Having expanded to a two day camping even for its 5th birthday High Definition festival returns in July with the biggest lineup yet. Headlining the Sunday will be groundbreaking collective Rebel Sound.
Debuting last year at London’s legendary Earl’s Court, bass superstars Chase & Status, legend of the mic MC Rage, original digital soundboy Shy FX and soundclash king David Rodigan made history with their debut Rebel Sound performance. Unleashing a slew of big name dubplates, their show was unmatchable and not to be missed when they rock up at High Definition for what promises to be one of the defining sets of the weekend.
Set in the stunning surrounds of EridgePark in Tunbridge Wells and featuring only the best in live electronic music and some of the finest DJs on the planet, High Definition has gained an enviable reputation as one of the most progressive electronic music festivals on the planet.
High Definition festival returns in July for a huge 5th Birthday bash with its biggest line up to date. Encompassing live music and DJ’s and set in the stunning surrounds of EridgePark in Tunbridge Wells, High Definition has gained an enviable reputation as one of the most progressive electronic music festivals on the planet.
As the festival expands to a two day camping event due to ever increasing demand, the first headliner is confirmed as Luciano whose mystical blend of deep techno and house has marked him out as one of the biggest stars of the global electronic music scene. The Cadenza head honcho’s expressive sets have a distinctive South American influence and he will be joined on the main stage by Parisian act Appolonia showcasing their deep tech house, Canada’s dynamic duo Art Department, Miguel Campbell who has galvanised the house music scene and Argy who will play out a fearlessly eclectic set.
On Saturday Drum & Bass legend Goldie will perform in the Digital Arena alongside Kove and Dimension whist Sunday brings Redlight and dexterous party starter Oneman to the fore.
Drum and bass dons Sigma will perform live, whilst Black Butter boys My NuLeng, Hamburg’s finest Tensnake and house supremo’s Prok and Fitch will all be in attendance.
Nick Curly leads the charge in the Audiowhore Arena with Tribal Sessions resident Darius Syrossian and Sidney Charles who was nominated for Best Newcomer at the DJ Magazine Awards also taking to the decks.
Garage and bass music legend DJ EZ is back by popular demand whilst Toolroom label boss Mark Knight will host his own stage with acts such as Amtrac and Doorly performing
High Definition are proud to present House supremo Breach and showcase Will Saul’s driving underground house and in a real festival coup, Internationally celebrated DJ Eddie Halliwell will be playing a rare trance set.
House and techno stalwart Lilleth makes a welcome debut at the festival and Old Skool is represented courtesy of Epidemik.
Many more acts, Sunday headliners included, are set to be revealed very soon.
In addition to world-class musical programming, High Definition also looks to complement the performers and DJs appearing across the weekend with top-spec production. Mind-bending visuals and immersive environments have been a central feature of High Definition since its inception, and this year will be the team’s most ambitious undertaking to date.
Stage partners include Digital, Aus Music, Audiowhore, Toolroom Live, GoodGreef, Agenda, Gurilla Concept, Epidemik and All Funked Up. The VIP Arena will be hosted by Viva Warriors on Saturday and Weird and Wonderful on Sunday.
Last year High Definition sold out all 15,000 tickets well in advance of the festival so early booking is advised as the globes very best electronic artists descend on Tunbridge Wells for two days of the very best electronic sounds.
On the main stage, previously announced headliner and prevailing house legend Carl Cox will now be joined by international techno connoisseur Marco Carola.
One of the most widely respected DJs in the game, Marco Carola has been mixing techno for over twenty years, and currently stands at the forefront of the global techno scene. Originally from Napoli in southern Italy, Carola has travelled the world as a producer, DJ and label owner, releasing five critically-acclaimed albums in the process. Renowned for his legendary 2006 Fabric mix, which made a significant contribution to the mid-00s minimal trend, his extensive touring schedule has seen him play countless gigs in Ibiza, New York and all over South America. Carola’s high energy sets can often be up to eight hours long, taking audiences on a journey and demonstrating his impressive three deck skills! High Definition is thrilled to have such a globally respected star to joining proceedings.
High Definition Festival is also proud to introduce the ‘Toolroom Knights Stage’ featuring label founder and Grammy nominee Mark Knight. Over the last seven years, Knight has never left DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll and has notched up performances at some of the world’s most iconic music venues. Joining Mark Knight are the increasingly prolific house duo Prok & Fitch, who having already racked up some impressive achievements on and off dance floors the world over are set to impress Eridge Park with their heavy-duty sound. Also stamping their mark on High Definition will be newcomer Weiss and Amsterdam’s Mike Mago, who has already won support from a wide variety of powerhouse producers including Tensnake and Josh Wink. But that’s not all- the Toolroom Knights line up is completed by a plethora of fast-rising acts including: Bearcubs, George Andrews, Pete Griffiths, Mark Dickson and Mike Mac plus a B2B set fromLuke Jacquin, James Stewart and GW Harrison!
The team behind High Definition have also recently announced their VIP Arena, which is set to play host to some of Ibiza’s finest regulars. Showcasing their progressive dance floor smashers in the VIP arena are the HoxtonWhoresalongside the adroit sounds of DJs Deeptrak and Soul Avengerz, not to mention 2 Good Souls, Mike Linnane, Terence Kay, Sam C and Banton. As if that weren’t enough there’s more in the form of the Tech Twins, Mark Hollis& Jamie Watts, Ben Jammin & Harry Ashby, Chris V, Charlie A, Cliff Knowles and Chris Passion.
These recent additions will join (amongst others) TheMartinez Brothers, who are gearing up for an amazing six-hour set of latin-infused house and techno, as well as Gorgon City, currently riding high with ‘Ready for Your Love’ and ‘Real’, and Joy Orbison, who will be bringing his sublime bass hybrids to High Definition alongside house and techno greats Dusky, Filsonik, George Fitzgerald and Jon Rundell.
Flying the flag for bass music are Mistajam, recent chart-topper Route 94, dubstep don Artwork b2b with Zinc,Ms Dynamite, the eclectic as-ever Oneman, and Radio 1’s B.Traits plus drum & bass royalty Shy FX.
On the 5th of July, High Definition is set to once again showcase the globe’s very best artists for a day and night of superlative electronic sounds.
FULL LINE UP SO FAR:
CARL COX & FRIENDS
CARL COX
MARCO CAROLA
GEORGE FITZGERALD
JON RUNDELL
CHARLIE HEDGES
RANDOM
THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS (6 HR SET)
ROUTE 94
FILSONIK
TRISTAN INGRAM
RANDOM DJS
SAM SUPPLIER
AUS MUSIC
DUSKY
BICEP
HUXLEY
MIDLAND
WILL SAUL
TOM RIO
AND VERY SPECIAL GUEST: JOY ORBISON
TOOLROOM NIGHTS
MARK KNIGHT
PROK & FITCH
WEISS
MIKE MAGO
BEARCUBS
GEORGE ANDREWS
PETE GRIFFITHS
MARK DICKSON & MIKE MAC
SKYHIGH
LUKE JACQUIN, JAMES STEWART & GW HARRISON
DIGITAL ARENA
GORGON CITY
ONEMAN
MS DYNAMITE
ZINC B2B ARTWORK
B.TRAITS
SHY FX
MISTAJAM
HANNAH WANTS
ALL ABOUT SHE
ROSKA
MY NU LENG
DJ DIE
EPIDEMIK : THE SEVEN AGES OF RAVE
RATPACK MAMPI SWIFT & IC3 SLIPMATT & SAM SUPPLIER BROCKIE & DET DJ PHANTASY & HARRY SHOTTA (THE HARRY SHOTTA SHOW) BILLY DANIEL BUNTER & MC CUTTER UNCLE DUGS & MC FEARLESS LOGAN-D & MC EKSMAN 20 YEARS SHOWCASE OF VIBES & LIVELEE TERRY-M & WHILEYONE & MC ELEMENT & SLOFFEE EDDIE ESP B2B JASON JAY & MC STRICT
This years sold out High Definition Festival announces some huge artists to its lineup for the 2014 edition. Headling this years HD Festival is the legendary Carl Cox, and joining him on the bill are some of the biggest players in the electronic music industry.
Consisting of producers James Tadgell and John Clare as well as singer Vanya Taylor, London trio All About She are bringing a whole new dynamic to the music scene. Having already worked with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, Wookie and Wretch 32, All About She are a name to watch out for in 2014.
As one third of Magnetic Man alongside Skream and Benga, Artwork has carved a reputation as a true pioneer of the dubstep sound. His presence at the forefront of the bass heavy genre has seen him collaborate with the likes of Katy B, John Legend and Ms Dynamite.
High Definition Festival 2014 will also see a collaborative performance from Drum & Bass DJ and MC duo, Brockie & MC Det. Brockie’s credentials stem back to the formative years of pirate radio whilst MC Det is a legend in his own right having a career that stems all the way back to the early days of jungle.
Canadian DJ, producer, remixer and radio presenter B. Traits brings her selection of forward thinking, high energy, future music not only to her BBC Radio 1 show, ‘The Late Night Chameleon Club’ but also festival slots encompassing Glastonbury, Love Saves The Day, Hideout, Global Gathering and now thankfully High Definition 2014.
Electro house producer and live DJ Charlie Hedges talents have seen her become the presenter of the 4.4 million weekly listener Kiss FM Breakfast Show as well as presenting the Saturday night House Mix Show. Expect a mix of old and new house cuts and the best in EDM.
One of the co-founders of influential Drum & Bass label Full Cycle Recordings and a member of Roni Size’s Mercury Prize winning group Reprazent, DJ Dieis a true representative of the cultural hotbed and revolutionary dance capitol that Bristol has become over the last 20 years.
Comprising of London based producers, Nick Harriman and Alfie Granger-Howell, Dogmatik signees Dusky have been reigning the techno world in the underground club scene since 2011, and their debut LP ‘Stick by This’ was an instant hit. With the support of techno producers from Jamie Jones to Pete Tong and Joy Orbison and championing by the likes of Annie Mac, Diplo, Skream and Seth Troxler, their track ‘Flo Jam’ gained the unexpected accolade iTunes Dance Single of the Year.
The classically trained piano player-cum-house producer Filsonik creates tunes with feet in both the formal music and streetwise dance camps. Born from the culturally rich and iconic New York house scene, the DJ’s career has seen him work very closely with fellow High Definition performers and house legends The Martinez Brothers. From Ibiza residencies to extensive European tours, he is a performer of a world-class calibre.
Since his break into house music in 2010, George Fitzgerald has released a steady stream of house tracks featuring his notorious garage and r&b infused bass lines. 2012 saw George’s track ‘Child’ become a club hit, and highlighted his sound among other similar producers such as Disclosure and Duke Dumont in a new wave of well-crafted garage hooks and club-ready tracks. He now resides in Berlin when he’s now playing sell out tours or deep house club sets.
Both respected for their individual pursuits, Matt and Kye now make up distinctive North London producers Gorgon City. They face another exciting year as the most hotly-tipped duo in house music after their enormous successes with last year’s collaborations ‘Real’ ft Yasmin, ‘Ready for Your Love’ with MNEK, and ‘Intentions’ with Clean Bandit. Their polished, club-savvy sounds caught the attention of Annie Mac, Eats Everything and Mistajam and Gorgon City quickly became the soundtrack to 2013’s best club nights and festivals.
With her star rapidly on the rise, self-taught Birmingham DJ Hannah Wants(aka Hannah Alicia Smith) mixes the best in house with her own distinctly bass heavy sound. Having appeared alongside the iikes of Annie Mac, Disclosure, SBTRKT and Magnetic Man High Definition welcomes the addition of this upcoming young DJ to this year’s festival.
Born out of Hip Hop and now with both feet firmly in the world of Drum & Bass, the Harry Shotta Show perfectly showcases the skills of who is clearly one of the most gifted and versatile MCs in the UK. His talents have seen him conquer festivals and radio alike and his live show is one that is sure to turn heads at this year’s festival.
Following a chance meeting and hitting it off in a Brighton club Jon Rundellwas signed to headliner Carl Cox’s record label, Intec. Jon’s music and infamous remixes have won him support across the techno world from the likes of Richie Hawtin, Loco Dice, and Dubfire and across the years he has performed in huge venues all over the world including a residency at The End and headline shows in Ibiza. His set is sure to be utterly unmissable.
Special guest Joy Orbison, aka London based producer Peter O’Grady’s style is a sublime mixture of house, techno and dubstep. His debut single ‘Hyph Mngo’ made him an underground success, which translated into worldwide airplay and club spins. Peter credits his uncle drum n bass DJ Ray Keith for getting him into DJ’ing at the age of 13 and since then he has played numerous festivals and dance floors all over the world, formed his own label and club and has topped respected DJ magazine lists to the acclaim of his peers.
Dedicated Drum & Bass DJ and producer Logan-D’s career has seen him expand from not only a dance floor filler and razor-sharp selector to a label boss and party promoter. His Low Down Deep raves have continued to grow and placed both him and his parties as the stuff of genuine scene legend.
Mampi Swift is the very definition of a legend. Having begun his career way back in the early 90s he shows no signs of abating and last years self released album ‘History’ saw him gain huge DJ support form the likes of Andy C, Sub Focus, Netsky, Chase N Status, Friction and 1Xtra DJ Bailey.
Multi award winning Drum & Bass hero MC Eksman’s flow rocketed him into the scene with a flow unlike any other and a lyricism of a substance that is so often lacking from modern Drum & Bass. A champion of underground MC talent and an ongoing talent, Eksman is not one to be missed.
A true pioneer of the early British hardcore sound under various monikers, the man now known as MC IC3 comes to High Definition 2014 with an old school attitude and a retained relevance that will surely have younger MCs in awe.
Leeds born and London based DJ and producer Midland’s career has seen him defy categorisation and taken him from remixes for the likes of Caribou, Washed Out and Stateless through to his own garage, house and bass encompassing work. Pulling influence from almost every corner of the musical world, it’s no wonder that his unique sound has garnered him attention and club spins worldwide.
MistaJam should really need no introduction to any discerning hip-hop fan. His BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ slot has made him an authority in the UK underground and his vital, energetic live DJ sets make him a firm crowd favourite.
The recipient of the Mercury Music Prize, two BRIT Awards and three MOBOs, Ms Dynamite is a true legend of UK hip-hop and R&B. The north London native is no stranger to keeping a festival crowd going and with iconic hits the likes of ‘Dy-Na-Mi-Tee’ to bring out with her, expect a very special set indeed.
Bristol based, Black Butter Records duo My Nu Leng’s sound is one that consistently defies categorization. Their bass heavy sounds have seen them provide remixes to the likes of Naughty Boy, Rudimental and fellow Black Butter family members Clean Bandit as well as hugely popular performances at the likes of Fabric, Motion and Snowbombing, the duo are not to be missed at Eridge Park this year.
South London DJ Oneman’s musical career began in the world of underground pirate radio. He now performs weekly shows on Rinse FM and is loved for his blends of dubstep, grime, UK hip-hop and garage. He has released two albums with Fabric Live and Rinse FM, completed a US tour, supported SBTRKT, and played festivals all over Europe.
DJ Lipmaster Mark and MC Evenson Allen make up the two halves of old school Breakbeat, Drum & Bass and House duo Ratpack. Having joined forces way back at the birth of the warehouse and rave scene in 1985, the pair’s sound still holds strong with performances at the likes of Glastonbury, Global Gathering, Gatecrasher and Ministry Of Sound proving to be ever popular.
Roska’s immediately distinctive sound and ear for swung-house percussion and ridiculously heavy sub-bass separate him from his contemporaries in a way that is so often missing in modern dance music. Having founded his own label, Roska Kicks & Snares, you can still find Roska smashing basement venues countrywide as well as catching him at the likes of the prestigious Glastonbury, Bloc, Lowlands and Sonar festivals.
The name Route 94 is shrouded in mystery and surrounded by rumours suggesting that he is actually a successful act under a new alias. All we know is that he exploded onto the scene last year and has produced some of the sickest remixes around such as ‘Forget the Girl’, ‘Freak’, and Storm Queen’s ‘Look Right Through’. 2014 looks to be an exciting year for this mysterious act.
Rinse FM DJ Sam Supplier’s Friday afternoon radio show is the ideal primer for a weekend of raving and High Definition will see him bring his energetic blend of House and Garage to the mass crowds this summer!
Shy FX has, since his debut in 1992, been an authority and a true force in UK D&B and Jungle. Remaining relevant as ever, when not producing or taking his stunning DJ set on the road he can be found releasing notable younger talent the likes of dubstep pioneers Skream, Benga and Caspa as well as fellow Drum and Bass artists Breakage and Calibre via his Digital Soundboy label.
Bronx natives Steve and Chris aka The Martinez Brothers most recently performed for High Definition at the spectacular and sold out London warehouse party last year. Their love of high energy house and techno sets first developed at the world famous Circo Loco in Ibiza’s DC10, they now enjoy a hectic touring schedule across the globe from their native USA to Tokyo, and frequent European trips bringing with them a fusion of Latin jazz, disco and salsa vibes that never fail to keep a crowd on their feet. This year’s High Definition Festival will see them perform an incredible six-hour set!
Veteran Just Jack resident, promoter, label boss and underground house and techno DJ and producer Tom Rio should need no introduction to any discerning dance enthusiast. Born in Brazil but cutting his teeth musically in Holland, Tom’s eventual move to Bristol has seen him become a key part in a scene that few could deny is responsible for a true house revolution.
British DJ and producer Will Saul’s sounds are based in deep house, disco and techno, containing flashes of soul and Motown, which wouldn’t be out of place in the early days of Detroit. Not only gaining a reputation as an esteemed DJ, he has remixed for artists from Little Dragon to Solomun and Scuba to name a few. If his residency at London’s The End was anything to go by, Will knows how to keep the crowd going, and High Definition is excited have him for 2014.
Benjamin Pettit is better known as DJ Zinc, and loved by ravers for his unmistakable drum n bass, ragga, house, and breaks sounds. Zinc is still going strong since the early 90’s, when he became well known for his undisputed classic anthem ‘Super Sharp Shooter’. The track became one of the pivotal sounds of the jungle/ drum and bass movement and Zinc was never afraid to inject some Jamaican dub and ragga sounds into his sets. Zinc went on to do time on London’s pirate radio scene, before hitting the underground rave scenes where he has stayed ever since.
Already announced is Britain’s urban pop superstar, Labrinth. Having taken the nation by storm with his plethora of enormous hits, the ultimate showman will grace Forest Farm with his illustrious fusion of R&B, Hip-Hop and Dubstep.
Also performing will be a true purveyor of UK bass music, Ms Dynamite and Sinead Hartnett, the go to girl for the likes of Wiley andDisclosure laying down vocals on their tracks Walk Away and Boiling.
One of the UK’s most promising new faces, Dot Rotten has been making cyclonic waves across the nation with his sharp lyrics and gritty beats. The unstoppable force will be performing alongside the likes of Oneman, Joker, EZ and Bohdi for what promises to be a storming session on the main stage.
Headlining the High Definition Arena will be the ever prolific Maya Jane Coles. Famed for her absorbing take on house music, the flourishing producer is set to take 2013 by storm with her infectious beats and the eagerly awaited release of her debut album. Chicago born and raised, Lee Foss is one of few DJ’s that have made a definitive impact on the underground house and techno scene over the past few years. Described by DJ Mag as “one of most talented new forces in modern dance music” the Hot Creations label boss is one not to miss this summer. Also out in force will be Bristol resident Eats Everything. Having gained international recognition for his signature brand of bass heavy house, the larger than life producer will join the formidable Justin Martin for a very special back-to-back set.
Famed for their upfront house music and a fanatical thirst for hats, the nation’s favourite clubbing experience, Hat Club joins High Definition for a clubbing extravaganza. Topping the bill will be Hot Creation’s star Miguel Campbell. Having garnered critical recognition for purveying the finest in deep, quality house, the momentous producer remains in relentless demand across the globe. Joining Miguel will be the irrepressible Black Butter boys Gorgon City, Hot Since 82 and hotly tipped Roses Gabor.
This is one Old Skool revival not to miss this summer. The infamous Epidemik will explode onto Forest Farm bringing with them the very best of Jungle, Breaks and Drum and Bass. Featuring a momentous line up including Crissy Criss, Ratpack, Shut Up & Dance and a very special live performance from Peter Bouncer.
High Definition has been acclaimed for its jaw dropping production values, rivaling some of the biggest festivals in the world and unique for a boutique event of this scale. Stakeholders in the festival separately run event production businesses, meaning the festival has exclusive access to some of the best equipment in Europe and is able to bring festival goers sounds and sights other festivals can only dream of.
High-end sound systems by Mustt Audio Ltd, hundreds of meters of LED screen panels, full-colour laser systems, stunning pyrotechnics, Co2 cannons, stadium glitter launchers and hundreds of moving lights, LEDs and generic fixtures all supplied by in-house production team Light Design Ltd, will be illuminating up this Essex skyline this summer.
The High Definition site is easily accessible from Fairlop tube station on the Central Line, just 24 minutes from Liverpool Street station and the last trains leave after the festival has finished making High Definition a viable event for those from the capital and beyond.
LINE UP TO DATE
DIGITAL ARENA
LABRINTH
+ VERY SPECIAL GUEST TBA
MS DYNAMITE
SINEAD HARTNETT
DOT ROTTEN
JOKER
EZ
ONEMAN
BODHI
HIGH DEFINITION ARENA DEFINITION ARENA
MAYA JANE COLES
LEE FOSS
EATS EVERYTHING
JUSTIN MARTIN
LEE CURTISS
BICEP
HAT CLUB
MIGUEL CAMPBELL
GORGON CITY
HOT SINCE 82
ROSES GABOR – LIVE PA
ANDY DANIELL
HAT CLUB DJS
EPIDEMIK ARENA
GENERAL LEVY LIVE PA (PERF "INCREDIBLE" AND MORE)
PETER BOUNCER LIVE PA (PERF "I'M RAVIN I'M RAVIN")
UK BEATBOXERS CHAMPION LIVE SHOWCASE FEAT. BALL-ZEE
