Summer Festival Guide

Joey Bada$$, Danny Brown set for Croatia’s Fresh Island Festival

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Returning to Zrce Beach on the island of Pag for its fourth outing, Croatia's only exclusively Hip-Hop and R&B festival Fresh Island has announced Joey Bada$$, Danny Brown and Tinashe as the first big names for 2015. Taking place 15th – 17th July Fresh Island will once again host performances from some of the most revered names in the world of Hip-Hop and R&B alongside new talent, MCs and DJs. 

Fresh Island headliner Joey Bada$$ celebrates not only the release of his highly anticipated debut album B4.DA.$$ today, but also his birthday and is set to have a momentus year in 2015. At just 20, the Pro-Era founder has stormed to critical acclaim after his debut mixtape 1999 three years ago and will be bringing his formidable live performance to the Fresh Island stage in July. Joining him will be Danny Brown who will no doubt also have crowds roaring from his infectious energy. Gaining widespread attention in 2010 with his debut album The Hybrid (after several widely received mixtapes) Danny Brown is arguably the most unique name in Hip-Hop, working with some of the most innovative names across the musical spectrum from A$AP Rocky, Ghostface Killah and Action Bronson to Rustie, Purity Ring and A-Trak. Rounding off the headliners and adding some R&B to the mix is Tinashe. The LA singer/songwriter rose to prominence in 2012 with the release of her debut mixtape In Case We Die and has since then become one of the most respected artists in the genre, working with Ryan Hemsworth, DJ Mustard and Clams Casino. 

Other big names to hit the Fresh Island stages include Drake and R Kelly collaborator Migos, Godfather of Grime Skepta and Laudz & DJ Zegon of Tropkillaz. Dedicated to embracing the worldwide culture of Hip-Hop Fresh Island will bring some of the most innovative turntablists and DJs to the island of Pag including Action Bronson collaborator Statik Selektah and KISS FM resident Shortee Blitz as well asteaming up with world renowned dance teachers for Adria Dance Camp (www.adriadancecamp.eu). Heavyweight UK brands Shorebitch, Faded and Forever Croatia will also be on hand to host special pre-parties to get revellers ready for the main event.

Paloma Faith set for Hampton Court Palace Festival

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We are excited to announce that Paloma Faith will perform on 18th June and tickets for this concert will go on sale on Monday 19th January at 11am.

On confirming her date at the Festival, Paloma said: "I'm so thrilled to be playing at Hampton Court Palace Festival this June. I hear that the atmosphere is so intimate in the open air setting of base court – it will be the perfect setting for my summer concert." 
 
Renowned for her unique style, the Hackney-born singer has soared to fame since her early days on the cabaret scene. Now she is one of the leading lights, and has proudly received Four BRIT Award nominations to date, including British Female Solo Artist and Best British Album.
 
Paloma has worked with a legendary roster of music icons and singer-songwriters including Pharrell Williams, Diane Warren, John Legend and Raphael Saadiq; producing two double platinum selling albums in the UK. At the Festival, she will delight the audience with songs from her recent and most successful album to date,A Perfect Contradiction with top ten singles Can’t Rely on You and her first Number 1 Only Love Can Hurt Like This.

Britain’s favourite tenor Alfie Boe will return to the Festival on 19th June with his band performing classic tracks from a selection of his albums, including his latest album Serenata, which sees him bringing the magic and romance of the Italian Riviera to the UK. His success has seen him conquer the world’s most prestigious opera stages, led the cast of Les Miserables for nearly a year, and stolen the show at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace.
 
King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will perform two energy-fuelled shows at the Palace where he will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis on drums and the fabulous Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. With his show ‘Later with…Jools Holland’ now in its 45th series, and Jools’ Annual Hootenanny in its 22nd, Jools’ name has become synonymous with quality music.
 
The sumptuous sounds of the MGM Studio Orchestra will be revived by John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra on 14th June as they pay tribute to composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern and Andre Previn, among others by performing some of Hollywood’s best loved songs and show-stopping sequences from the MGM film musicals.

Celebrated for his sold out annual appearances with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms, all of which have been broadcast on television, John Wilson has established an international reputation as a conductor, arranger and scholar. The John Wilson Orchestra is a unique hand-picked ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians specialising in authentic concert performances of classic film musical scores.
 
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns for a glorious evening ofFanfare & Fireworks. Against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music, culminating in Handel’s rousing Music for the Royal Fireworks. After the concert, Festival-goers will experience a spectacular fireworks display over the Palace.

We Are FSTVL add Masters at Work, Heidi and more to lineup

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Following the huge announcement that revealed over 100 names from We Are FSTVL’s 2015 edition, the twice award winning music event has kicked off the year with even more names added to the line-up. Returning to the ‘Field of Dreams’ in Upminster, Essex on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2015, We Are FSTVL welcomesMasters at Work, Heidi, Route 94, Dusky and many more – who will join the likes of Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Sven Väth, Jamie Jones, Hannah Wants, Seth Troxler and Jackmaster – plus two further stage hosts from legendary house music promoters Paravana and Clockwork Orange.

Headlining Defected’s ‘Very Big Top’ on Saturday 30th May is the house-garage production and remix duo "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, who together as Masters of Work perfectly join the dots between the latest and greatest innovators of the underground scene. Jackathon’s leading lady Heidi is also set to bring her signature brand of fiery house and techno to Sunday’s Main Stage, joined by house chart-topper Route 94, whose soulful take on house for ‘My Love’ quickly became a surefire festival anthem of 2014.

Also announced are London based duo Dusky, who will be on hand to deliver their very own selection of genre-bending productions at MK’s Area 10 stage on Sunday 31st May, with DJ S.K.T also representing the bass-ier side of the house spectrum alongside Beckwith and Disciples –the London-based trio behind killer single ‘They Don’t Know’. 

Returning to We Are FSTVL for the third year running are promoters Paravana. With their unique imagination drawing upon the tranquil surroundings of the Cambodian island of Bamboo. Famed for a series of bass-flavoured releases, the Bristol based collective will provide the latest in emerging, club-centric sounds, and welcome Max Chapman, Senzala, and garage-producer trio Panda – providing an idyllic soundtrack for Sunday’sField of Dreams.

In a UK festival exclusive, legendary promoters Clockwork Orange will also host their very own arena at We Are FSTVL on Saturday 30th May. Having launched in London back in 1993, Clockwork Orange will celebrate their 25thanniversary with a line-up that fully explores the origins of UK house, kicking things off with a b2b set between head promoter Danny Clockwork and Keith Mack. Co-creator Andy Manston will also feature, with 90s key player Tall Paul topping the bill alongside Brandon Block, Alex P, Trevor Fung, Tristan Ingram, 2 Good Souls and Tony Grimley.

FK Twigs, Run the Jewels and more added to Field Day 2015 lineup

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Field Day welcome double Brit Awards nominee and Mercury nominee FKA Twigs, whose Field Day performance will be a London festival exclusive. The exceptional dancer turned singer, songwriter and producer has released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014 – her outstanding debut 'LP1'. Already considered a modern music and style icon, FKA Twigs is swiftly establishing herself as one of the most interesting and enigmatic faces in British music.

FKA Twigs

Also on board are Run The Jewels, the hip hop super duo formed by underground kings Killer Mike and El-P, in charge of the brilliant ‘Run The Jewels 1’ – Pitchfork’s top album of the year; as well as Hudson Mohawke, one of the most exciting producers to come out of Scotland in the last ten years, seducing rap-heads and ravers alike with his neon-lit E&B and warehouse smashing low-end beats and producing for char topping urban-pop names like Kanye West, Chris Brown and Azealia Banks.

 
Meanwhile, Norwegian cosmic disco Producer and Field Day favourite Todd Terje, creator of some of the most memorable dance floor hits in recent years, will be performing live with his full band The Olsen’s for the first time in the UK. Fingers crossed for a Bryan Ferry guest appearance…!
 
We are honoured to have Radiohead’s drummer Philip Selway with us this year, as well as the brilliantTune-Yards, whose explosive live performances are as thrilling and unshakeable as her music. Also confirmed is Fryars, the musical brainchild of London-based Benjamin Garreet, whose peerless sound has won him fans from Kanye West to Depeche Mode.
 
World music has always played a notable part on Field Day’s line up. Joining the brilliant Ethiopian Keyboardist Hailu Mergia are Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté. In a rare father-and-son collaboration, Toumani, a genius of African music and widely recognised as the greatest living kora player will be joined by his talented son Sidiki, Mali’s best beat maker and kora’s emerging star. This will be a very special performance and we absolutely cannot wait to have them at Field Day this year.
 
In addition, Brian Shimkovitz aka Awesome Tapes from Africa will be responsible for an unforgettable DJ set on twin tape decks, exploring obscure and wonderful sounds from across the continent.
 
Expect epic sets from Young Turks signed, Barcelona producer John Talabot, responsible for his outstanding 2012 debut ‘ƒIN’; exceptional producer and DJ Floating Points, who’s won over crowds around the world with his strictly vinyl club session, climbing the ranks of the globe’s most impressive DJ’s; as well as sets from Rinse FM residents Elijah & Skilliam, and fast rising Brighton deep-house producer Leon Vynehall
 
+ sets from Huw Stephens, Marc Riley, Phil Taggart, Tom Ravenscroft, Volte-Face, Bad Vibrationsand Georgie Rogers!!

First acts announced for Reload Festival

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Reload relives all those memories and more bringing the very best acts and global superstars of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to the Norfolk Showground for a weekend of nostalgic celebration and unbridled fun for all the family.  With over 100 million records sold between the first six acts announced, Reload promises musical merriment in abundance with sets laden with sing-along anthems and pop hits of the day.

First up for 2015 are Birmingham’s finest sons, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue reunited. This seminal act transcended their working class origins to become one of the most successful reggae acts of all time selling in excess of 70 million albums worldwide.  Their global hits included ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You’ and ‘I’ve Got You Babe’ and they are a fitting headliner for this year’s extravaganza.

Level 42’s unique fusion of jazz funk with a pop / rock sensibility saw them emerge as one of the most powerful live acts of the 80’s.  Noted for Mark King’s percussive slap bass guitar, the group spawned a string of huge hits in Europe and the US including ‘Lessons In Love’ and‘Something About You’. 

Boomtown Rats need little introduction.  Led by the irrepressible force of nature that is Bob Geldof, their high energy, new-wave sparked a string of classic singles including ‘Rat Trap’ ‘I Don’t Like Monday’s’ and ‘She’s So Modern’

The undisputed highlight of last year’s Reload festival was Billy Ocean’s set and he returns to festival by popular demand.  This Grammy Award winner has sold over 30 million records and his performance will have the Reload audience revelling in classics such as ‘When The Going Get Tough’, and Get Out Of My Dreams, Get In To My Car’, See you at the front!

One of the voices of the 80’s, Jimmy Somerville is sure to spark  a huge sing along to his up tempo brand of synth-pop, new-wave and dance which spawned hits such as ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’, ‘Smalltown Boy’ and You ‘Make Me Feel’. 

The dance, disco and soul of M People was one of the defining sounds of the 90’s, culminating in a Mercury Music Prize for the album Elegant Slumming.  Formed by legendary DJ Mike Pickering and featuring the irrepressible vocals of Heather Small, M People had a string of hits including ‘How Can I Love You More’ and ‘Moving On Up’

Headliners announced for Undercover Festival 2015

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ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE announced (2nd Jan 2015) as the headline act for Friday18th September 2015 at Undercover Festival III.

Not resting we have hit the ground running for 2015, we are pleased with ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE along with Saturdays headline act THE DAMNED,  for Sunday we have the UK SUBS and PENETRATION as joint headliners.

The thing about this festival more than any other in our opinion is a melting pot of the genres, crew, the bands, the venue but last and not least the varied / fun nature of those there that made this a festival that we firmly believe no other promoter will be able to re-create.

For 2015 we are sticking with the 2 stages as the synergy between both stages was excellent.

Please note: For the avoidance of any doubt The Undercover Festival is not an open air festival – the festival will be held in 2 rooms plus other areas at the Bisley Pavilion nr Woking Surrey – undercover by nature of the music policy of this festival and undercover – well because it is….

Line Up Announced so far

 

Friday 18th September

ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE

XSLF (X Stiff Little Fingers)

SEX PISTOLS  EXPERIENCE

THE TALKS

THE PLAGUE

BROKEN 3 WAYS

NO LIP

RAGE DC

EMERGENCY BITTER

T & THE MUGS

Many more tba

Punky Reggae “After show” Party with SOUNDATION and DJs Murph & Mabbs (Rude Boy Productions) 

 

Saturday 19th September

THE DAMNED

CHELSEA

SPIZZENERGI

MENACE

DRAGSTER

THE BAR STOOL PREACHERS

UK RAMONES

R.E.D

SKURVI

+ many more tba  

DIRTY UGLY PUNK MONKEYS dodgy after show party time +DJs

 

Sunday 20th September

UK SUBS (Joint headline)

PENETRATION (Joint headline)

TV SMITH (The Adverts)

THE RAMONAS

DEPARTMENT S

WITCHDOKTORS

THE DEFECTS

THE PIRANHAS 

PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS

CRETIN 77

SKACIETY

PHOENIX CHROI

ARCHIVE45

SOUNDATION

SHOOTING FISH

XTRAVERTS

DEREK AND BOBS LIVE D&B TRANSMISSION

Florence and The Machine, Alt-J and more lead Siziget 2015 lineup

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The organizers of Sziget Festival have announced the first confirmed acts. The 2015 event will take place between 10-17 August in Budapest, providing a 7 days festival-holiday experience at the heart of a great city. And Sziget promises to be as colorful, exciting and spectacular as ever. To feel the vibe here is the 2014 aftermovie: http://youtu.be/k_JqgPOJBpA with over 100,000 views already!

Sziget hosts more than 50 venues, so the list of programs is almost eternal and takes a long time to get its final shape. The organizing crew already confirmed that Florence and the Machine will play on Day 0, 11 August, so those who want to enjoy the show of the well-known indie rock band of Florence Welch should make sure they buy 7 Days Passes.

Sziget is also proud to announce Alt-J as part of the line-up. With their debut album, 'An Awesome Wave', released in 2012, they reached a huge success, followed by this year's 'This is All Yours'. Their gig will definitely be a must-see for Szitizens.

EDM fans can enjoy the music of Thom Jongkind and Idir Makhlaf, better known as producer/deejay duoBlasterjaxx. Many successes and milestones followed their career so far which resulted in the fact that they are now seen as one of the most promising EDM artists in the world.

British singer-songwriter Jamie Woon will also hit the Sziget stage. His characteristic voice is combined with an exciting merge of cold electronic tunes and soul.

Budapest will be happy to welcome Fauve, an interesting French combination of music and videography. The second part of their debut album, Vieux Fréres – Partie 1, is expected by the end of the year or early 2015.

It has been some time that we haven’t heard about José Gonzalez, but he is now confirmed for Sziget and will also release his first solo album in seven years. 'Vestiges & Claws' will come out in mid-February and, as José sees it, the record is his personal, “zoomed-out eye on humanity on a small, pale blue dot in a cold, sparse and unfriendly space."

The Subways will definitely bring the party mood to Szitizens. They are currently working on their fourth album, so next to Rock&Roll Queen, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy some fresh indie hits.

Babylon Circus, the French 10 member ska-reggae group, will also make the Sziget audience dance and jump around already on Day 0, 11 August. Full of life and joy, this energetic French group will definitely be a colorful part of the 2015 Sziget experience.

New colonists of the pop empire, Kadebostany have swiftly catapulted themselves into the spotlight with their irresistible blend of pop music devouring unlikely influences to create a singular yet terribly catchy universe of its own. Come to Sziget and check it for yourself.

Led by Aaron Bruno, AWOLNATION crafted one of the most influential songs in years with the chart-topping track “Sail.” The song has also achieved global success and they are coming to Sziget with their album 'Megalithic Symphony'.

Hevy Fest 2015 first lineup announcement

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The Dillinger Escape Plan return to Hevy Fest after laying waste to the main stage back in 2011.
 
Also joining them for the 2015 edition are progressive metallers MONUMENTS, post-hardcore heroes VALES, Scottish powerhouse GRADER, underground favourites UP RIVER, local leviathan OHHMS and Brighton-based bruisers COLLISIONS.
 
With over 50 bands to be revealed over the coming months, there’s plenty more hardcore, punk and metal to come…
 
Weekend camping tickets are now available for just £69, or from £12 a month with our new payment plan.
 
All tickets include access to Port Lympne Animal Park, which is home to a huge variety of animals including Barbary lions, Siberian tigers, African elephants, black rhinos, gorillas, zebras and giraffes. A donation is made for every Hevy Fest ticket sold to help fund the incredible work they do in conserving and re-populating some of the world’s most endangered species.

Massive lineup announced for Future Music Festival Asia

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The organizers of Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA), The Livescape Group and Future Music Australia today announced its biggest line-up yet for next year’s massive festival. The festival will take over the 140,000 square-meter Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore from 13 – 14 March 2015 with an estimated 50,000 fans expected to converge over the two-days.

FUTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL ASIA PHASE ONE LINE-UP

INTERNATIONALS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER):
 
(More to be announced January 2015)
 
• AFROJACK
• ART DEPARTMENT
• AVICII
• BASSJACKERS 
• BLASTERJAXX 
• CARNAGE 
• EXAMPLE 
• FATBOY SLIM 
• GORGON CITY 
• KNIFE PARTY
• NERO
• ROBIN SCHULZ
• SIGMA 
• TCHAMI
• THE PRODIGY
• + MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JAN 2015
 
LOCALS & REGIONALS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
 
• ANDREW T (SG)
• BOTTLESMOKER (ID)
• BUD CULTURE (MY)
• DANGERDISKO (MY)
• DJ RAH (SG)
• H3 (MY)
• MR NASTY & GURUGURU (MY)
• NEZ (SG)
• TERENCE C (MY)
• YA5TH (SG)

Apollonia, Chris Liebing, Dixon and more hitting Sonus Festival 2015

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Summer techno adventure Sonus Festival reveal Apollonia, Chris Liebing, Dixon, Guti, Joseph Capriati, Luciano, Pan-Pot, Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Väth and tINI as just some of artists set for their third expedition this summer, with many names still to come. Find 10,000 party people from across the globe at Sonus Festival from the 16th-20th August, taking place in hedonistic Croatia hotspot Zcre Beach, all destined for unrivalled party vibes soundtracked by the most respected selectors from international house and techno circuits.
 
Parisian supergroup Apollonia bring deep-tech sounds to this sun-drenched affair, whilst Barac presents minimal electronica, and Berlin mystery man Binh demonstrates incredible mixing skills. Hot talent Dan Andrei, whose refreshing sound draws influence from hip-hop, soul and funk plays, meeting sets from worldwide favourite Dixon, FUSE head-honcho Enzo Siragusa and eclectic duo Hold Youth keep the crowds dancing, plus emotive maestro Guti plays a special live show.
 
Techno enthusiasts have lots to look forward to at this years instalment, as the genres powerhouses set the pace; including Joseph Capriati, a pioneer of the current scene and a major voice in shaping future of the sound. After an incredible appearance last year, techno mainstay Chris Liebing returns, plus revered duet Pan-Pot, and Desolat boss Loco Dice all aboard for this summer soiree. Founding fatherSven Väth provides dark blends, whilst innovator Ricardo Villalobos and driving force Richie Hawtin all step up throughout this underground escapade, all intrinsic parts of the techno scenes fabric.
 
Further promising to provide one unforgettable musical feast, Sonus Festival unites even more global artists, joining the dots between the ever-evolving genres of dance music. Cadenza frontman Luciano brings his signature feel-good energy, with climbing star Mariano Mateljan, and the leading lady of tech-house, tINI all stepping up. Making final additions to this initial release is Slovenian techno heroValentino Kanzyani, topped off with multi-talented producer, DJ and Panorama Bar resident Zip. And this is just the beginning as more names are to be revealed throughout the new year.