Summer Festival Guide

Laura Mvula, Soul II Soul and more for Love Supreme Jazz Festival

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The acclaimed 3-day event is back for a second year delivering a world-class programme that boasts the likes of multi-million-selling Grammy and Golden Globe winner Jamie Cullum, much feted soul star and double Brit Award nominee Laura Mvula, a special 25th anniversary show from legendary R&B outfit Soul II Soul featuring original vocalist Caron Wheeler, one of the most celebrated UK jazz musicians of all time Courtney Pine, and arguably the most soulful performer to have emerged in recent years, Grammy-winning Gregory Porter.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Glynde Place in East Sussex, Jazz FM’s Love Supreme is the UK’s only major green field jazz festival and presents a broad spectrum of music rooted in and influenced by jazz and soul. Taking place over the weekend of the 4th, 5th and 6th July 2014, the festival's line-up will also include multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Curtis Stigers, superstar bassist Christian McBride, inimitable US vocalist Jose James, the Grammy-winning instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy, one of the most evocative bass players of the modern era Dave Holland, captivating Brighton-based soul singer Alice Russell (“Strikingly soulful… jaw dropping” Mojo), experimental post-jazz from Seb Rochford’s Polar Bear, who will perform music from their hotly-tipped new album, and the visionary Blue Note bassist Derrick Hodge.

Jamie Cullum: “I’m extremely proud to be part of this year’s Love Supreme Jazz Festival. I’ll be playing alongside some incredible artists and it's going to be a really special occasion”.

Jazz FM’s Executive Chairman Richard Wheatley: "Having so much live jazz and soul in a single place for an entire weekend is a great step forward in bringing this wonderful music to a wider UK audience.  We're thrilled to be back again this year with another exciting and diverse bill within the fantastic outdoor festival experience."

The festival will also feature an eclectic mix of homegrown bands and artists including accomplished young drummer Ollie Howell, captivating trumpet starlet Laura Jurd, emotive sounds from Hidden Orchestra and soulful rock n roll five-piece The Computers.

With over 50 acts performing across the weekend, as well as DJs, artist Q&As, a fairground, classic album playbacks and glamping, the Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the most exciting addition to the British jazz calendar for decades and provides music lovers of all ages with a magical summer festival experience like no other.

Additional artists will be announced in due course. The line-up as it stands is:

Jamie Cullum
Laura Mvula 
Gregory Porter 
Soul II Soul (feat. original vocalist Caron Wheeler)
Dave Holland's Prism 
Christian McBride Trio 
Courtney Pine (with guest vocalists) 
Curtis Stigers 
Snarky Puppy 
Alice Russell 
Jose James 
Polar Bear 
Derrick Hodge 
Cecilia Stalin 
Laura Jurd 
Chloe Charles 
Hidden Orchestra 
Ollie Howell Quintet 
The Computers 
Funky Sensation

 

Disclosure bring Wild Life concept to Exit Dance Arena

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The world-renowned EXIT Festival Dance Arena is the place to be this summer, presenting the most exclusive concepts in the electronic music scene. First up on Thursday, July 10th DISCLOSURE are bringing their special WILD LIFE show to Serbia. Also being announced is the first names of Part II of Exit’s fifteen years in Dance back to back specials. If you were there for the Decade of Dance in 2009 you will remember the groundbreaking performances. Get ready for another set of surprises!

Revealed to the world just a few days ago, WILD LIFE, is a conceptual night presented by Disclosure showcasing performers they love. Featuring alongside DISCLOSURE's LIVE set, will be exclusive b2b performances including; CARL CRAIG vs GREEN VELVET, DUSKY vs PAUL WOOLFORD and JACKMASTER & ONEMAN present Can U Dance!

Playing at EXIT for the first time will be the unstoppable British duo DISCLOSURE, who set new foundations when it comes to electronic music, proving that alternative electronic music can succeed in the commercial music world with no compromise whatsoever. Brothers Guy (22) and Howard (19) Lawrence already have a name to themselves, proven by sold-out performances and chart-topping tracks, as well as a significant change in the British electronic music scene which opens doors to many new underground talents. This year, they released their debut album Settle which has already reached number one at the UK Album Chart, and was also nominated for the Best Album at the Mercury Awards 2013 and Best Dance/Electronica Album at the Grammy Awards 2014. For the upcoming Brit Awards, Disclosure are nominated in four categories: MasterCard British Album of the Year, British Single, British Group, as well as British Breakthrough Act, also announcing a special performance at the awards featuring one of the hottest new names, the New Zealand singer Lorde. They are coming to EXIT Festival with their live set, which is praised as one of the best live performances in the world of electronic music.

Celebrating the 15th Edition in true EXIT style, the iconic Dance Arena will do the second part of their infamous back to back sets revered in 2009 for their 10th Edition. This year sees another selection of DJs performing in battle and it’s going to be another memorable year.

First up is Carl Craig vs Green Velvet. Electronic music visionary and the creative magnate, Carl Craig, owner of the eponymous label Planet E is going to shake the Dance Arena once again, and joined by Green Velvet will be here to elevate partying to the fullest! An eccentric Chicagoan, musician and producer best known for his cyberpunk hairstyles and numerous house music hits, going under the name Green Velvet, is already considered a favorite by Dance Arena’s visitors since his closing of the EXIT festival in 2009 together with Carl Cox. This year, in a special b2b session with Carl Craig, he is ready to pump up EXIT’s Dance Arena!

Next up is Dusky vs Paul Woolford. The London duo Dusky have proven very productive and imaginative when it comes to writing elegant orchestral grooves and piano themes, as well as creating heavier house and techno rhythms, and this is exactly what defines their genre – composing electronic music with a significant touch of depth, soul and originality. After several joint gigs, a special chemistry arose between them and Paul Woolford, also known as Special Request, a man who built his flourishing career as a DJ, producer, label owner, remixer, collaborator and experimentalist.

And finally introducing Jackmaster & Oneman presents Can U Dance, a new show being showcased at only a handful of shows this summer, which promises a great party on four turntables! Oneman is a synonym for Rinse FM, a very well known radio station, a brand and a subculture. Jackmaster not only is a co-founder of the highly influential label Numbers, but is also an amazing DJ – he simply lives to play people records, which is enormously felt in his eclectic sets, containing a wide span of music, from forgotten classics to some of the hottest dance floor hits. Together, they will present a concept that surpasses the idea of b2b without great manifesto or conceptual nonsense, no masks or go-go dancers, it's all about what comes out of those speakers. Yes, U Can Dance.

Joining the already announced Skrillex, Rudimental, Dub Fx And Koven the 15th edition of EXIT Festival will be marked with the sign of EXIT ADVENTURE, which will take us to EXIT, held from July 10th to 13th at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, continuing at SEA DANCE FESTIVAL, held from July 15 to 17 at the beautiful Adriatic Jaz Beach in Montenegro. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip and enjoy a diverse range of artists, for seven unforgettable nights spent with your best mates in the sizzling hot Balkan sunshine. Sounds good? It’s time for EXIT ADVENTURE!

Deftones only UK show will be at Sonisphere!

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SONISPHERE welcomes DEFTONES to the superb bill for their only UK appearance of 2014. Groundbreaking and highly influential, the alternative metallers have been setting new standards in exciting rock performance since the seminal album ‘Adrenaline’ came out in 1995. With a reputation for being one of the most dazzling and uncompromising bands on the planet, DEFTONES have, throughout the years, been garnering praise, success, and too many accolades to mention, selling millions of records and winning the adoration of their peers. With classics such as ‘Back To School’, ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’, ‘Change (In The House Of flies)’, DEFTONES are poised to set KNEBWORTH ablaze with a show to die for. Says drummer Abe Cunningham:
 
"Greetings to ALL!!! We are absolutely stoked to be part of Sonisphere's return and of course to have a chance to once again play a show with Iron Maiden, especially on the hallowed grounds of Knebworth. Until then…!!!!

FRANK TURNER has a work ethic like no other, climbing his way up from the dive circuit to the arena limelight, claiming widespread praise and critical plaudits along the way. Outside of his own live shows, Frank has also broken into mainstream consciousness with the honours of performing at the Olympic Opening ceremony, and more recently, appearing on TV’s Celebrity Mastermind. With SONISPHEREheadliners IRON MAIDEN as his chosen specialist subject, Frank – who boasts an Eddie tattoo – won the Mastermind challenge with his superior knowledge of the metal legends. It does not take much imagination to appreciate the delight he has on learning he will share a stage with his heroes for the first time:
 
Says Turner:
 
“I'm excited to be playing Sonisphere this year, and super excited to be playing the same stage as the first band I ever fell in love with – Iron Maiden; it's definitely going to be my festival highlight for 2014.” 
 
Turner will be appearing at KNEBWORTH with his band as FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS, having recently completed an incendiary UK arena tour in support of fifth album ‘Tape Deck Heart’.
 
Hot off the success of their recent UK Tour with Less than Jake, Californian Ska-punk pioneers REEL BIG FISH come to KNEBWORTH armed with a hyper-kinetic live show, juvenile humour and ironic covers of new wave pop songs. With a fun filled attitude and massive dancefloor fillers such as  ‘Sell Out’ and ‘Take On Me’, their set will undoubtedly prove once more that REEL BIG FISH is one of the most dynamic and accomplished bands of the genre, as they take to the SATURN stage for a Sunday Ska Punk Party.
 
PROTEST THE HERO have carved an identity for themselves that is thought of as profoundly revolutionary within heavy music and 2014 has already seen them complete a hugely successful UK headline tour, including a sold out show at London’s Electric Ballroom. The band effortlessly balances high-minded artistry with wit and whimsy, substantive viewpoints with wanton tomfoolery, and masterful musicianship with true song-craft. SONISPHERE can’t wait to see them spread the magic of their spider-fingered arpeggios, walloping bottom-heavy brutality and dynamically theatrical vocals as showcased on their fourth album ‘Volition’.
 
Says the band:
 
“Europe knows something about doing festivals right. We are blown away every time we come over in the summer and take part in the fun. One of the highlights this summer is going to be Sonisphere! We are just finishing a UK leg of a tour and the turn outs have been great so I can only imagine what it will be like at Sonisphere.”
 
Avast, ye landlubbers! Fans of the sonically adventurous will be delighted to see ALESTORM joining the festivities with their very own brand of True Scottish Pirate Metal. With a treasure chest of keytar laden, pirate themed, fist pumping folk metal, these scurvy dogs will have their most epic voyage yet as they sail the sea of SONISPHERE’s SATURN stage on the Saturday for a rum fuelled set of metal fun.
 
Since forming in 2001, Stoner/Psychedelic rock gods TRUCKFIGHTERS have released an impressive four albums, seven EP’s and a film depicting their lives named simply ‘Truckfighters’ in 2011.  With Josh Homme being one of their biggest fans, TRUCKFIGHTERS released fourth album ‘Universe’ earlier this year and are an exciting addition to the festival.
 
2014 is full of exciting promise from Ireland’s KERBDOG.  Having released two albums in the 1990’s to critical acclaim, disbanding and later reforming to sell out the London Garage on a special one off live appearance, 2014 will see the band release their first new material in seventeen years, and resurrect their electric live performance.  KERBDOG say it best themselves:
 
"We would have crawled naked across broken glass to play Sonisphere. To be invited to what is one of the greatest rock festivals on the planet as we release a new live album is a gift from the Gods. The Fans are in for an earth-shattering gig that will level buildings. End of."
 
Having landed support slots to The Stranglers and appearing alongside Billy Talent at the 2013 UK VANS WARPED TOUR, hotly tipped UK outfit MAX RAPTOR, who blend punk and rock to startling effect, are also confirmed to appear at SONISPHERE, where their hard-edge and angry sounds as shown on their debut album ‘Mother’s Ruin’ will resonate through the festival.

Says the band:
 
“Just had the awesome news we'll be playing Sonisphere 2014…. We used to go to a grubby rock club in Burton on Trent and listen to Maiden and now we're playing the same festival as them. Absolute dream come true.”
 
Bringing the kind of American punk rock that has drawn comparison to Black Flag for its hard hitting melodies and rhythm, ONLY CRIME will treat festival goers to a truly special show. With a line up led by Bill Stevenson (Descendants) and Russ Rankin (Good Riddance) the band looks set for a big 2014 with a new album in the pipeline and SONISPHERE is looking forward to sharing it with them. Checking in from the studio, the band said:
 
"We know it's been awhile since we have been overseas.  We have been working hard on the new record and are so excited to finally get back over there and give it all we've got."
 
Returning to SONISPHERE is one of the UK’s most anticipated new bands, BLITZ KIDS.  The outfit has been garnering praise from the likes of BBC Radio1 with their brand new album ‘Good Youth’ and single ‘Sometimes’. On the brink of big things, audiences would be wise not miss their appearance.
 
Says the band:
 
“It's a great honour to be playing at Sonisphere Festival for its big comeback to the UK! It feels like we're part of a big welcome home party. We played a few years ago on the smallest stage, and to be asked to play on the Bohemia Stage this year is a fantastic opportunity to step it up a few gears.”
 
SONISPHERE is excited to welcome Camden Town born and raised punk/rap artist ITCH to the weekend for the first time.  After fronting critically acclaimed, ground breaking band The King Blues for seven years, lyricist ITCH took his unique brand of poetry full force into the solo act he is today. Recent album ‘The Deep End’ sees his unstoppable ferociousness cemented in record and is sure to make an unforgettable live experience.
 
“I'm so excited to be playing Sonisphere, it'll be my first time there.
It's an honour to be playing the same bill as metal gods such as Chas and Dave” jokes ITCH.
 
British electro/punk rockers HOUNDS join the bill after releasing their debut EP as a cover mount with Metal Hammer.  Having proved their live credentials on tour with Stone Sour, as well as at appearance at SONISPHERE 2011, and citing THE PRODIGY’s Liam Howlett in the list of people they’ve worked with, HOUNDS shouldn’t be missed. Says the band:
 
“We can’t wait to bring the noise to Sonisphere this summer, we have been locked in an Air Raid shelter for months writing and recording our debut album so we feel like caged animals. The stage ain’t gonna know what hit it….”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Skrillex and more added to Sziget lineup

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Joining the already announced Queens of the Stone Age, Placebo, Klaxons, Stromae, Calvin Harris, Imagine Dragons, Bastille the full list of new names are…

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are one of the most celebrated and shiniest stars on the hip-hop map of the United States. Their charismatic music is followed by millions of fans and this year their work has been sealed with four Grammy Awards. They received the award for 'Best New Artist', 'Best Rap Performance', 'Best Rap Album' and'Thrift Shop' received the award for 'Best Rap Song'. Skrillex is one of the most well-known electronic musician today. He will definitely make everyone crazy with his very exciting and massive sounds.

Extraordinary talent British singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, will also perform at the 'Island of Freedom' with his direct, honest and unique folk rock sounds. Die Fantastischen Vier are also coming to Sziget. The German rap and hip-hop quartet will tour with their new album Rekord. Electro-trip-hop trio from Nottingham, London Grammar, has an emotional and melancholic feeling combined with great lyrics and a unique sound.

Tom Odell has a passionate, romantic and irresistible voice merged together with great talent. Arriving from Southern-England, the twenty-three year old singer-songwriter will hit the stage of Sziget this summer. Also coming from the UK, Michael Kiwanuka, will make his performance memorable with his sophisticated, characteristic, sensitive soul music with some folk and jazz tunes. His debut album, Home Again, has been nominated for Mercury Award in 2013.

Two performers with a unique perspective in the world of electronic music, Darkside, will be a real exciting act of this year's Sziget. They will not only address e-music lovers, but also those fancying jazz. It's hard to categorize the music of The Big Pink, but it is simultaneously intimate, unsettling and noisy. Check out for yourself!

Borgore is a real EDM-hooligan, DJ and producer from Israel, who is known by everyone in the international dubstep network. True party person, who focuses on massive drum bases and heavy metal sounds what he just calls gorestep. Coming from Australia, Brody Dalle, wanted to do music similar to Nirvana, the Hole or PJ Harvey. Now she is ready to conduct a party anywhere in the world. She will perform at Sziget on August 12th, Day 0, the same day her husband, Josh Homme will play with Queens of the Stone Age.

Katy B and Neon Jungle added to Sundown Festival lineup

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More top artists have been confirmed for Sundown Festival 2014, which is fast becoming one of the UK’s best live-music events to end the summer festival season, from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August  

Dubstep diva and NME Award winner Katy B has just been confirmed as joining the line-up to perform Saturday’s main stage, like the previously announced Zane Lowe, before headliners Chase & Status and Tinie Tempah top the Sundown billing.

Top ten singles chart new-comers and Braveheart singers Neon Jungle have also been confirmed. The British four-piece girl group will take to Sunday’s main stage, performing ahead of Clean Bandit and Brit Award Nominees John Newman and headliner Ellie Goulding.

Elsewhere, details of Sundown’s dance-orientated Stage 2 have emerged, with House specialists Defected Records hosting the Saturday night, with DJs MK, Breach and Sam Divine already confirmed, while drum and bass label RAM Records take over for the Sunday, with Andy C, Wilkinson and Calyx & Teebee confirmed so far.

Sundown Festival 2014 will play host to more acts, across more stages, to be announced soon and tickets are expected to be in high demand after Sundown audiences grew from 15,000 people at the 2011 event to 38,000 people in 2013, when all camping tickets sold-out months before the festival kicked off.

Sundown Festival spokesperson, Dion Clements comments: “After announcing the headliners last week and following Sundown Festival’s rapid growth into one of the UK’s best live music events to end the summer season, we promised more big artists would join the line-up, so we’re very pleased to welcome Katy B and Neon Jungle. Along with Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, John Newman, Zane Lowe and Clean Bandit, the initial line-up on offer to Sundown festivalites is shaping up very nicely”.

Dion adds “With our unique mixed offering of the top urban, pop and dance acts, Sundown caters for a range of tastes in the music spectrum, bringing together a diverse music audience for one huge weekend”.

Jamie Cullum, Frank Sinatra Jnr and more for Cheltenham Jazz Festival

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Opening on International Jazz Day, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns at the end of April with an incredibly unique and diverse programme packed with jazz, world and blues legends, superstar international acts and outstanding emerging talent.

Running across six days from April 30th – May 5th, this year’s festival presents a star-studded line-up featuring the likes of Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Jamie Cullum, who will premiere his eagerly anticipated new album backed by an 11-piece big band, a special 70th birthday concert from jazz fusion trailblazer Billy Cobham, five-time Grammy-winner Robert Cray, the incomparable Laura Mvula, who returns to Cheltenham as this year’s Artist in Residence, as well as shows from big hitters such as Jools Holland, Curtis Stigers, Tinariwen, Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter and Frank Sinatra Jnr.

The younger generation will be represented by the likes of rising-star US trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, the inspirational Zimbabwe-born vocalist ESKA, BBC Sound of 2014 nominee Nick Mulvey, and acclaimed New York-based instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy, who are teaming up with DJ Gilles Peterson for the return of the festival’s popular club night. Among an impressive roster of British talent being showcased will be the much talked about reunion of acclaimed big band Loose Tubes, one of the UK’s most renowned improvisers Paul Dunmall, accomplished pianist Jason Rebello, and the boundary-pushing Julian Siegel Quartet.

The festival continues its association with BBC Radio 2, who will broadcast live on-site across the weekend. Slots include a gangster-themed Friday Night Is Music Night, celebrating the golden age of jazz and featuring the inimitable talents of Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers and Liane Carroll, and a special Jamie Cullum radio show, which will go out live on Saturday afternoon.

In addition to a world class line-up of acts, the Beyond the Band tent will feature talks, workshops and masterclasses and will transform into a ‘silent cinema’, hosting a range of jazz inspired films.

Festival Director Ian George:

“We’re proud to once again be delivering a really diverse Festival programme that covers the entire jazz spectrum, incorporating blues, soul, funk, world music and more. We welcome musical megastars alongside the brightest emerging talents, all set against the beautiful backdrop of regency Cheltenham.”

The 2014 Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes place from April 30th – May 5th and is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens, featuring a Big Top stage, the Jazz Arena, and a food, drink and market area.

Tickets go on sale to members from February 24th and on general sale from March 3rd.

The full Cheltenham Jazz Festival line-up is below.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2014 – Full Programme

April 30th

Jamie Cullum

The Big Top 
9pm

Jason Rebello

The Daffodil

9.15pm

May 1st

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The Jazz Arena

7pm

Judith Owen

The Daffodil

9.15pm

Laura Mvula

The Big Top

8.30pm

May 2nd

ESKA with special guest Laura Mvula

The Jazz Arena

6.30pm

Julian Siegel Quartet

The Playhouse 
8pm

Friday Night Is Music Night – Hoods, Horns & Hooch

The Big Top 
8pm

Hailey Tuck

The Daffodil

9.15pm

May 3rd

Anthony Marsden

Hotel Du Vin 
12pm

Paul Dunmall Sextet

The Playhouse 
12.15pm

Nick Mulvey

The Jazz Arena 
12.30pm

Loose Tubes

The Big Top 
2pm

Denys Baptiste – Now is the Time…

Town Hall

3.45pm

Tigran

The Jazz Arena 
4.15pm

Michael Wollny Trio

The Playhouse 
6pm

Robert Cray

The Big Top 
5.30pm

Kurt Elling Quartet

Town Hall 
7pm

Tinariwen

The Jazz Arena

7.15pm

The Speakeasy

The Daffodil
10.30pm – 2am

The Edge Project

The Playhouse 
10pm

Gilles Peterson and Snarky Puppy

Town Hall
10.30pm

May 4th

Trondheim Jazz Exchange

Parabola Arts Centre
11.45am

Sunday Lunch with Laithwaite’s Wine and Nearly Hot Club Four

The Daffodil

Bar open 11.30am

Lunch served 12.30pm

Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet

The Jazz Arena

1.15pm

Jake Isaac and Lake Street Dive

The Big Top 
2.30pm

Iain Ballamy’s Anorak XL

Parabola Arts Centre

3pm

Liane Carroll Trio

The Jazz Arena

4.15pm

Billy Cobham at 70

The Big Top

5.45pm

Dan Nicholls’ Strobes + ByramArt

Parabola Arts Centre

6pm

Sinatra Sings Sinatra

The Jazz Arena

7.15pm

Gregory Porter and Blue Note Guests

The Big Top

9pm

Thomas StrØnen’s Time Is A Blind Guide

Parabola Arts Centre

9pm

May 5th

Family Show: Jazz All Stars ft . Natalie Williams

The Jazz Arena

11am

London Afrobeat Collective

The Big Top

1pm

Fringe Showcase: Jo Silver and the Café Bohemia & The Indigo Kings

The Jazz Arena

2.30pm

Curtis Stigers

The Big Top 
4.15pm

Get The Blessing and Kairos 4Tet

The Jazz Arena

6.45pm

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gregory Porter and guests

The Big Top 
8.15pm

 

Dizzee Rascal and White Lies to headline Y Not Festival 2014

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We can now reveal the first lineup announcement for this year Y Not Festival which takes place in August.  Headliners Dizzee Rascal and White Lies lead this years lineup along with The Fratellis, Newton Faulkner, Reel Big Fish, The Blackout and many more performing on the numerous stages across the weekend.

Dizzee Rascal – HEADLINER
White Lies – HEADLINER
The Fratellis
Newton Faulkner
Reel Big Fish
Andrew W.K.(solo)
The Blackout
Cerebral Ballzy
Catfish & The Bottlemen
Itch
Eliza & The Bear
Lonely The Brave
Darlia
Night Engine
Best Friends
Flyte
Brawlers
Nothing But Thieves
Nordic Giants
Black Moth
The First
Youth Man
Hungerhoff & The Wild Roots

Festival organiser, Simon Mawby has said, “We are so excited with our first announcement and are welcoming some of the biggest names we've ever had to our stages. The best part is this is just the beginning, with another headliner and hundreds more acts to come. It will truly be the best value Y Not ever."

Y Not will host ten stages, with the best talent from these music genres: rock / indie / hip hop / folk / dance / electronic / punk / blues / acoustic / reggae and roots. But it’s not all about the bigger bands. Y Not continues to support up and coming talent with its long established, purpose-built Allotment Stage.

The National, Mogwai, Kendrick Lamar plus more for Optimus Primavera Sound

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We are pretty excited to let our Summer Festival Guide fans know that the Optimus Primavera Sound lineup is now complete with The National, Mogwai, Kendrick Lamar, Pixies and more announced today!

Among all the confirmed names, we reinforce the presence of American band The National, the Californian rapper Kendrick Lamar and the legendary and influential Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso.

The first festival shows for newly reformed British band Slowdive, New Yorkers Television with their master piece “Marquee Moon”, Spoon’s effervescent pop, who have a new record, the third reincarnation of Slint claiming their crucial role in the appearance of slowcore and the presentation of the new record by Scottish band Mogwai are also added to this edition’s line-up.
Current names arrive at Optimus Primavera Sound to showcase their more recent work: Nicolas Jaar’s new project, Darkside, Danish artist Trentemøller, with his melancholy fusion of indie and electronica, the Haim sisters with the recently acclaimed phenomenon “Days Are Gone”, and the fiery electronica of !!! (chk chk chk) and St. Vincent with a new self-titled album that proves, once again, that there is a great gap between conventional pop and the sonic fusion created and reinvented by the New Yorker.

A true heterogenic mix of musical styles is going to invade the city of Porto: the post-rock of the Canadian band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Charles Bradley’s soul, the intimate sound of Rodrigo Amarante, or noisy British band Loop are some of the names that compose an eclectic and varied line-up.

Also, in the national landscape, we find bands with several musical references. Lisbon band You Can’t Win Charlie Brown will come to Optimus Primavera Sound with “Diffraction/Refraction”, a more challenging and sophisticated album than “Chromatics”, where vocal harmonies and the constant dialogue between folk and electronica are deepened. Also Os Da Cidade, a band that joins António Zambujo, Ricardo Cruz, João Salcedo and Miguel Araújo Jorge, promise to reinvent some of the traditional Portuguese sounds to cover them with a personal and delicate touch. HHY & The Macumbas, a project led by Jonathan Uliel Saldanha, will take their electrifying dub rhythms to the Parque da Cidade, for an extra sensorial experience, while Torto showcase, the hungry instrumental trio, in a fusion of guitar, bass and drums invites to a bold stroll outside each person’s “comfort bubble”.

Busta Rhymes set for Bestival 2014

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Rob da Bank says: “Woo hah people! Yes it’s true, Busta Rhymes has got you all in check and he’s coming to Bestival for his first ever UK festi appearance! I’m such a Busta fan and it’s amazing not just to see him back in the charts with another banger with Thank You but also to know he's getting on the ferry and bringing it to Bestival!”

Yes, you might have noticed that we like a bit of hip-hop at our Desert Island Disco, so we are extremely pleased to say that rap superstar Busta Rhymes is coming to Bestival to flex his next level skills in what will be his first ever UK festival appearance. A bona fide hip-hop colossus whose intricate technique has brought him a sack full of plaudits, Busta is gearing up to release the much anticipated Extinction Level Event 2 this year and we can’t wait to witness his dopeness on our main stage!

Beacons Festival announce headliners Daughter, Darkside and more!

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Beacons Festival is pleased to reveal the first acts for 2014. New York opulent disco / astral funk duo Darkside, ethereal and intimate yet mountain-range massive sounding London trio Daughter and the elegantly crafted electronica tunes ofJon Hopkins will headline the festival.  

The Fall, who will make a rare festival appearance are joined by Hookworms off the back of a huge 2013, Dixon who was Resident Advisor DJ of the year, Jools Holland favourite Melt Yourself Down, TOY, Daniel Avery, King Creosote, Sweet Baboo, Eagulls (after that Letterman performance) Max Graef, Money, Girl Band, Pins, Galaxians make up some of the first wave of bands.

The Thursday night welcome party will feature entertainment, expanded from last year to include a late night silent disco with special guest DJs. Art and Culture will again be an integral part of the festival. A new field named Hunters Field will accompany an expanded arts area, The Space Between, a larger Dawsons Art Hashhouse and the new outdoor stage, The Argyle. Entertainment will range from spoken word, yoga, film and documentary Q&As and meet The Brewers, with 5 Point Brewery being confirmed so far.

Beacons Festival has grown a reputation for providing festivalgoers of all ages with an extensive selection of award winning street food. This year the area is larger with confirmed vendors by REDS true BBQ, Laynes Coffee, Patty Smith burgers, Dough Boys pizza, Mothercluckers chicken and Bundobust (Indian street food/ craft beer combo).

Other festival highlights include The Diddy Rascals family area, which is also getting a revamp and will double in size. The Whitelocks Ale tent will feature the anticipated and expanded Ale festival. A new beer tent from Leeds’ hottest new venue, Belgrave Music Hall are amongst the new additions to Beacons Festival.

“Keeping Beacons going after the flood in 2011 has been really hard, but when Wild Beasts headlined in 2012 the stars realigned and it was totally worth it. Now I don’t think about booking acts just to sell tickets. With Dixon, Jon Hopkins and Daniel Avery on site over the weekend we genuinely feel we have the 3 best producers in the world at the moment so we are well chuffed”  Ash Kollakowski, Beacons Festival

ALL CONFIRMED BANDS:

DARKSIDE 
 DAUGHTER 
JON HOPKINS  
THE FALL 
 NIGHTMARES ON WAX 
HOOKWORMS 
TOY 
KING CREOSOTE
EAST INDIA YOUTH 
EAGULLS 
SWEET BABOO
 MELT YOURSELF DOWN 
MONEY 
TRAAMS
 PINS 
GIRL BAND
 CHEATAHS
MENACE BEACH
GALAXIANS 
GOLDEN TEACHER
CHAMPIONLOVER 
AUTOBAHN

FIRST DJS

DIXON 
ROMAN FLUGEL 
MANO LE TOUGH 
SPECIAL REQUEST 
DANIEL AVERY 
MAX GRAEF 
AARTEKT