Claptone

Claptone’s Masquerade at Pacha Ibiza Review

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One of Ibizas iconic nightclubs Pacha was our choice of destination in our visit over to the White Isle this week. Pacha is steeped in history hosting some of the biggest nights on the island week in and week out over the primetime summer months.

This year, every Saturday night, the masked legend that is Claptone, hosts his Masquerade evening at Pacha. Walking through the door, we gladly accepted a gold venetian style mask, much like the one Claptone wears, and headed through the foyer and into the famed dance floor.

Supporting the German DJ on the night are Lovra, Dom Dolla and Jacques Lu Cont. Strolling in early, Lovra is on the wheels of steel, getting the crowd warmed up for the evening. Her energy behind the decks is infectious and the dance floor fills before Dom Dolla takes to the decks. The house music producer from Australia treats the crowd through an uplifting set, full of hands in the air tracks right before the main act for the night arrives.

Arriving in his Masquerade attire, Claptone’s gold mask shines beneath the amazing lighting system Pacha has installed on its ceiling. With the main room, now full to the brim and the surrounding VIP tables packed, Claptone takes us on a journey through some of his biggest hits and remixes. Professional dancers wearing all sorts of funky outfits take position on the various podiums around the room and across the DJ booth and groove as Claptone kicks off his set. The headline set starts as expected with a banging house hit Lauren (I Can’t Stay Forever) by Oden & Fatzo, the crowd erupts into cheers, fists are pumping, heads nodding and bodies grooving. This really sets the scene for the rest of the evening, Claptone’s two hour set has the crowd reacting to every single tune. I, along with pretty much everyone else on the dance floor, remain dancing for the entire set, and that is testament to the quality of music that Claptone provided on the night. Towards the end of his set the music was taken up a notch, Claptone’s tech house sound rounding off what I can only describe as musically one of the most entertaining sets I’ve heard live in a long time!

If I’d recommend a night in Ibiza this summer, I’m most definitely going to recommend Masquerade at Pacha. The crowd, the music, and the atmosphere where just right for a night to dance away too.

Claptone is playing every Saturday evening until the 6th of October. Huge thanks to the Pacha PR team for accommodating us on the evening.

Wilkinson and more added to SW4 2017

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Adding to the bank holiday festivities is a further twenty world-renowned acts, each regarded as an innovator within their specific genre. Hence continuing our wide ranging remit for 2017 which has resulted in phenomenal ticket sales to date. So drumroll please as South West Four proudly presents the next artists to join London’s biggest dance music festival…

MORE SATURDAY ACTS ANNOUNCED!

WILKINSON (LIVE)

After blasting to fame in 2012 with sensational track ‘Afterglow’, this home grown talent has crafted releases now considered amongst the best of contemporary dance music. His exhilarating LIVE shows have seen Wilkinson wow festivals from UK to the USA. Plus with hype for new album ‘Hypnotic’ beginning to swell, a UK Tour about to commence and selling out Camden’s prestigious venue ‘The Roundhouse’ weeks in advance, we can’t wait for Wilkinson to kill it at SW4!

PLUS DJ SETS FROM (A-Z)
CAMELPHAT, CLAPTONE, GOLDIE VS MY NU LENG, HYPE B2B HAZARD, JULIO BASHMORE, KC LIGHTS, KUNGS, SASASAS

CAMELPHAT
An unprecedented twelve months has seen Camelphat capture the hearts of revellers around the world with charismatic productions and invigorating showcases. As proved by new release ‘The System’ achieving Top 10 status in Beatport’s ‘Deep House’ chart and EP ‘Deets’ commended by industry champions such as Pete Tong. Expect these guys to fire things up on the Common.
 
CLAPTONE
Returning for a third time, this mysterious enigma prepares for another aural assault at SW4. That jazzy re-work of ‘Liquid Spirit’ was labeled last year’s feel good anthem, with widespread acclaim catapulting Claptione into the elite of electronic music. Since then a capacity show at London’s illustrious Electric Brixton, regular performances at Ministry of Sound plus Amnesia Ibiza amongst others and the burgeoning popularity of Claptone’s raucous parties under ‘The Masquerade’ banner – deem this a flagship inclusion for 2017 .
 
GOLDIE VS MY NU LENG
With a career spanning over two decades Goldie is regarded a true legend. His OBE recognition is instrumental in inspiring not only aspiring artists but industry peers too! Fitting then this household name makes a SW4 debut on Saturday, for one of the Capital’s most anticipated festival appearances this summer. But don’t forget the best things come in pairs!
 
So to form an ear splitting ensemble, Goldie is joined by My Nu Leng – current trailblazers in bass music for a B2B of epic proportions! The Bristol based duo may be relative newcomers but are cherished within the scene for production skills second-to-none and an incomparable sound. Earning regular airtime on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, this exposure has led to global recognition in record time.
 
HYPE B2B HAZARD
Known for CDJ wizardry and a jaw dropping dexterity behind the decks, DJ Hype is amongst the most respected ever ambassadors for D&B. His trend setting label ‘Playaz’ has gone from strength to strength with a standout residency at Fabric, crowned by a jump-up style and technical ability which mystifies the dance floor.
 
Joining our main man will be the protégé himself! In just a few years, Hazard has knocked out anthems aplenty and is now recognized as an outstanding producer. A force to be reckoned with, this exclusive London back to back a proud addition to this year’s roster.
 
JULIO BASHMORE
Julio’s distinctive sound dictates he always stands tall from the crowd, taking influence from icons such as Daft Punk and Cassius. Managing to hone his sound down the years to produce some of the most accomplished house music tracks of recent times. Pushing a unique sound to earn endorsements from Annie Mac and Carl Cox, as well as headline shows throughout Europe on a regular basis. So onwards and upwards as Julio joins an array of the scene’s stalwarts to make his long awaited SW4 debut on Saturday 26th August.
 
KC LIGHTS
In 2015, KC Lights illuminated the house music genre as ‘No No No’ became the definitive Ibiza anthem of that year. The smash hit soared to No.3 and No.10 respectively in the dance charts for Radio 1 and Shazam, leading to Annie Mac proclaiming ‘Yes Yes Yes’ for inclusion in her namesake compilation ‘AM Presents…’ A career defining moment then, which has continued to grow with frequent collaborations and performances alongside heavyweights MK, Rudimental, Danny Howard and Hannah Wants. We are super stoked for this Glaswegian producer to bring his melodic and fresh beats to South West Four!
 
KUNGS
The last twelve months has been a whirlwind for the fledgling producer, as Kungs continues to forge a unique and distinct niche. His remix of ‘This Girl’ erupted into the charts, claiming top spots in Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland and receiving prestigious ‘Platinum’ status in both Britain and Australia. At just twenty years old, this young age belies a tour itinerary which has included playing alongside David Guetta, NERVO and Robin Schulz. Plus with the excitement which surrounded debut album ‘Layers’ still very much lingering, Kungs at SW4 will be class.
 
NETSKY
Adored by fans worldwide, Netsky’s talents both in the studio and whilst performing knows no limits. From humble beginnings to selling out stadium sized shows in all four continents, Netsky has become a mainstay at South West Four. Recently announcing his own stage at ‘Tomorrowland’ and selling out a series of tours with both his live and DJ concepts, the man from Antwerp has never seen so many accolades! A favourite with the Clapham Common faithful we can’t wait to welcome him back.
 
SASASAS
What do you get when combining six of the slickest MCs and DJs in Drum and Bass? Think a sonic boom of energy and explosion of intense sound, an unrivaled experience that’s not to be missed! The collective consisting of Harry Shotta, Stormin’, Shabba D, Skibadee, Macky Gee and DJ Phantasy have already performed a host of recent sell out shows and specifically chose SW4 as next on the hit list. An ever-growing fan base and unbelievable buzz meant we had no option but to duly accept.

SW4 LINE UP SO FAR 
 
SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST
 
PENDULUM (LIVE)
ERIC PRYDZ
SIGMA LIVE
WILKINSON LIVE
DUKE DUMONT
(A-Z)
CAMELPHAT
CLAPTONE
HANNAH WANTS
HYPE B2B HAZARD
JULIO BASHMORE
KC LIGHTS
KUNGS
MK
MAYA JANE COLES VS HEIDI
MISTAJAM
PATRICK TOPPING
SAM FELDT (LIVE)
SASASAS
SONNY FODERA VS LOW STEPPA
 
SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST
 
DEADMAU5
KNIFE PARTY
MARCO CAROLA
(A-Z)
DUSKY LIVE
GARETH EMERY
MATADOR LIVE
NICKY ROMERO
PAN-POT
THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS
ZINC VS CHRIS LORENZO

SW4 2015 main stage lineups complete

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When it comes to modern times, no other musical prodigy has dominated airwaves and filled stadiums across the planet like Martin Garrix. In the space of less than two years this Dutch teenager has taken the world by storm, with a list of achievements which often prove difficult to comprehend. Aged just 16, Martin became the youngest producer to have ever reached the number one spot in the Beatport charts. He has since achieved a UK #1 selling single, broke Top 10 charts in a further ten countries and headlined many of the world’s most popular electronic music festivals including Ultra, Electric Daisy Carnival, Tomorrowland and Mysterland. In an ultra-rare London performance, Martin returns to the Capital on Sunday 30th August to make his South West Four debut. We’re ready. Are you?

 

ALSO ADDED TO SW4 LINEUP…

CLAPTONE [LIVE]

KIDNAP KID · SAM DIVINE

JESSE JAMES & JOHNNY BLOOMFIELD · HILTON CASWELL · BOWLER

As one of the hottest artists currently residing in the global electronic scene, South West Four is delighted to bring Claptone’s incredible live show to London for the very first time on Saturday 29th August. Having featured on Radio1’s Essential Mix and headlined Ministry of Sound this past weekend alone, Claptone has been on a crest of a wave in recent times. His latest track ‘The Music Got Me’ achieved Essential New Tune status on Pete Tong’s Radio1 show a couple of weeks back, which along with ‘Forest Of Love’ and his superb remix of Gregory Porter’s ‘Liquid Spirit’, has completed a hat-trick of Claptone productions which have stormed Beatport’s ‘Deep House’ Top 10 this year. With more productions on their way this summer via his debut album, the man behind the mask will illustrate at SW4 that when it comes to 2015, this is the year of Claptone.

A key member of Rudimental’s colossal Black Butter camp, Kidnap Kid has ridden the house and garage renaissance of recent times, to develop his own sound that makes him difficult to pigeonhole. Setting the trends for others to follow, Kidnap Kid represents this very British sound on an international level. His record ‘Vehl’ won iTunes ‘Best Electronic Song’ of 2012, whilst his summer anthem ’Survive’ went straight to the top of the Hype Machine charts. Kidnap Kid has remixed a plethora of musical talent including Disclosure, Rudimental, Clean Bandit and Emile Sande and with the continued backing of Black Butter, the future looks very bright for this young tastemaker. Kidnap Kid can be found playing Fatboy Slim’s Smile High Club at SW4 on Saturday 29thAugust.

As the first lady of Defected Records, Sam Divine is the guaranteed floor-filler and party starter who has developed into one of the most popular and passionate DJs on the house circuit. Armed with a summer diary filled with tour dates across Europe and beyond, her sets are a blend of deep, vocal and Balearic house, with the mighty feline making her South West Four debut on Sunday 30th August. With a new summer residency on the horizon in the Defected room at Together at Amnesia Ibiza, Sam has carved herself a formidable path. Set to enjoy a strong and long lasting career we can’t wait to bring her to Clapham Common for the first time this August.

Ceremony Festival full lineup announced

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With the full programme for both festival and After Party now revealed Found presents: Ceremony explores 360 degrees of underground dance culture, looking to the past, present and future to present a stellar multi-arena celebration at Finsbury Park on the 13th September. Featuring the early influencers, the new school and the future vanguards of electronic sound, expert party starters FOUND will deliver an ideal way to round off the summer season with the likes of Inner City LIVE, Louie Vega, Lil Louis, DJ Sneak, Richy Ahmed, Claptone, DJ W!ld, Roy Davis Jr, Route 94, Nick Curly, Simon Baker, Todd Terry and many more…

Continuing the party over at Egg London, Ceremony’s after party will run for a colossal twelve hours running between 10pm – 10am, across five rooms of music. A refined cut of the Ceremony line up, the marathon party will feature the firm FOUND favourite DJ Sneak, much loved for his gangster induced Chicago house that’s a sure fire winner on the dance floor. Also representing the US are the legendary Todd Terry and Roy Davis Jr, who will both serve up their unique take on house that seemingly paved the way for its predecessors. Crosstown Rebels mainstay Fur Coat will also feature, whilst Citizen, Simon Baker, Applebottom and The Menendez Brothers complete the line up. With very limited £13.50 tickets on sale now, the after party promises to be particularly special for those who like it longer, with Egg’s new outdoor garden terrace providing a stylish and unique party setting. 

Building on FOUND’s reputation for hosting unforgettable parties, Ceremony has been expertly crafted to deliver the very best musical experience for its partygoers.  Featuring a total of 7 arenas, line-ups for a further two stages of music have now been revealed with red hot west London promoters, So Fresh So Clean set to make their festival debut. After launching in 2013, close members of the FOUND family, So Fresh So Clean have rejuvenated the West London clubbing scene with their classic hip-hop and RnB jams from the 90s and double-ohs. Headlining the stage is Todd Terry, who will grace the turntables with his ground breaking underground sound that originally hit big in the UK before his native home of the US. A bastion of true, fresh house music, the Grammy nominated producer will play an exclusive old school hip-hop set that excellently personifies the So Fresh So Clean ethos, and is a must-see for those hoping to get that house party feeling. Having already amassed a fun loving fan base, the So Fresh So Clean residents The Menendez Brothers, Rollo and Remi, will get the gin and juice flowing and ensure the vibe never falters. Supporting acts include Dan Hills, Alex Crescent, Nite Sleaze, Hutch and Get Dippy, all offering a slice of London’s most cutting edge 90s infused beats. 

The seventh and final arena will be hosted by legendary record label and promotion outfit Groove Odyssey. With deeply rooted ties tracing back to seminal figures of house such as Kerri Chandler, Joey Negro and Kenny Dope, Groove Odyssey are perfectly placed to complete Ceremony’s journey through sonic history and beyond. One of the most prolific house vocalists of all time, Robert Owens tops the bill for some throwback Chicago classics for what will undoubtedly be a memorable session. A FOUND boiler room set with the late visionary Frankie Knuckles last year proved he is a deft hand at conjuring groove inducing sets, and his performance for Groove Odyssey will be no exception. East end twins Bobby & Steve accompany the Groove Odyssey line up, famed for their soulful Garage sounding ‘Zoo Experience’. Next up is Paul Trouble Anderson, a mainstay of the London soulful house music scene for well over 25 years and renowned for his disco-infused, funky house that has rocked many a warehouse party. Fellow Londoner’s Phil Asher and Jazzy M will bring a hefty helping of vintage house music, whilst duo’s DJ Leo & Funky Smith and Joel S & Panther will take the musical journey through to the late 90s. Continuing to incorporate each sub genre of house is Kev Chase, with Randy Peterson & Yooks and David Bailey & Ted Lawrence completing Groove Odyssey’s legendary line up. 

Found have also revealed fun-filled theme for their VIP arena which will be transformed into a jungle for the day. VIP tickets offer an extra stage of music, additional bars, seating area, luxury facilities and fast-track entry.

EVENT DETAILS.

Ceremony Festival

Date: Saturday 13th September 2014 – 11am-10pm

Venue: Finsbury Park, London

Line-up:

CEREMONY MAIN STAGE

Louie Vega / Lil Louis

Claptone

Richy Ahmed

Route 94

Adana Twins

Kidnap Kid

Flashmob

Droog

Chasing Kurt LIVE

51ST STATE

Inner City LIVE

DJ Sneak

Todd Terry

Kevin Saunderson

Roy Davis Jr.

Grant Nelson

URBAN NERDS 

Tropical: Skepta, Jme, Preditah, Logan Sama and Plastician

M A N I K

DJ Luck & MC Neat + Kie

Cause & Affect

Tom Shorterz

Just Kiddin

Matt Jam Lamont

Woz

*Special Guest*

Sam Supplier

MAGNA CARTA 

Nick Curly b2b Simon Baker

DJ W!LD

Fur Coat

Sidney Charles b2b Santé

Jordan Peak

East End Dubs

VIP ARENA: EGG LDN PRESENTS

Chez Damier

Citizen

Krankbrother

Denney

The Menendez Brothers

The Willers Brothers

Kyle E

GROOVE ODYSSEY 

Robert Owens

Bobby & Steve 

Paul Trouble Anderson

Phil Asher

Jazzy M

DJ Leo & Funky Smith

Joel S & Panther

Kev Chase

Randy Peterson & Yooks

David Bailey & Ted Lawrence

SO FRESH SO CLEAN

Todd Terry (Hip-Hop) 

Dan Hills

The Menendez Brothers 

Alex Crescent

Nite Sleaze

Hutch 

Get Dippy

Rollo 

Remi

Martin 2 Smoove