Ed Sheeran

Summer Festival Guide’s preview of this years RockNess

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Very few festivals offer such a diverse selection of bands in a setting as breath taking as RockNess. Now in its seventh year the festival returns the weekend after jubilee bank holiday weekend in the stunning surroundings of Clune Farm on the banks of Loch Ness.

With a little over three weeks to go and the e-mail confirming my attendance fresh in my inbox it’s certainly something to get excited about and to kick start the UK festival season.
 
Rockness will be the first big festival I’ll be photographing and reporting on, several artists within the massive line-up have already caught my eye and will be a definite must to photograph over the weekend.
 
I will have the opportunity to experience new artists and bands alongside those already seen, on top of interacting with the crowd on a whole new level; Working a festival with this different perspective & atmosphere will make it one to remember.
 
DeadMau5
 
RockNess 2012 promises to be a success once again after winning the NME Awards Best Small Festival for the second consecutive year. The eclectic line-up sees English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran headline on Friday, Canadian Electro house producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman AKA Deadmau5 lead the bill on Saturday and Scottish rock sensation Biffy Clyro brining the festival to a close on Sunday. Other live acts appearing across the weekend include Wretch 32, Noah & the Whale, Mumford & Sons, Annie Mac, Justice, The Pigeon Detectives, DJ Fresh, Friendly Fires, Knife Party, Madeon & Beardyman while the Comedy stage is host once again to Scottish Comedian of the Year, Ro Campbel along-side Daniel Sloss with many more also appearing.
 
Click here to goto the official RockNess website
 
Written by Dan Wheatley

Ibiza Rocks & Mallorca Rocks 2012 Line up Revealed

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NEW ORDER PLAY FIRST EVER LIVE GIG IN IBIZA 
  
KASABIAN HEADLINE IBIZA ROCKS 7th BIRTHDAY
& MALLORCA ROCKS 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTIES
 
PLUS BLOC PARTY, TINIE TEMPAH, EXAMPLE, KAISER CHIEFS
CHASE & STATUS, PROFESSOR GREEN, MAVERICK SABRE
LABRINTH, DJ FRESH PRESENTS FRESH/LIVE & AZEALIA BANKS
 
Ed SheeranSince previously announcing Ed Sheeran for the Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks opening parties, he’s won two BRITs (British Breakthrough Act and British Solo Male) and his star keeps shining brighter as anticipation builds further for the moment he plays Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks opening parties in June (5th & 6th).
 
Next up is a stunning show, featuring two of the most exciting and critically acclaimed male solo stars to come out of the UK – singer songwriter Maverick Sabre and producer-turned-pop-star Labrinth.  Since supporting Tinie Tempah at Rocks last year, Maverick Sabre’s success has soared with debut album Lonely Are The Brave going gold and reaching No.2.  It’s been an equally good year for Labrinth since supporting Chase & Status last year then smashing the singles chart with No.2 hit Earthquake.  Ibiza Rocks has consistently nurtured new talent and provided a platform for breaking artists to play the biggest bill in the Balearics. In June, fans will see two of last year’s strongest support artists deservedly step up to headline slot status in June. 
 
In 2005 Ibiza Rocks captured the Kaiser Chiefs for one of the first ever Ibiza Rocks gigs, just before their debut album Employment exploded. They returned for a phenomenal, intimate beachfront gig at Bar M in 2007.  Six million album sales later and with a worldwide reputation as a mind-blowing live act that wow festival audiences the world over, Kaiser Chiefs are back in a BIG way with new album The Future Is Medieval – their fourth Top 10 album in six years.  They make a welcome return to Ibiza Rocks, where they’ve gone with the brand from the back room of the club, to the intimate beach bar to the famous stage at the ‘Rocks’ Hotels.
 
Peanut, Kaiser Chiefs said: “We’ve done Ibiza Rocks a couple of times before, and it’s great because everyone’s on holiday. We did it back in 2005 and Ricky jumped into the crowd. When you’re in Ibiza, it seems like more of a relaxing time compared to other gigs.”
 
KasabianKasabian are certainly on fire right now, with their fourth studio album Velociraptor taking the group to stratospheric new levels and winning the accolade of ‘Best Band’ at this years’ NME Awards.  Kasabian first played Ibiza Rocks in 2006 (Bar M) and returned for a two night residency in 2007. Kasabian are an incendiary live act who consistently tops the polls of fans’ favourite festival headliners. Now the Leicester lads make their hugely anticipated return to head up the two biggest parties in the Balearics – in celebration of Mallorca Rocks 2nd birthday and Ibiza Rocks 7th birthday in July.
 
Professor Green is one of the hottest talents in the UK music scene right now. The acclaimed rapper’s second album At Your Inconvenience spawned the massive No.1 hit Read All About It. With an MTV Europe Music Award, a MOBO and an NME Award under his belt, Professor Green makes a triumphant return for these Spanish exclusive shows, following his phenomenal headline debut in 2011. DJ Fresh presents FRESH/LIVE joins him on the bill and as the man behind two of the biggest tracks of the past year, No.1 hit singles Louder and Hot Right Now, he certainly is the hot on the block right now and will be equally so in the Balearics.
 
Hailed by many as the most exciting producers in the UK today, Chase & Status are the biggest crossover act to come out of the underground in years. Their last two ‘Rocks’ shows have been total roadblocks when these boys brought their live show to town in 2010 and 2011.  Having sold in excess of 500K albums, they return to the Balearics as bonifide superstars for standout shows in Mallorca and Ibiza in July.
 
Chase & Status said: “Can't wait to bring our live show over to the White Isle gain this summer. We love Ibiza and are looking forward to playing Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks again this year.”
 
Tinie Tempah is one of Britain’s biggest stars. Since debut album Disc-Overy hit No. 1, preceded by hit No.1 singles Pass Out and Written in the Stars, the sensational solo star has become one of the most award-winning, best-selling performers of recent times.  With Kylie Minogue dancing to his set on the balcony and the fans going nuts all round him last year, Tinie Tempah’s gig was the talk of the town as he teased the ‘Rocks’ crowd to ecstatic proportions. Due to mass public demand, he’ll be doing it again in August. 
 
ExampleThis is an amazing time for Example. Third album Playing in the Shadows debuted at No.1 and delivered two No.1 singles, Changed the Way You Kissed Me and Stay Awake.  Infact, Stay Awake produced by Nero is about waking up at Ibiza Rocks and seeing hundreds of kids still going from the night before. Example strutted his stuff as a support act in 2009 and 2010 before absolutely killing it during his own headline shows at ‘Rocks’ in 2011. 
 
Bloc Party are back and are set to make their ‘Rocks’ debut as part of their hugely anticipated return to the live scene.  Ibiza Rocks was born out of a concept to create a night for dance kids who wanted to rock and rock kids who wanted to dance.  The East London art rockers, fronted by Kele Okereke, are the very essence of that.  This gig has been a long time coming for team ‘Rocks’  and it’s a huge honour to be bringing one of the bands that influenced the brand, Bloc Party, to the Balearics for the very first time.
 
The newly reformed New Order are back together and will make their massive debut at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks in September. One of the most highly influential and critically acclaimed bands of the 1980’s, New Order were the pioneering force behind electronic music, largely responsible for the opening the world famous Hacienda Club in Manchester in 1982 and for 1983 hit Blue Monday, the best-selling 12 inch single of all time.  Their 5th album Technique (1989) was partly recorded in Ibiza and perfectly encapsulates Balearic beats and acid house influences into their electro/rock sound.  They have influenced generations of hit making musicians the world over and are one of the most in demand on the festival circuit this summer.  It will be a proud moment when they take centre stage for these unmissable sets under the Balaeric stars in September.
New Order

 

Ed Sheeran, Dizzee Rascal and more for Relentless Boardmasters

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The festival is Europe’s only surf, skate and music festival offering the ultimate in World Class surfing and music all rolled into one. This year’s festival is NO exception and the best live music, and action sports spread over four days, making it the MUST DO festival of the summer.

Ed SheeranHeadlining Friday man of the moment and Brit Award wining Ed Sheeran will take to the stage famed for his soulful voice and acoustic guitar playing. Joining him will be Grammy nominated DJ duo Ting Tings and London’s The Big Pink.

Friday’s Dance Stage is headlined by dance music sensation DJ Fresh with his incredible show FRESH/LIVE. Constantly pushing the boundaries of the Dubstep and Drum & Base crossover sound, FRESH/LIVE combines the technique and hysteria of Fresh’s DJ sets with the energy of a live instrumental performance. Fresh’s handpicked, fine selection of musicians aims to create a highly skilful unit that will delight crowds with their expertise and create an atmosphere unlike any club experience.

Also joining the bill for Friday is Donavon Frankenreiter, Ryan Keen, Peter Bruntnell, Comedy Hour and Jack Wallen.

Dizzee RascalSaturday welcomes world class and legendary London garage MC, rapper, songwriter and producer Dizzee Rascal. With critically acclaimed number one hits such as ‘Dance Wiv Me’, ‘Bonkers’, ‘Holiday’ ‘Dirtee Disco’ and & ‘Shout’ Dizzee will no doubt get Newquay jumping.

Joining Dizzee Rascal on main stage is young rising star Maverick Sabre. With his gritty yet soulful voice Sabre has been generating a buzz with Professor Green and Chase & Status collaborations and single ‘Let Me Go’.

Saturday also sees performances by British alternative rock band Maximo Park performing their new highly anticipated fourth album.

Add into the mix Zane Lowe a man who needs no introduction, heading up Radio1’s flagship evening slot and showcasing the hottest new music. Relentless Boardmasters will see Zane play a variety of Dance, Drum & Bass, Dub Step and Hip Hop to guarantee a buzzing and electric set.

Other acts confirmed come from across the musical spectrum with the likes of Lissi, Redlight, Doorly, Shapeshifter, Charlotte O Connor and Comedy Hour adding to the eclectic spectrum of music offered by Relentless Boardmasters 2012.

The Killers and Stone Roses to headline V Festival 2012

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Legendary Mancunian rockers The Stone Roses and V Festival favourites The Killers are today announced as headlining V Festival’s Virgin Media stage. Taking place across the V weekend of 18th and 19th August 2012, the original Madchester foursome and the returning US rockers will be joined by a host of superstars to make this year’s V Festival, one to remember.

Stone Roses

Following last year’s ‘American Revolution’ with performances from Eminem and Rihanna, feisty US rapper Nicki Minaj will be gracing the fields of Hylands & Weston Park, and after his show stopping set in 2011 David Guetta will be joining her.

Tinie TempahAn exciting line up of acts old and new have been brought together to entertain music aficionados and festival debutantes alike. Lucky fans with tickets to this summer’s hottest festival will also see performances from the likes of Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Tinie Tempah, two-time Brit Award winner Ed Sheeran, Example, Tom Jones, Keane, Madness, James Morrison, Nero, Emeli Sandé, Friendly Fires, Happy Mondays, Professor Green, Olly Murs, plus many more to be announced across four stages at the two festival sites in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Returning Essex boy Olly Murs said: "Coming back to play at V Festival for a second year is fantastic! I've been going to the festival as a punter for years, so performing there is always going to be special – especially on that main stage. I'm bringing my full 10 piece band with me this year, it's going to be immense – I can't wait"

The hugely successful Glee Club Comedy Tent also makes its return as the festival’s fifth stage this year, with side-splitting performers including Doc Brown, Justin Moorehouse, Kevin McCarthy, Natan Caton, Gary Delany, John Fothergill and many more to be announced in the lead up to the festival.

Festival Director, Simon Moran comments: “We’re really delighted with the line-up this year. We have a great mix of artists topping a bill that will see the welcome return to live performance of Manchester’s finest export, along with some of the biggest acts in the music industry today including The Killers,Tinie Tempah, Ed Sheeran and the legendary Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds.

“The mix of established and exciting breakthrough acts promises to give festival goers a cracking weekend.“

Over the festival weekend there’ll also be sets from Noah & The Whale, Ben Howard, Rizzle Kicks, Frank Turner, Labrinth, Maverick Sabre, The Enemy, Miles Kane, Dappy, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Pixie Lott, Lissie, Shed Seven, The Ting Tings, The Human League, The Proclaimers, The Stranglers, Reverend and the Makers, Inspiral Carpets, The Rifles, Dj Fresh.

Tinie Tempah’s pal Labrinth said "So happy that I'm going to play V festival!  Can't wait to get out there and rock the crowd. V Fest is special! See you there!!!!"

The glamorous V Style camping will also see a return this year. V Style got agreat reception last summer and will once again give festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds – being able to dance the days away with their favourite artists before chilling-out, in luxury, in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.

Festival Director, Bob Angus comments: “As in previous years, we want to again emphasise how important it is for fans to buy their tickets from official outlets listed on VFestival.com. This will ensure they don’t miss out on what promises to be the hottest ticket this summer.”

Tickets go on sale from Friday 2nd March at 10am with fans advised to visit www.vfestival.com, where all official outlets are detailed. V organisers again stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

STONE ROSES – THE KILLERS – SNOW PATROL – NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS – NICKI MINAJ– DAVID GUETTA – TINIE TEMPAH – ED SHEERAN – EXAMPLE – TOM JONES – KEANE – MADNESS – JAMES MORRISON – NERO – EMELI SANDÉ – FRIENDLY FIRES – HAPPY MONDAYS – PROFESSOR GREEN – OLLY MURS – NOAH & THE WHALE –BEN HOWARD – RIZZLE KICKS – FRANK TURNER – LABRINTH – MAVERICK SABRE – THE ENEMY – MILES KANE – DAPPY – RODRIGO Y GABRIELA – PIXIE LOTT – LISSIE – SHED SEVEN – THE TING TINGS – THE HUMAN LEAGUE – THE PROCLAIMERS – THE STRANGLERS – REVEREND AND THE MAKERS – INSPIRAL CARPETS – THE RIFLES – DJ FRESH

Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro and deadMau5 to headline Rockness 2012

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deadMau5The achievements of MUMFORD & SONS since the release of debut album ‘Sigh No More’ has been a success story rarely matched in recent times. A story, written and mapped out on the road. From a live adventure across India, to sold-out arenas in America and Australia, and from the festival fields of Europe, to impromptu parks on the Railroad Revival Tour in America, each and every town and city that has welcomed the band has been treated to a jubilant performance, regardless of the size of venue. With countless acknowledgements across the Grammy’s, Brits and Mercury Prize, the music of these multi instrumentalist marvels is real, authentic and simply stunning . 

Now this band of brothers is preparing to unveil album number two and hit their spiritual homes on the road once again. A little wiser, a lot more experienced, but ready to take their electrifying live show to the masses. RockNess is thoroughly delighted to announceMUMFORD & SONS as the first of this year’s headliners.

Intense and inspiring, to witness a DEADMAU5 live show is to experience shock and awe.  A dazzling spectacular of technical wizardry and kaleidoscopic visuals that has seen the Toronto-born behemoth (aka Joel Thomas Zimmerman) garner acclaim from both critics and fans alike, and continue his ascent as one of the very biggest names in electronic music.  Famed for his brand of progressive dance that has been shaking enormodomes across the planet, the Grammy-nominated, Billboard-topping superstar DJ and producer is seriously hot property and his RockNess headline assault will be a major festival highlight of 2012.  

Biffy CylroAs one of the very best live bands around, BIFFY CLYRO are at the top of their game.  A decade long assault on the globe’s live music circuit and a five album-strong catalogue heavy on blistering, fist pumping anthems has seen to that.  The trio’s unique sound, brought to glorious fruition on platinum selling albums ‘Puzzle’ and ‘Only Revolutions’ is well honed – a mix of off-kilter tempos, thumping guitar riffage and soaring vocals – and has steered the Ayrshire trio’s well earned rise to rock glory. 

Now with studio album six well under way, BIFFY CLYRO are heading to Dores to unleash their seriously big sound in the band’s first ever Scottish festival headline slot. Unmissable!

Speaking about the announcement, Simon Neil, Ben Johnston and James Johnston of BIFFY CLYRO said ''We are thrilled to be returning to RockNess in June, and this time we'll be headlining. The location is amazing and the enthusiastic crowd made for a memorable experience in 2009, so we're counting down the days until our return in 2012.''

As one of the UK’s most critically lauded new artists not to mention biggest domestic successes, ED SHEERAN’s rise to the top has been stratospheric.  A triple platinum album, three sold out tours and a clutch of award wins and nominations – including four that sees him leading the way at this year’s Brit Awards, SHEERAN is hot.  This one man, DIY phenomenon blurs timeless song writing with bang current hip hop, and he counts various collaborations including those with grime rapsters Wiley and Wretch 32 to his credit. ED SHEERAN’s RockNess appearance follows hot on the heels of a much anticipated and soon-to-begin three month US tour. 

Annually topping the wish list of fans as their must-see live act at RockNess, it is with huge excitement that Gaspard Auge and Xavier de Rosnay, aka JUSTICE, will be bringing pummelling levels of intensity to the festival.  The prospect of the French house duo – whose electrifying live shows have all who witness reaching for the superlatives – hitting up Dores is sure to generate elation.  

The now seminal debut album ‘Cross’ saw JUSTICE widely revered as chief dance floor crusaders.  Now with the release of long awaited second album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’ – an inspired push-pull friction of lush prog rock decadence underpinned with brutally executed beats – the dance floor is theirs for the taking once again. 

In what will surely be the most fun journey of the summer, THE ROCKNESS EXPRESS makes its exciting debut this June and marks the Year of Creative Scotland. This specially chartered train will depart from London Euston, picking up festival goers at Birmingham, Derby, York and Newcastle, before delivering the up-for-it party people to their final destination of Inverness. 

Expect a full scale shindig on board THE ROCKNESS EXPRESS with top music, surprise guests, the best of Scottish food, cocktails, games and goody bags.  What’s more, RockNess Expressers will get priority access on site before anyone else arrives AND a private party!  If that isn’t enough, the unbeatable price of £225 is sure to impress.  For this, revellers will get a VIP weekend ticket with campingPLUS travel from any of these UK destinations (only £16 more than a VIP ticket on its own), and be boosting their green credentials while having heaps of fun at the same time. All aboard! 

Packing a punch of originality, METRONOMY have creative vision and style in spades.  Originally championed by Erol Alkan, this Devonshire electro pop four piece founded by Joseph Mount deliver a proper live electro proposition that’s as authentic and compelling as any rock band.  Latest album ‘The English Riviera’ was one of 2011’s defining albums and Mount is also the prestigious remixer-of-choice for acts including Gorillaz and Franz Ferdinand, while collaborations with Florence & The Machine and Roots Manuva reinforce his musical crossover credentials. 

Noah and the WhaleWith their shiny, radio ready melodies, NOAH & THE WHALE have moved into mass appeal territory with very good reason.  Riding on a wave of euphoria generated by three consecutively impressive albums, including most recently ‘Last Night on Earth’, expect a brilliantly breezy set from these nu-folk popsters led by charismatic frontman Charlie Fink.

WRETCH 32 is one of the UK’s most talked about new hip hop artists. Smash debut album ‘Black and White’ incorporates diverse aspects of the hip hop genre from old school American funk through to contemporary grime and dub step, and guests include Example, Ed Sheeran and Chipmunk. WRETCH 32’s phenomenal success of 2011, which spawned consecutive top five hits including ‘Don’t Go’, ‘Traktor’ and ‘Unorthodox’ looks set to propel further with album number two due for a 2012 release.  And he can cut it live too, vocally, instrumentally and visually…as the RockNess audience will bear witness to this June!

FRESH / LIVE aka DJ FRESH is one of the most influential figures of the UK’s drum ‘n’ bass movement.  Having cut his teeth on the illegal rave and pirate radio station scenes of the 90’s, he went on to found the label BC Recordings and the genre’s most popular website Dogs on Acid as part of the drum ‘n’ bass collective Bad Company.  Fast forward to a prolific solo career punctuated along the way with remixes for Pet Shop Boys, DJ Shadow, Pendulum, Grooverider and Apollo 440, plus the co-founding of the seminal Breakbeat Kaos label, and the output of FRESH / LIVE is as impressive as it has ever been.  

Topping the NME Cool List for 2011, accorded third place in the BBC Sound of 2012 and championed by the industry’s mightiest star makers, twenty year old Harlem rapper AZEALIA BANKS, is without question, the hottest new name in music.  Thrust into the spotlight with ‘212’ – her brilliant, bouncing, dripping-with-attitude debut, BANKS exudes wit and energy while her music walks a tightrope between fruity humour and outright controversy.  Early stage position advised! 

Following his barnstorming beat boxing onslaught last year, RockNess is over the moon to welcome back the stupendously talentedBEARDYMAN!  As one of the planet’s foremost exponents of all things outrageously insane yet brilliant, Dores will need the next five months to prepare.

DEATH IN VEGAS are back. Richard Fearless is back. And sounding like a man with purpose. New album ‘Trans Love Energies’, recorded in Andrew Weatherall’s Shoreditch studio is a house inspired electronic rhythmical treat. Weird and wonderful lyrical medleys, supremely well crafted psychedelia and sometimes plain spooky vibes, expect bodies to move en masse come June. 

Next up…cue disco-tastic fanfare…it is with monumentally huge excitement for RockNess to proudly announce that CHIC featuring NILE RODGERS, the funkiest band on the planet, are heading to Dores!  

Founded by the legendary NILE RODGERS, these peerless purveyors of booty shaking beats, whose roll call of all time dance classics include ‘Good Times’, ‘I Want Your Love’, ‘Le Freak’, ‘Dance, Dance’ Dance’ and ‘My Forbidden Lover’…to name just a few…promise to deliver what will surely be one of the summer’s defining feel good sing-along, disco dancing moments.

Staying on a disco vibe, albeit the underground deep house version, ETIENNE DE CRECY (aka Motorbass, Super Discount and La Chatte Rougee) is the epitomy of the original ‘French sound’ and one of the best house music makers ever.  A key figure behind the French capital's rise as a leading dance music hub during the 1990s, the quality of DE CRECY’s output remains fierce and well deserving of the respect he continues to generate.

Having recently put out only his third EP, albeit one on Joe Goddard from Hot Chip's Greco-Roman label, and continuing to rack up countless fans including RockNess favourite Annie Mac, Orlando Higginbottom aka TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS's star is rising.  Bouncing in true one-man-band style between laptop, keyboards, drum machine and live vocals, don’t be surprised if the speakers literally and metaphorically get so hot they catch fire (again) by the boundary breaking brilliance of this new talent.

Last time he descended on Dores the party-o-meter went off the scale, so RockNess is extremely pleased to announce the return of the brilliant BUSY P for more outrageously good music and vibes. As owner of the sublime Ed Banger Records, home to Justice, Feadz, Uffie, Sebastian and Mr Oizo to name a few, BUSY P’s parties are legendary as RockNess will once again witness! 

A string of releases played out by the likes of 2 Many DJs, Boys Noize and Erol Alkan has brought the work of French maestroGESAFFELSTEIN recognition and acclaim as one of electronica’s undisputed hottest forces.  Now aligned to Brodinski’s Bromance label,GESAFFELSTEIN makes perfect art soundscapes for purveyors who like their beats on the deeper, darker side but still with enough danceable allure.  Also joining the bill is Newcastle born DJ, musician and Ed Banger friend RITON.  With a new album due for release in 2012 with Surkin and AlunaGeorge, following hot on the heels of his recent output at the end of 2011 on his label Riton Time, expect an artist on suitably impressive fine form.

Cuban BrothersAnd RockNess just wouldn’t be complete without the irrepressibly entertaining and absolutely magnificent THE CUBAN BROTHERS, heading back to Dores for a weekend long mix of madness and mayhem. 

Last but certainly by no means least, RockNess is thrilled to reveal the homegrown electronic heroes from The Scottish Highlands who complete this first announcement for 2012.  Operators of the biggest club night in Inverness and winners of ‘Club Night of the Year’ at Scotland’s ICA Awards, FILTH djs Ross Lyle and Andrew McGibbon are on fire . They are joined by POLYMATH aka Martin Gowans.  This talented rising star whose own tech house productions have featured on the playlists of Radio 1’s Kissy Sell Out, Tiga and Wolfgang Gartner will be right at home at RockNess.  Completing the trio of talent is COUNT CLOCKWORK, Khalid Hussain & Louis Buick.  This duo are the freshest, young talent to come out of Inverness in recent times with support slots to Dem Slackers and Dillon Francis under their belts plus a forthcoming Fake Blood gig.  Having reached the shortlist stage of MTV’s Brand New for 2012 and with a track featured on NME.com, the future is bright.

Speaking about RockNess 2012, Festival Director JIM KING commented, “I'm so happy with the list of acts we're announcing today that I now just can’t wait for the first tent peg in the ground and for the party to start.

It was only a matter of time before we got lucky and were able to welcome Biffy Clyro back to Loch Ness. Since their debut they've gone on to become one of the biggest rock bands in the UK and on home turf you know they're going to produce something extra-spectacular. 

Mumford and Sons. Wow. I am over the moon they agreed to play our show. They could have played anywhere but they chose The Highlands. It’s going to be special.

The Mau5 needs no intro.  He was close to appearing last year but the good news for us is that the live show has just got bigger and better and he follows in some hallowed steps at RockNess as a true electronic headliner, something you can't experience anywhere else in Scotland.  His show is just so good and he’s already got plans to make this one of the best shows we’ve ever seen. I promise you will not have seen a main stage production like this. It’s massive!

Justice is the act everyone has been asking us to book since we started the festival.  French house music holds a special place at RockNess and these guys are simply the best.

There’s so much quality across the rest of the bill from Ed Sheeran who’s arguably the biggest rising star of the last twelve months with Wretch 32 on to absolute legend Nile Rodgers who brings his seminal band Chic to the main stage in what will be for me a highlight of the festival. The only question remains is can he out funk and out dance the Cuban Brothers.

This announcement is just the start. We have heaps of great bands and DJs still to be revealed and the comedy headliner this year is an absolute corker! 

So, I’ll call it first then…. Mon the Biffy!  Mon the ‘Ness!" 

TICKETS GO ON SALE 9AM THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY. FOR DETAILS ON TICKET AGENTS GO TO WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK
3 day weekend camping – £159
3 day weekend non camping – £149 
3 day weekend camping / non camping student ticket – £145
3 day VIP weekend camping ticket – £209
3 day VIP weekend non camping ticket – £199
3 day Disabled weekend camping – £79.50 – please email [email protected]
3 day Disabled weekend non camping – £74.50 – please email [email protected]
The RockNess Express – £225
Additional travel packages available.

Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks 2012

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How do you fancy a line-up of bands and DJs that stretches across four months? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get here – Ed Sheeran starts the party on 5th June (Mallorca) and 6th June (Ibiza), whilst Two Door Cinema Club are playing the closing parties on 18th and 19th September. In between you can expect regular gigs, silent discos and clubbing trips. Here’s all you need to know about the 2012 festival for both venues:

  • Ed SheeranEd Sheeran is the man of the moment. Riding high on the success of multiple BRIT Awards nominations and hit singles including ‘The A-Team’ and ‘Lego House’, he’s heading to the Balearics to kick things off for us. Mixing grime, indie, acoustic and rap, you’d be hard-pushed to put him in just one music category, so expect the crowds to be massive.
  • Activities to look forward to are the weekly silent discos, daily pool parties and the use of the Xbox Social Room, where you can try out the hottest new games.
  • This year festival-goers have been treated to double the amount of events, with big-name DJs playing every weekend in addition to the weekly gigs.
  • During the summer months you can expect an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day – perfect weather for sunbathing, exploring the islands or trying out some water sports. If you’re in Ibiza then why not check out the hippy shopping scene, or chill out in the Can Marca Caves? On Majorca Island you can visit the Nemo Submarine, hit the trendy bars of Palma or go horse riding in the hills. Don’t forget to take your camera!
  • The full list of acts hasn’t been announced, but you can guarantee there will be something to everyone’s taste. In 2011 we had Tinie Tempah, Biffy Clyro and Example, whilst Pendulum and The Kooks have played in previous years. Basically you won’t be disappointed with the eclectic mix of talent here!
  • You don’t have to camp. Forget your tent and don’t worry about using dodgy loos in fields, because this festival takes place within the grounds of its very own hotel. Guests have full access to the regular events, and those who stay on gig nights will get their tickets included in the price of their stay. If you book a Stage View Studio room then you won’t even have to leave your accommodation to see the bands, getting your own private party.
  • If you want to save even more money, go for the cheaper Mallorca Rocks Hostal package – you’ll be just 500m from the main hotel, with full access to the pools and other facilities, and you won’t miss out on tickets for the events. What’s more, you can also book Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks flights at the same time and have your entire festival holiday sorted in a few simple clicks.
  • Want to try some of the local clubs and attractions when you’re there? Just ask your Hotel or Hostal Hosts, who can organise discounted entry to clubs such as BCM in Magaluf, as well as waterpark tickets.
  • Two Door Cinema Club, who are closing the festivals, have said: “It’s going to be a fun show. We’ve spoken to other artists who have performed there and it’s supposed to be a crazy party!” We’ll take their word for it.

Now you’ve got all the details, it’s time to start the countdown to summer – let the festival season begin.

 

Ibiza & Mallorca Rocks Opening & Closing Parties announced

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Ibiza Rocks is once again lining up an ‘A Team’ of talent to take over the Balearics with Ed Sheeranconfirmed to headline the opening parties of Mallorca Rocks (05 June) and Ibiza Rocks (06 June). Two Door Cinema Club will take pride of place for the closing parties in Mallorca (18 Sept) andIbiza (19 Sept) to complete the 16 week-long, sun-drenched series of outdoor summer gigs crammed with outstanding talent.

Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest music sensations of the year. The critically acclaimed Suffolk singer-songwriter dominated the airwaves for months with massive hit ‘The A Team’, which quickly became the highest-selling and highest-charting debut single of 2011 and then went straight to the top of the charts with the release of his debut album ‘+’, which achieved double-platinum status in just 3 months. With influences ranging from Jay-Z to Damien Rice, Sheeran’s genre-defying blend of acoustic pop, folk, grime and hip-hop has earned him major awards recognition and a huge following.  Fans are set to be out in full force when Ed Sheeran brings his biggest hits and best new material to the Balearics for the hugely anticipated Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks opening parties on Tuesday 05 & Wednesday 06 June respectively.

Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ in March 2010, Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories across the globe. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out shows at Shepherds Bush Empire, selling out Brixton Academy in just a few hours, absolutely smashing the festival circuit with stand-out sets all summer and earning themselves headliner status of the forthcoming NME Awards Tour, the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim.  Two Door Cinema Club headline the closing parties of Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks on Tuesday 18 September and Wednesday 19 September respectively.

Kevin Baird, Two Door Cinema Club, said: “We're very excited to be playing Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks next year! We've never performed over on the sunshine isle so it's going to be a fun show. We've spoken to other artists who have performed there in the past and it's supposed to be a crazy party! Looking forward to it."

Shane Murray, Ibiza Rocks promoter, said: “We're really excited and exceptionally proud to bring Ed Sheeran and Two Door Cinema Club to make their live debuts on the Rocks stages.  It’s a real coup to bring such in demand artists to the Balearics – we've set the bar pretty high for the rest of the summer!  Exciting, new music for the festival generation is what Rocks is all about and these exclusive shows are a perfect way to Open and Close. With 16 weeks and 32 gigs – our biggest season of live music under the stars awaits.”

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists and breakthrough talent live under the Balearic stars and offers a choice of quality accommodation options in Mallorca and Ibiza at exceptional value.  It’s no wonder Ibiza Rocks is THE most popular international festival destination for the UK youth market and the brand’s destination concept hotels continue to attract a new generation of music lovers to Mallorca and Ibiza for the holiday, and gig of a lifetime.

Summer 2012 will see 32 ‘Rocks’ gigs across 16 consecutive weeks.  Mallorca Rocks every Tuesday from 05 June – 18 September.  Ibiza Rocks every Wednesday from 06 June to 19 September.

Tickets and hotel packages available now at www.ibizarocks.com and www.mallorcarocks.com (Gig Tickets priced from £28.50 plus booking fee)

*Special Opening & Closing Party Short Breaks from €104 (approx. £89) per person (see: Notes to Editors for full list of options and prices).

 

Festival Republic Stage announced for Reading and Leeds Festival

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Friday 26th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 27th August at Leeds Festival
 
THE HORRORS will take to the Festival Republic Stage as our headliners for what is sure to be two very special shows. After forming in the summer of 2005, the band quickly gained notoriety around London for their look, sound and brief but frantic live shows. Mixing shoegazing, post-punk and goth influences, expect The Horrorsto deliver one of those iconic Festival Republic Stage moments.
 
With a long awaited new album ready to drop on 20th June, DIGITALISM are all set to perform at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. The German duo make electronic music that everyone can rock to. Over the past few years, they have been the go-to men for indie remixes, having reworked the Klaxons, Futureheads and Cut Copy. With the new album featuring a track co-written with The Strokes front man Julian Casablancas, the record is sure to drag the indie kids back to their electronic party.           
 
Five years on from his acclaimed debut album, TOM VEK is back.   Vek spontaneously released his first album just as the digital age was dawning, then disappeared. Now he returns with his second album ‘Leisure Seizure’, released on 6th June on Island Records.   An artist with a unique and singular vision, these sets are not to be missed.
 
Genre hopping four piece, WHITE DENIM, head to the Festival Republic Stage off the back of their critically acclaimed new album, ‘D’. Fiercely experimental and talented, The Guardian were moved to say “they cram more radical change into single songs than many bands managed in entire lifespans”.
 
One of the most talked about artists of 2011, ANNA CALVI is set for her first visit to Reading & Leeds.   After a nomination in the BBC Sounds poll in January, Anna has since released her debut album through Domino Records, with The Evening Standard declaring that “her raw talent is undeniable: 2011 is Calvi’s for the taking”.
www.annacalvi.com
 
THE ANTLERS is Peter Silberman, Darby Cicci and Michael Lerner.   With a new expansive sound on recent album ‘Burst Apart’, released via our Alternative Stage friends Transgressive Records, the plaudits are piling up and The Antlers look set to become one of the names of the festival.
 
FOSTER THE PEOPLE are “a band with greatness absolutely within their grasp” according to The Sunday Times. The three piece, who recently played their first UK shows, are now readying their debut album ‘Torches’ which is due out later this month.
 
New York punks CEREBRAL BALLZY have a reputation for being one of the most exciting bands on the circuit. With a sound compared to the likes of Black Flag, Minor Threat and early Beastie Boys this is a group that never disappoints live.
 
DRY THE RIVER  are one of the one’s to watch at this year’s festival. After building momentum in 2010, 2011 has seen the band play rapturously received shows at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas (hailed by NME as one of the highlights of the week) and begin recording debut album, due for release later this year, with Peter Katis (The National, Interpol).
 
Knoxville’s ROYAL BANGS released their debut album in 2008 through Audio Eye Records, an independent label founded by Patrick Carney of The Black Keys.   Trading instruments and production duties, band members Chris Rusk, Ryan Schaefer and Sam Stratton are now back with new album ‘Flux Outside’. 
 
Exeter’s THE COMPUTERS released their debut full length album ‘This Is The Computers’ last month. There is no ambiguity or airs of pretension here.   The Computers play sartorially-snappy supersonic rhythm and blues with larynx-shredding vocals.   Rock Sound summed it up by declaring their sound as “50’s fuelled riffery and scream along gang vocals with an intensity that would make Chuck Berry roll in his grave”.
 
ISLET are liquid, rotating between instruments, singing, howling.   Drum-duo breakdowns, splashes of guitar, searing organs.   Playing music for the joy of the moment. Their second mini-album, ‘Wimmy’ was released in October 2010 and was recorded and mixed themselves in Cardiff, and affirms Islet to be one of the most exciting new bands that the UK has seen for a long time.
 
On a break from Queens of the Stone Age, Michael Shuman joined forces with long time friends Tyler Parkford and Zach Dawes to create MINI MANSIONS.   Josh Homme describes the band’s sound as “genuinely psychedelic with huge hooks… after listening to Mini Mansions just once, you won’t be able to get it out of your head”. Be sure to get in the arena early to witness these sets.
 
Hailing from the blistering valley of Los Angeles and touted as rock’s new generation is CHERRI BOMB, a badass all girl rock band who have already shared the stage with such bands as Filter, the super group Camp Freddy and toured with the Smashing Pumpkins.
 
Saturday 27th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 28th August at Leeds Festival 
 
After drawing one of the weekend’s biggest crowds last year, THE MIDNIGHT BEAST return as our Festival Republic Stage headliners. The internet sensations sent YouTube into meltdown last year with their cover of Ke$ha’s ‘Tik Tok’. If you haven’t seen them live yet, think of them as a musical version of the characters of The Inbetweeners, and be sure to catch them this summer at Reading & Leeds Festival.
 
NYC’s RIVAL SCHOOLS will remind us just what we’ve been missing when they return to the UK this summer. Since reforming in 2008 after nearly eight years away the band has been touring the US and Europe relentlessly, including a UK co-headline tour with…The Trail Of Dead. The pioneers of Post-Hardcore will certainly appeal to a whole new generation of fans now they’ve released their much anticipated third album ‘Pedals’.
 
Known for their unrelenting tours that has seen them play over 300 gigs since the start of 2009 Belfast’s finest AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR (ASIWYFA to their fans) are still going strong. From appearances at festivals around the world to a support slot for rock supergroup ‘Them Crooked Vultures’, we can look forward to the instrumental quartet’s subtle rhythms on the Festival Republic Stage
www.myspace.com/andsoiwatchyoufromafar
 
Since Forming in 2007 Chicago’s five-piece Indie rockers SMITH WESTERNS have managed to tour both the USand Europe while supporting the likes of MGMT, Florence and The Machine and Passion Pit, now they arrive at this year’s Reading & Leedssure to perform a storming set.
www.smithwesternsmusic.com
 
From being awarded with the critically acclaimed Australian Music Award to a personal request to support Foo Fighters, Australian four-piece CLOUD CONTROL are now set to unleash their collection of quirky, harmonic psyche-pop at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Drowned In Sound declared “They have made a tremendously enjoyable album”.   A tremendously enjoyable set is nigh.
www.cloudcontrolband.com
 
Recently signing to Lily Allen’s Sony imprint label ITNO, new rising talents in the shape of Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin make up the mystery and intrigue that lies behind CULTS. The duo have enjoyed huge critical acclaim for their eponymous album released this summer and have quickly gained the tag as a band not to miss live … so don’t!
www.cults.bandcamp.com
 
MARIARCHI EL BRONX, the Alter ego of LA rockersThe Bronx have released material under both identities previously and have recently announced a tour with Foo Fighters later in the year. The band always receive a rapturous response to their Mariachi-style performances and we expect nothing less this year. 
www.mariachielbronx.com
 
Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi are the inspirations behind GROUPLOVE.   After a US tour opening for Florence and the Machine and a debut album to be released later this year, we can certainly expect greater things to come from these US indie rockers, including a thrilling set at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
www.grouplovemusic.com
 
Camden’s TRIBES described by fanboys The Mystery Jets as “The future of rock’n roll”; a sentiment chimed by everyone from NME to Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. Their debut EP ‘We Were Children’ also gained Zane Lowe’s coveted ‘Hottest Record in the World’ status. The 4 piece will be coming straight back at us with their debut album later this year not to mention a rip-roaring set on the Festival Republic Stage.
www.myspace.com/tribesband
 
BIG DEAL were recently the NME Radar band of the week and they described them as “Armed with just an acoustic and electric guitar, the set-up may be sparse, but its bittersweet soundtrack certainly packs a punch”.   This London duo are building a reputation as ones to watch so don’t miss their Big Star/Velvets/ woozy, sexy pop classicism inspired sound.
www.myspace.com/weareabigdeal
 
YOUNG THE GIANT completed their first UK tour in 2010 now the Californian quintet’s return to the UK is imminent as they prepare for a full-on set at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Thanks to early radio support across the UK including Radio 1 and NME radio the band certainly have fans, including Morrissey who stated recently “I will be kneeling with gratitude on a hardwood floor for many years to come”
www.youngthegiant.com
 
Compared to The White Stripes and Cat Power, Brooklyn’s Blues rock partnership, Jessica Larrabee and Andy Laplant are the talented duo behind SHE KEEPS BEES. Their fiery, soulful sounds are sure to keep us wanting more when they perform.
www.shekeepsbees.com
 
Sunday 28th August at Reading Festival / Friday 26th August at Leeds Festival
 
We are proud to welcome the quintessential rock star PETER DOHERTY as a Festival Republic Stage headliner. After last year’s incredible performances with The Libertines, one of the best British songwriters of our generation returns in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend.
www.albionrooms.com
 
BROTHER arrive as one of THE most talked about bands of 2011. With their Stephen Street produced debut album ‘Famous First Words’ out on 1st August, these shows are guaranteed to be the talk of both sites come the end of the weekend. Brother, with their classic British rock’n’roll sound and swaggering confidence, are quickly creeping into the nation’s consciousness.
www.acidlove.net
 
ED SHEERAN created a name for himself when he came to attention after posting a video through SB.tv displaying his diverse style. After extensive gigging, performing songs from his early EPs and albums he recently signed a well-deserved record deal with Atlantic. His talent is truly phenomenal.
www.edsheeran.com
 
THE TWILIGHT SINGERS arrive at Reading & Leeds on the back of the band’s critically acclaimed new album ‘Dynamite Steps’. Clearly the next chapter in an already long and stellar career for lead singer Greg Dulli, Dynamite Steps has been one of the best-reviewed albums of his lengthy career on both sides of the Atlantic and he will no doubt convert yet more disciples to his broad church. www.thetwilightsingers.com
 
We welcome COCKNBULLKID, aka, 25 year old Hackney resident Anita Blay. Having released her debut single back in 2008, she has been earning accolades ever since and in possession of one the most interesting, credible pop record of the year in ‘Adulthood’ which has seen her reach out to more fans worldwide.
www.cocknbullkid.com
 
Rising stars TWIN ATLANTIC released their debut album ‘Free’ earlier this year. The Glasgow rockers won rave reviews for the record, and with anthems from the Lostprophets and My Chemical Romance school of rock, be sure to get down the front for these sets.
 
Formed in 2006 Dublin’s FIGHT LIKE APES (FLA) have since toured the UK with The Ting Tings, The Prodigy and Kasabian. Their 2010 release ‘The Body of Christ and the Legs of Tina Turner’ won the Irish album of the year and they claim their influences to include B-movies, computer games, kung-fu and wrestling – don’t miss their ‘trademark twin-synth attack’.
www.fightlikeapesmusic.com
 
One of the UK’s brightest talents, BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH, released his debut EP ‘A Million Miles Out’ at the end of 2010 and quickly garnered praise across the board. Radio 1 DJ’s Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton were vocal supporters, whilst Jo Whiley made ‘Atlas Hands’ one of her tracks of 2010. With his debut album out next month, be sure to catch this very special act this August.
 
Currently on tour with Gomez, LITTLE COMETS have been creating a buzz in all the right places since their intriguingly titled debut album ‘In Search of Elusive Little Comets’ was released in the New Year. The Guardian were moved to say “they’re your new favourite hip-hoppy, pop-rocking, uni gate-crashing, social networking band”.
 
Hailing from Manchester DUTCH UNCLES met at primary school and released their debut album ‘Cadenza’ for Memphis Industries earlier this year. Described by the band as “definitely pop music but hopefully with a little bit more for the listener to scratch beneath the surface” the group have mixed pop and indie and added something very special to the mix.
 
From the horse’s mouth – ‘NIGHTBOX believe the invention of the drum kit has improved humanity’s standard of living more dramatically than penicillin, sliced bread, and the wheel combined. The five band members have dedicated their life’s work to the primal bliss that rhythm brings, and their labours have consistently borne joyous, funky fruit’. Get your dancing shoes ready for these Canadian boys.
www.nightbox.ca
 
Sinister speed-punks FLATS yank together the spirit of every raucous punk band that’s come before them but give it their own inedible and thrilling spin. Their live reputation has been earned by continual visceral live shows and they are sure to wake up the day.                              
 
ROMANCE are a three-piece post punk group from London. After forming in 2008, the band are starting to make waves in all the right places. With influences such as Bauhaus and Siouxsie And The Banshees, they create a fresh reworking of the seventies Goth sound. See for yourself over the weekend.
www.istheromance.com

TICKETING INFO
 
Weekend tickets £192.50 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £82.50 plus booking fee • Early entry permits £15 • Weekend ticket prices include camping.
 
Tickets are strictly limited to a maximum of four per household for those booking by telephone or online and two per person for personal callers to walk in stores.
Credit Card line: 0870 060 3775 or online at:

Selected HMV stores, see websites for store listings.

BBC Introducing Stage lineup for Glastonbury

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The artists appearing on the stage represent the whole of the UK, with a diverse range of genres. The line up also includes three headliners who are all acts that BBC Introducing have supported from the early days and are now taking it to the next level – From the soulful voice of Suffolk’s Ed Sheeran on Friday, to The Good Natured’s electro-pop on Saturday and the rock sounds of Leeds band Vessels closing the stage on Sunday. It is the fifth time that the BBC Introducing stage has been at the festival, having launched itself at Glastonbury 2007.
 
Jason Carter, Editor, BBC Introducing, says: “The BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury is a great platform for artists sourced via the BBC Introducing Network. In addition to performing at one of the world’s greatest festivals, the artists who grace the stage also gain further exposure through our commitment to filming, which means their music is seen and heard to those experiencing the festival at home.”
 
The artists appearing on the BBC Introducing Stage across the weekend at Glastonbury 2011 are:
 
Friday:
  • Ed Sheeran
  • F-Block
  • Spotlight Kid
  • Fever Fever
  • Owl in The Sun
  • Dionne Reid
  • The Patrick James Pearson Band
  • Sparrow
  • Deep Cut
  • Twin Brother
Saturday:
  • The Good Natured
  • Sharks Took The Rest
  • The Truth
  • Vinyl Jacket
  • Rams Pocket Radio
  • D/R/U/G/S
  • DJ Vimto and Jah Digga
  • Future History
  • Pirate Video Company
  • High Wire
Sunday:
  • Vessels
  • Shammi Pithia
  • Jake Bugg
  • The Foot Clan
  • Air Castles
  • Worship
  • Two Wounded Birds
  • Yes Cadets
  • Tristram
  • Crow Black Chicken
Sets from the stage are to be streamed online and highlights will be available to watch on the Red Button across the weekend. Live music highlights from the BBC Introducing stage are broadcast on Radio 1, Radio 2 Radio 1Xtra, 6Music, Asian Network and across BBC Local Radio.
 
BBC Introducing is a multi-platform initiative across BBC Radio 1, 6Music, Radio 1Xtra, the Asian Network, 40 BBC Local Radio stations and at bbc.co.uk/introducing - all working together to provide an internal network dedicated to supporting the hottest new talent from across the UK. The BBC Introducing Stage is now present at key UK music festivals throughout the year, including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Reading and Leeds. Musicians can upload their music atbbc.co.uk/introducing for the possible opportunity of being broadcast on BBC Radio, which could lead to a slot on one of the BBC Introducing stages.