Summer Festival Guide

More bands joining the Bloodstock 2014 lineup

by

Norse black metal standard-bearers, DIMMU BORGIR are set to be Friday’s main stage special guest and will be playing their only UK show in 2014 at BLOODSTOCK.  The band are hard at work on new material planned for release later this year.  Maybe they’ll even showcase something new at Catton Park!  Comments Shagrath: “We are excited for our return to Bloodstock 2014, the one and only UK festival we do this year. It will be a special event for sure, without revealing too much, but a 20th anniversary show will not go unnoticed.  Await the return of symphonic darkness.”.  Check out their majestic video for ‘Gateways’ from last album, ‘Abrahadabra’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jw7yk8hm_0

BLOODSTOCK are also pleased to reveal an extra special ‘late night’ performance from Texas groove metal kings, HELLYEAH.  The band will be taking the roof off the Sophie big top stage late on Saturday, performing after the stage headliners, SISTER SIN.  The band’s legendary drummer, Vinnie Paul comments; “BLOODSTOCK is one of the best festivals to play anywhere in the world!!  HELLYEAH is very excited to be a part of it again!  Get your game face on and let’s rip this one up!  Cheers!!  I’m Vinnie Paul and I approve this message!!”

Grabbing an opening slot on Friday’s main stage are homegrown extreme metal outfit, BLOODSHOT DAWN.  Former winners of BLOODSTOCK’s ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ programme in 2009, the four piece have been playing dates with Wintersun, had a slot at UK Techfest, and are currently writing their second album.  They intend to debut some new tracks at Catton Park especially for the BOA faithful.   Check out their video for ‘Godless’ here and get a taster of what they’re about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCnDl_bJKco&list=PL614348ED185AE246.

Fellow Brits DE PROFUNDIS bring their twist on progressive death metal to Friday’s Sophie Stage.  The band exclaim, “Back in 2008, BLOODSTOCK was a springboard for DE PROFUNDIS career.  Now six years later with our forthcoming EP and album we are looking to cement our name in the UK metal scene with an explosive performance!”  The band enter their studio in London shortly to record the follow-up to ‘The Emptiness Within’.  Watch the video for ‘Twisted Landscapes’ from that album at: http://youtu.be/hsq6rGbk8MY.

Also up on Friday’s Sophie Stage are London extreme metal crew AGHAST!, commenting, “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to play the Sophie stage with our heroes at the UK's biggest and 'truest' independent metal festival. To say that we're excited is an understatement!  See you in the beer tent."  Formed after a drinking competition at Wacken, and with all the real ales on offer at BLOODSTOCK, let’s hope they make it to the stage!  Pick your new drinking song at: http://soundcloud.com/aghastkvlt.

Public Enemy to headline Standon Calling

by

Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Public Enemy have seen over 20 years in the music business including hits such as ‘Don’t Believe The Hype’ and ‘Fight The Power’. Members Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Khari Wynn, DJ Lord and Professor Griff will  bring  the  beats  of  Long  Island,  New  York  to  Hertfordshire  for  Standon Calling this summer. A similarly pioneering figure of hip-hop and fellow member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame also confirmed for the festival is Grandmaster Flash. Internationally acclaimed live dance act Shapeshifters are set to take to the stage, they may be a long way from their New Zealand home but are sure to receive a rapturous welcome. 

East India Youth aka William Doyle counts Brian Eno amongst his fans, and now Standon Calling is in for a treat with his heady mix of Krautrock and ambient electronic sounds. Further hip-hop will be on offer courtesy of Young Fathers, their alternative take on the genre has received support from the likes of BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, NME and Drowned In Sound. A twin sister musical duo hailing from both Australia and Sweden, Say Lou Lou achieved a place of the BBC Sound of 2014 poll and are now the perfect ‘dream pop’ addition to the festival’s line-up.  

Elsewhere Standon Calling has bagged alternative-pop courtesy of Eliza & The Bear and duoThumpers. Indie from Norwegians Team Me, plus rock n’ roll from Domino records signing The Bohicas completes the additions for the second announcement. 

Dizzee Rascal andRazorlight to headline Brownstock Festival

by

Legendary British rapper Dizzee Rascal will headline Saturday night of the festival. Dizzee’s debut Boy in da corner is over 10 years old now, winning him a Mercury Music Prize kickstarting an amazing career in music. Since then he has collected a host of other awards with both an NME and Brit award under his belt. He has also gone on to release four more albums, 3 of which went gold and the last of them “Tongue in cheek” went platinum. And of course Dizzee Rascall is one of the few artists with the claim to fame of playing at the 2012 Olympics’ opening ceremony, singing Bonkers to an estimated audience of 900 million in a specially-made ‘E3’ baseball jacket. There is no mistaking the dirtee stank anthems, Bonkers and Fix Sharp Look Sharp amongst a whole host of collaborations with everyone from Chase & Status to Calvin Harris.

 
Indie rock royalty Razorlight will also be taking to the main stage to headline Brownstock 2014. With a huge back catalogue of classic anthems, this NME and Brit award nominated English indie rock band are World renown for their chart topping hits such as “America” “Golden Touch” and “Somewhere Else”. Johnny Borrell is taking a break from his busy solo schedule to make an historic appearance at the birthday party.
 
Other main names released for the 3 day festival include:
 
The Feeling: Brit Awards nominated “pop rock” band The Feeling. With a number 1 selling album, a selection of top ten hits, as well as the claim to fame that they were at one point the most played band on UK radio. Their four singles received a total of 97,436 plays, which meant that, on average, a song by The Feeling was played 267 times every day, once every 5 minutes.

DJ EZ: Garage supremo and DJ extraordinaire DJ EZ will be one of the featured artists making an appearance in the Festivals Good Shed arena. The man literally needs no introduction having destroyed dance floors all over the world and a career spanning 3 decades. Even now with his Kiss FM radio show, he ignites parties with his infectious brand of mixing UK classics with the latest breakthrough artists. A firm favourite for 2014’s line up.

Goldie Lookin Chain: Brownstock’s 10th birthday party will not really start until Welsh comedy rap group Goldie Lookin Chain hit the main stage. Although sometimes controversial, group members Rhys, Eggsy and Adam certainly know how to entertain, and since they have recently announced it is 10 years since their first live gig they should certainly be ready for the celebrations.

Jack Beats: Niall Dailly and Ben Geffin make up this extremely successful electronic music duo. Dailly, also known as Plus One, is a former Scratch Pervert and is a winner of the coveted DMC DJ championship title, meanwhile Beni G was a member of fellow turntablists, the Mixologists.  With a recent Fabric Live compilation under their belts, demand has never been higher to witness the turntable masters in action.

Doorly: As a Brownstock ambassador this will be Doorly’s 4th appearance at the festival after hosting his own stage in 2012. More recently he’s gone on to play some of the biggest shows the scene has to offer, including a Nokia launch in Times Square, New York, alongside Nicki Minaj in New York.
 
P money: Paris Moore-Williams, better known by his stage name P Money is an English Grime MC of the highest caliber. Being a New Zealander he made an impact down under being nominated for Best Urban/Hip Hop Album at the 2013 New Zealand Music Awards. However he is now firmly making waves in the UK and finished eighth in MTV's list of the best UK MCs.

The Levellers to headline Wychwood Festival

by

The Levellers, responsible for hits such as "What a Beautiful Day" and "One Way" are the third and final headline act for Wychwood Festival 2014.  The Brighton-based rock band have been a firm favourite of the festival over the years, with their acclaimed performances in 2007 and 2010 leaving a lasting impression on fans and organisers alike. Who better to help celebrate the fantastic 10thAnniversary celebrations than a band whose return is destined to get the crowds reliving some incredible memories from the last decade.

The Levellers comment, "We are really looking forward to coming back to Wychwood Festival this year for their 10th anniversary celebrations!"

A plethora of other acts have been announced for this year’s festival including the nation’s favourite children’s entertainer and BAFTA Award-winning, Justin Fletcher a.k.a. Mr Tumble, who has starred in favourites such as The Tweenies, Timmy Time and Sean the Sheep. Destined to draw in the thousands of families and eager fans for Saturday's midday slot, Fletcher's inspiring performance is one not to be missed.

Justin Fletcher comments, "Looking forward to bags of singing and dancing and having a party at Wychwood Festival this year!"

Also announced is London-born artist King Charles who’s 2012 debut album ‘Loveblood’ was a hit with both critics and fans alike. Wychwood Festival has long been known to have a soft spot for the ska genre and this year it comes in the form of Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, a British band formed in 2011 by Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. Their unique musicianship and covers of classic ska tracks make them a feel-good favourite for any festival.
 
Additional new acts on the bill include Afrobeat dance band Baraka, featuring a potent mix of dance rhythms, soaring melodies and funky grooves, sure to get the Wychwood crowd moving. Glastonbury band Reef will be bringing their classic tracks to the Wychwood stage with "Place Your Hands" and"Naked", plus vintage songstress Gabby Young and Other Animals. Wychwood favourite and World Vision Ambassador Paul Ewing will perform alongside the incredible UK Soul Ensemble whose members have collaborated with artists such as Whitney Houston and George Michael and and Swindon based band The Newquay Times all announced today.

Also known for it's entertaining comedic offering, Wychwood will not fail to disappoint this year with the appointment of Canadian comic Peter White on opening night duties. His coveted TV and stand-up career has made him a hit both sides of the Atlantic and it is certain he will be kicking off the comedy tent in true hilarity. He is joined by North Devon Stand Up Comedian Luke Honnoraty, who's skilled story-telling is sure to captivate any crowd, as well as cheeky Brummies Andy White and Freddie Farrell, controversial Geordie Gavin Webster, plus many more.

Sonisphere 2014 Day Splits announced plus more artists!

by

You can now start planning your Sonisphere itinerary as we present to you the day splits for this years summer festival which takes place at the legendary venue Knebworth Park.

We have also got a list of fourteen new bands which will join the massive lineup headlined by The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Announced today we have, Gary Numan, Band of Skulls, Carcass, New Model Army, The Winery Dogs, The Bronx, Gallows, 65DaysOfStatic, Sebastian Bach, Chiodos, Bam Margera's Fuckface Unstoppable, Anti Nowhere League, Little Matador & The Lounge Kittens.

See the day splits below:

Friday
 
APOLLO STAGE:
 
THE PRODIGY
LIMP BIZKIT
BAND OF SKULLS
GARY NUMAN
ANTI-FLAG
THE DEFILED
 
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES:
 
ELECTRIC WIZARD
65DAYSOFSTATIC
DEVIL YOU KNOW
BAM  MARGERA'S FUCKFACE UNSTOPPABLE
YASHIN   
CARNIFEX
BRUTALITY WILL PREVAIL
HOUNDS  
LITTLE MATADOR
 
Saturday
 
APOLLO STAGE:
IRON MAIDEN
DEFTONES
FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS
ANTHRAX
GHOST
 
SATURN STAGE:
SLAYER
CARCASS
THE WINERY DOGS
CHAS & DAVE
ALESTORM
 
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES:
THE SISTERS OF MERCY
NEW MODEL ARMY
DOG EAT DOG PLAYING ALL BORO KINGS
SEBASTIAN BACH   
WILKO JOHNSON
THE VIRGINMARYS    
RECKLESS LOVE  
BLITZ KIDS   
STAMPIN GROUND   
TURBOWOLF  
VOODOO SIX   
THE HELL
 
Sunday
 
APOLLO STAGE:
METALLICA
ALICE IN CHAINS
MASTODON
AIRBOURNE
DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT
GOJIRA
 
SATURN STAGE:
DREAM THEATER
DROPKICK MURPHYS
REEL BIG FISH
KARNIVOOL  
PROTEST THE HERO
 
BOHEMIA & OTHER STAGES:
THE BRONX
GALLOWS
CHIODOS  
KERBDOG
BLACK SPIDERS  
TRUCKFIGHTERS
SILVERSTEIN  
THE CADILLAC THREE
ONLY CRIME
ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE
ITCH  
KROKODIL

The retro legends come to Norfolk for Reload Festival

by

Reload Festival confirms it will bring a raft of British and US music legends to Norfolk for its two-day event later this year, on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September, at the region’s Showground

Saturday’s main stage line-up is confirmed to include a UK exclusive performance by Kool & the Gang, along with Soul II Soul, Rick Astley, ABC, Go West, Hot Chocolate, Imagination, Oddysey and From the Jam

The Human League, Billy Ocean, Sister Sledge, Jason Donovan, Heaven 17, Aswad, Bjorn Again, The Real Thing and more will complete the main stage line-up on the Sunday.

These iconic artists have amassed scores of classic smash hits, through a vast array of musical styles, from Ladies’ Night, Don’t You Want Me Baby, We Are Family, Celebration, Back to Life, When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going and Too Many Broken Hearts, through to You To Me Are Everything, We Close Our Eyes, Don’t Turn Around, The Look of Love, Temptation and Never Gonna Give You Up

With family camping available on-site, a second stage featuring a host of DJs spinning the big sounds, trapeze artists, stilt walkers, a silent disco, karaoke and much more, Reload Festival is the place to show the kids how it’s really done

A Reload Festival spokesperson comments: “Reload Festival is a brand new festival dedicated to delivering music for a generation of partygoers who long for the days of music you can really dance to. Reload represents the rare opportunity to see a large number of top acts across one weekend of huge hits”

Introducing London’s newest multi-venue event Elsewhere Festival

by

Created by the team at dollop, ELSEWHERE 2014 is a new multi-venue festival taking place across various Hackney spaces on May 2nd – 3rd. Boasting a carefully curated line-up of celebrated acts and DJs from the cutting edge of contemporary electronic music, ELSEWHERE 2014 is the sister event of Nottingham’s EVERYWHERE festival, which launched with a sell-out success last year.

In additional to the much-fêted and varied cast of artists, ELSEWHERE keeps in line with dollop's track record, combining top-line production with a variety of fully dressed immersive spaces including warehouses, nightclubs, venues & some more unusual locations soon to be announced. Venues confirmed so far include The Laundry, Oslo and London Fields Brewery with more to come.

Over the past decade in operation, dollop have earned a reputation of consistently delivering forward-thinking underground music across multiple platforms: sell-out clubnights in a host of UK cities; summer-long, multi-event series; one-off parties and festival partnerships home and abroad. To mark their 10th anniversary, a bold new undertaking emerges: they launch their new festival venture ELSEWHERE at various venues in Hackney this summer.

The lineup so far is as follows:

ACTRESS

DOC DANEEKA

FLOATING POINTS

KELELA – LIVE

LXURY

MARCELLUS PITTMAN

MIKE SKINNER

RYAN HEMSWORTH

SNAKEHIPS – LIVE

& MANY MORE TBA

 
 

Example joins The Great Escape lineup

by

The rapper, whose fifth studio album will be released in June this year, first performed at The Great Escape to a packed crowd in a tiny 200-capacity venue in 2008; Not long after came the release of ‘Wont go Quietly’ which rapidly climbed to the top of the UK charts and established Example as an artist internationally recognised for his signature sound, mixing hip-hop, electro and rave.

Example said of his performance: “A lot has changed for me since I performed at The Great Escape in 2008 in a pub to about 30 people! I played there again in 2011 so it’s a real honour to return a 3rd time and play on the festival’s biggest stage. It's been an amazing journey – playing all the past hits and loads from the unreleased album 5, I will ensure this is a show to remember!”

Kat Morris, Festival Director, added “It is really great to be welcoming Example back to The Great Escape – from playing at one of our venues with a capacity of 200, to touring internationally and achieving two Number 1 Singles, to this year performing at our biggest venue with a capacity of almost 2000, it just goes to show the incredible trajectory of TGE artists go on to take after performing at the festival.”

Today’s addition completes the line-up for The Great Escape 2014’s trio of Dome Shows*, which already see WILD BEASTSand KELIS, supported by ELLA EYRE, performing on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Other artists confirmed to perform at TGE14 include, JON HOPKINS, CHLÖE HOWL, GEORGE EZRA, JIMI GOODWIN, CHARLI XCX, ALBERT HAMMOND, JR,ROYAL BLOOD, JOEL COMPASS, RATKING, HOZIER, AUGUSTINES, DRY THE RIVER, MNEK, EAST INDIA YOUTH andKIESZA with more to be announced very soon…

Summer Series at Somerset House lineup announced

by

London’s intimate live music festival will play host to a typically eclectic and impressive array of headline artists alongside hotly tipped acts. 
Opening on the first night will be London-based trio, Daughter. Fronted by Elena Tonra, their haunting melodies will set the tone for a programme of beautifully atmospheric live gigs. Next up will be Dublin-quartet Kodaline who’ll continue proceedings with their powerful blend of emotive rock. Having already gained a strong following after being nominated for the BBC Sound Poll 2013 and winning the EBBA Public Choice Award in 2013, the band have more than qualified the hype that has been lavished upon them.

Taking to the stage on the third evening of Summer Series is angelic Danish singer/songwriter Agnes Obel with her ethereal tones. Having won multiple Danish music awards including Best Album, Best Female Artist and Best Songwriter of the Year, Somerset House will provide a magical backdrop for her exquisitely melancholic vocals.

On 13 July, the incomparably outrageous Australian collective The Cat Empire touch down for their Summer Series debut for an evening guaranteed to make everyone dance. Renowned all around the globe as one of the world’s best festival bands, The Cat Empire have carved themselves a unique place in the musical firmament which will make for a truly unforgettable night.

Summer Series will then welcome the almighty Kelis to the courtyard stage. Known for years of chart-dominating songs including the infamous ‘Milkshake’ and thrilling, boundary-pushing music, Kelis will be bringing her raw and soulful show with her glittering hits to Somerset House.

The following evening will see the biggest-selling new British act of 2013, Bastille, arrive for an intimate show in their home city. With their debut album Bad Blood achieving platinum status in the UK, it’s clear Bastille’s Summer Series show will be welcomed by music lovers far and wide.

On 16 July, London fans will be delighted to see Glaswegian rockers Franz Ferdinand headline the evening’s events with their exuberant and eclectic indie rock. Back with their fourth album, it once again cements their status as a unique and adventurous British band. Scottish synthpop trio Chvrches will continue the Summer Series’ proceedings on 17 July. A band born on the Internet who quickly burst onto the music scene, their wizardry has already won them a top five place in the BBC Sound of 2013 Poll. A magical 80’s inspired, euphoric evening is expected from the band.

Hugely talented singer/songwriter of the moment Sam Smith will join the line-up for an epic evening on 18 July.  His melancholic lyrics and unforgettable vocal have led to a Brits Critics Choice win and performances at festivals from Glastonbury to Coachella. Next up, hotly tipped chart-toppers Clean Bandit will headline on 19 July. Having had huge success with their number one hit ‘Rather Be’, the four-piece will bring their addictive dance-pop delights to Somerset House. Beats and soaring strings evoke Massive Attack while their live show calls on Basement Jaxx with a brand new twist.

Headlining the grand finale of the 2014 Summer Series will be insurmountable electro R&B adventurers Little Dragon. Anchored by the otherworldly vocals of front woman Yukimi Nagano, they will close proceedings with their phenomenal live show. Over the course of three albums, Little Dragon have pushed boundaries and shown they’re a dance act like no other.

Boomtown Fair Mayfair Avenue lineup annouced

by

Mayfair Avenue is the home of BoomTown’s high society, the abode of the glitzy and glamorous, it’s all cocktails and canapés in this swanky part of town… Dust off those sequins, don a Top Hat and get your dancing shoes at the ready, Mayfair Avenue is back with all the Vintage Remix, Electro Swing, Jump Blues, Jive, Twisted Cabaret, Big & Brassy Vibes and Chap Hop our City’s elite will ever need!!! Plus an epic Masked Ball will be taking over the marble streets of Mayfair on the Saturday evening!!