witty lyrics and acoustic guitar - has earned him two BRITS, and a huge following. Currently in the middle of a (largely sold out) world tour, we're sure the lovable lad will be back soon.

SBTRKT (UK)
Played @ Corn Exchange

Enigmatic producer, Aaron Jerome aka SBTRKT has gained quite the reputation, with collaborators ranging from Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig to the likes of Jessie Ware and Warpaint. Taking on the name SBTRKT and performing in tribal masks to give an air of anonymity to his music, the success that has followed proves that if the music's good enough, a face isn't needed. His eclectic mix of hip-hop dance-based music is a crowd puller with huge sets at Reading and Leeds this year and a Brixton Academy show last month. Live, the excitement is palpable - despite being a producer, Jerome's incorporation of live singers and other acts makes for a truly electrifying show. Latest album "Wonder Where We Land' was released last month to great critical acclaim including an 8/10 from NME. With such an exciting and innovating track record, the bar is set for whatever project comes next.

Other stand out artists to have played TGE 2010 include Anna Calvi, DJ Shadow, Example, Factory Floor, Foster The People, Ghost Poet, John Cooper Clark, King Charles, Little Dragon, Rizzle Kicks, Sufjan Stevens, The Antlers, The Joy Formidable, Twin Shadow and Warpaint.

Here is our playlist featuring a few stand out artists from TGE 2011:

The post #TBT - A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK AT TGE 2011 appeared first on The Great Escape.