andy c

Global Gathering 2014 Review

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Global Gathering the festival that sets the benchmark for Top Dance festivals in the UK is back this year at the prestigious long maston airfield in Stratford Upon Avon. This festival goes back 14th year and has won many previous awards for Best Dance Festival. DJ mag were responsible for naming this baby giant and it has always lived up to the name year after year. 

2014’s headliners are set to be big with the likes of Prodigy heading up the main stage on Saturday evening and Chase & Status on Friday . Global is set on Long Maston Airfield giving it a post apocalyptic and industrial feel. The stages here are of true brilliance and are by far one of the best parts of the festival, with unique simplicity stages like The Global Freight Depot and the Bunker always turn a DJs set to stun. 2014 at Global Gathering brought a number of tents such as the returning BBC 1XTRA stage , the futuristic GodsKitchen , UKF Stage , The mighty new Hanger arena and Defected in the House along with many more smaller stages dotted around the landing strip.

Taking the main stage just before sunset, the 25 year old Belgian known as NetSky took the crowd by storm to give them the injection of pure energy, while the hot orange glow of the afternoon sun dropped into the hills around the airfield gearing up the masses ready for the headliners that evening. Playing some of his new material like ‘ Running Low’  due to be released inside a new album sometime this year and available to listen to via the official Youtube channel for NetSky. 

Dusk is here and its time for the ever powerful electronic sounds of Chase & Status. Production and stage precedence this year made for an incredible set from the two British Producers Saul Milton (Chase) and Mr Will Kennard (Status) playing all the big tracks such as ‘Time’ Feat Delilah as well as ‘Take me away’ To fit in with all the base and hands in the air what finale would be complete without lasers and fireworks. Exploding to the sounds of ‘Fool yourself’ lighting the crowd for the final time that day and completing what was a truly perfect hot summers day. 

Clearing the main stage theres still plenty going on and depending on your music palette you can head to a range of different artists and stages. Heading up the Hanger stage in the after hours the chart topping David Guetta performs at the top of the towering wall of light situated in this oversized super tent. This stage would rival many main stages and despite its size was full to the edges. If Guetta isn't for you though don't worry you've got visual delight of Subfocus sitting proud amongst the giant rings of light over at the 1Xtra Stage. Happening all around the top DJs like Aly & Fila , Hot Since 82 , James Zabiela, Alesso and so many more converge for 1.5 days worth of pure magic. 

Waking up to yet more sun beating down on the masses the day was off to a great start. Global is an action packed weekend with little down time. Acts are on from 12 mid-day and go all the way into the wee hours of Sunday morning. The main stage started to fill out early afternoon with the masked DJ Jaguar Skills. Next to entice the masses was the RAM Records Heavy weight Andy C & MC 2SHY, seeing Andy perform in sunlight was a strange experience as normally confined to the early hours of a set list. Never the less a set filled with all the right tracks including the Andy C Remix ‘Get Free’ with all the heat and pumping base the security were constantly handing out a good supply of water to the crowd and making sure anyone who needed fluids got a drink of water. 

Leading on to the penultimate act of the day Knife party were set to get the crowds ready for the headline act. Sitting behind a pretty impressive LED Bank located centre stage Knife party originally formed of Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen which you might remember from The Drum & Bass superstars Pendulum, Knife party was a side project that went main stream. 

To Headline this year Global Gathering pulled out the stops for one of the biggest most widely known electronica big beat acts around. Prodigy are a phenomenal act to witness and had great little surprises through the set. Red flares lit at certain points within songs like Fire Starter and ‘ Smack your bitch up’ illuminating the crowds hands and a sea of iPhones and mobile phones taking video could be seen. Keith Flint lead for Prodigy got the crowds running in circles at 3 points within the main area creating a tornado of people all under his control. The stage consisted of a semi circle of tribal symbols and lights, flickering stage lights to imitate fire and plenty of disorienting strobes to give it that truly cereal experience! All the original hits previous mentioned as well as ‘ Their Law’ including the new creations from Invaders Must Die, singing along to OMEN the atmosphere and energy was relentless. Global Gathering as a festival is truly a one off masterpiece and to its credit has survived and battled its way through the financial crisis and out the other side its 14 incredible years are a testament to its amazing DJs, stages and organisation. 


Created with flickr slideshow .

www.James-Bridle.co.uk

NASS Festival Review – Friday 2014

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NASS Festival features the most up and coming DJs, skateboarders and Rock bands over the three day weekend at the Bath & West Showground. With Headliners of the Main Stage including Let’s Be Friends, Mistajam and Wilkinson, the crowds were indefinitely going to be filled with drug fuelled party goers who seemed to be pretty closed minded about the other stages there, for example ‘The Slammer’ which was sponsored by Kerrang!.

Friday

Upon arrival on Friday, the overall festival vibe was clear to all. Everyone just wanted to have as much fun as possible, whilst listening to a few of their favourite DJs.

With the festival still filling up at 10pm on the Friday, more chanting and Hip-Hop was filling the campsites as everyone was eager to pitch their tent so that they could start their weekend.

As you walked into the Main Stage Warehouse for Andy C, there was no questioning what the crowd would be like during the set as they welcomed Andy C on stage.  They were chanting his name religiously. The light show fuelled the energetic crowd who were ‘skanking’ vigorously to the drops in the songs. The multi-coloured lightshow fuelled the crowd as it was partially on them, which was more than the MC did as there was no crowd interaction.

With Let’s Be Friends headlining the main stage with their remixes, it was very difficult not to sing along as they kicked off the set with a Swedish House Mafia remix, enticing the half full crowd to sing along and move closer to one another and the front of the warehouse. Shouting “Let me hear you say Hey!” to the crowd, it instantly was clear why they were headlining as the crowd’s reaction to any interaction between them and the act was phenomenal. Dizzee Rascals ‘Bonkers’ seemed to be a huge crowd pleaser as “Put your fucking hands up” was screamed through the microphone as the crowd started to jump up and down moving forward to let the ever growing crowd to join in. The crowd was incredibly dependant on the light show and the songs that were on. As if the original was popular in the charts, then the more that the crowd would enjoy it and dance along too. Thanking the crowd for being there came towards the end as “This is a raving start to the summer, and it’s all thanks to you guys” was spoken the most calmly out of the whole set to which the crowd cheered at an incredibly high level as they clearly had a lot of love and respect for the act.

Overall, the few hours that music was on during the Friday, the atmosphere was ever growing, as was the manic crowd. There was a lot to be expected of the music and sport filled Saturday…

Review by Kelly Maxwell

NASS 2014 lineup complete!

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NASS will once again present a phenomenal music feast with some of the sickest names in the music industry on the billing – from Cypress Hill, Netsky and Andy C to Reel Big Fish, The Bronx and Funeral for a Friend. 

With so many more acts confirmed this is already one of the most anticipated stage line-ups in NASS history but the insane music offering doesn’t stop there with American rapper DJ Proof, grime heavyweight Isaiah Dreads, DJ Jonezy, Astroid Boys and Magnus Puto now additionally locked in to play Main Stage. 

For those who like it loud, drum & bass and dubstep heavy hitters Harry Shotta, Mampi Swift & Carasel, Sinprint & Crisis, Maxxi P, Premise, Catalyst, Tuskan, Techture ft J Man, Deeper Connection, NuEra, ReDefeat & Grudge, Dosage and Ben Remember b2b Rektchordz will be bringing some serious beats to NASS 2014, but that’s not all…

With the Rock Stage back with with a bang, 2014 sees some massive rock, punk, ska and alternative acts taking to the stage including Gallows, Trash Talk, Cerebral Ballzy, Blitz Kids, Sonic Boom Six and Decade to name a few. Joining these loud and lively acts will be The Hell, Slaves, Brawlers, Only Rivals, Boy Jumps Ship and Remember December for one hell of a lively weekend. 

If this wasn’t enough, underground collective SIKA STUDIOS will be bringing the cream of their UK grime, hip-hop and grubstep DJs, acts and MCs to the Showground with the likes of Gardna, Dirty Dockerz, Influx, Subzee, Smalls Deep, Dj Shottie featuring MC Kuedon, Flash Harry, Babylon Destruction Unit and many more gracing NASS with their presence. Hailing from Bristol, the Sika Studios collective is a big favourite with the NASS crowd and this year won’t prove any different. 

Massive Drum & Bass additions for NASS 2014

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Sports and music festival spectacular NASS returns in 2014 and adds some of the worlds top Drum & Bass acts to a lineup that already includes Cypress Hill, Netsky and more!
 
In the world of electronic music there are few bigger names than 'The Executioner' Andy C.  Pioneer in drum and bass and one of the greatest DJs ever to touch a turntable, the Ram Records founder needs little introduction. A true NASS veteran, Andy C has blown the minds of thousands of NASS fans in previous years and 2014 will be no different with the music mogul bringing some serious drum & bass flavour to the party. 
 
 
After last years killer performance, seasoned NASS fans will be pumped to also see the return of 1Xtra's resident DnB maestro Crissy Criss. The youngest DJ to date to broadcast nationally on BBC Radio One, Crissy Criss will no doubt deliver an outrageous and energetic drum and bass mix. 
 
Alternative lovers fear not as there is plenty of rock, punk and indie on the NASS menu with Funeral For A Friend, Decade, Random Hand and Reel Big Fish already announced for the 2014 line up. Joining these deafeningly loud and lively acts with massive riffs, crazy moshing and manic dancing will be: the Gallows, with their punk rock fury and aggressive sound; British rock band Blitz Kids, who promise one hell of a lively gig and hailing from LA and hardcore punk band The Bronx, a group that consistently pushes the boundaries. All playing the festival for the very first time, these acts, PLUS 80's hardcore and punk rock band Cerebral Ballzy, thrashing quartet Trash Talk, American indie rock band Versus and many more will be taking to the Rock Stage, absent for the last year but back with force for this July!
 
Additionally new to the NASS line up is five-piece Manchester band Sonic Boom Six whose electric mashup of ska, pop, grime, dubstep and metal sound, frantic live shows and love of good times will be right at home at the showground. 
 
Music aside, NASS will once again present the cream of action sports competitions with a host of international skate and BMX athletes going head to head on the industry's biggest and best pro course park. Look out for Logan Martin (NASS '13 BMX champ), Greg Illingworth, Matt Priest, Tom Justice and more on the BMX circuit and battling it out for the £12.5K skate purse are Danny Leon (NASS '13 skate champ), Dannie Carlsen, Ben Grove, Denis Lynn with more confirmed and more to come! 

The Heavy, James Zabiela and more added to Nozstock 2014 lineup

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The Summer Festival has the latest lineup news for this years Nozstock: The Hidden Valley which includes brassy rockers The Heavy, funky renaissance man Craig Charles and gypstep pioneers Molotov Jukebox join DnB heavyweight Friction (ft. Linguistics) on the Nozstock bill. They will be in good company this year as DnB trailblazer and master mixer Andy C will be returning to Nozstock, bringing with him his RAM Records crew for a Saturday Night Takeover of the Cubicles. The highly-regarded TC has also joined the lineup to further fulfill everyone’s DnB needs and tech house behemoth James Zabiela will be headlining the Garden Stage on Saturday night for the first time, which will no doubt be music to many a Nozzer’s ears!

These additions join a glittering lineup that includes hip-hop legend Roots Manuva who will be headlining the Orchard Stage and London dub rockers The Skints, set to go off with a bang on Friday night.

The RAM records Saturday Night Takeover of the Cubicles will be commanded by label head Andy C who will be joined by regular rhymer MC GQ. Support will come from the shining stars of the independent DnB label: energetic ground shakers Calyx & Teebee and A.D, devastating duo DC Breaks, prodigy producer Frankee and RAM legend Ray Rampage. 

The Garden Stage will see a range of acts entertaining sun drenched dancers from the hybrid reggae/soul band By The Rivers and 10 piece ska band The Stiff Joints through to house DJ and venerable producer Sonny Wharton, as the darkness falls.

The Speakeasy Bordello will also be returning to Nozstock 2014 for all your electro swing desires in an afterhours takeover of the comedy tent. The Twisted Burlesque DJs and the Electric Swing Ballroom will be joined by the eclectic Phat Tony, Hereford’s foremost electro swing DJ Jitterbug, the classic soul and 50s rock’n’roll stylings of Edd Tipton, funk and urban soul maestro Mr Bliss and the decade-spanning mash-up master Sketch.

Entering its 16th year this summer, Nozstock is a family-run festival on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. The three-day festival offers a broad spectrum of live music, DJs, arts, comedy, workshops, cinema and performance theatre in a sublime setting, flowing from family-friendly by day, to party by night – over various locations across the farm.

Nozstock will take place on the 1st – 3rd August and will take festival-goers back in time to a prehistoric world of creepy creatures and fearsome beasts, as they enter the Jurassic Farm.

Lineup so far announced

Roots Manuva /The Heavy/James Zabiela/The Skints/Molotov Jukebox/Craig Charles/Sonny Wharton/By The Rivers/Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer/The Stiff Joints/Mat Envy/DJ Hampsta/Bwalya/ The Twisted Burlesque DJs/Electric Swing Ballroom/Phat Tony/Jitterbug/Edd Tipton/Mr Bliss/Sketch

Andy C & MC GQ/Friction ft. Linguistics/TC/Calyx & Teebee and A.D/DC Breaks/Jubei/Stealth/Uncle Dugs/Joe Ford/Frankee/Ray Rampage/Amoss/Octo Pi/Despicable Youth/Scope/Koncept/Modify Perspective/Remidy MC/Trafic MC

Paul Kalkbrenner, Booka Shade, MK & more added to SW4 lineup

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Having only just announced deadmau5 as the Sunday night headliner for this years South West Four, we can reveal more additions to this years summer festival 2014 lineup.

Saturdays lineup will see the addition of Paul Kalkbrenner and Booka Shade take to the SW4 stages whilst MK and Andy C will hit London's Clapham Common on Sunday.

JUST ADDED TO SW4 SATURDAY 
PAUL KALKBRENNER LIVE

(EXCLUSIVE UK SHOW 2014) 
BOOKA SHADE LIVE

Having filled arenas across the world with his energetic compositions, Berlin techno institution Paul Kalkbrenner finally makes his SW4 debut in 2014.  As one of the first artists to be signed by Ellen Alien’s revolutionary BPitch Control imprint in the ‘90’s, the hugely popular live act has gone onto leave his mark on the German’s capitals musical development. After writing the platinum selling soundtrack ‘Berlin Calling’ and delivering an excellent performance in the film of the same name, Kalkbrenner has achieved complete domination in underground circles. During his live sets you will hear nothing but his own melodic productions, which he rearranges each time to deliver a unique performance. We're pleased to welcome him to Clapham Common for his only UK performance this year – get ready for SW4 Calling!

Beloved worldwide for their dancefloor classics, SW4 2014 witnesses the long overdue debut of Frankfurt’s finest Booka Shade.  Following huge releases on R&S Records, Harthouse and Tommy Boy, Booka Shade moved to Berlin in 2002 to form their own 'Get Physical’ Records, with leading artists M.A.N.D.Y and DJ T. From here their productions like 'Mandarine Girl', ‘Night Falls’ and 'Body Language' turned the German duo ofWalter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier from breakthrough artists into one of the most significant electronic music acts of the past two decades.Fast forward twelve years and the guys have now released five albums and continuously toured the world. In 2014 Booka Shade will bring theirbrand new live show to SW4 which will feature cuts from their back catalogue along with showcasing their new album ‘EVE’. We cannot wait.

JUST ADDED TO SW4 SUNDAY 
MK

ANDY C

Another act making his long awaited SW4 debut in 2014 is undeniably the hottest property in house music right now; Marc Kinchen aka MK. Having been responsible for creating some of the defining sounds and biggest house tracks in the 1990’s, including ‘Burning’ and his pioneering remix of Nightcrawler's 'Push The Feeling On', MK took a break from dance music until 2011 when he remerged more prolific than before.Through his timeless productions, MK’s  renasissance has infuenced a new generation of fans resulting in his sound becoming more dominant today than it ever has been. After releasing ‘MK In The House’ for Defected in 2013, it was clear that MK was back to his very best, with his remix ofStorm Queen’s #1 single ‘Look Right Through’ becoming the pivotal track. Further remixes of Disclosure, London Grammar, Hot Natured, Haimand Paloma Faith are additional evidence of his huge demand and with continued  dominance on the cards in 2014, we cannot wait to welcome theArea 10 boss for a house music masterclass. 

Whether it’s causing havoc on our Main Stage or anarchy is his own arena, Andy C’s standout performances at SW4 over the years have made him one of the most popular acts that we showcase each summer. Universally recognised as one of the greatest DJs to walk the planet, The Executioner has helped to shape drum & bass for over twenty years. Repeatedly scoring awards for 'Best DJ' by the likes of DJ Magazine, National D&B Awards and the Drum & Bass Arena Awards amongst others, Andy’s long-standing contribution to the scene is unrivalled. After selling outhis upcoming ‘Andy C All Night’ event in just a few days, his huge fanbase will arrive on Clapham Common in great numbers for the next uncompromising DJ set from their hero. As one of dance music’s most sought after acts, we’re delighted that Andy has once again chosen South West Four for his exclusive London festival appearance.

Suede and Frank Turner to headline Kendal Calling

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Set in the stunning surroundings of UK's Lake District, Kendal Calling return for 2014 with a bang!  The first lineup announcement features headliners Suede and Frank Turner.

Joining the headliners will be hip hop legends De La Soul, Miles Kane, Happy Mondays, 2manyDjs, Andy C, Radio One's Zane Lowe, Bondax, Goldie, Razorlight, Clean Bandit and many more.

2014’s first headliner Suede are one of the most revered British bands of the last 25 years with Brett Anderson and co racking up a host of much lauded indie singles and albums. After a hiatus the band returned in 2010 and released the critically and commercially acclaimed album ‘Bloodsports’ in 2013.  This is a band once again riding on the crest of wave and the first headliner to be announced with more due to follow imminently.
 
Frank Turner’s anthemic folk-punk has seen him rise to become one of the country’s biggest musical artists of the last few years, accruing a large and devoted following and placing him firmly at the forefront of the new guitar renaissance in the UK.  His five albums have given him an enviable body of work and Frank Turner is undoubtedly one of the most powerful live performers around. Frank has a real love affair with Kendal Calling having played twice before and has risen through the ranks to secure a well-deserved and much requested headline slot with his band The Sleeping Souls.
 
The much anticipated Hip Hop Legends slot this year goes to hip hop pioneers De La Soul. This slot is as much a part of Kendal Calling folklore as the fancy dress theme and the Real Ale tent and after last year’s blistering performance by Public Enemy the From The Fields team are delighted to have secured a more laid back performance from the daisy age, ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ legends who celebrate 25 years in the game in 2014.
 
Miles Kane is a man noted as much for his sharp suits and dress sense as his angular music and lyrics and this most modern of pop stars will make the short journey from Liverpool to the lakes.
 
Happy Mondays are Madchester royalty and in frontman Shaun Ryder possess and unlikely national treasure.  Their set will be a hugely anticipated affair as fans gather to hear seminal baggy anthems such as ‘Step On’, ‘Kinky Afro’, ‘Hallelujah’ and a host more as the Mondays baggy swagger engulfs the Lake District.
 
The Glow Tent is a haven for lovers of the very best in electronic music and the line-up for 2014 is the best yet.  David and Stephen Dewaele are famous worldwide as both Soulwax and2manydjs who's album "As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt. 1" completely revolutionized the dance music landscape in the early 2000s, for its imaginative mixture of artist and genres from all eras. 2manydj’s are widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative acts on the planet and their mash up mayhem will have Kendal Calling in raptures.
 
Other confirmed acts include RAM Records founder and drum & bass don Andy C, Radio 1’s new music head honcho Zane Lowe, electro duo and local heroes Bondax with and all-star cast of b2b sessions, Metalheadz royalty Goldie, MJ Cole and a host of other swashbuckling turntable evangelists.
Zane Lowe
 
Other confirmations include Razorlight with their arsenal of alternative anthems, Brits Critics Choice winner and keyboard pounding singer songwriter Tom Odell and recent number 1 singles acts and electronic collective Clean Bandit who are one of the most exciting breakthrough acts in the UK right now.  Newton Faulkner’s unique, percussive guitar playing and emotive songs are sure to provide one of the weekend’s biggest sing-alongs while Gorgon City get ready for your love and bring their booty shaking bass to the Lakes.
 
Other exciting acts confirmed to perform include indie stalwarts Athlete, breakthrough indie rockers Breton, Rudimental collaborator Ella Eyre, undefinable musical guru and champion tea drinker Mr Scruff.  Many more acts have been confirmed to play with hundreds more set to join them in August in arguably the most beautiful festival site in the UK. 
 
This year’s fancy dress theme is Kendal Calling Goes Beyond The Stars as the festival once again becomes a mecca for culture vultures and party people.
 
NEW for 2014 for Thursday night revellers, Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club take over featuring a hand picked line up by Craig himself. Thursday will feature Chai Wallah’s and the Real Ale festival will be open for pre festival shenanigans!

The Port returns to Bestival with Sven Vath, Chase & Status and more

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One of the most imaginative stages ever built, The Port returns to Bestival 2014 to host some of the biggest DJ's!

Heading up the first of three full-on days of big sounds is Cocoon kingpin and techno protagonist Sven Väth, who, for over 30 years, has been transporting dancefloors to rapturous new lands and will no doubt baptise 2014’s Port crew with his boundary pushing brilliance. Friday will also see sets from uncompromising genius Damian Lazarus, bass heavy groove merchant Eats Everything, rave detonator Boys Noize, driving techno type Bella Sarris, sine-woven tech head South London Ordnance, and our very own chief castaway Rob da Bank.

Saturday action comes courtesy of the amazing Annie Mac Presents, with sets from Annie Mac, the incomparable Green Velvet, 1-800-DINOSAUR (ft James Blake / Dan Foat / Airhead / Mr Assister), stripped back beats architect Route94, underground house duo Bicep, Hot Natured resident Richy Ahmed, mutant house purveyorKrystal Klear and BBC Radio 1’s Monki.

Wrapping things up at The Port for 2014 is an almighty beats blitzkrieg featuring a DJ set from soul-stirring bass lords Chase & Status, plus drum n bass legend Andy Cwill present Ram, with firing sets from Wilkinson and Loadstar and MCs 2shy, Adapt and Jakes. We’ll also have dancefloor action from beat ninja Jaguar Skills, Foamo and RackNRuin in their Gorgon City guise, soul infused pair Dusky, wildly experimental riddim wizard Kaytranada, divinely deep duo Âme and techno twosome Dense & Pika.

Nozstock 2013 Review

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This was my second year at Nozstock and having just left, I can say that not much has changed since 2012… which is fantastic.

The same warm smiles and friendly faces scatter the green fields, waters and forests of this small but very picturesque festival.  The beer is still cheap (at £3.20 a pint), the entertainment diverse and the toilets clean.  Although one noticeable difference was the presence of rain this year which was heavy at points but this only seemed to cause for more smiles when the sun came out time and time again. What I didn’t notice last year were the sometimes steep slopes dotted around the place, being that the festival is housed in VALLEY truthfully I should have seen this coming but when the rain came down these made for some slippery journeys and treacherous trekking between the campsite and the stages but the organisers were only a stone’s throw away laying down straw and wood chips over night to make it all better.  These little touches are evident throughout the festival and this is what makes it so special.  There was a Human Fruit Machine, which I had to play; archery and belt making – to only name a very few!

Inside the festival there appeared to be a lot for kids to do and plenty for the adults too. The days were easily filled with comedy and music, this year saw Howard ‘Mr Nice’ Marks grace the comedy stage with some trademark tales and bands I’d never heard of owning the main stage (Orchard Stage) such as Tako Lako from Denmark (who I now CANNOT wait to see again next year, I think the lead singer might be a new hero of mine) and The Wytches who had a great sound as well as acts I was looking forward to like The Electric Swing Circus.  The Orchard Stage was also the setting for yet another memorable performance from The Correspondents; ‘Mr Bruce’ never seems to fail the crowd!  It was just as good as last year!

Nozstock 2013

It’s so easy to kick back and soak it all up in the sun on the farm but it it’s at night when this one really kicks into gear. The sun goes down, the volume goes up and the masses come out.  Friday night saw, By The Rivers, an original 6-piece reggae band, light up the Garden Stage.  I had never heard of them but had received strong recommendations – I was not disappointed at all as they played a lovely sounding reggae to a packed crowd.  Andy C was the highlight for me, having appeared to enjoy his time at the cubicles (Nozstock’s dedicated dance area) last year so much that he brought his crew this time, with Loadstar and Wilkinson also delivering big beats into the small hours. A late night/early morning trip down to the coppice is a must as there’s nothing quite like a trance skank-out in the forest before bed at dawn.

A great thing about Nozstock is the size, it is one of the smaller festivals but with so much going in really doesn’t feel very small; a problem with larger festivals can be the lack of phone signal, this was not the case but most of the time it was not needed as I always found myself bumping into the same festival goers over the weekend.

Nozstock 2013

The more I go to Nozstock the more I love it. There’s just something remarkable about listening to a huge stacked speaker system in a graffitied barnyard on a weekend afternoon with a pint of locally sourced beer or cider. If you can manage the drawn out trip over to this remote spot I would definitely recommend it.  Just watch out for the slippery slopes.

Review by Sam Walsh 

More Photos by Paul Taylor here

SW4 announce Example as Sunday headliner + more!

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“Having played football on Clapham Common as a kid, I couldn’t be more proud to close South West Four’s 10thAnniversary. SW4 is now one of the most important festivals on the circuit and I've enjoyed watching it grow over recent years – it's been almost 6 years since I last played Clapham Common just before my first album was released! You can't beat a weekend of raving on the Common so I expect to see you all down there! This is going to be a very special show!”  Example

ExampleFestival goers: Prepare yourselves. On Sunday 25th August one of the most exciting live acts on Earth will be homeward bound and heading to South West Four for the biggest headline show of his career. That act is Example. His string of top 10 hits includes #1’s ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’ and ‘Stay Awake’, whilst albums ‘Won't Go Quietly’, ‘Playing in the Shadows’ and ‘The Evolution of Man’ have helped elevate him to become the jewel in the crown of contemporary British music. His hugely successful collaborations with Calvin Harris, Laidback Luke, Nero and SW4 2012 headliners Chase & Status, have also resulted in chart success and provided the foundations for sell out arena tours of the UK and Europe. His return to London for a full live show will witness a performance packed to the rafters with hit after hit, as Example illustrates why he is truly one of the hottest properties in music right now. In what will be his final London showcase of 2013, Example will be at the top of his game to ensure he brings down the curtain on our 10th Anniversary in thrilling fashion.

Joining Example on SW4 Sunday is RAM records head honcho Andy C, who returns to play the main stage for the very first time. Last year Andy’s epic RAM Records 20th Anniversary arena was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the festival, with a stellar ‘Alive’ set taking the roof off the stage. Since then Andy has cemented his position as the most influential artist in drum and bass by winning the ‘Best DJ’ title at the 2012 Drum and Bass Arena Awards, whilst RAM picked up ‘Best label.’ The Executioner’s return to South West Four for a very special open air performance will allow him to illustrate his technical genius infront of more people than ever. Andy really is a man that has done it all and we are thrilled to lock him in for what promises to be a spectacular set.

Dillon Francis is the self-proclaimed king of Moombahton. The LA born and bred producer has made some colossal waves across the scene since his SW4 debut last summer. Dillon has recently collaborated with Calvin Harris, Jack Beats, A-Trak and our Sunday headliner Example, as well as remix the likes of Zedd, Digitalism and Madeon. Consistently tipped for the top, Dillon is widely recognised as protégé to Dilpo, having released music on the Mad Decent imprint and Skrillex’s label OWSLA.

Alongside Baauer, Flosstradamus are at the forefront of the Trap movement, which blends southern style hip-hop with electronic elements. Flosstradamus gained fame with their remixes of Sub Focus, Usher and most emphatically their bone breaking remix of the Major Lazer anthem ‘Original Don’. The Chicago duo’s high energy sets make for a fun yet raucous and often riot inducing experience. Mad Decent and Fools Gold are amongst the imprints that have released their productions and with further releases in the pipeline 2013 is going to be an important year. SW4 – you have been warned.

Todd Edwards and EZ; Two founding fathers and legends of UK Garage, from different sides of The Pond. As vital and influential now as they have ever been, Todd and EZ have never performed together. That is until now. This is one of a series of world exclusive back-to-back sets due to be showcased at SW4’s 10th Anniversary that bring together the planet’s greatest artists for a unique performance. From his humble beginnings as a DJ on London pirate radio stations, through to tying down a prime time Kiss FM show and achieving platinum album sales for his mixes on the Pure Garage series, this will be EZ’s long-awaited maiden voyage aboard the good ship SW4. He will be joined by New Jersey’s Todd Edwards, a founding member of the 2-step movement. His innovative way of blending cut up, vocal samples with chirpy bass lines and sharp percussion has gained him a huge fanbase since his arrival on the scene back in ‘92. Over the years he has remixed Justice, St. Germain and more recently UK stalwarts Katy B and Jessie Ware. The American born veteran, who co-produced and sang on the Daft Punk song ‘Face to Face’, continues to influence countless producers and is welcomed to SW4 with open arms.

Another exclusive and hugely exciting back-to-back set at SW4 2013 comes in the form of Dimsantle and Roska. Brighton’s Dismantle is a DJ and Producer who blurs the lines between dubstep and house to create something of a carnival induced frenzy. As one of the most hotly tipped new producers to hail from the UK, Dismantle has gained major support from Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Skream and Diplo, whilst last year he signed to Shy FX’s Digital Soundboy label. With a new album due out later this year, we are genuinely thrilled to welcome to SW4 the heir to the throne of UK bass.

As an integral part of the Rinse family since 2009, Roska is a man whose roots stem deep into the UK bass scene. His weekly show on Rinse FM has proved the catalyst from which he can broadcast not only his own work but also the music he loves. His deep affection of numerous genres can be heard not just on his radio show but also his own productions; a fiery cocktail of grime, dubstep and garage mixed with house flavours. His own imprints Roska Kicks and Snares have given him a format to release his own work and that of likeminded artists, much of which will no doubt be heard during his Clapham Common performance.

PLUS NEW ACTS ADDED TO SW4 SATURDAY

LAIDBACK LUKE · GARETH EMERY

TENSNAKE [LIVE] · SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO

Laidback Luke has been a huge player at South West Four in recent years. However, contrary to his name, Lucas van Scheppingen is anything but laid back. The Laidback Lukeenergy the Dutch powerhouse puts into his live performances is unrivalled, whilst the man’s talent is unfathomable. With so many credentials to his name, whether it’s a huge string of releases of his own material or remixes of artists across the spectrum, the Filipino born house DJ is living and breathing proof that there’s way more to Holland than Windmills and Clogs. And that’s before we get to his own club brand ‘Super You&Me’, conceptual superhero themed events which have been selling out shows worldwide including a special weekender at Electric Brixton earlier this year. Luke is one of house music’s most thrilling figureheads and we are cannot wait for his intense basslines and party fuelling sounds to rock our 10th Anniversary to the core.

The mother fuc*ing saga continues! That now infamous line can only mean one thing; that Mr Emery is back at South West Four, bringing his forward thinking trance and uplifting sounds with him. The rise and rise of Gareth Emery represents somewhat of a fairytale. For the past decade he has had involvement with dozens of tracks, whether, it's producing, remixing or collaborating. In the last twelve months alone Gareth has cemented his legacy with a sell out tour Stateside, capped by a groundbreaking YouTube broadcast of his Govenor's Island gig, which captivated millions online. Last October witnessed the 200th episode of his award winning ‘The Gareth Emery Podcast’, whilst his prominent Garuda label goes from strength to strength. See you at the front.

Hailing from Hamburg and raised on a diet of 80‘s boogie and disco, Marco Niemerski, widely celebrated as Tensnake, is a name that has been permanently etched on our minds after the gargantuan success of ‘Coma Cat’. The infectious melody and honey-like loveliness of this joyful single helped shape our summer of 2010. Never one to bask in the glory of a single triumph, Tensnake went on to release the equally catchy ‘Something About You’ and more recently ‘Mainline’, which managed to bring light to the darkest of dance floors. With an album finished and scheduled for release later this year, we welcome Tensnake’s special live show to the terrain of Clapham Common for the first time, as he brings the sunshine to South West Four.

Lauded as the Dutch version of Swedish House Mafia, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano have an insatiable appetite for success. They join an already prolific clique of DJs and producers to come through the ranks of their homeland and their blend of house always cuts the mustard. Their remake of Tiesto’s ‘Lethal Industry’ has been played endlessly played by Armin van Buuren, Sander van Doorn and David Guetta alike, whilst Pete Tong made it his ‘Essential Selection’… twice. The balanced chemistry between the two is positively obvious and the way that they embrace the crowd, lifting them up and crashing them down like an orchestral conductor, is contagious. Their performance in the Subliminal arena at SW4 2012 proved one of the highlights of the weekend, with an equally lethal set expected at our 10th Anniversary.