Major Lazer & LCD Soundsystem to headline Lovebox 2016 plus more

Now entering its fourteenth year, London’s favourite festival Lovebox returns to its home in Victoria Park for its biggest year yet.

Having already announced two explosive, London exclusive headliners, in the form of the long-awaited reunion of LCD Soundsystem and global phenomenon Major Lazer, the two-day celebration of music, food, fashion and creativity unveils a ram-packed, genre-spanning and era-defining billing.

From the hottest zeitgeist acts to established legends, hip hop to dance, grime to electronica, it’s a fully-formed line-up that cements Lovebox 2016 as the musical event of the summer.

MAJOR LAZER (FRIDAY)
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM (SATURDAY)

WITH (IN A-Z ORDER):

ALAN FITZPATRICK – ANDRES CAMPO – B.TRAITS – BIG NARSTIE – BILLY KENNY – 
CHET FAKER – CHRONIXX –
THE COMPOZERS – CRAIG RICHARDS CRITICAL SOUNDSYSTEM: KASRA B2B IVY LAB B2B SAM BINGA FEAT REDDERS –
DAVID RODIGAN MBE – DE LA SWING – DIPLO – DJ BARELY LEGAL – DJ HYPE & MC IC3 FORMATION – FRIEND WITHIN –
GEORGE CLINTON PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC – GEORGE PRIVATTI – GOLDLINK – HANNAH WANTS – HOT BLOOD – JACK GARRATT – JACKMASTER – JAMIE WOON (LIVE) – JORIS VOORN – JUNGLE – JUSTIN MARTIN – KANO – KIASMOS – LUCIANO – MIIKE SNOW – MØ – MELÉ + MONKI’S NRG FLASH  – ODESZA – OH WONDER – ONEMAN B2B MY NU LENG – PATRICK TOPPING – PREDITAH – RICARDO VILLALOBOS – RICHY AHMED – RITON – RUN THE JEWELS – SG LEWIS (LIVE) STEVE LAWLER – STORMZY -TERRY FRANCIS – T Q D (ROYAL T B2B DJ Q B2B FLAVA D) – WAZE & ODYSSEY

ALL WEEKEND LONG

FABRIC LONDON
EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL DEBUT

ELROW PRESENTS SAMBODROMO DO BRASIL

MUSIC, MISCHIEF AND DANCING AT THE CARNIVAL BANDSTAND “TROPISKARNIVAL” PRESENTED BY GLOBAL LOCAL, VINTAGE REMIX AND WORMFOOD

SPIN AROUND AT THE BUMP ROLLER DISCO

NEW VOICES AT THE VOICEBOX WITH ROUNDHOUSE AND APPLES & SNAKES

FASHION AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUES
LONDON’S TASTIEST STREET FOOD
AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON…

Opening for Major Lazer on Friday are cult favourites Run The Jewels, the critically acclaimed rap duo who have released two of the best mixtapes of the past few years and carved out a reputation as one of the best live acts on the planet. This incendiary double act, AKA Killer Mike and El-P, are one of the most charismatic and compelling acts in hip hop today, merging socially conscious lyrics with huge beats. They’re the perfect act to fire up the crowd in time for Major Lazer’s headlining slot.

The voice of Major Lazer’s global smash ‘Lean On’, and fast-rising star in her own right will be performing tracks from her highly-anticipated sophomore album, as well as fan favourites from her debut No Mythologies To Follow.

Jamaican superstar Chronixx will be treating the Lovebox crowd to his modern take on reggae, whilst man of the moment Stormzy will be bringing his neo-grime flow and viral freestyles to the Park. Stormzy says: “This is going to be so so sick”.

Hip hop, grime, and drum and bass will all be represented on the Friday, with US rapper GoldLink, D&B producer DJ Hype & MC IC3, Flava D, DJ Q and Royal T’s project t q d, outspoken emcee Big Narstie and D&B collective Critical Soundsystem.

There’ll be unmissable sets from some of the world’s biggest DJs. Before he steps on to the Main Stage Diplo will be spinning solo, Ed Banger alum Riton will perform, as will Lovebox friend and favourite David Rodigan MBE. The unstoppable Hannah Wants, dirtybird co-founder Justin Martin plus Waze & Odyssey, Friend Within and Billy Kenny will also be in attendance and there will be special collaborative sets from the most exciting names on the UK dance scene with Oneman B2B with My Nu Leng plus Melé + Monki’s NRG Flash.

Across the weekend, Lovebox are thrilled to join forces with another London musical institution – the mighty fabric. One of the world’s biggest and best club spaces, they’ll be bringing a killer line-up to a festival field for the very first time.

fabric say: “As an East London venue ourselves we’re especially delighted to be hosting a stage at this year’s Lovebox and to be bringing a whole lot of what we do and the artists we love to the festival.  It’s taken a lot of work from both Lovebox and fabric to make this exclusive concept happen and it’ll be our first time ever bringing fabric to the field.”

On the Saturday, Lovebox are delighted to welcome London collective Jungle to the stage for an England and Wales festival exclusive. The band’s modern take on soul make them a perfect fit to perform ahead of Saturday night headliners LCD Soundsystem who are also known for their innovative interpretations of classic genres. Jungle have developed a reputation for being a formidable, hugely fun live act and as the sun sets on the Park they’ll provide an appropriately atmospheric soundtrack. Jungle say: “Lovebox is legendary and we feel so lucky to be a part of it this year. Nothing beats playing outdoors in your own city… See you in July!”

Some of the brightest singer-songwriters will be serenading the masses, from Australian electronic musician Chet Faker to the experimental, acclaimed Jamie Woon (live) via the folktronica sensation Jack Garratt.

East London’s own Kano will be performing tracks from his long-awaited new album Made in the Manor, as well as classic cuts from his back catalogue.

Some of the biggest names in dance will be spinning, including techno legend Ricardo Villalobos, tech house wizard Craig Richards and producer Terry Francis.

That’s not all – there’s anthemic electropop from duo Oh Wonder, hook-laden Swedish indie pop from Miike Snow, lush electronica from SG Lewis (live), beautifully minimal Icelandic techno from Kiasmos and electronica-tinged rock from Seattle duo Odesza.

Lovebox are honoured to play host to the legendary George Clinton and his funk, soul and rock collective Parliament Funkadelic. Their euphoric live shows are something to behold.

Barcelona party-starters Elrow will also be returning to the Park following several sold out London shows. Their trademark fun-loving theatrics will be reapplied this time in the style of Brazilian carnival for Elrow Presents Sambodromo do Brasil.

Vice music channels Noisey and Thump will return to Lovebox once more to curate their own forward-thinking, individual stages, as will Hackney’s NTS Radio, Soundcrash in association with Clash, Krankbrother and Corona Sunsets.

Kopparberg is set to bring a taste of scandi-cool to this summer’s Lovebox and Citadel with the arrival of the popular Kopparberg Urban Forest.

Carved into the forest will be a woodland bar serving up all kinds of refreshment from the independent Kopparberg brewery in Sweden, including its selection of delicious fruit ciders and the brand new Kopparberg Fruit Lager.

Kopparberg will also be supporting the very best in creative and imaginative live music, by hosting a series of pioneering artists and DJs on its renowned Urban Forest stage.

As well as a thrilling musical line-up, there is plenty to experience in the Park over the weekend. Shangri-La Superstar’s “Tropiskarnival” Bandstand boasts an eclectic programming of world music and dance programmed by Chris Tofu, with performances from the likes of United Vibrations, Temple Funk Collective and Cut Capers.

The Voicebox presented by Roundhouse and Apples and Snakes platforms emerging voices in spoken word and poetry, whilst revellers can spin around to DJ sets at the Bump Roller Disco, sample London’s tastiest street foods and browse the finest fashion and beauty boutiques.

With even more incredible talent still to be announced, this will go down as another unforgettable chapter in Lovebox’s rich history.

Field Day 2015 Review – Saturday

Field Day, held in East London’s Victoria Park and now in its eighth year, is a festival that always caters to a wide range of music tastes. This is arguably what puts it ahead of its rivals and cements its status as one of, if not, the best London music festivals of its kind. Saturday’s line up leant slightly towards the electronic but did not fail in providing ticket holders with a first class choice of acts that led to the day selling out.

London’s Benjamin Garrett, who goes by the stage name Fryars, attracted an impressive and attentive crowd during his mid-afternoon set at the Shacklewell Arms stage. A firm favourite with music critics, Fryars set the day’s bar high with his piano pop melodies and sweet, meaningful vocals. Starting his set off slow with tracks including a rather sombre ‘On Your Own’, Fryars finished on a high with ‘Cool Like Me’ – an upbeat track reminiscent of Daft Punk which was the main highlight of the set. It may be true that Fryars sounds better on record and looks like a hipster but the set did not feel out of place on the festival bill.

Photos by Carolina Faruolo

As soon as Kindness hit the stage albeit a bit late, it was clear the crowd were in for a treat, as the whole band seemed in very high spirits. The brainchild of Brit Adam Bainbridge, Kindness were no strangers to the worldwide music scene having played everywhere from South by Southwest (SXSW) in Texas to the Sydney Opera House. What was great about this band was there was no hierarchy – each member of the group had their time to shine. We had impressive melodic vocal solos from the chirpy backing singers, various co-ordinated dance moves and a lot of tambourine shaking. There was even a guest performance and a funk inspired cover of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, which got the whole crowd going. With the qualities of both Jungle and Primal Scream, it was an impressive set that would no doubt keep you grooving. Kindness were definitely the highlight set of the day and very much screamed funk and soul soundtrack of summer.

Scottish art-rock favourite’s Django Django used their Field Day set to play tracks from their recently released new album ‘Born Under Saturn’ which received a great response from the crowd. The track ‘Reflection’ was a particular crowd pleaser.

A sneak peek into the packed Crack Magazine tent uncovers electronica favourite Chet Faker performing a cover of Backstreet’s ‘No Diggity’ for which the crowd go wild.

One of the most hyped artists of this year, FKA Twigs was unapologetically late to start her set at the Crack Magazine stage. It seemed that the crowd forgave all as she appeared, engulfed in mountains of smoke and began flirting with the audience. Almost ethereal in her presence, it seemed that the crowd were admiring her beauty more than admiring her music and this seemed to translate into a somewhat disconnected performance as she tried to keep the mystery alive. The acoustics in the tent were not great but FKA Twigs’s trip hop beats and whispery vocals still managed to mesmerise the overflowing crowd ready in time for Caribou’s headline set. 

Photos by Carolina Faruolo

It may be surprising to some that Caribou headlined Field Day Saturday but Canadian Dan Snaith’s band has established a huge cult following since its inception in 2005. The career spanning set produced not only the best of the electronic and the psychedelic but also included a spectacular visual display, which truly secured their status as an impressive headline act. Highlights included the lead single from 2010 Album ‘Swim’ – ‘Odessa’ and ‘Our Love’.

FK Twigs, Run the Jewels and more added to Field Day 2015 lineup

Field Day welcome double Brit Awards nominee and Mercury nominee FKA Twigs, whose Field Day performance will be a London festival exclusive. The exceptional dancer turned singer, songwriter and producer has released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014 – her outstanding debut 'LP1'. Already considered a modern music and style icon, FKA Twigs is swiftly establishing herself as one of the most interesting and enigmatic faces in British music.

FKA Twigs

Also on board are Run The Jewels, the hip hop super duo formed by underground kings Killer Mike and El-P, in charge of the brilliant ‘Run The Jewels 1’ – Pitchfork’s top album of the year; as well as Hudson Mohawke, one of the most exciting producers to come out of Scotland in the last ten years, seducing rap-heads and ravers alike with his neon-lit E&B and warehouse smashing low-end beats and producing for char topping urban-pop names like Kanye West, Chris Brown and Azealia Banks.

 
Meanwhile, Norwegian cosmic disco Producer and Field Day favourite Todd Terje, creator of some of the most memorable dance floor hits in recent years, will be performing live with his full band The Olsen’s for the first time in the UK. Fingers crossed for a Bryan Ferry guest appearance…!
 
We are honoured to have Radiohead’s drummer Philip Selway with us this year, as well as the brilliantTune-Yards, whose explosive live performances are as thrilling and unshakeable as her music. Also confirmed is Fryars, the musical brainchild of London-based Benjamin Garreet, whose peerless sound has won him fans from Kanye West to Depeche Mode.
 
World music has always played a notable part on Field Day’s line up. Joining the brilliant Ethiopian Keyboardist Hailu Mergia are Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté. In a rare father-and-son collaboration, Toumani, a genius of African music and widely recognised as the greatest living kora player will be joined by his talented son Sidiki, Mali’s best beat maker and kora’s emerging star. This will be a very special performance and we absolutely cannot wait to have them at Field Day this year.
 
In addition, Brian Shimkovitz aka Awesome Tapes from Africa will be responsible for an unforgettable DJ set on twin tape decks, exploring obscure and wonderful sounds from across the continent.
 
Expect epic sets from Young Turks signed, Barcelona producer John Talabot, responsible for his outstanding 2012 debut ‘ƒIN’; exceptional producer and DJ Floating Points, who’s won over crowds around the world with his strictly vinyl club session, climbing the ranks of the globe’s most impressive DJ’s; as well as sets from Rinse FM residents Elijah & Skilliam, and fast rising Brighton deep-house producer Leon Vynehall
 
+ sets from Huw Stephens, Marc Riley, Phil Taggart, Tom Ravenscroft, Volte-Face, Bad Vibrationsand Georgie Rogers!!

Field Day announce first phase of 2015 lineup

Having announced seminal band Ride’s long-awaited return last week, we are delighted to release the first set of acts for Field Day Saturday 6th June and Sunday 7th June 2015.

We are extremely honoured to announce that the iconic Patti Smith and her band will be joining headliners Ride on the Field Day Sunday line up. Her ground breaking 1975 debut ‘Horses’ was a landmark album whose influence grows with every year that passes. 2015 will mark the 40th anniversary of the album, and Patti, together with her band, will be performing it in its entirety on the Field Day main stage, alongside some other classics we all know and love.

Also on board for Field Day Sunday are atmospheric Brooklyn four-piece DIIV, who, lead by musical provocateur Zachary Cole Smith will be making their first London appearance in two years at Field Day – with brand new music. They will be joined by New Jersey band Ducktails, the increasingly less ‘solo’ endeavour of Matt Mondanile (of Real Estate); as well as Liverpudlian synth poppers Outfit, and conceptual pop artist Jane Weaver, who will bring her beautiful synth psych-pop and Stereolab-esque sounds to Field Day.

To headline the main Eat Your Own Ears stage on the Saturday, Field Day will be warmly welcoming back Caribou. A regular Field Day favourite since the very first edition in 2007, Dan Snaith released his sublime and critically acclaimed sixth album ‘Our Love’ earlier this autumn. We literally can’t wait to have him and his band at Field Day again – this time as the well-deserved headliner!

Caribou will be joined by an eclectic line up which includes the anticipated comeback of 2012 Mercury Prize nominees Django Django. Their closing set at FD2013 has been one of our fondest Field Day memories and we are very excited to see what 2015 will bring.

Also on board is Melbourne producer Chet Faker with his nebulous intersection of R&B and soul-influenced electronic music, as well as Kindness’ Adam Bainbridge, who will bring his sensual experimental soul grooves of his latest brilliant release ‘Otherness’ to Victoria Park.

We are very excited to welcome composer, violinist, and vocalist Owen Pallet; who is also known for his previous violin-looping live project Final Fantasy and his work with everyone from Arcade Fire, The National and Beirut, to The Brooklyn Philharmonic, The National Ballet of Canada and The Barbican Centre.

World music has always played a significant part in Field Day’s line up and we are delighted to have the brilliant Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia with us this year, joined by Tony Buck and Mike Majkowski. Mergia’s ground breaking 1977 record with the Walias (Ethiopiques) “Tche Belew”, a collection of instrumental jazz and groove recordings, has just been re-released last month by Awesome Tapes from Africa.

We are thrilled to announce that Russian techno DJ Nina Kraviz, one of dance music’s breakthrough names of the last five years, will be headlining the Bugged Out tent at Field Day 2015 with her signature raw blend of house and techno. Listening to her productions and DJ sets more than proves the acclaim she has received and we can’t wait for her to bring her acid infused sound to Field Day.

Also confirmed are rapper and multi-instrumentalist Madlib (DJ), The Guardian’s 2014 break-through actSOPHIE, a live set from the esteemed producer Clark, who just released his self-titled seventh album via Warp earlier this month; as well as Lithuanian Berlin-based Ten Walls, who shot to prominence with the anthemic brilliance of ‘Walking With Elephants’, one of the biggest tracks of last year.

Stunning Brooklyn-based Colombian Tei Shi (aka Valerie Teicher), the dazzling exponent of celestial R&B and pop electronica is also on board; as well as sister trio Jagaara, known for their soaring powerful vocals and beautifully arranged, atmospheric instrumentation. Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound label has a knack of picking up true talents and the acquisition of Ghost Culture is no different – we are very pleased to see him added to the Field Day line up.

We are excited to announce two very special exclusive b2b sets at Field Day 2015: Expect an epic b2b set from Berghain residents and techno mammoths Ben Klock and Marcel Dettman and a one-off exclusive b2b set from the brilliant and Field Day favourite Daniel Avery and Andrew Weatherall.

After a hugely successful and unforgettable weekend event last summer, the 9th edition of Field Day will be held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2015 at its home in Victoria Park in the heart of East London.

Tom Baker, President of Field Day: "After a dream-come-true last week and Ride coming back after 20 years to headline Field Day Sunday, I’m really thrilled that Caribou (someone I’ve worked with for many, many, years), will close the main EYOE stage on Saturday.  It’s of course amazing to have Patti Smith and her band performing the incredible  Horses, alongside so many other exciting acts over the weekend: everyone from Ethiopiques legend Hailu Mergia to Django Django, DIIV and Ducktails all back with brand new music… just so many… Bring on June 2015!”

As with years gone by, Field Day will be providing ample entertainment for those looking for respite from the music in the Village Mentality area on The Village Green. Expect traditional side stalls inspired by country pastimes and weird and wonderful fete games such as sack racing, tug-o-war, tea bag tossing, winkle picking competition and last year’s highlight: the Nettle Eating Competition.

Joan as Policewoman and more join Wilderness Festival lineup

Having already announced the legendary Burt Bacharach, London Grammar and Metronomy, the Summer Festival Guide brings you the latest artists added to this years wonderful Wilderness Festival lineup.

Now, even more stellar names join the spectacular rollcall of talent, with the inimitable Joan as Policewoman leading the charge. With the release of her latest album “The Classic”, her position as one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of recent times is confirmed, and her set is sure to be a dazzling highlight. The folk pop duo of Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, otherwise known as Slow Club will also be road testing material from their forthcoming record “Complete Surrender”, while Chet Faker will be essaying his gorgeous, mesmerising blend of jazz and electronica. White hot emergent poet turned acoustic artist Jack Savoretti will be casting his compelling spell over audiences, while beguiling art rock threesome Teleman, seraph-voiced new musician Josh Record and Irish artist Hozier, known for his breakthrough hit “Take Me to Church”, will all be present and correct as well.

Besides this, there will also be talks, debates and literary forums, activities for families and children including the Roald Dahl Museum and Storystock, and outdoor pursuits such as fly fishing, wild medicine walks, boating and much, much more – you can even treat yourself to a visit to The Sanctuary for some much needed pampering!