Carl Cox

First three phases for South West Four 2016 announced

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Almost forty acts complete our line-up so far and with many more to be announced across eight stages, we’re confident that this next move will cement our position amongst Europe’s elite even further.  As ones to never back down and accept the norm, phase three will continue to build the greatest line-up found anywhere in the UK this summer…. 

JUST ADDED TO SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST

Having just single-handedly sold out one of Europe’s most iconic venues with almost ten thousand fans losing their minds to his unmistakeable methods at Alexandra Palace, Andy C returns to South West Four in the form of his life. This year he’s back, but on a whole new level as the uncompromising turbine of sound will take to the outdoor main stage to play in total darkness for the very first time. 

JOINED BY RAM RECORDS

NETSKY [LIVE] • SUB FOCUS* • WILKINSON*

NOISIA [LIVE] • CAMO & KROOKED*

FULL CYCLE PRESENTS RONI SIZE & DJ KRUST*

FRICTION • RENE LA VICE* • CULTURE SHOCK*

PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUEST:

CULTURE SHOCK

Responsible for developing drum and bass’ most promising breakthrough talent into the genre’s greatest artists over the years, RAM simply stands in a league of its own. From releasing seminal, timeliness classics to hosting international arenas and residencies, the imprint’s success is second to none. Last year saw them host a stage in one of the festival greatest ever highlights, this year they’re back with even bigger attack as they host one of our gargantuan 10,000 capacity stages.

Hailing from Belgium and firmly marked as one of Europe’s top talents, Netsky [Live] has confirmed South West Four as his only London festival performance of 2016 and will headline the stage. Championing the underground with standout crossover abilities, we’re extremely pleased to announce that Nick Douwma aka Sub Focus will also join this illustrious drum and bass line-up. His relationship with RAM has seen him grow into the global phenomenon he is today and with a reunion on the horizon at SW4, this is huge. Rising from South London, Wilkinson has confirmed that he will return to South West Four for his exclusive homecoming performance on Saturday 27th August. After headlining a RAM NYE 2015 to a sold out Brixton Academy, the demand for his return is unbelievable. 

Circus Records founder Flux Pavilion has chosen South West Four as the exclusive date for his the full debut of his mesmerizingly immersive live show. After providing the capital with a ground-breaking performance at Ministry of Sound in Dolby Atmos last weekend, we can officially reveal that he joins us the stage’s very special guest. Mastering an uncompromisingly original and emotional sound, the Dutch trio of Noisia are renowned for their unparalleled technical skill and instantly recognisable techniques and also join us. Camo & Krooked have enjoyed an incredible rise to the top of the ever-changing world of electronic music thanks to their unparalleled inimitable style of fusing boundary-pushing sounds. After proving their position at the top of the scene for over a decade, the Austrian duo return to SW4 for another exclusive date.

After reuniting in celebration of their influential imprint Full Cycle, SW4 is pleased to announce the arrival of a truly timeless act. Joining the RAM stage on Saturday 27th August, we are excited to reveal that Full Cycle presents Roni Size & DJ Krust will arrive exclusively on Clapham Common. Favoured for the chaotic carnage, anarchy and disorder witnessed in his previous Clapham Common displays, it’s easy to understand why we’ve invited one of the most revered names in the game back for more of his bone-shaking beats as Friction also returns. Arguably one of the most exciting talents currently rising out of the RAM Records camp, SW4 is excited to bring Toronto’s Rene La Vice to Clapham Common for the very first time. 

Fresh from releasing their debut album ‘Paradise Lost’ on RAM earlier this month, inviting Delta Heavy to join us at SW4 was inevitable. As big fans of their trademark sound at here SW4 HQ, we can’t wait to see what the duo have in store for SW4. Armed with new music and plenty of surprises, there’s no doubt this will be worth the wait! Completing RAM’s onslaught for 2016 is one of its favourite and most talented producers. SW4 please get ready for the return of Culture Shock.

JUST ADDED TO SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST

JAMIE JONES VS JOSEPH CAPRIATI

DANNY TENAGLIA • JOHN DIGWEED

JONAS RATHSMAN • CUARTERO • MAR-T

Undoubtedly one of the biggest bookings of our entire two-day Bank Holiday Weekender, this is one we’ve wanted to shout about for some time. After witnessing the coming together of two of the underground’s most celebrated DJs at DC-10 last summer, we’re pleased to reveal that Jamie Jones vs Joseph Capritai will arrive exclusively at South West Four this summer. Responsible for the greatest Ibizan highlight of 2015, the demand to see Jamie and Joseph back together behind a pair of decks is phenomenal. Each weighing in at the very top of their game, this is simply unmissable. 

Considered amongst the true greats of electronic music and ranked within its most influential characters, SW4 is honoured to welcome Danny Tenaglia back for his first performance at the festival in eight years. This will form his first UK show in twelve months, making his return all the more special as he joins us for a rare performance on British soil. No artist has made an impact on SW4 quite like our next addition. Returning for an incredible thirteenth year in a row, Bedrock boss John Digweed has formed in inseparable relationship with South West Four over the years. His parties across South London have become the stuff of legend, with his unrivalled ability to create the most sought-after electronic atmospheres. 

After following his progress in recent months and witnessing his back-to-back session with Sasha at Electric Brixton on NYE, we’re extremely pleased to reveal that Jonas Rathsman will make his South West Four debut this summer. Having risen through the ranks of Saved, Desolat and Moon Harbour, Cuartero joins us for his debut SW4 performance this August. Also joining us for the very first time on Bank Holiday Sunday 28th August is Amnesias long-standing resident Mar-T. Another standout Ibiza favourite, the Barcelona-born producer has spent the past twelve months releasing on Get Physical and Mad Tech in addition to 2015’s fantastic remix of Popof’s ‘Going Back’, don’t miss him. 

SW4 SATURDAY LINEUP SO FAR

Rudimental [Live]
Dizzee Rascal [Live]
Knife Party
Andy C
DJ EZ ·
MK
Plus in alphabetical order:
Amine Edge & Dance
Armand Van Helden
A-Trak
Blonde [Live]
Bondax [Live]
Boys Noize [Live]
CamelPhat
Camo & Krooked
Claptone
Delta Heavy
DJ EZ
Flux Pavilion [Live]
Friction
Full Cycle presents Roni Size & DJ Krust
Gorgon City
Kidnap Kid
MistaJam
MK
Nero [Live]
Netsky [Live]
Noisia
Oliver Dollar
Redlight
Rene La Vice
Sub Focus
Wilkinson
+ MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED ACROSS 4 STAGES
HOSTED BY TOGETHER, RAM, WELCOME TO GORGON CITY AND SW4 LIVE

SW4 SUNDAY LINEUP ANNOUNCED SO FAR

The Chemical Brothers [Live]
Above & Beyond
Carl Cox
Paul Kalkbrenner
Plus in alphabetical order:
Bakermat
Booka Shade
Cirez D
Cuartero
Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons [Live]
Danny Tenaglia
Four Tet
Fritz Kalkbrenner
Hunter/Game [Live]
Jamie Jones vs Joseph Capriati
John Digweed
Jonas Rathsman
Mar-T
Maribou State (DJ Set)
Recondite [Live]
Sasha
Sister Bliss (Faithless)
Sven Vath
+ MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED ACROSS 4 STAGES

Bestival unveils new music for the future…

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Predicting something very special as we charge inexorably towards The Future, the Bestival crew are set to whet your appetite with a hearty helping of amazing bands and DJs that will be joining The Cure Major Lazer, Diplo, Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Skepta, Wolf Alice and many more at Robin Hill this coming September.

Rob da Bank says: “I love booking Bestival. It’s proper ‘kid in a sweetshop’ time when I look at all the acts out there and try to curate a line-up that makes sense across many genres… which is how I think Bestivalites like it. It’s not just booked for you, it’s for me too, so I cannot wait for a weekend encompassing Kano, Goldie, Mura Masa, Evian Christ and Reggie and Bollie. If you fancy it too, I’ll see you on the ferry!”

Upping the grime ante, renaissance man Kano will be joining us to showcase his skills with some super-sick bars. His recent Fire in the Booth for Charlie Sloth was a total masterclass that set the standard for the young pretenders, making his appearance at Bestival truly unmissable.

We’ll also have future perfect live performances from much vaunted Seattle duo Odesza, the lush and sultry Snakehips, wunderkind producer Mura Masa, London collective WSTRN, superfly freestyler Lady Leshurr, BBC Sound of 2016 nominee Billie Marten, Brits Critics' Choice nominee Frances, soul-funk-jazz-pop fusionist Izzy Bizu. and X Factor’s real superstars Reggie & Bollie.   

Also taking to the stage will be the inimitable Los Hermanos Cubanos, The Cuban Brothers, the sublimely intimate This Is The Kit, South African folkster Jeremy Loops and our old mates the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. 

Stepping up to the platters that matter to keep you dancing all night long expect DJ sets from beat juggling behemoth DJ Yoda, Metalheadz legend Goldie, Southampton’s finest deck destroyer James Zabiela, sonic adventurers Mount Kimbie, and Ellesmere Port’s boldest export Evian Christ. 

There will also be sets from Radio 1’s Heidi, bass marauders Oneman b2b My Nu Leng, on the fly edit merchants Melé & Monki’s NRG Flash, architect of grime and recent Bestival FM guest Artwork, and Honey Soundsystem, Applescal, Poté and Venum Sound.

And, adding a soupçon of off the wall behaviour, we will have Bestival antics from spandex-clad force of nature Mr Motivator, crack of dawn ravers Morning Gloryville, and Circus Raj.

Ultra Europe Phase 1 lineup announced for 2016

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Ultra Europe
In a little over four months time, Europe’s Premier Destination Music Festival – ULTRA Europe – will welcome a dazzling array of DJs and electronic acts to the Dalmatian coast for its fourth annual edition.
 
Some of those headlining ULTRA Europe across three days, from July 15-17 at Split’s majestic Poljud Stadium, will be global megastars including (listed in alphabetical order) Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Dash Berlin, David Guetta,Hardwell, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake and Solomun.
 
Support comes from Gouryella, Hot Since 82, Ida Engberg, Joseph Capriati, Markus Schulz, Nic Fanciulli and W&W.
 
 
With Phase Two set to be announced for the main event very soon, and with lineups still to be revealed for the OPENING PARTY at Giraffe Palm Beach Club, Yacht Regatta, ULTRA Beach andRESISTANCE CLOSING PARTY, the second annual edition of Destination ULTRA is shaping up to be even bigger than ever before.
 
Destination ULTRA 2016 Dates:
 
July 14 – Opening Party @ Giraffe Palm Beach House, Split
July 15-17 – ULTRA Europe @ Poljud Stadium, Split
July 18 – Yacht Regatta @ Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol, Brač
July 19 – ULTRA Beach @ Hotel Amfora Grand Brach Resort, Hvar
July 20 – RESISTANCE Closing Party

Bestival – New stage and headliners announced: The Spaceport

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The Port is dead. Long live The Spaceport!

HMS Bestival has vanished in mysterious circumstances. Investigations are underway, but as the enigma deepens and the conspiracy theories grow, the ship’s fate remains unclear. As the future unfolds, and human horizons expand beyond the planet, The Port, devoid of its antiquated maritime attraction, will evolve into a new kind of universal berth. A colossal cosmodrome. The Spaceport.

Rob da Bank says: “Be under no illusions my futuristic friends… This stage is going to blow your mind and take you interstellar like no other stage before… This is The Future of the dance. HMS Bestival, our trusty old ship, has sunk or otherwise been sucked down a Bermuda Triangle shaped whirlpool, and thus we are reinventing Robin Hill’s sacred rave space once more with a spaceship the likes Planet Earth has never witnessed.

“A veritable space oddity standing seven storeys high The Spaceport will beam out music day and night, lit by lasers with giant astronauts floating across the sky. Prepare for take-off, take your protein pills and put your helmet on. See you at The Spaceport in t-minus 196 days and counting…”

Featuring a vast rocket standing more than 20 metres high at its centre, The Spaceport is a laser-loaded mega-structure featuring a truly state of the art db audio array processing sound system, guaranteed to smash out epic low-end, with lighting design from Lite Alt Design’s world renowned Paul Normandale, whose previous credits include the Chemical Brothers, Coldplay and the Tate Modern Turbine Hall. The Spaceport is a unique step in the advancement of sound and vision, where next-level partying isn’t just an ambition, it’s a promise.

As well as a main stage date with Major Lazer, the mighty Diplo will also be making a separate appearance headlining our brand new stage.  A true innovator and originator, when Diplo first brought his Mad Decent Soundsystem to rip up Bestival 2009 the night was truly legendary, so expect more of the same and a lot more besides.

Rave pioneer, three-deck wizard, label don and über producer, Carl Cox is lined up for some very special headline excursions at The Spaceport. A mainstay of contemporary dance culture over the last three decades, we’re super-excited that he’ll be joining our futurescape playing an unmissable, career-spanning House Classics set.

He’s headlined the main stage (twice), he’s played Bollywood, the Big Top, and even a sneaky set or two in the hidden disco, so when we asked our great friend and serial rave god Fatboy Slim back this year, there was only ever one place we wanted him to play; on our epic new stage, The Spaceport!

South West Four 2015 – Sunday Review

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There is one thing that is guaranteed every August bank holiday weekend in London, if you want to hear good electronic music, you go to South West Four which takes place in Clapham Common.  Now in its 11th year, the SW4 brand has skyrocketed and sells out year after year bringing to London the best electronic music acts the world has to offer.

This year was no exception with Faithless, Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Gorgon City and more taking over Saturday.  On Sunday the likes of Skrillex, Armin Van Buuren's Gaia, Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Martin Garrix, Sigma and more had the crowds stomping like never before.

The other thing you can pretty much guarantee on in a August Bank Holiday is the rain!  Foutunately for us on Sunday, it stayed overcast most of the day and the rain held off.

This year SW4 had grown with a new arena and immediately you could feel that the grounds were a bit busier with the extra capacity than previous years.  Sunday headliner Skrillex took to the main stage just after 9pm with a massive LED screen setup that was displaying images from camera's pointed at his equipment and of the crowd in front of him.  A ever popular drawcard, Skrillex kicked off with his remix of Red Lips whilst managing to scale the setup to stand upon a platform and address the crowd to go crazy!  Tracks like the commercially popular 'Where r u now' have the crowd singing and bouncing to the drum and bass sound that Skrillex has mastered over the years. With the day turning into night, pyrotechnics going off above the stage, and a massive crowd adorning the main stage Skrillex brought to a close another successful weekend in SW4's history.

Earlier on in the day the crowd was treated to some high energy performances on the main stage by Basement Jaxx, Martin Garrix, Sigma & Gaia.  Basement Jaxx's full band and ensemble was a pleasure to watch as they belted out hits like 'Romeo', 'Do your thing' and crowd pleaser 'Where's your head at'.  Martin Garrix treated the crowd with a typical arms in the air performance playing out hits like 'Latch', 'Cant Feel My Face', 'How Deep is Your Love', 'Animals' and more.  Sigma brought their full setup to the SW4 main stage and did not disappoint.  Their performance was a highlight of the day and with a raft of hits well known to the audience, Sigma was the perfect mid afternoon act to set the tone for the rest of the evening.  Tunes like 'Higher', 'Show Me Love', 'Glitterball' & 'Nobody to Love' kept the crowd bouncing through the performance.  

Armin Van Burren brought the debut of his Gaia show to SW4 and it was quite different to Armin's previous performances. Resembling what can only be described as as a Star Wars Jedi in a hooded robe, both Armin and Benno De Goeji step up to the raised stage creating quite the mysterious atmosphere.  This is not an extravagant performance but musically its trance at its finest and the crowd reciprocates by dancing and applauding tunes like 'Tuvan', '4 elements' and more.  Its quite refreshing to see a performance that is purely about the music with some decent visuals to match.  There is no hands in the air or jumping on decks to get the crowd going, its two guys playing great tunes!

Elsewhere at SW4 Carl Cox and Loco Dice went back to back in the DJ Mag arena which was full from start to end.  It's always a given that if Carl Cox is playing you know what to expect from the big man.  His bouncing behind the decks and his driving bass heavy tune selection always whip the crowds into a frenzy.

Example took to a smaller stage in the Together arena and with the crowd up against all walls of the tent, it was easy to see that he has a massive following at SW4 having performed multiple times over the previous years.  You could feel the heat pouring out the gaps in the tent as Example treated the crowd to 'Watch the sun come up', 'Kickstarts' & 'Changed the way you kiss me'.

So another bank holiday weekend over and yet again another brilliant time at SW4.  If you need an electronic music fix next year in the August Bank holiday weekend then I suggest you get your tickets as soon as they are released for this ever popular festival.

 

 

Amsterdam Dance Events announce a massive first lineup for 2015

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The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world's biggest club festival and conference for electronic music, today reveals the first selection of artists that will perform from 14 to 18 October. The ADE is preparing for its 20th annual edition with 2,200 performing artists at one hundred of the most diverse venues in Amsterdam. Over 365,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to visit the event this year.

In the past twenty years ADE has grown into a globally renowned platform for the international dance and electronic music scene. The festival is the perfect place to spot the latest musical trends and emerging talents, as well as hearing the most recent work of both electronic music pioneers and leading acts from the mainstream and the underground dance scenes, across every genre of electronic music. In addition to the extensive live line-up of the ADE Festival, the daytime program, ADE Playground, offers music enthusiasts a large and varied program including exhibitions, in-store showcases, tech workshops, pop-up stores and film screenings all over the city centre. The business aspect of the event (ADE Conference) is recognized as the most important of its kind, presenting a broad range of conferences and networking opportunities that focus on music and technology, VJs & visuals, sustainability, dance & brands, new talent and the education of students.

Biggest club festival in the world
The ADE is the biggest club festival in the world with performances by 2,200 artists at 300 events spread over 100 venues. The five-day music program covers all things electronic music. Currently over 500 artists are confirmed. Among the first selection of artists announced today are:

&Me (DE), Adam Beyer (SE), Adriatique (CH), Agoria (FR), Alan Fitzpatrick (GB), Alesso (SE), Andhim (DE), Antal (NL), Anthony Parasole (US), Apollonia (FR), Armin van Buuren (NL), Art Department (CA), Axwell Λ Ingrosso (SE), Black Coffee (ZA), Bonobo (GB), Boris Werner (NL), Carl Cox (GB), Cassy (AT), Cleavage (NL), Chris Liebing (DE), Cristian Varela (ES), Damian Lazarus (GB), Dauwd (GB), Dave Clarke (GB), David Guetta (FR), De Sluwe Vos (NL), Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (BE), DJ Rush (US), DJ Sneak (CA), DJ Qu (US), Donato Dozzy (IT), Dubfire (US), Fernanda Martins (BR), Fort Romeau (GB), GE-OLOGY (US), George FitzGerald (GB), Green Velvet (US), Guti (AR), Happa (GB), Hardwell (NL), Henrik Schwarz (DE), Horse Meat Disco (gb), Hot Since 82 (UK), Hunee (DE), I-F (NL), Ici Sans Merci (NL), Ida Engberg (SE), Jeff Mills (US), Joran van Pol (NL), Joris Voorn (NL), Joseph Capriati (IT), Julian Jeweil (FR), Karmon (NL), Kate Boy (SE), Kollektiv Turmstrasse (DE), Kolombo (BE), Kraak & Smaak (NL), Len Faki (DE), Leon Vynehall (US), Levon Vincent (US), Maceo Plex (US), Machinedrum (US), Malawi (NL), Marcel Fengler (DE), Markus Schulz (US), Martin Garrix (NL), Matador (IE), Matthias Tanzmann (DE), Menno de Jong (NL), Midland (GB), Monika Kruse (DE), Moodymann (US), Nicky Romero (NL), Nicole Moudaber (GB), Nina Kraviz (RU), Noisia (NL), Nuno dos Santos (NL), Octave One (US), Odesza (US), Oliver Heldens (NL), Osunlade (US), Pan-Pot (DE), Paul Oakenfold (GB), Perc (GB), Petar Dundov (HR), PETDuo (BR), Petre Inspirescu (RO), Posij (NL), Raresh (RO), Rebekah (GB), Rebolledo (MX), Ricardo Villalobos (CL), Richie Hawtin (CA), Robert Hood (US), Robin Schulz (DE), ROD (NL), Romare (GB), Ron Morelli (US),Ron Trent (US), Rødhåd (DE), Sandrien (NL), Santé (DE), Scuba (UK), Seth Troxler (US), Showtek (NL), Sidney Charles (DE), Solomun (DE), Speedy J (NL), Stanislav Tolkachev (UA), Stefano Noferini (IT), Surgeon (GB), The Gaslamp Killer (US), The Hacker (FR), The Martinez Brothers (US), Tiësto (NL), Truss (GB), Tsepo (NL), Tyree Cooper (US), Vicetone (NL), Yellow Claw (NL) and many more.

 

Cocoon in the Park 2015 Review

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Hidden in the depths of a 500 year old mansion, Cocoon in the Park is a complete techno playground which draws in thousands of house-hungry revellers year after year. With an intense lineup dripping with talent, the festival is a small yet uniquely incredible, never failing to entice a crowd. 6 DJs, one stage, and a whole lot of music fans – this is the beauty of Cocoon in the Park. And we could barely wait for it to begin.

The faint sound of heavy house beats could be heard from miles away as we walked with a parade of techno-ready souls in procession to the event. Upon arrival, Enzo Siragusa and Seb Zito were nicely warming up the crowd, with powerhouse Dixon following shortly after. All three were lively, exciting and intense, and the atmosphere of the crowd was well and truly ready for the day ahead.

‘Carl Cox’, a name recognised by music fanatics, and simply any DJ with high aspirations. Cox’s hardcore and rave roots provided the basis for his own musical evolution, never losing his unique style and etiquette that has made him a living legend today, and why so many still swarm to see him at every possibility. He has undoubtedly honed his natural talent over his years in the industry – and that is building pure, dance-inducing parties. The drizzling rain began to fall on King Cox’s set; but that didn’t stop anyone. Rain macs at the ready, we partied on, following his every move, every beat, with every reveller so lost in the music that the consideration of a bit of rain was almost refreshing. Cox is renowned for filling the place up with his residency at Space in Ibiza, so to see him in full-force in an outdoor venue such as this is something I’d never witnessed before, and something that made a superb change. With an array of scantily clad women holding up the letters to spell out ‘Cocoon’, we were well and truly in the full swing of the festival.

It’s always been known that Ricardo Villalobos is somewhat of an acquired taste, but his time at Cocoon has seen what can only be described as a mass backlash from fans claiming it was a ‘car crash’ of a set. The comparison between the lively, fun and exhilarating set just witnessed by King Cox is definitely almost the polar opposite of what we saw with Villalobos – it was dark, minimalist, at times quite weird, and seem to feel quite slow. It would almost definitely been better had he been scheduled earlier in the day, but the vibe from major highs to deep, dark lows just didn’t connect with the crowd, and we welcomed the entrance of Sven Väth with open arms.

Until Cocoon, I’d never had the opportunity to experience a Sven Väth set live; I’d heard nothing but good things about the German legend from friends who’ve seen him previously, but this was truly something else. Many refer to him as ‘Papa Sven’, a man who guides his children into a euphoric trance with just two decks and a mixer at his forefront. The crowd were literally pulsating as soon as he entered the stage, a man in front of me fist-pumping his beer in the air with an almighty roar of excitement; Papa Sven had certainly arrived, and his children were ready for a night of blazing techno to begin.

The almighty Sven layed down nothing but pure, solid techno beats to a perfectly filled field, with revellers making the most of having so much space to fist pump, twirl and do whatever the hell you like at such an event. The expert veteran continued to blend between intense melodies to the clearly impressed crowd, with confetti guns and a Sven impersonator blasting us with a smoke gun on stage only adding to the euphoria. This guy is literally an enigma, knowing precisely what to play at every turn, much to the ostensible ecstasy of the crowd. Villalobos’ minimalism long forgotten, we see what we came to see; a world class DJ play a world class set. Unforgettable.

As the night drew to an end, many chose to go on and see the likes of Richie Hawtin play at the afterparty nearby – with a line-up just as fantastic as the main event, Cocoon in the Park never fails for those who never want the euphoria to end. But for us, for once, we found we’d been defeated – but with a festival as phenomenal as this, we know it won’t be the last time we grace the land of Temple Newsam. Bravo, Cocoon.

Cocoon in the Park Preview – Who to look out for

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For one unforgettable day and night, the back garden of the quaint, scenic and peaceful setting of Temple Newsam will be transformed into an electronic, beat-heavy haven. A place where thousands of music fanatics can listen to hour-upon-hour of highly-charged techno, with a heavy-duty line-up with no trace of a weak link. This is, of course, Cocoon in the Park; so be prepared for a day witnessing a consistent view of pumping fists to the likes of Sven Väth, Dixon, Seb Zito and the almight Carl Cox – and that’s just to name a few.

I saw Enzo Siragusa play alongside tINI just a couple of weeks ago, and to say it was incredible would be an understatement. The dancefloor was packed with a typical array of sweating bodies, all of us wonderstruck with his stripped down tech house style beats that whet our appetite so well. His appearance at Cocoon at the Park should be no different, and he’s definitely one who you should get down – whether early in the day or not – to witness.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Sven Väth is, quite frankly, a legend amongst men. His style and passion knows no boundaries; it has influenced many and has truly revolutionised electronic music, so to hear he’ll be leading an army of music fanatics at Cocoon is music to everyone’s ears. Expect deep, indulging sounds and chasm of rich interludes – and more than anything, one hell of a set.  

Ricardo Villalobos minimal percussion styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but at a festival like Cocoon, even the most unsold of revellers will be given the chance to see what the half Chilean has to offer. His sets have differed, sometimes containing blends of solid down to acid house, other times something completely different; but he is simply a pioneer,  a DJ so different and exciting, it’s almost essential to catch a glimpse of him at Cocoon.  

Carl Cox is a name that simply exhumes that dark, exciting, fist-pumping atmosphere when said out loud. You don’t need to be told of the talent; it’s almost become agiven, just common knowledge – this guy is an enigma. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to someone who has seen Carl Cox for them to respond ‘that was average’; he delivers a spectacle of progressive, atmospheric beats to a crowd that come back, time and time again, to see him reign once again. To have him at the forefront of the Cocoon ship this year is a choice welcomed by many, and definitely a set that will be unmissable.

Cocoon in the Park returns to Temple Newsam on July 11th. For tickets, visit www.cocooninthepark.com.

We Are FSTVL 2015 Review

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Essex isn’t the typical location which global-touring DJs and electronic music figureheads Carl Cox, Seth Troxler and Steve Angello are used to playing. Though arguably more familiar with Vegas, Ibiza and European crowds, Upminster-based We Are FSTVL attracts the biggest names in house, techno and on Sunday, EDM.

Now in its third year, We Are FSTVL brings in 30,000 music lovers over its weekend. Think of it as the electronic music equivalent of V Festival. Cleverly targeted at the Essex party-going population, for an extra £40, a VIP ticket allows access to the VIP area – a regular festival feature offering that little bit more; there’s a separate VIP stage (Mark Knight’s Toolroom Records and MK’s Area10 host it respectively), hot tubs, hair salon, glitter and face paint stations and remarkably cleaner toilets, as well as higher viewing platforms back on the main site.

As one of the year’s first proper festivals, Saturday unsurprisingly sold-out in advance, while last remaining Sunday tickets were available on the door. Despite a windy start with grey clouds looming above, the weather stayed dry and summery; rare for a UK festival in late May.

Whilst the generously-sized main stage hosted the likes of Gorgon City and Solomun under sunny skies, Summer Festival Guide found itself at the Used & Abused stage for a great deal of the weekend. Creatively, the industrial design of an aircraft hanger made it seem as though we’d been teleported to an underground club in Europe; fitting for the dark and deep techno acts it showcased. A gargantuan three-hour set from Loco Dice made it near impossible to leave, while Drumcode Records founder Adam Beyer later delivered a set of intense, unrelenting techno. Most notable, its impeccable sound quality, remaining consistent throughout the weekend.

Elsewhere on Saturday’s bill, house sets from Simon Dunmore and Oliver Dollar on the Defected Records stage, and Redlight and Waze & Odyssey in the What Hannah Wants tent, ensured both were permanently filled. Meanwhile, globally-renowned DJ’s Seth Troxler and Carl Cox closed out the opening night on the main stage, respectively, each proving memorable highlights.

Seth’s acidic, techno-heavy set, complete with hypnotic swirling red and black visuals, saw the sun go down, before house music legend Carl Cox took the helm. Opening strongly with Deetron’s piano-house builder ‘Photon’, a sea of mobile phones lit up the night sky. The first person to majorly interact with the crowd, Cox encourages, “Carl Cox is in the house. Who’s ready?” as laser lights scour the audience and confetti explodes from cannons.

The only downside with We Are FSTVL though, is the non-camping policy, meaning that thousands of people need to be transported from the site back to wherever they may be staying. According to social media comments, people were reportedly left for hours on the roadside as shuttle buses and taxis struggled to cope with the number of attendees, though by Sunday this was far less of an issue.

As Sunday morning falls, so does the rain; but luckily only on SFG’s commute to the site. Once on-site, the ground is mostly dry as the sun steadily rears its head. The day’s first highlight comes from Dirtybird boss Claude VonStroke who, rare that he comes to the UK, delivers a crowd-pleasing set on the Paradise stage, dropping his own ‘Make A Cake’, ‘Barrump’ and Jesse Rose-collaboration ‘Bare Mountain’, proving Dirtybird as one of the finest electronic labels around; their forward-thinking, unique sound a clear hit with the Essex punters. Later, another Dirtybird affiliate, J Phlip, goes back-to-back with Huxley over in the VIP village, each dropping bass-heavy productions to a growing crowd.

Back at SFG’s favourite stage, the aircraft hanger, now hosted by Cocoon, Ten Walls and Sven Vath each deliver building techno sets; Sven’s hard-hitting sound complimented by female dancers spread across the stage.

At the complete other end of the electronic music spectrum, the main stage welcomes Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard before Oliver Heldens takes over, delivering an unexpectedly stand-out set. Mixing his own ‘deep house’ tracks ‘Gecko’, ‘This’ and ‘You Know’ with tracks from EDM’s biggest names the young producer’s clearly having a great time as he bopps around and shuffles in front of the DJ decks. It’s like watching a child in a sweet shop. “Let me see your hands Essex”, he shouts excitedly, before closing with an EDM remix of Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do. Unpretentious and heaps of fun, Heldens’ set is a great warm-up for the bombastic sounds of Knife Party.

Older fan –favourites ‘Bonfire’ and ‘Internet Friends’ mix well with a newer track which we are told is “for the UK family”; it sounds somewhat influenced by Major Laser. 15 minutes late, Steve Angello’s set begins with dramatic orchestral sounds and visuals as the former Swedish House Mafia member reveals that he’s travelled all the way from Sweden. Appearing like a silhouette throughout the show because of the strobe lights, he works the crowd with Robin S’ ‘Show Me Love’ and later, new single ‘Children of the Wild’ impresses.

Over in the Paradise tent, the sound parallels as Jamie Jones lays down chunky tech-house rollers by the dozen, whilst Mele’ closes out the Hospitality stage, leaving Shadow Child and DJ S.K.T to continue the party for VIP ticket-holders only in the Area 10 tent.

As We Are FSTVL comes to a close nearing 1am, luckily there’s a London-located after-party being taking the festivities through until 6am Monday!

We Are FSTVL continues to thrive as one of the UK’s best medium-sized festivals, offering a diverse range of electronic music over a usually sunny weekend. Here’s to 2016!

Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Loco Dice and more added to SW4 2015

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ADDED TO SW4 SUNDAY…

CARL COX VS LOCO DICE

MANO LE TOUGH

CITIZENN & EJECA PRESENTS MOUNTAIN KING LIVE

“I look back to the old days of me being on the Common and now things have obviously changed a lot, but it’s still South London, it’s still Clapham Common. It’s still true to my roots of where I came from and who I am as a DJ. I have built my career from coming from South London and I’m very proud of that. As I have built my career and become a worldwide name, it all really started from Clapham Common.” Carl Cox

“I have no idea what’s going to happen, I have no clue what’s going to happen.  The only thing I know now is there will be 100% excitement. We are ready for this show for sure. I don’t let it get to close to me otherwise it will drive me crazy. I just deal with it at the moment when I’m on the turntables. That’s the best and it’s very natural and it comes from the heart.” Loco Dice

CLICK HERE TO WATCH CARL COX & LOCO DICE SW4 PROMO FILM:

WWW.SOUTHWESTFOUR.COM/VIDEOS

Carl Cox vs Loco Dice. A meeting of minds. A meeting of masters. At SW4 2013 these two titans clashed for the very first time in the UK with a set which went down as one of the greatest in our history. Two years later they return to headline our second indoor main stage on Sunday 30th August and inflict an even greater level of destruction than they were responsible for twenty four months previously.

Carl’s relationship with South West Four is well documented. An unbreakable bond has resulted in this being his seventh performance at SW4 in our twelve year history. On every appearance Coxy has displayed the kind of mind-blowing ability that has pushed the boundaries of DJing over the past thirty plus years and illustrated why he is considered amongst the very greats of electronic music. In 2015 Carl returns to Space Ibiza to host another season of his seminal residency, interwoven by headline appearances at the world’s leading clubs and festivals and the release of his hugely anticipated collaboration with Chic’s Nile Rogers. This unrivalled crossover formula is what has kept Carl at the forefront of all that is great about our scene over the past three decades. Be prepared to have your senses pulverised. Carl Cox vs Loco Dice is coming…

When one half of Innervision’s Âme says “Thanks to Mano Le Tough, I have no fears for the future of House” you sit up and take notice. Irish born and Berlin raised, Mano Le Tough has risen to international stardom in recent years thanks to a plethora of superb productions and remixes on only the most prestigious of labels, including his own Maeve Records. He has supported this with electric performances at the crème de le crème of festivals and clubs around the world including Berghain, BPM, Dekmantel, DC10, Space Ibiza and a recent London date for Electric Minds. It’s now the time for Mano to showcase his outstanding talents with a very special performance at SW4 and show why he is the future of house music.

Debuting their live show in a world exclusive at South West Four, the forces of Ejeca and Citizenn combine to bring you Mountain King Live. Expect melodic tribal rhythms and a mysterious, dark and empathetic sonic tapestry from two of the most exciting artists currently residing in UK house music. Having recently received critical acclaim for their ‘Acidboi’ EP on Ejeca’s Exploris imprint, including tune of the month in Mixmag, Mountain King could well be the most exciting new pairing to hit the UK dance market this festival season. "It's a huge honour to be debuting our live show at such a well curated and produced festival such as SW4. We've been excited about it for a while now so we're glad we can start talking about it." Mountain King

ADDED TO SW4 SATURDAY…

SVEN VÄTH · MACEO PLEX

TODD TERJE LIVE

DANNY DAZE

Pioneer. Visionary. Legend. Superlatives like these are easily banded around in dance music circles but when you are recognised as one of the most iconic figures within the industry, as well as one of the greatest DJs to ever walk the Earth, they are fully justified. Sven Väth comfortably falls within all of these categories. As label boss his Cocoon imprint has helped launch the careers of some of the finest names in techno, whilst his Ibiza residency is unquestionably one of the most influential the White Isle has ever witnessed. Having celebrated his 50th birthday last year, 2015 will see Papa Sven embark on his sixteenth Cocoon season at Amnesia, as well as the usual array of headline appearances at Timewarp, Awakenings, Cocoon in the Park and the IMS Grand Opening. His return to South West Four for the fourth time on Saturday 29th August will rank as his most memorable as he headlines Maceo Plex’s 7000 capacity ‘Dream Don’t Sleep’ arena.

There are very few artists residing within house and techno today as beloved as Maceo Plex. Recent years has seen him destroy the world’s most esteemed nightclubs and festivals, with his past two London appearances witnessing him host an arena at SW4 2014, followed by a masterclass performance at a sold out Electric Brixton this past Easter. This summer will see Maceo headline the opening of Amnesia Ibiza and feature heavily at Hideout in Croatia, the Slam Tent at T in the Park and Tomorrowland. Recognized as one of the most respected and accomplished artists of his generation, the Miami native returns to host his own ‘Dream, Don’t Sleep’ arena at SW4 one more time on Saturday 29th August.

An artist we have practically been stalking for half a decade finally arrives on Clapham Common this summer as Norwegian DJ, songwriter and record producer Todd Terje makes his long awaited SW4 debut. In 2013 Todd was responsible for what many considered the track of the year in ‘Inspector Norse’, whilst last year he followed this up with the release of his debut studio album suitably titled ‘Its Album Time.’ This would go on to top album of the year charts across the world and resulted in Rolling Stone Magazine featuring Todd in their ‘25 DJs that rule the earth' list. If you like your disco, Todd Terje Live at SW4 is the only place to be…

Hailing from Miami, Danny Daze has championed his sound in recent years after uniquely fusing elements of Detroit techno with Italian disco to make him one of the world’s most interesting underground talents. In 2014 Danny made his SW4 debut and he returns this summer having seen his profile grow ten-fold over recent months. With non-stop tours across the world and the release of productions on the finest imprints of today including Saved, Hot Creations, Dirtybird, Future Classic and long-term friend Maceo Plex’s Ellum, Danny’s technical prowess allows him to take musical risks. This makes him one of the most exciting acts to make the trip to South London on Saturday 29th August.