Dot To Dot Organiser Anton Lockwood (Of DHP Group) said: ‘This latest announcement brings some artists to Dot To Dot that we are long term fans of, like the mighty Trail of Dead, the stunning Joy Formidable, together with some of the most exciting new artists around like Cults and Braids. We aren’t forgetting the electronic music fans either, adding highly respected artists SBTRKT and Blawan to an ever growing bill. And there’s plenty more to come…’
First up for the latest line-up additions is The Joy Formidable. One of the hottest grungey-pop trios on the block, the intense power of their live show has propelled them to the top of the heap, with a sack-full of praise for their long-player The Big Roar, expect big things. Austin Texas’s finest sons …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead will be joining Dot To Dot for the Bristol and Nottingham dates. Famed for their raucous live shows, the band’s latest album ‘Tao of the Dead’ has seen them strip their sound back, continuing their boundary smashing visceral riffing to acclaimed effect. UK Bass behemoth SBTRKT will be on hand to slay crowds with his crisp and driving sound. Alloying deep, techy vibes and heavy electro to broken beats and wobbly bass, his sound is as unmistakable as his voodoo mask.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich whose awe-inspiring guitar playing and amazing harmonies have marked him out as one to watch for 2011 will be traversing Dot To Dot’s triumvirate of cities to the wow the crowds. New York duo Cults have been causing a stir in the past six months and will be joining the Dot To Dot juggernaut to showcase their faultless 60s inspired indie-pop. Award winning folk singer songwriter Ben Howard will be entrancing crowds with just his acoustic guitar and his incredible voice that has won him a litany of accolades. Five-piece pop-rockers Wolf Gang, led by Max McElligott will be pushing their 80s tinged grooves to the limit, neo-dubstep synth duo Alpines will supply their glacial thrills, heads down acid action, replete with thunderous drums, will come courtesy of Blawan, Canadian up-and-comers Braids will demonstrate the dreamy baroque hooks that have the world’s music press all hot and bothered, DOM will amaze one and all with their infectious reverb drenched surfer sounds and Sweden’s Royal Republic will add a touch of searing rock to proceedings.
With lots more exciting additions to be announced for Dot To Dot’s 2011 line-up, make sure you keep checkingwww.dottodotfestival.co.uk for all the latest news and ticket info.
Tickets are now on sale:
Bristol: £25 Nottingham: £25 Manchester £20
(all tickets subject to booking fees)
Full Line-Up So Far:
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead (Bristol & Nottingham only) / Alpines / Ben Howard / Benjamin Francis Leftwich / Blawan / Braids / Cults / Darwin Deez (Manchester only) / Dom / Ed Sheeran / Hurts / Mona(Bristol & Nottingham only) / Royal Republic / SBTRKT / The Joy Formidable / The Naked & Famous / The Phoenix Foundation / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Wolf Gang
In addition to these sterling acts for the Reggae stage, the Bassline Circus dance tent have snapped up critically acclaimed rap, grime and dubstep act Foreign Beggars, along withthe dark and techy drum and bass of Holland’s Black Sun Empire and the latest reincarnationof DnB’s legendary producer Spor as Feed Me to showcase his epic electrohouse and dubstep mixes.
With the music line up blazing, Boomtown have been plotting with their festival friends and are pleased to announce that some of the circuits most inventive and creative crews will be taking over the streets of the brand spanking new area May-fair Avenue to provide an opulent neighbourhood next to Downtown Boomtown!
May-fair Avenue is an altogether far more elegant part of town. Along its length run deluxe casino’s where dreams can come true, sumptuous restaurants, suave gentlemen’s clubs which turn a little raucous as the night stretches on and luxury shopping outlets
As dancehall’s original Prophet, Capleton is a reggae legend with a career spanning over 2 decades. In this UK festival first and summer exclusive Boomtown Fair have one almighty show closer for their reggae stage on the Sunday evening. Over the years Capleton has worked with industry greats: Once signed to the mighty Def Jam records Capleton has collaborated with some of the biggest acts around including Method Man and Q-Tip. One thing is for sure; the Lion’s Den will be roaring!
Supporting Barrington Levy on the Lion’s Den Saturday evening slot is Leeds nine-piece ensemble Gentleman’s Dub Club. With a style based in dub, ska and roots reggae, GDC have burst onto the UK circuit, rocking gigs and festivals up and down the country with their turbo charged high-energy show. Combining tight grooves and a heavyweight sound, Gentleman’s Dub Club gigs often end in a frenzied mosh pit reminiscent of a mid 80’s ska night. Live effects and mixing make for a crystal clear sound, and the band’s larger than life stage presence makes for a mesmerising experience that are guaranteed to whip up the Boomtown massive in to a frenzy for the final nights celebrations…
Along with these epic Reggae stage announcements, Boomtown have been beavering away on the Bassline Circus bill and have clinched some more awesome artists for the already ambitious dance stage line up. Just confirmed are one of the most prolific and versatile outfits to emerge from the UK in recent years Foreign Beggars,
the fresh and progressive sound of Dutch trio Black Sun Empire with their pioneering techstep, drum and bass sound, along with leading producer and DJ, Spor. He’ll be appearing as his electrohouse and dubstep alias Feed Me showcasing bass heavy and high octane electro energy.
On top of the biggest and best reggae line up at any UK festival this year, Boomtown Fair are all about the community atmosphere. Known for its sprawling streets and winding avenues Boomtown Fair truly is the most escapist festival around, this year they are taking it to a whole new level and introducing many new areas, one of these is the grand May-Fair Avenue. May-fair Avenue is an altogether far more elegant part of town and for the first time ever is opening its doors to the Fair. With venues such as decadent Gentleman’s Club – run by festival favourites - Bearded Kitten, the pamper paradise of the Park Hotel and Funkington Manor –while the parents are away, the kids will play! An almighty house party the neighbours won’t be able to forget…
With Super Early Bird and Early Bird tickets selling out in record time the full weekend camping ticket is still only £93 and includes; 4 days and nights of unadulterated fun spread out over 22 inventive stages and areas in a perfect setting! Bring on the Bass…
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MAIN STAGE LINE UP SO FAR:
GOGOL BORDELLO / CARAVAN PALACE / THE SELECTER WITH PAULINE BLACK / [DUNKELBUNT] / THE TOASTERS / GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN / THE APPLES / THE KING BLUES / BABYHEAD / SMERINS ANTI SOCIAL CLUB
DANCE STAGE LINE UP SO FAR:
DJ ZINC / BLACK SUN EMPIRE / FOREIGN BEGGARS / TODDLA T & SEROCEE / MS DYNAMITE / THE BUG & FLOWDAN / REDLIGHT & MC DREAD / EMALKAY / RATPACK / ED SOLO b2b JFB / HIGH RANKIN / FEED ME / PYRAMID / WARRIOR ONE / RACK N RUIN / TAYO / SQUIRE OF GOTHOS / KOAN SOUND / THE MCMASH CLAN
LIONS DEN (REGGAE STAGE) LINE UP SO FAR:
CAPLETON / BARRINGTON LEVY / CUTTY RANKS / TIPPA IRIE AND FAR EAST BAND / GENTLEMANS DUB CLUB / SOOM T AND JAHTARI / CONGO NATTY / TOPCAT / ABA SHANTI / IRATION STEPPAS / BONGO CHILLI / SOLO BANTON / BENNY PAGE / JINX IN DUB / DADDY FREDDY / FRIENDLY FIRE BAND / JACKY MURDA / KENNY KEN / LION DUB AND DAVID BOOMAH / PRINCE FATTY / THE RAGGA TWINS / THE HEATWAVE / YT / LAID BLAK / MILLION DAN / MR BENN / DUBKASM / ONLY JOE / CAPLETON / THE DROP / SERIAL KILLAZ
TICKET DETAILS:
Date: Thursday11th – Sunday 14th August 2011
Location: Secret location TBA, less than 1hr from London
Ticket Price: Full Weekend: £93
Adult Full Price Deposit: £47
Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. The balance to be paid in full by 31st July
Kicking things off on Friday, and for a DAY TICKET PRICE OF £59, is one of the best live bands on the planet, the mighty KASABIAN who headline the Main Stage. They are joined by Northern Ireland’s music-mad trio TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB andmasters of reinvention GROOVE ARMADA who bring a brand new and exciting performance concept to the glorious backdrop of Loch Ness with GROOVE ARMADA PRESENTS RED LIGHT. Joining them are DJ SHADOW, BBC Radio 1s ANNIE MAC, electro super producer & DJ EROL ALKAN, the ever exuberant ZANE LOWE as well as the excellent BROTHER. The newly announced SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM begins the weekend as it will continue withsome seriously tasty talent in the form of MODESELEKTOR, JACKMASTER, CLOUDS, BOOM MONK BEN andHAHAHA.
The legendary CHEMICAL BROTHERS headline Saturday’s Main Stage at RockNess and for a DAY TICKET PRICE OF £64 festival fans can enjoy that tantalizing prospect along with sets from cult indie bandTHE CRIBS and the downright fantastic FRIGHTENED RABBIT. Also bringing their ground breaking LIVEshow to Ness on Saturday are dubstep pioneers MAGNETIC MAN plus an act guaranteed to blow up Ness;EXAMPLE, and a man described by the Daily Mail as ‘the most sophisticated drugs baron of all time’,HOWARD MARKS. SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM will be suitably bouncing with an outstanding back to back soundtrack from MAGDA, RARESH, SUBCULTURE and SENSU.
Sunday Main Stage headliner PAOLO NUTINI is joined by Scotland’s GLASVEGAS. For a DAY TICKET PRICE OF £64 they can be savoured along with the unashamedly cheery THE WOMBATS and brilliant US indie rockers WE ARE SCIENTISTS. BOYS NOIZE makes a welcome return to satisfy even the most addicted-to-electro fiends and representing the ladies is the sublime LISSIE and the indomitable KATY B. Also confirmed so far for Sunday and both performing LIVE is electronic duo SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO andFAKE BLOOD. AV pioneer DJ YODA is joined byBBC Radio 1’s enigmatic ROB DA BANK who promises to be “playing the best in left field, right field and any bloomin’ field we can lay our hands on”as well as favouritesTHE CUBAN BROTHERS. And if exceptional electro is your passion there can be no finer way to round up RockNess 2011 than the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM proposition which includes JAMIE XX, a rare LIVE set from MATTHEW DEAR, OPTIMO, PRO VINYLIST KARIM and disco legend DAVID BARBAROSSA.
What’s more, for those who fancy a special treat, a limited number of VIP DAY TICKETS also go on sale today at £85. This year’s RockNess VIP experience sees some fantastic new additions including an unbeatable new hill top location right in the thick of all the festival action and with a unique vantage point to savour the views of The Most Beautiful Festival in the World!
Also included in the VIP DAY TICKET are exclusive DJ sets – watch this space for more details, stylish indoor and outdoor seating, a wider range of food and drinks with less queues and the ultimate luxury that tops every festival goers wish list…posh toilets! The VIP DAY TICKET - ideal for those who want to Rock the Ness whilst enjoying a more exclusive festival experience.
Speaking about today’s DAY TICKETS launch RockNess Festival Director Jim King commented “If camping is not your thing then there is still no better way to see your favourite Rock Ness headliners. The fun and games last all day and well into the night so it’s a guaranteed action packed day out. “
RockNess 2011 takes place 10-12 June, 2011 in the village of Dores, close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
The festival won ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’ at this month’s NME Awards and ‘LINE UP OF THE YEAR’ at the UK Festival Awards.
Frankie & The Heartstrings, Marcus Foster, Tom Williams & The Boat, Arthur Rigby & The Baskervylles, Tigers That Talked, Spokes, Let’s Buy Happiness, The Neat, Just Handshakes (We’re British), Yonderboy, Hope & Social, Two Spot Gobi, My Forever, Sam Airey, Holly Taymar and The Glendale Family
** ALREADY ANNOUNCED **
I Am Kloot, The Go! Team, The Leisure Society, Erland and The Carnival, Caitlin Rose, Admiral Fallow, Matthew and The Atlas, Lanterns on The Lake and Laki Mera
On the Obelisk Stage alongside headliners I Am Kloot will be Sunderland five-piece Frankie & The Heartstrings. Having recently released their debut album ‘Hunger’ to mass acclaim, their infectious blissful pop will sit right at home between The Leisure Society and The Go! Team. NME Radar Band of the Week last week was the talented singer-songwriter Marcus Foster. No normal singer-songwriter, Foster has resisted the easy path to success and is a rising talent of both the music and art worlds having sold work from his fine art degree show to Charles Saatchi. The final act to take a spot on the Deer Shed main stage is Tom Williams & The Boat. Having garnered support in the last 12 months from Steve Lamacq, John Kennedy, Huw Stephens and Tom Robinson, the band have emerged as one of the brightest hopes for literate UK guitar pop. The In The Dock Stage line-up is completed by opening act and 8-piece orchestral pop band Arthur Rigby & The Baskervylles.
The third music stage on Saturday at Deer Shed is the Key Production Stage which will be supporting the best new and unsigned bands from the North of England. Four-piece art-rock outfit Tigers That Talked from Leeds will headline with five stand-out hotly tipped talents joining them. Spokes are an alt-indie band based in Manchester, Let’s Buy Happiness hail from Newcastle and mix delayed guitar soundscapes with the clipped Nordic-sounding vocals of their lead singer, Hull natives The Neat are the sound of punk evolved, Just Handshakes (We’re British) originate from Leeds and were formed over a shared love of gin and Swedish pop and fellow Leeds residents Yonderboy create melodic indie-pop that is as original as it is appealing. All in all, a sextet of outstanding new sounds for Deer Shed-goers to enjoy.
Saturday is Deer Shed’s main music day with three stages running full programmes but in addition to the cabaret focus on Friday night and the chilled out ‘long goodbye’ on Sunday, music lovers can get their fix of more top new acts on both the first and last day of the festival as well. On Friday the Key Production Stage will play host to Hope & Social, Two Spot Gobi and My Forever while the Greentop Circus run the cabaret evening in the Big Top, and on Sunday the In The Dock Stage is home to acoustic performances from Sam Airey, Holly Taymar and The Glendale Family while festival goers chill out with coffee, newspapers and a morning market.
Deer Shed Festival is great value with all kids activities and workshops free of charge and children under five going free*. Tickets available now through www.deershedfestival.com/tickets
In support of band-of-the-moment, Chase and Status and poet laureate of geezer rap Mike Skinner, playing his final shows as The Streets is Example who in keeping with his breakthrough album definitely ‘Won’t Go Quietly’. Multi talented DJ and singer, Yasmin will display her R n’ B and hip-hop, party cuts as she performs live and Radio 1’s queen of dance music Annie Mac will drop clubland’s freshest beats. Local Bristol boy Redlight will navigate the unnamed airspace between house, breakbeat and dubstep whileDot Rotten is a purveyor of emotionally driven beats and insightful lyrics.
The most potent voice in British hip-hop Roots Manuva takes to the stage whilst Giggs, king of the mixtape and purveyor of rugged home truths tells it how it is. Master of sound and ruler of beats, Beardyman is a perennial festival favourite
We The People can hardly contain their excitement at securing east coast hip hop don and enigmatic recluse, Doom for a rare UK performance while L.A’s Gaslamp Killer showcases his unique take on dub-step and hip hop with some remarkable turntablism. Hip hop legends the Ultramagnetic MC’s will perform some stone cold classics to a rapturous crowd. Dubstep Dandy High Rankin never fails to cause a riot on the dance floor while Modestep take the genre into new territory and are one of the hottest new acts on the live music scene. Engine Earz prove why they have been described as Massive Attack for the dubstep generation.
Local promoters and club nights are firmly represented and those bringing the sounds of the South West and beyond include Bed,Blast, Sub Loaded and Blowpop.
With a 10,000 capacity each day in one of the cities most iconic locations and three music arenas, We The People is brought to you by a collection of national promoters and leading lights of the local club and live music scene
Expect many more artists to be announced imminently.
Ticket Link Early Bird Tickets £35+bf per day / Weekend Tickets £60+bf
Kendal Calling, now in it’s 6th year has seen an increase in demand for tickets earlier this year and due to unprecedented sales would like to make sure those planning on attending the annual weekend of revelry can all get in on the action.
The full line-up for the festival has not been revealed but is due to be announced in the next month. News of new attractions and areas are also coming soon. Andy Smith, Director of Kendal Calling Says: “We’ve been slogging away hard over the dark winter months to put together a line up that will make Kendal Calling proud so it’s really awesome to see that people have responded so well to what has been announced so far. Compared to last year ticket sales are ahead by a phenomenal distance – hello and thank you to all those who have been before and those new comers who will be joining us in the fields this year!”
“We’re really excited to be expanding on the success of last years Emperors Fields and this year, after feedback from previous visitors we’ll also be offering festival-goers a custom-made glamorous camping experience (or just that added bit of luxury) to make their festival even more special with our new range of accommodation at what is to be called ‘The Lodge’. I’ll see you at the camp fire.”
New to the festival this year is the luxury area of The Lodge, one of the most extensive luxury camping areas to be seen at any UK festival; a haven of peace & quiet away from the crowds. Complete with a funky range of accommodation The Lodge includes Kacoons, Luxury Bus, Campervans, Kip & Kit, Pod Village, Pop Up Hotel Room’s, Camel Camping, Tipi’s and Yurty’s! The Lodge provide the highest quality facilities and give all guests a goody bag and a separate ‘community’ fenced off with secure campsite. The Lodge also lays on clean, monitored toilets and hot showers, free parking in the private car park, chill out areas, friendly staff on call 24 hours a day and access to the backstage Green Room Bar overlooking the beautiful lake.
With the Emperors Fields and Campervan ticketsselling out not long after going onsale the festival has decided to offer the ultimate festival experience for those festival-goers who like to camp it up in style and make more of a holiday out of their weekend!
Here’s an overview of The Lodge Camping options:
KACOON – is the very latest in capsule accommodation for festivals. Hand built from wood with an insulated and upholstered interior, guests can stay warm as its wind and watertight plus this means you can’t hear the snoring from the next tent. They are spacious enough to sleep two people in single beds and guests can easily stand up inside as its nearly 2 metres tall. These come with a 12v solar powered electricity supply which is backed up by leisure batteries, so don’t forget your car adaptor for your phone charger.
LUXURY BUS – The ultimate in luxury, these buses come with all the gadgets you could ever need for your few days away from home. These include open deck with sunloungers, a four seater hot tub, A gas barbeque with seating for four under canopy, A sun couch with outside speakers & night lighting, fully controllable air conditioning & heating, a walk in wet room with power shower & flushing toilet. Not to mention a designer kitchen with micro-oven, gas hob & fridge, a bar with a 21 bottle champagne/wine chiller, an ice maker, a selection of champagne, wine & tumbler glasses, cocktail makers & spirit measures. (Drinks not included). On top of this it provides a 36” Panasonic HD flatscreen TV with satellite free view, Sony PS3 with blu-ray disk player, Yamaha sound system with ipod docking station & surround sound speakers, Dimmable LED lighting, leather couches on both levels which convert to sleep four (one double bed and two single beds). Wardrobe and storage space supplied with duvets, throws & Egyptian cotton linen. Power points to charge mobile phones and laptops plus privacy tint windows with black out blinds
CARAVAN & CAMPERVAN plots – ‘The Lodge’ Caravan/Campervan package provides you with all the lush benefits of ‘The Lodge’ camping but provides you with a plot to park your van.
KIP & KIT– The Lodge’ KIP n KIT ‘offers one or two person tents already pitched, ready for your arrival. It’s as simple and easy as camping gets; complete with airbed, sleeping bag and torch …which is yours to take away!
POD VILLAGE – At the heart of the ‘The Lodge’ lies Pod Village – our private cabins that are as cute and classy as camping gets. Each pod comes pre decorated with solid floor & fitted carpet. With 3 cut out windows with sliding tinted acrylic lenses for light, ventilation and curtains for privacy at night. They are solar powered with indoor lights & electricity hook ups, all beds are raised off the floor and guests can choose between double or twin beds.
POP UP HOTEL ROOMS – ‘Emerge from your room totally refreshed and unruffled each and every time!’ This fantastic spacious hotel room in a field comes fully equipped with En-suite power shower, washbasin and toilet with water saving flush. Its fully air-conditioned with laminate wood effect flooring, slick lighting, built in 4ft double bed with crisp white linens, fresh white towels, luxury toiletries, kettle, cups and condiments, Thermal and sound insulation, fully secure and safe, flat screen TV/DVD (TV picture dependant to local reception quality), mini fridge and bistro table and 2 chairs. Finally, a proper hotel room to enhance your festival experience!
CAMEL CAMP: an elegant canvas nomadic tent, in the style of the Touareg tribe of North Africa. These traditional canvas homes are spacious, cool, and very classy. Great for relaxing, entertaining friends, or just chilling in, revellers just need to bring a sleeping bag.
TIPI’S – How do you fancy sleeping under canvas in true Sioux Indian style? All you need to do is arrive on site to find your tipi ready to move into, just relax, unpack and make yourself at home! 4, 6 or 10-man tipi pitched for your arrival.
YURTY – No need to set up and break down. Just turn up and relax for 4 days, then drive away when your Kendal Calling has finished! These little beauties are ingenious… and perfect for TWO people sharing. The Yurty is a perfect miniature Yurt it sleeps two people and comes with air mattresses. The floor space is fully carpeted.
Luxury Camping festival packages available that include: Full 3-day weekend ticket to Kendal Calling 2011 Hire of luxury camping option Private VIP campsite with posh toilets, warm showers and car parking Fast track entrance to the festival Access to the guest hospitality area with bar facilities ‘The Lodge’ Goody bag Commemorative Kendal Calling T-Shirt
‘The Lodge’ will be open from 12.00 Noon on Thursday 28th July until 12.00 Noon Monday 1st August 2011.
Prices for The Lodge accommodation start at £184 and can be booked separately from festival ticket, to book luxury accomodation at the Lodge go to the Kendal Calling website – www.kendalcalling.co.uk
KENDAL CALLING LINE UP SO FAR: BLONDIE / CHASE & STATUS / THE CRIBS / ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN / BEARDYMAN / THE LEVELLERS / MR SCRUFF / THE YOUNG KNIVES / TIM BURGESS & MARK COLLINS FROM THE CHARLATANS ACOUSTIC SET / THE WHIP / MIDDLEMAN / NERO
Beady Eye Describing the highly anticipated Beady Eye debut, Liam Gallagher certainly raised the bar high. Different Gear, Still Speeding is filled with songs „as good as Definitely Maybe,“ he told the NME. Yet, what the title promises is definitely what you get. After Oasis split in 2009, Liam Gallagher and his band mates Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Chris Sharrock simply had to get back in the studio, taking it a step further by using the newly formed Beady Eye as their creative outlet. Compared to Oasis, Beady Eye might only be a four-piece, yet the band’s in-your-face attitude is all the more rock’n’roll. The album’s edgy, rough and pure, conquering the next level of Britpop on its way. You get the anthem-like classics („The Roller”), fast forward smash hits („Four Letter Word”), and such retro pieces as „World Outside My Room“ in 60s guise on top. If that’s not enough proof for you, wait till you see them live. Modeselektor present Melt! Selektor Stage Our Melt! Selektor Stage is taking shape with Modeselektor watching over the goings-on in all their manifold glory. After their spectacular live set together with Bonaparte in 2010, the Berlin-based Gernot and Szary will top last year’s show with a never before seen and heard techno supergroup. Under the name of A.T.O.L., Modeselektor will get behind the turntables together with Marcel Dettmann and Shed (Ostgut Ton) to present their vision of techno to the Melt! crowd live. Also joining the stage’s line-up, which is curated by Modeselektor in close collaboration: Nicolas Jaar live, who’s fanbase stretches from techno to indie lovers. With a new album in tow, Apparat Band joined the bill. So did Jamie Woon, Rusko, Siriusmo, Anstam, Cosmin TRG, Phon.o and Benjamin Damage & Doc Daneeka. A perfect addition to the already confirmed SBTRKT, Gold Panda, Sizarr Soundsystem and Housemeister. A line-up to be proud of.
Ostgut Ton Special Ostgut Ton, Berghain and Panoramabar’s in-house label is back. Last year, label brought its manifold soundscapes to the Sleepless Floor going quite a bit back to the roots. Even in the beginnings of Melt!, many of the label’s DJs coined the sound of Ferropolis. In 2011, this will be no different. Besides Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock, Marcel Fengler as well as Barker & Baumecker (live) will travel to Ferropolis to conquer the Big Wheel Stage this year. In the spirit of Ostgut Ton, the four acts are about to present the genre diversity the electro label, which celebrated its fifth anniversary last year, is known for. From the power station to the steel giants – Melt! is looking forward to a reunion with Ostgut Ton.
More announcements If you have been longing for more guitar-driven sounds to be announced, well, here you go: The Drums will be playing their only festival show at Melt!, and so will the indie legends of Swans. Iron and Wine’s performance promises to be a truly intense experience as much as the gig of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. With Foster The People, we have another Melt! office top tip for you.
We are also looking forward to the appearances of Crystal Castles, FM Belfast, the Le Tigre spin-off MEN, the return ofDananananaykroyd, and Planningtorock, who will be performing her spectacular new album W (20th May/Cooperative Music). Also on the bill: Ben Drew a.k.a. Plan B, who will arrive from the UK with a little Motown feel in tow. After a bit of a Melt! break, we are looking forward to the return of DJ Koze.
For all of you waiting for hardpaper tickets to be available, here they are! as of now, hardpaper tickets will be available via our website as well as in selected ticket shops as of next week.
Infos about the Melt! pre-party on Thursday, 14th July, all info regarding Melt! Train and other travel and hotel packages as well as the last 20 or so acts will be subject of our next press release.
Everyone hesitating to buy a ticket for this year’s Melt! should know that more than half of our tickets are sold.
All newly confirmed acts Anstam | Apparat Band | Beady Eye | Crystal Castles | Benjamin Damage & Doc Daneeka | Dananananaykroyd | The Drums | FM Belfast | Foster The People | Iron and Wine | Nicolas Jaar (live) | DJ Koze | MEN | Ostgut Ton Special: Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Marcel Fengler, Barker & Baumecker (live) | Phon.o | Planningtorock | Plan B | Rusko | Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros | Siriusmo | Swans | Jamie Woon |
All confirmed acts so far Âme (live) | Anstam | Apparat Band | Atari Teenage Riot | Beady Eye | Bodi Bill | Gui Boratto | Boys Noize Bpitch @ Sleepless Floor: Ellen Allien, Kiki, Chaim, Skinnerbox | Brandt Brauer Frick | Busy P | Carte Blanche | Clock Opera | Console | Carl Craig & Radio Slave B2B | Crystal Castles | Crystal Fighters | Cut Copy | DAF | Benjamin Damage & Doc Daneeka | Dananananaykroyd | Dial Records pres. Lawrence, John Roberts u. a. | Digitalism (live) | DJ T. | The Drums | Errors | Everything Everything | FM Belfast | Foster The People | Gold Panda | Guy Gerber | Calvin Harris | Housemeister | Iron and Wine | Isolée | Nicolas Jaar (live) | Junior Boys (live) | Junip | Fritz Kalkbrenner | Paul Kalkbrenner | Katy B | Markus Kavka | The Koletzkis | DJ Koze | Les Savy Fav | Little Dragon | Live At Robert Johnson @ Sleepless Floor: Roman Flügel, Arto Mwambe, Oliver Hafenbauer, Gerd Janson, Manuel Raven | Loco Dice | M.A.N.D.Y. | MEN | Metronomy | Miss Kittin | Modeselektor present Melt! Selektor | Monarchy | The Naked And Famous | Ostgut Ton Special: Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Marcel Fengler, Barker & Baumecker (live) | Phon.o | Planningtorock | Plan B | Proxy | Pulp | Robyn | Rusko | SBTRKT (live) | Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros | Siriusmo | Sizarr (live) | Sizarr Soundsystem | The Streets | Swans | Tensnake | Total Confusion B2B2B – Tobias Thomas, Michael Mayer & Superpitcher | Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs | White Lies | Jamie Woon |
Tickets 3-day ticket valid for Friday, Saturday and Sunday: EUR 104 plus booking fee and EUR 5 garbage deposit There will be no 1- or 2-day tickets availabe for Melt! 2011. In the price included are camping and parking (from Thursday 15.07. 01:00pm until Monday, 19.07. 03:00pm). Tickets and Infos available under www.meltfestival.de/tickets only.
Still to announce one more headliner, the initial acts to top the bill are Spiritualized and Battles! A perfect fit for a theme that combines the divine and devilish, Spiritualized are making their only confirmed UK festival appearance so far at Standon Calling, headlining the Main Stage on Saturday night. With their first album in three years due for release in the autumn, the seminal rockers are likely to treat the crowd to a mix of new material and music from their genius back catalogue, which includes classic albums Songs in A&E and Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.
Battles will take to the stage on Friday night, armed with new material from their much-anticipated new album Gloss Drop. Released on June 6th it’s their first album since 2007! With a new vocalist to announce, Battles are a band likely to be on everyone’s lips this summer and it’s an honour to have them rock the Standon stage. Like Spiritualized, Battles deservedly enjoy a reputation for stretching sonic boundaries and they’ve promised a jaw-dropping live show.
“We’re really thrilled to have such exciting live headliners. Both Spiritualized and Battles’ sets are going to be something special,” says Festival Director, Graham Macvoy. “But further down the bill we’ve got some other real gems when it comes to live performances and this is only the start. We have lots more artists still to announce.“
Recently formed Penguin Café are on board, a faithful continuation of the original Penguin Café Orchestra founded by the late musical visionary, Simon Geddes. His son Arthur is behind the reincarnation of the signature Penguin Café sound, with the new line-up also featuring Suede’s Neil Codling. There will be live spectacles aplenty. Spoken word will vie with electro-swing and a whole host of other entertaining antics yet to be revealed.
On chief dialectic duties is legendary punk poet John Cooper Clark who has opened for various rock royalty including the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks. Alternative hip hop MC Saul Williams is also performing with a full live band. A prolific, multi-faceted artist, Saul has collaborated with Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails); acted in independent movie, Slam; and released four collections of incredible poetry. Standon Calling know its revellers love to dance and have invited electro-swing scene torch bearers The Correspondents along, who are joined by all-singing, all-dancing, all electro-swinging extraordinaires Caravan Palace.
Also on the bill are Scottish post-electro band, Errors, who can name check Mogwai as a mentor; one of India’s best-selling artists, Raghu Dixit; and Canadian indie rock trio, Born Ruffians, who have an adventurous approach to covers, paying homage to acts as diverse as Grizzly Bear and Aphex Twin. They won’t be the only band playing eclectic covers at Standon. The East London eight-piece, New Orleans-style horn extravaganza, Brassroots put their own twist on classics like ‘Karma Police’ and ‘Seven-Nation Army’ and are an unmissable live act.
Standon Calling enjoys a reputation for showcasing emerging talent and this year’s buzz bands include Trophy Wife and Various Cruelties, alongside a rare appearance from Malachai, who will mix up their DJ set with live performance. More emerging talent will be on show in the form of Silver Moths, Tripwires and Maddox. The 17 bands announced are just the start, with many more acts and another very special headliner due to be revealed in the coming months.
Straight off the back of completing their sixth (as yet untitled) studio album, THE MARS VOLTA have confirmed their return to the UK for an exclusive performance at this year’s SONISPHERE.The El Paso Grammy award winners will be bringing their unique blend of Latin-American infused psychedelic prog rock to KNEBWORTH to headline the SATURN stage for an unforgettable, excitingly visceral and wildly energetic set. Over the last decade,THE MARS VOLTA have earned huge critical acclaim and kudos from both musicians and media alike, with musical masterpieces like “Inertiatic Esp”, “Televators”, “The Widow”, “Wax Simulacra”, “Teflon” and “Since We’ve Been Wrong” dropping jaws the world over. With the promise of these – and possibly some new songs from the forthcoming album – don’t miss THE MARS VOLTA’s only UK show of 2011, playing just before BIFFY CLYROtake to the APOLLO stage. Says guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López:
“We’re stoked to come and play. Everything I’ve heard about the festival has been positive, I’m sure it’ll be great. Playing live for me is the best part of being in a band, I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m excited to play the new songs.”
Another band making their SONISPHERE debut is Sweden’s mighty OPETH. Having formed over 20 years ago, OPETH have pushed the boundaries of a plethora of genres by seamlessly incorporating elements of prog, folk, experimental jazz and classic rock with a style firmly rooted in Scandinavian death metal, creating a legacy of sound that consistently evolves and excites. Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt – who really should check out the awesome line up – says:
“We’re chuffed about the invite to play Sonisphere in the UK. Not sure who else is on the bill, but I guess that info is just a click away. Regardless, we’re coming to play to YOU, first and foremost and anything else wouldn’t matter at the end of the day. Always loved playing to the UK crowds, and I’m sure this gig will be no exception. See you there!”. KILLING JOKE are no strangers to KNEBWORTH, having performed at the inaugural SONISPHERE in 2009. This time, the original line-up of Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth and Paul Ferguson will take to the BOHEMIA stage after the grand finale of THE BIG 4 on Friday, to show why after 30 years, KILLING JOKE are still one of the most important bands around. Hugely influential to Friday night headliners METALLICA – who covered “The Wait” on their Garage Days EP – as well as a host of iconic acts such as Nirvana, Ministry, Prong, Tool, Nine Inch Nails and many more too numerous to mention – KILLING JOKE will leave you in no doubt as to why, with songs from their illustrious history and 2010’s incredible return to form “Absolute Dissent”.
Returning to the UK after a main support slot on the Kerrang! Relentless Tour, hirsute Massachusettseasycore quintet FOUR YEAR STRONG will be joining SONISPHERE’S Sunday line-up on the BOHEMIA stage. With an eclectic sound borne out of a desire to create music that the band themselves would want to hear, FOUR YEAR STRONG skillfully blend melodic hardcore and screamo vocals with power pop synths and numerous nods to nineties pop-culture. And it sounds like they can’t wait to get to KNEBWORTH, with guitarist and vocalist Dan declaring:
“I’m so stoked to play Sonisphere, great lineup of bands to be a part of. I’m excited to play for an amazing fest in an amazing country”.
Added to Friday’s line-up are Michigan’s melodic death metallers THEBLACK DAHLIA MURDER. Pounding Swedish-style blackened thrash with American death metal muscle, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER are set to lay waste to the BOHEMIA stage with the relentless, merciless brutality that has put them at the forefront of the underground metal scene. States frontman Trevor:
“We in The Black Dahlia Murder camp are completely honored to accept an invite to the amazing Sonisphere this year. Seeing The Big Four live has been a dream of mine… playing alongside them…well, kill me now!”.
Despite being amongst the youngest artists to feature at this year’s SONISPHERE, Miami’s BLACK TIDE have already secured their position as worthy contenders of the metal scene. With their 2008 debut album garnering instant acclaim, leading to them being named Best International Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards and achieving a Top 8 single in the US Billboard Top 100, BLACK TIDE continue to ride high with support slots on Iron Maiden’s up-coming US dates confirmed and a sophomore album, featuring guest vocals from Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine, set for release this Spring.
Controversial Swedish black metallers WATAIN are looking forward to bringing a sinister edge to this year’s SONISPHERE. Indoors or out, rain or shine, the fearsome five-piece will ensure their set is enshrouded in an inescapable darkness, as they deliver a grim, blood splattered set. Mainman Erik Danielsson enthuses:
“Playing alongside Metallica – one of the greatest musical influences of Watain – has always been a dream of ours, so this feels like a most pleasing reward for walking this long hard road all these years. Watain will be a dark and fierce addition to this already mind-blowing lineup of metallic overkill, and we look forward to bring our blood, fire and death to the UK visitors…”.
With a CV boasting contributions to Dream Evil, Arch Enemy, Mystic Prophecy, Kamelot and Nightrage – not to mention his role as current axeman to Ozzy Osbourne – Greek Guitar Guru GUS G is one of the most high-profile young guitarists in the world today. But his own band, FIREWIND, has been the one constant in his hugely successful career. After six albums and 10 years, the Greek power-metallers are set for their first appearance atKNEBWORTH this year, and promise big things for the SONIPSHERE crowd:
“We’re very excited for our debut performance at Sonisphere festival! We’re truly honoured to be a part of Sonisphere UK and to share the stage with the Big 4 and so many other great bands!! Knebworth get ready, we’ll set your world on fire!!”.
Returning to SONISPHERE this year are London metalcore outfit RISE TO REMAIN. Having won the Metal Hammer Golden God Award for Best New Band and the Kerrang! Award for Best British Newcomer in 2010, RISE TO REMAIN have gone from strength to strength, touring extensively with, amongst others, Iron Maiden, Korn and Hatebreed, and are set to release their debut album later this year. Frontman Austin Dickinson comments: “Sonisphere this year looks set to destroy all in the immediate vicinity, and we can’t wait to raise hell with them! Pints and horns ready my friends, this is going to go off!”
Bringing tales of rum, wenches and high-seas rolling to the grounds of KNEBWORTH are Scottish pirate-metallers ALESTORM. “Avast ye fannyfaces! We’re dead chuffed to finally be invited to Sonisphere. We’re gonna get drunk pirate style and party like it’s 1692! We might play a few songs too, if we’re not too hungover. See you all in the pit…”
Having last toured the UK in late 2010 with Sabaton, ALESTORM will follow up the May release of their third studio album with their first SONISPHERE outing.
Also appearing are Cambridge Rockers THE TREATMENT, who have just released their debut album via Powerage Records, and SIX HOUR SUNDOWN, whose frontwoman Lauren Harris states:
‘We’re thrilled to be playing Sonisphere this year. It’s a great festival and the line up is amazing! What better place to announce the arrival of Six Hour Sundown. We’re playing the Red Bull stage and we can’t wait to see you there!’
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place 8th – 10th July 2011 at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. For tickets and more info go to www.sonispherefestivals.com
Line Up So Far
THE BIG 4 – METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX BIFFY CLYRO SLIPKNOT AIRBOURNE ALESTORM ALL TIME LOW ARCH ENEMY ARCHITECTS THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER BLACK TIDE DIAMOND HEAD FIREWIND FOUR YEAR STRONG FOZZY GALLOWS GOJIRA GRINSPOON HOUSE OF PAIN IN FLAMES INME KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES KILLING JOKE LIMP BIZKIT THE MARS VOLTA MASTODON MOTÖRHEAD ONE MINUTE SILENCE OPETH PARKWAY DRIVE PERIPHERY PROTEST THE HERO RISE TO REMAIN SIX HOUR SUNDOWN SUM 41 THE SISTERS OF MERCY THE TREATMENT VOLBEAT WATAIN WEEZER YOU ME AT SIX
First up is the internationally renowned artiste and uber producer Mark Ronson. There are no limits when it comes to the success of this multi-talented Brit award winner who has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera and Adele. Another chart topper joining the bill is Calvin Harris, the No.1 selling artiste whose hits include ‘Something For The Weekend’ and ‘Dance Wiv Me’ which saw him collaborate with Dizzee Rascal will be performing a DJ set on the Main Outdoor stage. Next up we have one of the UK’s biggest musical figureheads, BBC Radio 1’s Zane Lowe and multi award winning dubstep duo Nero. The dominating sound over the last 12 months has undoubtedly been dubstep and Nero are at the forefront, having scooped the award for ‘Best Dubstep Act’ in the beatport Awards and being signed to the Chase & Status label, 2011 is already set to eclipse last year’s success.
One artiste that everyone’s talking about at the moment is the genre-breaking Skrillex, the American DJ/Producer who describes his current sound as “a mix of dubstep, electro and glitch all thrown in together” is beatport’s latest musical dominator, following the release of his 9-song EP, the title track claimed the sites No.1 slot, the first time a dubstep track has ever done so with the remaining 8 songs also breaking into the Top 10. Other acts performing include one of Drum & Bass’ biggest ambassadors DJ Hype who will be joined on stage by MC:IC3, London based trio Modestep, d&b master DJ Fresh,original ninja Jaguar Skills, and Hospital Records Netsky who leads the wave of new skool d&b talent from Europe.
This event which takes place at Victoria Park in London on Saturday 11th June will be deadmau5’ only English festival this year. More acts to be announced, for further info and updates go towww.ledfestival.net/deadmau5 / www.deadmau5.com.
General Tickets are on sale now £42+BF and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk / Tel: 08444 775 775 (24HR)
Big Green Coach will be operating coaches to and from the event, for full details go to www.biggreencoach.co.uk. Coach and Ticket packages are available
