Summer Festival Guide

SW4 2014 – Saturday Review

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SW4 always promises to deliver a huge lineup; and this year was no different. Clapham Common battens down the hatches once a year for an onslaught of thousands of festival-goers eager to experience some of europe’s finest EDM DJ’s and Producers in the flesh.

We arrived at Clapham Common to a slightly cooler day and walked around the site to get our bearings; there was four stages this year, The Gallery, The Last Day on Earth, the DJ Magazine Arena, and of course the Main Stage. The set times had been posted so we knew where we needed to be and when; and first up was Oliver Heldens on the main stage. Somewhat predictably the early crowd knew exactly what they wanted to hear – Gecko. He set the scene well for the early comers, and we got some great photos of the crowd enjoying a rave in the sunshine.

Next up on the main stage was Danny Avila, who has had a quick rise in EDM, and now normally plays with the big names in the US – but his UK festival appearance this year shows his universal appeal. His bootleg of Ellie Goulding’s Burn went down particularly well. 

Leaving the main stage, we headed over to catch Loco Dice in the DJ Mag tent  – at our earlier interview with Tristan Ingram, he’d said how much he was looking forwards to Loco’s set, so we couldn’t miss it either and made sure we were right there to catch all the action. He didn’t disappoint and obviously really enjoyed his set; bouncing around the stage like it was midnight! It was still early, and the sun streamed through the tent’s openings – it got pretty hot in there, but the crowd stuck with him on his deep but funky journey. 

This is where it all got a bit hectic; we rushed back to catch Fedde Le Grand, saw him play a few stormers including Off With Yer Head, but we had to rush off again for Booka Shade – who were playing live in the Last Day on Earth arena. The stage had been cleared of the DJ booth, and in its place was two ‘pods’, one containing percussion, and the other, synths. The crowd was in for a treat! The guys gave a really expressive and vibrant performance, interacting throughout on the mic. Off again to catch Super8/TAB in the Gallery briefly before we rushed back to catch Seth Troxler while it rained (timing!). Seth is a relative newbie by comparison to Sasha who followed him in the Last Day arena, but by no means less impressive, and he really delivered a storming set to amp the crowd up for Sasha.

The festival site isn’t too large, so all the running about wasn’t too difficult. The entire central area was made over to food trucks and rides which made a welcome distraction for some.  We made it back in time to catch New World Punx on the Main stage – Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten are ever the showmen and put on a fantastic show, really hyping up the now growing crowd – the huge screens had some amazing visuals and NWP had the pleasure of playing as the sun started to dip in the sky – what a beautiful sight it was. Alesso followed NWP and played a lovely dj set, warming up nicely and building the vibe for W&W, but it was over to catch Aly & Fila for us in the Gallery arena where the crowd were really getting into it. 

Knowing that Markus Schulz was up next we stuck around and were treated to a great set, punctuated with classics – always one to play to the crowd and we were not disappointed! The vibe was electric and you know when Ferry Corsten is hanging around back stage that something special is going on. I could have stayed front and centre there for the whole set, but Above & Beyond were up on the main stage, and we had to go capture!

By now the sun was well and truly down, and the lighting on stage picked up a notch- the Above & Beyond show had begun. Huge vocals, and reach-for-the-lasers tunes are what A&B are known for, and they certainly delivered right til the very end. 

Thank you SW4 – a fantastic day with some amazing moments and something I’ll remember for a long while. The journey home with the sorest feet I’ve had in a long time, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Highlights for me were Loco Dice, New World Punx (Markus!), Aly & Fila and of course Above & Beyond. Epic day

Photos by Reetesh Rambhai

 

Unknown Croatia announce Boat Party lineups!

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Taking place on the beautiful Adriatic coastline in the medieval town of Rovinj, Unknown features live music from the legendary Chic Ft. Nile Rodgers, critically­-acclaimed and much lauded actsChvrches, Wild Beasts, Mount Kimbie and Jungle, breakthrough trio London Grammar and pioneering Berlin outfit Moderat. DJ sets from Brit nominees Disclosure, Jamie XX, DJ Harvey,Prins Thomas, John Talabot and Hot Since 82 are among over 50 artists performing.

Monday 8th September
WELCOME BOAT 4PM | £20 – The Sonic Emporium / People Get Real / Mike Jones

Tuesday 9th September
SECRETSUNDAZE X NOFITSTATE 1PM | £20 – Giles Smith & James Priestley / Si Baker & Geddes
TOURIST 6PM | £20 – Eric Duncan / Bad Passion / Last Waltz

Wednesday 10th September
KRANKBROTHER X FACT 1PM | £30 – George Fitzgerald / Kink DJ Set
RA 6PM | £30 – Optimo / DJ KOZE

Thursday 11th September
FUTURE DISCO X THUMP 1PM | £30 – Eats Everything / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Dom Chung
TWEAK­A­HOLIC 6PM | £30 – Jackmaster / Grainger

Friday 12th September
BUGGED OUT! 1PM | £30 Dusky – Gerd Janson / Lemmy Ashton
KUBICLE 6PM | £30 – Waze & Odyssey / Richy Ahmed

Boat party, festival tickets and more information at unknowncroatia.com.

Win with Dr Martens and the Stand For Something Tour

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Dr. Martens is thrilled to announce an excursion into Europe with a five-city tour across five countries as the Dr. Martens #standforsomething tour rolls out for the first time into mainland Europe from 8th September.

Dr. Martens are offering music fans an opportunity to win tickets to the #standforsomething tour to watch Pulled Apart By Horses and Dinosaur Pile Up in Paris on 8th September. 

The winners will also get the chance to visit DM’s original factory in Northamptonshire to make their own pair of vintage DM’s.

Prize includes Travel and Accommodation. T&C’s apply. Go to www.drmartens.com/standforsomethingtour                                                  

The tour will be headlined by one of the UK’s most exciting Indie Rock bands – PULLED APART BY HORSES –  whose new album ‘Blood’ is released on 1st September. Receiving its debut on Radio 1 as ‘the hottest record in the world’ on Zane Lowe’s show, PULLED APART BY HORSES have recently unveiled the first single from the album, called ‘Hot Squash’.

What do PULLED APART BY HORSES stand for?

‘We stand for using rock music as a joyous, cathartic release. Uniting every beautiful soul in the room. And riffs. Lots of riffs’ – Lee Vincent, Drummer.

Joining them on the tour bus is DINOSAUR PILE UP.  Founded in 2007, DPU are an English alternative rock band who broke out of the thriving Leeds rock scene of the time and instantly drew favourable comparisons to the cream of 90s US college rock. The band have released two amazing albums in ‘Growing Pains’ and ‘Nature Nurture’ and are one of the most explosive live acts around.

What Do DINOSAUR PILE UP Stand For?

"I'd love to say we stand for something profound, but really we're just three dudes that wanna kick it as hard as we can. No agenda, no egos. We've never fit in too much and that's why we stick together. Weird is good. Be your own gang." – Matt Bigland” – vocals / Guitar

The Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING tour will be hosting gigs with one simple promise – the most rousing live acts in tiny venues, giving music lovers the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting acts up close and personal.

The tour takes in:

8th September –  Maroquinerie, Paris
9th September –  Molotow, Hamburg
10th September – Rust, Copenhagen

11th September – Debaser, Stockholm
13th September – Bitterzoet, Amsterdam

The Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING bus will also announce with a special local guest band at each leg to complete the line-up. There will also be opportunities for local fans to meet the bands at the Dr. Martens store during the day.

Tickets on sale from 14th July at local venues.

More information on further support acts and will be made available to fans in the coming weeks. To ensure you are the first to hear, register interest at www.drmartens.com/standforsomethingtour

Island parties announced for Unknown Croatia

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Hosted by a different label each day, Unknown revellers will have the chance to catch a boat and party on Unknown's very own secluded island with some of the best DJs in the world providing the soundtrack.Erol Alkan's label Phantasy takes to the island on Tuesday with a set from the DJ himself as well astechno mastermind Daniel Avery and Lemmy Ashton. The following day Jackmaster and Spencer take to the decks with Seth Troxler for their Numbers island party and on Thursday Young Turks and Hivern Discs team up to present a packed line-up featuring Nick Tasker, JMII and Dani Baughman as well as an unmissable back to back set by Jamie XX and John Talabot.

Tickets links:

Phantasy – Tuesday 9th September: http://unknownfestival.eventgenius.co.uk/events/Unknown-Island-P/index.html
Numbers – Wednesday 10th September: http://unknownfestival.eventgenius.co.uk/events/Unknown-Island-1/index.html
Young Turks x Hivern Discs – Thursday 11th September: http://unknownfestival.eventgenius.co.uk/events/Unknown-Island-2/index.html

Set in the paradise location of Rovinj on Croatia's sun soaked coast, nestled between luscious forest and crystal clear waters, Unknown is a festival like no other. Some of the world's leading musicians, artists and designers will create the ultimate experience as revellers embark on a week of live performances, boat, island and pool parties, art installations, forest escapes and mystical adventures.

PROGRAMME

LIVE:
Chic Ft. Nile Rogers / Chvrches / London Grammar / Moderat / Wild Beasts / Jungle / Mount Kimbie / Forest Swords / Henrik Schwarz / James Holden / Kink / Ten Walls

DJ:
Disclosure
Dixon / Dj Harvey / Jamie XX / Seth Troxler
Âme / Daniel Avery / Dj Koze / Dusky / Eats Everything / Erol Alkan / George Fitzgerald / Gerd Janson / Heidi / Jackmaster / John Talabot  / Joy Orbison / Kim Ann Foxman / Mano Le Tough / Michael Mayer / Optimo / Prins Thomas / Richy Ahmed / Rub N Tug / Ryan Elliott / Simian Mobile Disco / Tale Of Us / The 2 Bears / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Waze & Odyssey   

Auntie Flo / Bad Passion / Capablanca / Cutloose / Eskimo Twins / Force Of Nature / Gatto Fritto / Geddes / Giles Smith & James Priestley / Harri And Domenic Cappello / Hunee Jennifer Cardini / Last Waltz / Lord Of The Isles / Man Power / Mike Jones / Nicola Bear / Paramida / People Get Real / Red Axes / Scott Fraser / Simon Baker / Spencer / The Sonic Emporium / Tim FairPlay / Tom Grainger  

ISLAND PARTIES:
Phantasy – Erol Alkan / Daniel Avery / Lemmy Ashton
Numbers – Jackmaster / Seth Troxler / Harri & Domenic Cappello / Spencer
Young Turks x Hivern Discs – Jamie XX b2b John Talabot / Nick Tasker / JMII / Dani Baughman

Bestival adds BBC Introducing Stage

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On Saturday, the teenage production duo Bondax headline the stage alongside performances from Karma Kid, Seb Wildblood, Farrow, Night Flowers, Blessa, Joel Culpepper, Phildel and The Gorgeous Chans.

Sunday sees Manchester producer TCTS headline with GhostChant, Mella Dee, TRU Concept, Nai Harvest, Go Swim, Lake Komo, Brooklyn. and Raphaella also appearing on the stage.

These acts join our already gargantuan line-up featuring performances from the likes of Outkast and Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Beck, Disclosure, Foals, London Grammar plus many more.

This year, BBC Radio 6 Music hosts Bestival’s Big Top which will feature artists including Beck, Jenny Lewis, Caribou and Basement Jaxx. And on the Friday (7-10pm) Tom Ravenscroft will be broadcasting his show from our festival site on the Isle of Wight. His guests include pop experimentalist Tune-Yards, Chicago's finest Ezra Furman, Welsh songstress Cate Le Bon, and electropop queen, Elly Jackson – alias La Roux – ahead of her Big Top performance. He will also be checking out the weird and wonderful entertainment on offer in the peripheries. And Tom Ravenscroft, along with fellow 6 Music presenters Mary Anne Hobbs and Nemome, will be playing DJ sets over the weekend!

Performances from the BBC Introducing Stage at Bestival will be filmed and videos of the performances will be available online on the BBC Introducing website (www.bbc.co.uk/introducing).

With over 250,000 tracks uploaded to the BBC Introducing website and 100,000 artists registered, BBC Introducing provides a network dedicated to supporting the best emerging talent from across the UK and a platform to propel them onto the national stage through Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, 6 Music and the Asian Network. Big name artists including Florence and The Machine, Jake Bugg, Rizzle Kicks, Wretch 32 and George Ezra all received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers. The stage at Bestival is part of BBC Introducing’s commitment to offering the best new artists unrivalled opportunities to be seen and heard.

Boardmasters refund information

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Boardmasters has confirmed all ticket holders will be refunded the face value of their Sunday ticket after the event on Sunday 10 August was cancelled because of extreme winds caused by ex-Hurricane Bertha.

As Boardmasters operates a tiered ticketing system, refunds will be remunerated accordingly to the ticket purchased. The value of refunds is listed on the website here:http://www.boardmasters.co.uk/tickets/your-sunday-will-be-refunded/

All card payments made via See Tickets will be refunded automatically within the next 14 days. Cash buyers are to advised to get in touch with See Tickets directly on 01158 960074 from 10am tomorrow, Thursday 14th with their ticket as proof of purchase. Those who purchased from a different ticket agent should contact that agent directly for details of how to arrange their refund.  Any Tipi or pre-erected tent ticket holders are to email [email protected]

Boardmasters 2014 is already being hailed as the best year to date despite Sunday’s cancellation. Those that can’t wait to get back to Cornwall for more explosive live music, world-class surfing and thrilling BMX and Skating action can purchase Dawn Patrol earlybird tickets for Boardmasters 2015 from the website now, available at the 2014 price of £109 for a full 4-day ticket.

For any further information or to book 2015 tickets visit www.boardmasters.co.uk

 

Kendal Calling 2015 Tickets on sale at 2014 prices

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The sun has set on last weekend’s sold out Kendal Calling festival and the From The Fields promoters are already hatching plans for their eagerly anticipated 10th birthday party next year.  The quest is on to bring festival lovers the best Kendal Calling yet and a limited number of tickets are available at 2014 prices.

Customers must sign up with their email address and they will then be sent a unique code to purchase their 2015 tickets.  Once signed up, customers will receive an email on Thursday 14th August with their unique pre-sale code and details on how to purchase your pre-sale tickets.

To sign up for tickets please register at – https://kendalcalling.ticketline.co.uk/kc-2015-registration/index.php

Kendal Calling have also confirmed the extremely popular monthly payment scheme will take place again and customers will be able to secure their ticket for the 10th birthday celebrations for only £12.11 per month.

KENDAL CALLING 2015

THURSDAY 30TH JULY TO SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST

LOWTHER DEER PARK, HACKTHORPE, THE LAKE DISTRICT

Ceremony Festival full lineup announced

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With the full programme for both festival and After Party now revealed Found presents: Ceremony explores 360 degrees of underground dance culture, looking to the past, present and future to present a stellar multi-arena celebration at Finsbury Park on the 13th September. Featuring the early influencers, the new school and the future vanguards of electronic sound, expert party starters FOUND will deliver an ideal way to round off the summer season with the likes of Inner City LIVE, Louie Vega, Lil Louis, DJ Sneak, Richy Ahmed, Claptone, DJ W!ld, Roy Davis Jr, Route 94, Nick Curly, Simon Baker, Todd Terry and many more…

Continuing the party over at Egg London, Ceremony’s after party will run for a colossal twelve hours running between 10pm – 10am, across five rooms of music. A refined cut of the Ceremony line up, the marathon party will feature the firm FOUND favourite DJ Sneak, much loved for his gangster induced Chicago house that’s a sure fire winner on the dance floor. Also representing the US are the legendary Todd Terry and Roy Davis Jr, who will both serve up their unique take on house that seemingly paved the way for its predecessors. Crosstown Rebels mainstay Fur Coat will also feature, whilst Citizen, Simon Baker, Applebottom and The Menendez Brothers complete the line up. With very limited £13.50 tickets on sale now, the after party promises to be particularly special for those who like it longer, with Egg’s new outdoor garden terrace providing a stylish and unique party setting. 

Building on FOUND’s reputation for hosting unforgettable parties, Ceremony has been expertly crafted to deliver the very best musical experience for its partygoers.  Featuring a total of 7 arenas, line-ups for a further two stages of music have now been revealed with red hot west London promoters, So Fresh So Clean set to make their festival debut. After launching in 2013, close members of the FOUND family, So Fresh So Clean have rejuvenated the West London clubbing scene with their classic hip-hop and RnB jams from the 90s and double-ohs. Headlining the stage is Todd Terry, who will grace the turntables with his ground breaking underground sound that originally hit big in the UK before his native home of the US. A bastion of true, fresh house music, the Grammy nominated producer will play an exclusive old school hip-hop set that excellently personifies the So Fresh So Clean ethos, and is a must-see for those hoping to get that house party feeling. Having already amassed a fun loving fan base, the So Fresh So Clean residents The Menendez Brothers, Rollo and Remi, will get the gin and juice flowing and ensure the vibe never falters. Supporting acts include Dan Hills, Alex Crescent, Nite Sleaze, Hutch and Get Dippy, all offering a slice of London’s most cutting edge 90s infused beats. 

The seventh and final arena will be hosted by legendary record label and promotion outfit Groove Odyssey. With deeply rooted ties tracing back to seminal figures of house such as Kerri Chandler, Joey Negro and Kenny Dope, Groove Odyssey are perfectly placed to complete Ceremony’s journey through sonic history and beyond. One of the most prolific house vocalists of all time, Robert Owens tops the bill for some throwback Chicago classics for what will undoubtedly be a memorable session. A FOUND boiler room set with the late visionary Frankie Knuckles last year proved he is a deft hand at conjuring groove inducing sets, and his performance for Groove Odyssey will be no exception. East end twins Bobby & Steve accompany the Groove Odyssey line up, famed for their soulful Garage sounding ‘Zoo Experience’. Next up is Paul Trouble Anderson, a mainstay of the London soulful house music scene for well over 25 years and renowned for his disco-infused, funky house that has rocked many a warehouse party. Fellow Londoner’s Phil Asher and Jazzy M will bring a hefty helping of vintage house music, whilst duo’s DJ Leo & Funky Smith and Joel S & Panther will take the musical journey through to the late 90s. Continuing to incorporate each sub genre of house is Kev Chase, with Randy Peterson & Yooks and David Bailey & Ted Lawrence completing Groove Odyssey’s legendary line up. 

Found have also revealed fun-filled theme for their VIP arena which will be transformed into a jungle for the day. VIP tickets offer an extra stage of music, additional bars, seating area, luxury facilities and fast-track entry.

EVENT DETAILS.

Ceremony Festival

Date: Saturday 13th September 2014 – 11am-10pm

Venue: Finsbury Park, London

Line-up:

CEREMONY MAIN STAGE

Louie Vega / Lil Louis

Claptone

Richy Ahmed

Route 94

Adana Twins

Kidnap Kid

Flashmob

Droog

Chasing Kurt LIVE

51ST STATE

Inner City LIVE

DJ Sneak

Todd Terry

Kevin Saunderson

Roy Davis Jr.

Grant Nelson

URBAN NERDS 

Tropical: Skepta, Jme, Preditah, Logan Sama and Plastician

M A N I K

DJ Luck & MC Neat + Kie

Cause & Affect

Tom Shorterz

Just Kiddin

Matt Jam Lamont

Woz

*Special Guest*

Sam Supplier

MAGNA CARTA 

Nick Curly b2b Simon Baker

DJ W!LD

Fur Coat

Sidney Charles b2b Santé

Jordan Peak

East End Dubs

VIP ARENA: EGG LDN PRESENTS

Chez Damier

Citizen

Krankbrother

Denney

The Menendez Brothers

The Willers Brothers

Kyle E

GROOVE ODYSSEY 

Robert Owens

Bobby & Steve 

Paul Trouble Anderson

Phil Asher

Jazzy M

DJ Leo & Funky Smith

Joel S & Panther

Kev Chase

Randy Peterson & Yooks

David Bailey & Ted Lawrence

SO FRESH SO CLEAN

Todd Terry (Hip-Hop) 

Dan Hills

The Menendez Brothers 

Alex Crescent

Nite Sleaze

Hutch 

Get Dippy

Rollo 

Remi

Martin 2 Smoove