This year Norfolk's Sundown Festival brings some of the biggest artists of the UK to the stage this summer with headliner's Tinie Tempah and Ellie Goulding leading the way.
Tinie Tempah headlines Sundown for the first time, with the We Bring the Stars Out,Children of the Sun and Lover Not a Fighter singer leading the line-up on Saturday’s main stage.
Chase & Status remain one of the most in-demand Sundown acts and are confirmed to perform tracks from their new album along with a mix of their hits, and BBC Radio 1’s own Zane Lowe, renowned for his masterful and epic live sets, will also perform on Saturday’s main stage line-up.
As one of the most versatile and eclectic female singers in the UK today, Brit-Award nominee Ellie Goulding will headline the main stage on Sunday 31 August. The Starry Eyed, How Long Will I Love You and Burn singer has not only enjoyed huge solo success, but has also landed hits in collaboration with a number of Sundown artists, and is welcomed to Sundown for the first time.
Fellow Brit-Award nominee John Newman is also confirmed to make his first Sundown performance on Sunday’s main stage after becoming one of the hottest artistes to have soared into the public psyche with the #1 hit singles Feel the Love and Love Me Again.
Clean Bandit, who recently landed their first #1 UK single with Rather Be, are the third Sunday main stage act to be confirmed and are set to be one of this year’s stand-out revelations.
Sundown Festival 2014 will play host to more acts, across more stages, to be announced soon and tickets are expected to be in high demand after Sundown audiences grew from 15,000 people at the 2011 event to 38,000 people in 2013, when all camping tickets sold-out months before the festival kicked off.
Sundown Festival spokesperson, Dion Clements comments: “Sundown Festival has enjoyed incredible success in quickly establishing itself as one of the UK’s best live music events to end the summer season. Tinie Tempah, Chase & Status and Zane Lowe are all like established Sundown royalty, while Ellie, John and Clean Bandit offer Sundown festivalites the chance to see them perform here for the first time”
Dion adds “With our unique mixed offering of the top urban, pop and dance acts, Sundown caters for a massive range of tastes in the music spectrum, bringing together a diverse music audience for one huge weekend”
Typically the last 'big' festivals of the summer months in the UK, Reading & Leeds are a special pilgrimage a combined audience of hundreds of thousands of people make every August Bank Holiday weekend. This year I headed to Leeds Fest to check it out, here's what happened!
Arriving on Friday morning, the site was buzzing with campers dampened slightly by a little storm on Thursday evening, but nothing to put off the masses from what was hopefully going to be a great festival.
Don Broco, a Bedford-based alternative rock band took to the Main Stage, and were an unexpected surprise. 'Hold On', probably their most popular tune got everyone going, as did the band's in-time dance moves, steps to the side, hand-claps, a cheeky boyband touch for the popular quartet, who's lead singer had an Elvisy-look going on.
Then it was time for something different, a rapper by the name of Wacka Flocka Flame took to the brand-new Radio 1Xtra Stage, to a huge crowd. His hype man got things bouncing, as the man himself finally arrived 15 minutes late. Wacka wore a Leeds United shirt and some appropriate bling, as his set saw him get a few headbanging fans up onstage,along with a girl plucked from the crowd who 'twerked'. It was an interesting 40 minutes or so.
Just over the way to the NME/Radio 1 stage, where American girl trio HAIM were the main attraction, bringing their guitar-laden hooks to the masses. They played favourites like, 'Forever', 'Falling' and new single, 'The Wire', all from their much-anticipated debut album. One of the best things about HAIM is Este, their bassist. The older sister likes to have coarse, blunt banter with crowds during gigs and is famed for her 'bassface'. You can watch her facial expressions for 45 minutes and be easily entertained.
Overall, their performance was better than expected and I left happy, as did many others who had squeezed into the tent.
I took a bit of a wander around the Arena site afterwards, taking note of the wide variety of stalls, grabbing a few ponchos for the oncoming storm and taking in some pizza (note: this was at a time when you could actually SIT on the ground and not get covered in mud…)
Then it was time for the sub-headliners, Nine Inch Nails, almost a cult band, such is their feverent support. Being a few rows from the front barrier, I couldn't tell the size of the crowd at the time, but having seen so afterwards, it wasn't very busy, but then that should be expected given Trent Reznor and his merry band have never been notable to a mainstream audience.
NIN were good. They missed out a couple of hits, like 'Closer' and 'Hurt', but if a newcomer like me could get into it, I'm sure the hardcore fans were ecstatic with their 80 minute set. Reznor is a tense, serious stage presence and if memory serves me right, he didn't interact with the crowd one bit. At the time I didn't question this, but afterwards it turns out he put out tweets suggesting he was 'lied to' by R&L boss Melvin Benn, which Benn himself has since said is a lie.
It's all very confusing but what we are led to believe is that Reznor was promised a more extravagent stage show than the one he got, as headliners Biffy Clyro would've had stage priority, it resulted in a bank of lights instead, still impressive but not the full NIN experience.
There were probably the perfect set-up for what was a definitive headlining performance, from Biffy-motherf***ing-Clyro, as they were known for the evening.
Some doubted they had it in them to headline a major UK festival, but they delivered in spades, with a strong set packed full of their more recent mainstream hits, with a few golden oldies squeezed in for long-time supporters. Simon Neil, lead singer, was very appreciative of the crowd, telling them, '"It all goes downhill from here…I'm only joking"'. Their 'banter' was limited, but the shirtless trio let their epic music do the talking, which really got the crowd going too.
Lasers, fireworks, smashed up guitars, sing-a-longs, a massive tree prop, mental mosh pits; the show had it all, and despite the swirling wind and rain it was a fantastic way to close the first night of Leeds 2013.
Saturday came and the site's landscape had changed drastically. Rain had come in a big way, with heavy rain in the night, turning the lush green grass into a mudbath. Wellies were a necessity, as were ponchos, it was 'proper' UK festival weather.
As a result of the poor conditions, I was stationed in the NME Tent for a good few hours and was lucky to see what I saw!
Fatigue seemed to have set in during the first half of Deap Vally's set. At the 20 minute stage, drummer Julie Edwards instructed the crowd to wake up and have fun, reminding them they were at a festival! They promptly did so and the atmosphere was quite good afterwards, shame the music wasn't quite as good. I sort of like Deap Vally, but their music is too samey for my tastes, I liked their energy during the gig though, they played at such a frenetic pace I'm surprised they managed 2 shows in 2 days!
Next up were fellow Americans Fidlar. A little heard of band, but an excellent band, one of my finds of the festival. They played a clutch of quick, simple songs that relied on great riffs and lead singer Zac Carper's hyper vocals. I was reminded of a very low-fi Nirvana, if you want to see for yourself I recommend you check out 'Cheap Beer', the slogan that adorned their merch and the song that really had the crowd going wild.
I suspect that the crowd was boosted because of the next act. Brummie stars Peace, were as flamboyant as predicted, lead singer Henry Koisser striding out in a leopard print jacket and hat to a loving audience. Tracks 'Follow Baby', and 'Lovesick'', got the best responses and saw the band at their most confident. Sure the live set isn't yet perfect, some of their songs weren't the most interesting in a a live arena, but they are getting there as one of a few bands that could really kickstart the era of the British guitar band.
After a bit of Peace, I ventured into the now spitting rain to find some fresh music. It was the Rock Stage that I found it, with The Computers part way through their set. Instantly I thought I'd been transported back to the 1950s as they were all dressed in slick suits, with even more slicked back hair. Their tunes matched the image, and were a breath of fresh air. Sure the lead singer's attempts at telling a story inbetween songs were a bit manufactured, as were his off-stage antics which saw him join a wet, muddy mosh pit. But it was pure fun, reminding me of The Hives' eccentric set from 2012, in a good way!
Then, then it was Major Lazer time. Now I didn't know what to expect, a pure DJ set?
Headliner time had come, and the pop-punk of Green Day was blasted from the Main Stage. Now I was a fair distance back, and wasn't massively impressed with the size or energy of the crowd, but to be fair, it was constantly raining, muddy as anything and the band were just okay, nothing more, on reflection. Billie Joe Armstrong annoyed me, with his political speeches and subtle nuances. However, I did enjoy songs off 'American Idiot', which I loved at the time of release, with their comprehensive playing in full of 1994 album Dookie, released the year of my birth, missing the mark for me, but not for the legions of loyal fans down the front.
Come Sunday, the thousands of campers were weary and out on their feet, but ready for a fantastic days's entertainmen The site was still a swampy mudbath, but with forecasts of clear skies and sun, it was looking promising for the final day of the festival.
Similarly to Saturday, I spent a good couple of hours in the same place on Sunday, this time the Festival Republic Tent, a place full of new talent waiting to be discovered. I saw Drenge and Swim Deep, back to back. Both were good in moderation, with outstanding songs, like 'Honey', 'The Sea' and 'She Changes the Weather', from the latter Brummies. Crowds were pretty decent too, with plenty of shoulder-riding and singing going on for the latter. Drenge were slightly more subdued, as the duo rattled through some awesome sounding music, but I'm not entirely sure whether they fit the tone of the stage.
Then it was time to check up on another NME darling, Palma Violets, a group who I was undecided on, their first album deceiving me at times. However, their blistering live set had people jumping around and going crazy. They are energetic, cocky and funny, all great features for a band to have. 'Best of Friends', was the highlight, a song that evokes the spirit of the Libertines when they were in their prime. With a couple of albums under their belt, I can see the southerners living up to the aforementioned hype, they look like they believe it too!
With that brief foray to the NME tent, it was off to the Main Stage for the remainder of my 2013 festival. White Lies were 4th from the top of the bill, but didn't really live up to expectations. For a start, I wasn't the biggest fan, I think a lot of their material sounds very 'samey', which was true of the performance, a performance hampered by sound problems and a pretty uninterested crowd, most of whom were hanging around for Chase & Status and Eminem later on that evening. Their early hits, 'Fairwell to the Fairground', and 'Death', were nice, but the longer it went on, the longer it felt they were 'going through the motions'.
Up next were Foals, again a band I was wary of. I like a lot of their songs, but had never been impressed by their live performances I'd caught on TV. However, they were great fun, energetic and had some good banter with the crowd, lead singer Yannis ending up in the crowd by the end of their set. Before that though, songs like 'Spanish Sahara' and 'My Number', showed the variation in their song-craft, going from the deep, building tunes to a catchy pop number. The boss of the festival Melvin Benn has since claimed they could headline the festival, which I think was a slight over-exaggeration, although he said the same about the next act, something which may be true…
Chase & Status, an incredible act and a perfect appetizer for what was to come. Their set up saw the duo positioned behind a 'C' and 'S' DJ booth each, with MC Rage effectively the ringmaster of proceedings, dragging out the likes of Liam Bailey as guest vocalists, with Plan B and Delilah projected onto a humongous video screen above their heads. It was impressive to see such a stage show, especially given the problems Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails had.
When tracks like 'No Problem', 'Let You Go' and 'Hypest Hype', dropped, the crowd went nuts for it, descending into mosh pits and general dancing. It was amazing to see, and one of the loudest, best atmospheres of the festival I had witnesses (more of which later). It was strange, given all I'd heard and read online prior to the festival was that their booking was a poor one, not in-keeping with the tradition of the festival. Sure, that may be correct, but why not move with the times, book popular acts who DO have crossover with the rock, alternative and indie music scene (you'd have been surprised just how many 'metalheads' were enjoying themselves to C&S). I don't see it as an issue, especially as it helps to keep the festival going, something which the next act definitely helped with.
The rap legend that is Eminem graced the stage for his second headline set, amongst a bunch of questions and fears. I got talking to people around me beforehand and whilst everyone was excited, noone knew what to expect! Old material, new material- a mixture of both? Would he mime? Well whilst that wasn't really clarified (although personally I think he relied on backing track the odd time, but was at his best and actually rapping for the majority of the set), one thing was clear; Eminem was back.
Whilst a lot of the first half of the set was his newer material, from 'Recovery' and 'Relapse', it was bearable in a live environment. This was partly due to the live band AND DJ he had accompanying him, aswell as the buzzing crowd, still excited from C&S who were devouring his hit-packed set.
My favourite moment of the festival came with the 3 minute medley of older songs, that was, 'My Name Is/The Real Slim Shady/Without Me'. For 3 minutes I was a child again, and it was amazing! As was the special guest for 'Stan', Dido herself. Both of those moments were special and brought much acclaim from the audience. Then a one-song encore came about a great rendition of the intense, 'Lose Yourself', before Em headed off for good. It may have been a fairly brisk, 25 song, 100 minute set, but god was it good. And that was Leeds Fest 2013, done just like that!
So, to round it all off, Leeds 2013 was fantastic, perhaps as an overall experience outing 2012's edition, Foo Fighters and all! We saw the newly anointed Biffy Clyro become the rock gods they were destined to be, a return for the veterans of pop-punk, Green Day and Eminem finish it all off with a blistering display of a hip-hop gig. Other personal highlights were the likes of HAIM and Peace on the NME stage, Chase & Status killing the Main Stage, Major Lazer bringing the party to the tent, aswell as echoes of the Libertines, with Palma Violets giving a confident, humourous performance.
It may have been muddy, it may have been soaking wet; but Leeds Festival 2013 was bloody good!
Cream returns with another exclusive party at Privilege, to be broadcast live on Radio 1 as part of the station’s weekend in Ibiza.
The event will take place on Saturday 3rd August featuring sets from the awesome Eric Prydz, Chase & Status (DJ Set), Pete Tong, Hardwell, Zane Lowe, Benga, Mistajam, Friction, B Traits, Gorgon City, Monsta, Danny Howard, Koan Sound, The Frederik and the Cream Ibiza residents.
BBC Radio 1 will be broadcasting live from the venue between 1am- 5am (BST) / 2am – 6am (CEST). UK listeners will then have the option to stream the show for the next 7 days via http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
Based on the success of last year’s party this event is expected to sell out so please purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
OXEGEN returns to Punchestown from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th August Bank Holiday weekend.
Headlining this years festival is superstar DJ David Guetta, voted worlds #1 DJ in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs fan poll. Guetta has sold over six million albums, 15 million singles worldwide and has consistently topped the charts with dancefloor hits such as Play Hard, Titanium, Sweat, and When Love Takes Over featuring some of the worlds biggest music stars.
Guetta will join Calvin Harris who has just broken the record for most top 10 singles from the one album. His current LP 18 months has achieved eighth top ten hits, including the latest ‘I Need Your Love’ featuring Ellie Goulding beating Michael Jackson who previously held the record with seven top ten hits from his 1987 LP Bad.
Also heading to Punchestown this summer are UK rapper Example, dub step duo Chase & Status, one of hip hops finest Snoop Dogg, chart toppers Labrinth and Rita Ora, as well as Alesso, Pitbull, DJ Fresh, Soulwax, Nero, Rizzle Kicks, Nicky Romero, Sasha, Wretch 32 and Devlin performing across three stages including the Heineken Live Project stage and the Red Bull Electric Ballroom.
Joining the line up are a host of top DJs and Live acts including Otto Knows,Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Iggy Azalea, The Original Rudeboys, Duke Dumont, Erol Alkan, Crookers, Jack Beats, Fake Blood, Congorock, Jacob Plant, Gin ‘N’ Juice, The Dead Prezidents, Al Gibbs, George Fitzgerald, Dave DeValera, John Gibbons, Borgore, Monsta, Ayah Marrar and Danny Byrd with more to be announced alongside Ireland’s largest Silent Disco.
TICKET INFORMATION
Save €75 on 2011 ticket price when purchased between 8am Friday 26th and 8am Saturday 27th April 2013 from Ticketmaster outlets or on line at Ticketmaster.ie.
6 of the world’s finest dance music acts have been added to the already star studded line up for the first edition of Ultra Europe on the weekend of 12th – 14th July 2013 in the city of Split and on the island of Hvar in Croatia. British bass purveyors Chase & Status, dub-house duo Cazzette and Turkish progressive mainstay Deniz Koyu are all taking to the main stage at the Poljud Stadium in Split over Friday 12th and Saturday 13th July to join the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, Carl Cox, Afrojack and Hardwell. As well as these dance music juggernauts, Yousef and Adam Beyer will be bringing their house and techno expertise to light up the Carl Cox & Friends Arena over the first two days, before Australian duo Nervo join Steve Aoki, Erick Morillo and Dada Life for an unbelievable poolside party at the Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort in Hvar on Sunday 14th July.
Following the record breaking fifteenth edition of Ultra Music Festival that took place over two weekends in Miami in March, this trend of raising the bar will continue when electronic music lovers from over 75 countries flock to Croatia for Ultra Europe, which is on course to sell out with over 60% of tickets already sold 3 months before the festival even begins!
Those not making the journey to the Dalmatian coast will also now be able to enjoy this amazing event as it’s also been announced that UMF TV will be broadcasting live on all 3 days! Looking to emulate the success of the Ultra XV livestream in Miami – which became the most viewed festival event in North America to date with 10 million unique viewers, as well as gaining the highest concurrent number of views for any non-sponsored music stream – you’ll now be able to live the Ultra Europe experience live from the comfort of your own home!
40,000 fans per day will be able to soak up the sonic delights from the Poljud Stadium, with a further 3000 also watching the region’s biggest ever stage from the luxurious VIP area. The Carl Cox & FriendsArena will play host to 8000 revelers and another 2500 will enjoy music from some of the best up-and-comers from Croatia and the surrounding area on the Regional Stage. As well as this, Ultra Europe has become the first festival in the world to team up with The Yacht Week to bring more than 250 boats as part of the Ultra Europe Regatta to the Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort in Hvar on Sunday 14th July, where 5000 fans can drink in the exceptional music and stunning views in and around the hotel’s beautiful pool.
After the announcement that Chase and Status, Stereophonics, Calvin Harris, Foals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more will be joining Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna andThe Killers, plus electronic pioneers Kraftwerk this summer at T in the Park, fans can ensure they’re part of the celebrations when the final batch of tickets goes on sale tomorrow at 9am. Music lovers can get their hands on the ultimate festival ticket of the summer fromwww.tinthepark.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 08444 999 990.
With an international line-up of chart toppers, Grammy winners, pioneering trailblazers, rising stars and Scotland’s finest home-grown heroes, the T in the Park 2013 bill is off to a roaring start, with yet more top acts added today.
Liam Gallagher played the first ever T in the Park with Oasis back in 1994, and returns for the 20th year with new outfit Beady Eye. Also featuring former Oasis members Gem Archer and Andy Bell, plus drummer Chris Sharrock, Beady Eye are currently putting the finishing touches to their second album, the follow-up to the acclaimed Different Gear, Still Speeding.
Pioneering DJ Laurent Garnier is one of the leading lights in French dance music. A multi-faceted artist whose impact on the music scene is far-reaching, the turntable connoisseur's incredible sets use Techno from Detroit and beyond, with hints of jazz, disco, house, African grooves, and jungle and dubstep basslines.
On the strength of just two EPs, His Young Heart and The Wild Youth, Daughter have amassed themselves a dedicated following. The London-based trio of Elena Tonra, Igor Haefeli and Remi Aguilella release their debut album If You Leave in March.
Camden’s Tribes were christened “the future of rock’n'roll” by The Mystery Jets, a sentiment chimed by everyone from NME to Radio 1′s Huw Stephens and Zane Lowe, the latter of whom named their debut single Sappho Hottest Record In The World. Their second album Wish To Scream is set to be released in May.
Joining the ultra-impressive line-up which already boasts Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus electronic pioneers Kraftwerkalongside The Script, Richie Hawtin, alt-J, Azealia Banks and more are: Adam Beyer, Bastille, Ben Klock & Marcel Dettmann (b2b), British Sea Power, Chase and Status, CHVRCHES, Claude VonStroke, The Courteeners, Deacon Blue, Disclosure, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Sneak, Derrick Carter & Mark Farina (b2b), Eats Everything, Editors, Emeli Sandé, Everything Everything, Frank Turner, The Fratellis, Frightened Rabbit, The Heavy, Hot Natured, Imagine Dragons, Jackmaster, Jake Bugg, Joy Orbison, Labrinth, The Lumineers, Miles Kane, Modest Mouse, Modestep, Nina Kraviz, Nina Nesbitt, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Of Monsters and Men, The Original Rudeboys, Palma Violets, Paloma Faith, Peace, The Proclaimers, Rudimental, Seth Troxler, Silicone Soul, Slam, Stereophonics, The Strypes, Tom Odell, Twin Atlantic, Two Door Cinema Club, The View, Villagers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The 1975.
With a back catalogue packed with epic festival anthems, Stereophonics are big T in the Parkfavourites. Having played to massive crowds world-wide and chalking up five UK number one albums along the way, their Best Of compilation A Decade In the Sun sold over a million copies in 2008. With a brand new album Graffiti on the Train on the way in March, they’ll return to T in the Park ready to showcase new material as well as their greatest hits – cue mass singalongs from the Kinross crowd.
Returning to cement their reputation as one of the best festival acts on the circuit, drum'n'bass producers Chase and Status will get the 20th year party well and truly started. Having swiftly risen from underground urban phenomenon to become one of the UK’s biggest crossover acts, they’re in demand across the world over as producers and as a phenomenal live act. Following the multi-platinum success of previous records, their third studio album is due for release this summer.
Glasgow trio CHVRCHES’ blend of classic and modern analogue synthesisers, bruised beats and barbed pop hooks came to the fore in their debut single The Mother We Share (as it also did inLies, their first track that seeped onto the internet earlier in the year). Voted number 5 in the BBC Sound of 2013, and number 2 in the UK Blog Sound of 2013, their T in the Park debut is not to be missed.
The leading lights of UK dance music, Disclosure are spearheading an uprising of exciting young producers. Following the top 20 success of breakthrough hit Latch, the Lawrence brothers are currently working on their debut album, and will bring their trademark beats and slick house to T in the Park this July.
Since winning the Mercury Prize with his debut album in 2003, Dizzee Rascal has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to the top of the charts with a host of smash hit number 1 singles. The South-London rapper has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars, and is currently putting the finishing touches to his fifth studio album, the follow-up to 2009's platinum selling Tongue n' Cheek.
Editors are back with a new album this summer. The band have been busy recording tracks for their fourth album in Nashville, and will showcase brand new material alongside classic songs from their double platinum debut The Back Room and two number one follow up albums. Ed from Editors said:
“It is our pleasure to be coming back up to T in the Park this summer, after what seems like an age. Editors have undergone some changes in the last 12 months, but we have come out the other side a more determined band with a bunch of new songs that we think you are going to like. We can't wait to get back amongst it with some special festival crowds, and where could be a better place to do that than T in the Park?”
After selling out a headline Wembley Arena show and stunning T in the Parkers last year with a spell-binding set which proved exactly why his honest and passionate folk/punk has won him so many fans, Frank Turner is heading back to Kinross this summer, telling fans: "I'm very pleased to be heading back north of the border this summer – T in the Park is always great, like all Scottish shows in general."
Frightened Rabbit released their hotly anticipated fourth album Pedestrian Verse earlier this month to widespread critical acclaim, with the record entering the UK album chart at number 9 last week. Adored on their native Scottish soil, the band’s frank, poetic lyrics and intense live sets have also won them a massive Stateside following, and they make a triumphant return to T in the Parkthis July.
Jamie Jones and Lee Foss bring their hugely acclaimed Hot Natured collective to make their T in the Park debut at the 20th year celebrations. Their label Hot Creations is one of the most popular outlets for house and techno and their recently launched Paradise nights at Ibiza’s top underground club DC10 has helped cement their position as one of the scene’s leading outfits. In 2011, Jones earned the coveted title of Number 1 DJ in the world in Resident Advisor’s prestigious poll, and Hot Natured’s T in the Park set is not to be missed.
T in the Park is delighted to welcome back Labrinth and the feeling is mutual, with the Hackney born superstar saying: “T in the Park is one of my favourite festivals to play. The crowd is always on fire and I KNOW this year is not going to be any different!" Labrinth’s debut album Electronic Earth spawned the massive smash hit singles Earthquake featuring Tinie Tempah and Last Time, before he hit the number one spot with Beneath Your Beautiful featuring fellow T in the Park star,Emeli Sandé.
The Lumineers will bring their glorious rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve folk rock to the fields of Kinross for the 20th year of T in the Park. The band’s eponymous debut album has won widespread acclaim for its timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. With two prestigious Grammy nominations under their belt, their huge single Ho Hey soared into the UK top ten last year.
Modest Mouse enjoyed massive breakthrough success with their 2004 album Good News For People Who Love Bad News, which included the huge hit Float On, earned the band two Grammy nominations and sold over 1.5 million copies. The Washington group bring their epic indie anthems back to Kinross this July.
After bursting on to the scene with the irresistibly catchy 5 Years Time,Noah and the Whalehave gone from strength to strength. Their third album Last Night On Earth, went on to become one of the 2011’s biggest sellers, achieving platinum status and producing the hit singleL.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. They release its eagerly awaited follow-up Heart of Nowhere this May.
There’s a major buzz surrounding indie four-piece Palma Violets right now. Their single Best Of Friends was voted NME's track of 2012, with Step Up for the Cool Cats being named Zane Lowe's Hottest Record. The band featured on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 longlist and release their hugely anticipated debut album next week.
Joining this year’s glittering line-up are London-based four-piece, Rudimental. The group rocketed to success in 2012 when their single Feel the Love topped the UK singles chart. Since then they’ve enjoyed continued success with single Not Giving In, and they’re sure to go down a storm with the legendary Kinross crowd.
Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic won a huge, international fanbase with their 2009 mini-album Vivarium. Its follow-up Free cemented their reputation as one of the biggest bands to emerge from Scotland within recent years, with its title track famously featuring as the soundtrack to the 2012 Red Bull Stratos space jump by Felix Baumgartner. A phenomenal live act, they’re sure to receive a warm welcome back to T in the Park from a home crowd.
New York City’s hottest art-punk trio Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs are back this April with their hugely anticipated fourth album Mosquito. All three of its predecessors received Grammy nominations, with debut Fever to Tell hailed by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork Media, and NME as one of the finest of the decade. An awesome live act known for their raw, intense live shows, they sent the crowd into a frenzy during their 2009 T in the Park appearance when they invited the East Kilbride Pipe Band to join them on stage for a thrilling performance of Skeletons. Expect yet more fireworks when they make their return to Kinross this July.
T in the Park organisers have also today revealed that the Arcadia Afterburner will be a brand new addition to the site the year. The spectacular mechanical, fire-breathing structure will becomethe place to party late into the night, in the heart of Sunset Strip.
With an international line-up of chart toppers, Grammy winners, pioneering trailblazers, rising stars and Scotland’s finest home-grown heroes, the T in the Park 2013 bill is off to a roaring start.
Festival Director Geoff Ellis said:“When 17,000 fans joined us at Strathclyde Park for the inaugural T in the Park in 1994, I don’t think anyone could have imagined how the festival would grow and evolve. We are thrilled to be welcoming some of the world’s greatest artists to Kinross this July for our 20th edition, with a truly diverse line-up of seminal artists, global stars and the most exciting new breakthrough talent.
“Every year, artists tell us that our audience is like no other and that they love coming to T in the Park to play in front of one of the most passionate and enthusiastic crowds in the world. Earlier this month, T in the Park was named Pollstar’s International Music Festival of the Year and I believe we have our fans to thank for this prestigious award. It’s the legendary atmosphere that makes this festival special, and we can’t wait to celebrate our 20th year with the greatest audience in the world this July.”
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager, said:“What began in 1994 as a founding partnership between Tennent’s Lager and T in the Park, has become a hugely successful, long-standing relationship. When T in the Park began, Tennent’s and DF Concerts shared an ambition and vision for the festival, and we are thrilled to be part of a world renowned event which attracts the world’s finest musical talent. We are exceptionally proud to have been the T in T in the Park since the start and our passion for live music remains strong in the festival’s 20th year.”
Whether it rains or not, I am expecting the Scottish crowd to be out in full force, having been to T in the Park before I am more than familiar with the enthusiastic atmosphere consistent through all weather conditions! I'm almost as excited to see the festival goers that choose to slide face down through the mud as I am to see the numerous artists confirmed over the three days.
Having looked through the line-up I hope to see (as long as stage times don't clash) Snow Patrol, Florence and the Machine, Professor Green, The Blackout and Tinie Tempah on the Friday. On the Saturday I'll hope to catch The Stone Roses, David Guetta, Jessie J, Enter Shikari, Rizzle Kicks, and Fake Blood. On the Sunday, Kasabian, Nicki Minaj, Swedish House Mafia, Chase and Status, Skrillex, Twin Atlantic, Rita Ora and The Subways!
SEPTEMBER 2-4 2011 THE LINE-UP GETS BIGGER AND BETTER TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Regardless of the weather, you’re going to have to dig out your shades to get your peepers round the dazzling line-up of acts heading to Bingley Music Live this summer. From reggae-metal, blistering alt-rock and indie to bubblegum pop, grime and chart-topping dubstep, it’s a blast through the sonic spectrum, guaranteed to see the festival season off with a bang.
So let’s see. Who’ve we got? Well, first and foremost, there’s the headliners. New York funk-rockers FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS will top the FREE Friday night bill. Saturday night sees MAXIMO PARK apply some pressure, and the mighty CHASE AND STATUS will bring the weekend to a close.
Providing the beats over the weekend will be rising grime star DOT ROTTEN and collaborator RUSSO, Brit hip-hop heroes STEREO MCs and Example’s Unorthodox pal WRETCH 32. And bathe in the sun-kissed pop delights of ELIZA DOOLITTLE.
Plugging in and rocking out will be YOUNG GUNS and SKINDRED, with THE CORAL, ATHLETE, MYSTERYJETS, THESUNSHINEUNDERGROUND and JONFRATELLI dishing out the indie hits. Dreaming Of You? Wires? Young Love? Put You In Your Place? Baby, We’re Refugees? Whoever gets you dancing, there’s going to be a huge sing-along festival moment in there for everyone.
Over the last four years, music legends like THEBUZZCOCKS, HAPPYMONDAYS, JAMES, and PUBLIC IMAGE LTD andupcoming new artists and some of today’s hottest acts like EDITORS, THE BLACKOUT, EXAMPLE, THE FUTUREHEADS and KASSIDY have played to crowds of around 15,000 each day at Bingley Music Live.
It’s a secret that it quickly getting out and tickets are already getting snapped up. With a few more acts to be revealed, the line-up is already massive. And it’s only going to get better…
Weekend tickets are available from HMV stores around Yorkshire, Crash and Jumbo in Leeds, Attick in York, Leeds Visitor Centre and TICs around Yorkshire, and online at www.seetickets.com, priced £35 (plus bf).
For more information, visit www.bingleymusiclive.com. Like the festival at www.facebook.com/bingleymusiclive, or follow us at www.twitter.com/BingleyFestival
From Piccadilly station, across the city centre, and over to Fallowfield, a buzz of anticipation spread across town, as Manchester geared up for the return of Parklife Festival. Only in its second year, Parklife has a growing reputation for a party that you won’t soon forget. If waking up in a soggy sleeping bag isn’t your style, then this urban festival offers the best of both worlds; a weekend crammed with great music, without the pain of figuring out how to set up a tent. Relatively small, with only seven venues over two days, Parklife does all it can to pack as much as possible into that short time. From the relentless beats of the Chibuku tent on Saturday, to the best sounds coming out of Manchester in the Now Wave venue on Sunday, not to mention, the massive acts lighting up the main stage; Parklife may look small, but it’s one big weekend.
Following the crowds pouring into the park on Saturday afternoon, we were welcomed by Everything Everything, giving it their all up on the main stage, to an already pumped up crowd. As we explored the rest of the park, walking past the Chibuku tent, whose heavy bass already had the place packed out, we came across the secret garden; fabric art installations by Donna Jevens and the Elephant collective, as well as bath tubs to sit in and watch as spoken word acts, and buskers perform on their own stage. This slightly surreal, dreamscape installation was alive with people enjoying a rest from the unyielding party that continued on just around the corner. If that wasn’t already enough to spark our curiosity, past the spoken word, circus acts and tunnels of love, we came across the Truly Treemendous Treehouse Stage, which housed silent disco DJ’s in a tree, as well as a dance floor and some giant vegetable seating for everyone else to enjoy.
Back to the main stage, and Beardyman had replaced Everything Everything, enchanting crowds with his almost unbelievable beat boxing skills, cross over to the Now Wave tent to catch Jamie XX start off his set, and as the audience throw themselves into the rhythms, it was hard to believe that it was only six o’clock. Katy B’s clear vocals cut across the park, and drew the crowd back to watch her perform tracks like Broken Record and Perfect Stranger, with a completely different feel to her recorded work. Live band, coupled with a small brass section gave the set a more soulful feel than her latest album allowed for.
With the sun setting over the festival main stage, and the carnival atmosphere continuing, before we knew it, debut festival headliners Two Door Cinema Club, began their electrifying set. Playing tracks from their album, Tourist History, as well as new materiel with an infectious beat, they left the crowd screaming for more. As the throng poured out of the park and into numerous after parties, we were left to wonder, how could tomorrow top a night like this?
Day two broke with the sun rising over the city, but soon gave way to a more traditional UK festival climate. The rain transformed green grass pathways into mud planes, and we rejoiced as mudslides and wrestling commenced and the multitude turned from an array of colour to slimy brown. It was inevitable really, and nothing was going to get in the way of a great line up for day two.
In the Juicy tent, rammed all the way to the entrance, one of our Parklife highlights was Riot Jazz, a ten piece brass band, who pumped out a combination of punchy jazz, hip-hop, and funk beats, in true style. Making it impossible for anyone to be standing still, as tune after high energy tune blasted out in ecstasy before the rain drenched audience. The energy was astounding and just as we thought the crowd couldn’t dance any longer Broke n English took over to prove us wrong. Torn between staying to watch the set, and catching Labrinth’s debut festival appearance, we pulled ourselves away to head to the main stage, but before making it there, we crossed paths with a samba band and crowds dancing behind them.
The rain had stopped, but the mud was rising with Labrinth’s opening song to his first ever festival crowd. And after a bass heavy set from Skream & Benga, two thirds of legendary magnetic man, the air was heavy with anticipation as the crowds waited expectantly for day two main stage headliners, Chase & Status. With pounding rhythms, and heavy bass, soaring melodies, and awesome visuals, not one person was standing still as the main stage lit up for the final act of the year. And though sweat poured down their mud caked faces, the audience were swept away by a performance that kept getting better. Before leaving we popped into Now Wave to find a crowd of dancers falling in love with the crushed harmonies, and catchy melodies of Mystery Jets. And as our tired legs left Platt Field Park for the final time, we couldn’t help but think that Parklife, will only keep getting better.
