Gentlemans Dub Club - Summer Festival Guide

Soundwave Festival Review 2016

November 8, 2018August 11, 2016 by Jane Anderson

With an array of Croatian festivals on offer, we were hard pushed to choose which one was right for us, especially as we were trying to combine a festival with a holiday. Researching into Soundwave Festival, it seemed to have everything we were looking for; an eclectic range of music from hip hop, DnB, dub, jazz, house, afro-beat, reggae, funk and soul, chilled vibes, glistening blue seas, boat parties and oodles of relentless sunshine.

We arrived at Split airport in blistering heat on the morning the festival. With just over an hours taxi transfer to the historic old town of Tisno, we dumped our bags and walked along the scenic Dalmatian coastline to the site. After the naff British summertime and a bunch of soggy festivals so far this year, we were banking on this one to be ‘the festival of the 2016’.

Now in its 8th year, Soundwave is spread over five days and three stages. Hosted by The Garden resort, this idyllic slice of paradise with a natural beach cove provides an intimate festival setting for 3,000 like-minded partygoers. Crystal clear waters lap around the beach stage while DJs play laid-back beats as people splash around on inflatables in the afternoon sun. As the sun blazed down the way to keep cool was to dip in and out of the water and sip on slush cocktails.

Seminal Soundwave attendee Craig Charles was always going to bring the party vibes to the island, and it was evident from the swelling crowd that this was one of the highly anticipated DJs of the weekend. Bringing the sounds of the summer in his record box, his set featured the very best funk and soul grooves. We danced the night away under the enormous glitter ball to D-lite, Earth, Wind and Fire, Rick James, 6ix Toys, Grandmaster Flash, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Craig’s 13-year-old daughter Nellie Rose stole the show when invited onto the stage to sing an incredible rendition of Michael Jackson's classic ‘Loving you’.

Famished from dancing, we ate a late night pizza at the on-site restaurant Magnolia’s before heading back to the main stage to catch American rapper Pharoahe Monch. This is raw; no nonsense hip hop at it’s best, and he pleased the crowd by pulling out favourites ‘Simon Says’ ‘ ‘Oh no’, ‘My Life’ and ‘Clap’.

Friday daytime was more of the same, frolicking in the sea, lazing on the beach, craft ales, champagne corks popping, smells of smoked ribs from the House of Ribs and beats provided by French D.J, Russ Ryan, and Harri Pepper. Through the day we saw the live art program taking shape as street artists Artez, and Fat Heat created murals. More graffiti sprung over the weekend from the caliber of Smack184, Lunar, and Sebastian Velasco.

The sunset created stunning lens flares, and it was hard to pull ourselves away from the beach. We proceeded to the main stage to catch Eglo Records soul diva Fatima and the Eglo Live Band, followed by a powerful set by Akala who urged the crowd the jump to Double XL. He pounded out ‘Absolute’, ‘Another Reason’ and ‘Fire in the Booth.' The main stage was closed by with the tribal beats of Clap Clap. Soon after the skies gave way to the most epic thunderstorm I've ever witnessed. The lightning flashes and sonic booms felt like we were caught in a war zone.

No trip to Soundwave is complete without a trip on the good ship the Argonauty, and we were fortunate enough to bag tickets to the hip-hop boat party. Saturday lunchtime arrived and like many, we were giddy with excitement. In our eagerness showed as we queued up early to get a good spot on the authentic vessel. Punters climbed aboard with sailor hats and glittered faces. As soon as we set sail the champagne corks began popping, and the party got going. Beats provided by the DJs Menendez Brothers, DJ Mylz, TwoGood and beat boxers Bloxxed Beats. We sailed around the Adriatic coastline for four hours partying to hip hop classics from Kanye, Jay-Z, Pharoahe Monch, Nelly, Public Enemy, Snoop, Dr Dre, NWA, and Missy Elliot. As the boat docked we partied harder, refusing to get off until everyone on the beach realised they had missed out on an unforgettable party. Friends were made, and hugs exchanged. This was undeniably the best festival boat we had been on and a sure fire festival highlight.

Later that day we caught a perfectly crafted sunset house set from LTJ Bukem on the Beach Stage, along with liquid drum and bass DJ Calibre. MC DRS urged revellers to jump up on shoulders in a bid to break Croatian records. I reckon he did a pretty good job.

Sunday was even more laid back than previous days. Punters arose later after a night of hedonism in Barbarella’s Discotheque after party. The order of the day was chilled vibes provided by Kid Gorgeous and then picking up the pace Emerald and Shut the Front Door.

Sunday’s main stage action was provided by Eglo record beatmakers Henry Wu, Chunky and Alexander Nut, who’s sets crossed soul, jazz and hip-hop influenced joy. The generator packed up, and the site was plunged into darkness just before Gentleman’s Dub Club headlined. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait too long before it was back up. Leeds based Gentleman’s Dub Club have been steadily carving out a solid reputation as one of the UK’s foremost reggae bands fusing ska and dub influences. Lead vocalist Jonathan Scratchley bounced onto the stage to deliver the most exciting live performance we witnessed all weekend. The whole audience jumped in unison singing along to crowed pleasers ‘Music is the girl I love,' ‘Emergency,' ‘Fire’ and catchy chorus number ‘High grade.'

The final day we jumped aboard the Argonaughty for one last boat party. Riot Jazz, Taste The Diff'rence DJs, Chunky, and Rich Reason provided the perfect sound track to a blisteringly hot Monday. As we set sail on the sun-kissed waters DJ Cutterz, Stu Morley, and Misc Jockey span break beats, hip hop, soul & funk. Next up were Manchester based Riot Jazz, a nine barrelled Balkan to Brooklyn brass band who made the whole boat bounce up and down to their barnstorming, raw energy renditions of Britney Spears – ‘Toxicated’, Aha’s -‘Take on Me’, Human League’s – ‘Don't you want me baby. It was a perfect end to an incredible festival.

It's the balance of art, music and holiday is what makes Soundwave an idyllic and enchanting festival. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of Europe, and with so many special memory-making moments with like-minded kindred souls, you can see why punters return year on year.

Beat-Herder Festival Review 2016

November 8, 2018July 21, 2016 by Jane Anderson

So here we are for Beat-Herder number 11. How do you follow last years’ amazing 10th Birthday celebrations I wonder, surely there can’t be more naked camel riders? With more fireworks, new venues and a cracking line up featuring huge names from across the dance spectrum Claude Vonstroke, Booka Shade, Miike Snow, Todd Terje, Jesse Rose, Justin Martin, Marshall Jefferson and Riton to name but a few. This is my sixth time at this small but perfectly formed festival in the Lancashire Dales; you could say I’m huge fan of what the brothers do. BH is different to other festivals; there’s attention to detail and creativity everywhere you look, and sixteen unique stages dotted around the site provide something for everyone.

Friday

Friday greeted us with all-day rain, which turned the main arena into a mud fest as soon as the gates opened. Not that little bit of mud is going to deter the Beat Herder loyal posse. They have also been coming here for years too and have a tattoo to prove it.

A quick pitch of our tent and were off to go on a tour of the new site. There're a couple of new venues to take in. Bubba Gumma is a 60s Barbarella-esque, bubblegum disco box that you enter from a long dark bunker. The DJ spins rhythmic Afro disco beats, and the party gets going. Psychedelic hippy den Sunrise boasted a thumping sound system. The Illustrious Society is home to the good, the bad and the glitterati. You can only enter if you are suitable dressed. Steampunk, monocles, and Victorian cloth to be precise.

Avoiding the soupy mud and relentless rain we hide out at the undercover venues Trash Manor, BH&DWMSC (working men's club) and Maison D’etre until the evening.

On the main stage on Friday night we catch German duo Digitalism, Swedish band Miike Snow, who drew large crowds and James. Booth enters the stage and delights the crowds with the promise of a decidedly dancy set. He shouts ‘This is dance festival isn’t it.' They performed a number of songs from their new offering ‘Girl at the End of the World’ alongside classics ‘Come home’ and ‘Laid’.

On to Pratty’s ring and we catch A Skillz. The whole of the ring is erupting with his face-paced turntable trickery. The crowd was jumping and singing along. The rain pelted down again, and performances from Dirtybird founder Claud Vonstroke, and Radio one’s B-traits suffered smaller numbers than they should, save a few hardcore fans. We took shelter once again in the Parish Church and spent the night dancing away on the pews.

Saturday

Salvage came on Saturday morning in the form of the sun, a welcome relief from Friday’s heavy downpours. Trudging around in what now is a soupy smelly quagmire is quite a workout. It's times like this that I remind myself that this is exactly why I like small manageable festivals and couldn't deal with the trauma of glasto. We take a bit of respite in the only bit of green grass we can see. We were swooped on by the Samaritans who are keen to talk to anyone in trouble. That certainly wasn’t us, unless they could resolve the mud, we just needed somewhere to eat our yummy cheese Raclette. It’s reassuring to know that they are there for people who needed it over the weekend.

Scottish singer, songwriter Donovan took to the main stage Saturday afternoon, an older crowd waved their arms to ‘Mellow Yellow’. Not really my cup of tea and he seems oddly placed for a predominantly dance festival, but that’s the beauty of the Beat-Herder offering. They are plenty of curveballs from folk, gypsy, indie, reggae and downright weird.

Local lad Paul Taylor brings with him an array of followers, and it is heaving inside The Fortress as fans scrambled to get on shoulders. I do like DJ, who knows how to work the crowd, and this was mightily evident in his set.

As the late afternoon cracked on, we saw the annual fancy dress come into play. This year’s theme was the letter ‘R’. We caught glimpse of Ron Burgundy’s, Ronald McDonald's, the Red Arrows, and an abundance of rodents and robots. Groups of revellers played paint powder fights in the afternoon glow, covering me and my camera. It's all good fun and warm vibes and I join in the banter. Gentleman's Dub Club and the Easy All Stars provided a particularly bouncy evening on the main stage, bringing some much needed energy to the fatigued crowd.

We headed up to the Toiltrees to catch one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend, house legend Marshall Jefferson. He belted out house classics Peter Brown’s ‘Miracles’, Derrick May’s ‘Strings of Life’ and of course ‘Move your body’. He certainly didn’t disappoint and was one of my highlights of the weekend.

Firework cannons boomed before house veterans Booka Shade took to the stage. Despite playing their hit seminal hit 'Body Language’, it was a rather lack lustre set for a Saturday night headline act. Anyway onwards and upwards to Pratty’s Ring and the Fortress, which had a distinctly heavy bass and DnB feel to it. The evening sun played out and the parties across the site got dark and dirty.

Sunday

Sundays are for lie-ins, and we arose to the sounds of Mama Jerk and the Lady Fingers. The energy of jungle gypsy band Ushti Baba made us head to the main stage. Crowds started to gather and swing each other around to hypnotic trans-European melodies. There was an unmistakably chilled vibe to Sunday and everyone seemed smiley.

Next up was Essex folk singer Beans on Toast who opened his main stage set with apt track called ‘2016.' “It’s got a short shelf life” he claimed. The emotional song brought unexpected tears to my eyes. He recalled the unfathomable news that we have had to deal with this year; (Bowie, Prince, Paris, Victoria Wood, Lemmy, Turkey, Syria and the migrants, Brexit and our current state of political affairs). He jumped down into the crowd to get closer to the audience, pulling the leads behind him. He ran through an hours worth of his best from ‘Outlaws’, ‘The Chicken Song’ and ‘MDMA’. Like the 2pm slot at Glasto he drew the largest crowds. It was satirical commentary and storytelling at it’s best. Another festival highlight and surprisingly standout set that perfectly sums up the true spirit of festivals.

In somewhat of a tradition at BH, we head up to the Toil to catch the laid-back grooves of Mr Scruff, and have one last boogie in the church. There’s a nun in the pulpit kissing her cross, as she waves and raves. It’s gone all heavy hip hop and breakbeat as they blast out Ice Cubes’ ‘You can do it’. Back to the main stage, we catch London reggae singer Kiko Bun's, before heading to the Fortress Krafty Kuts is kicking up the mud with a storming set. Taking to the stage in the Toil is the man of the moment Riton. A favourite for many, and drawing a largely youthful crowd. His mega hit ‘Rinse and Repeat’ pounds out of the Toil Trees system.

It's difficult for any solo headliner to stand behind a desk of kit on their own, but Norwegian producer Todd Terje commands stage presence with ease. His set plays like one long soundtrack that undulates & bounces, with good visuals to boot. Girls get on shoulders for 'Delorean Dynamite', 'Disco Circus', 'Inspector Norse' and a superb mix of Stevie Nicks 'Stand Back' bleeds out into the night sky. At 12am dead on all the music across the site concludes and punters scurry off looking for sound systems across the camp area large enough to carry on the party. Many huddle round the fire not wanting it to end.

That’s it for another cracking Beat-Herder. Despite the mud, the organisers have done themselves proud and put on another party to remember. I hate that pang of sadness and a heavy heart that's it's all over you feel as you pull away from the site. You've had an incredible weekend, left the cares of the world at the door and entered into the spirit of abandonment. But soon enough it's back to reality, more politics and a Turkish coup. Take me back Beat Herder I don’t want to go home. See you 2017!

Soundwave Announces New Names and Boat Parties for Summer 2016

June 10, 2020May 25, 2016 by Jane Anderson

Soundwave Announces New Names and Boat Parties for Summer 2016

Soundwave returns to Croatia for its 8^th year this summer
New names revealed are LTJ Bukem, Congo Natty and Jazzanova
13 boat parties revealed taking place across glittering Adriatic Sea
Names already announced include Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare and Harleighblu
Clap Clap, Akala, Josey Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland and more in support
For full festival info go to www.soundwavecroatia.com
Festival runs from Thursday 4^th – Monday 8^th August

Soundwave Festival is arguably Europe’s leading intimate odyssey, a musical journey and sun-splashed adventure which takes place on the stunning Dalmatian coastline in the town of Tisno. The festival’s ethos is to do things a little bit differently, and each year it has continued to build a renaissance in Croatia unlike many other events in the region, cultivating a crowd who flock from around the world to what is as much a festival as it is a holiday.

The music is provided by the some of the world’s finest exponents of broken beat, reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass, vocalists, rappers and more, and brings a soundscape to the region which is seldom heard, joining so many dots together into a beautiful single whole.

And with some amazing names already announced, Soundwave are very proud to announce three new additions who each bring a different element to the already wonderfully diverse collection of artists performing this August. Drum and bass pioneer LTJ Bukem is one of the UK’s most iconic names, with his Good Looking label embracing the jazzier, more atmospheric side of the scene. And leading the Jungle Revolution is the amazing Congo Natty; the lauded Rebel MC blends African-inspired rhythms and heavy urban beats in his rousing sets. And finally the revered eclectic collective from Berlin, Jazzanova, have been busy producing, composing, arranging, remixing and DJing for many years, continuing to create magic in clubs, the airwaves, their studio and live on stage, with their label Sonar Kollektiv one of Europe’s most respected. They join Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu and many more names already announced.

Soundwave also is announcing its boat party schedule, with each show taking place on the legendary sea-dog, The Argonaughty. No visit to Soundwave is complete without taking to the sparkling seas, with sun-kissed and star-speckled voyages taking place day and night across the Adriatic. The run of boat parties is:

THURSDAY

BOAT 1. DUB TO JUNGLE

Plates Records & Circles.

13:00 – 18:00

BOAT 2. THE DISCO BOAT

Bedmo Disco, Origins & Harvey Sutherland.

19:30 – 23:00

FRIDAY

BOAT 1. THE CRAIG CHARLES FUNK & SOUL BOAT

Craig Charles, Bitesize DJs & Jack Tyson Charles

13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. THE SUNSHINE REGGAE BOAT

Channel One Sound System & Lively Up

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. TUCKSHOP SUNSET BOAT

Jazzanova / Manu & Ando / Russ Ryan / Tappa / Mentú

20:00-23:00

SATURDAY

BOAT 1. SFSC & GOODLIFE PRESENT THE HIPHOP BOAT

Josey Rebelle / Menendez Brothers / TwoGood / Dj Mylz / Bloxed Beats

13:00-16:00

BOAT 2. EGLO RECORDS BOAT

Alexander Nut, Fatima & Noah

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. THE SOUNDCRASH BOAT

Special Guest TBA, Bamboomann, Mo Fingaz & Bobafatt

20:00-23:00

SUNDAY

BOAT 1. TRU-THOUGHTS VS. FIRST WORD RECORDS

With J-Felix, Harleighblu, Gilla

BOAT 2. THE SOUL BOAT (HOW x STFD)

With Dan Shake, Flo Real & Jordan Rakai

16:30-19:30

BOAT 3. DUB TO DRUM&BASS BOAT

DRS / Eva Lazarus / GDC Sound System / Rich Reason (LVLZ)

20:00-23:00

MONDAY

BOAT 1. RIOT JAZZ BRASS BAND ON A BOAT

Riot Jazz, Taste The Diff'erence, Chunky & Rich Reason

15:00 – 18:30

BOAT 2. CLOSING BOAT

Staff, friends & family, Dan Shake & Harleighblu

19:30 – 23:00

Soundwave takes place at The Garden Resort, a true slice of paradise nestled on the Dalmatian coastline. Blessed with crystal clear azure Adriatic waters, sizzling sunshine and star-lit night skies, the idyllic and intimate setting welcomes a global crowd of music lovers and adventure seekers to Tisno.

The site has the incredible water-side beach bar, where you are so close to the sea you are almost dancing in it, and cosy curl of beach which looks out over the bay. The site’s main stage is a little way behind, perfect for headline acts, and nearby nestled under the canopy of trees is the Olive Grove stage. It’s a beautiful location, everything built around nature, growing like the environment around it, rich with intimacy and a sense of wonder. And a short drive away is the incredible Barbarella’s club, a fully open air space, powered by Funkion One.

Soundwave
Thursday 4^th – Monday 8^th August 2016
@ The Garden Resort, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
Just revealed artists: LTJ Bukem, Congo Natty, Jazzanova

Who join: Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Live Band, Gentleman's Dub Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu, Clap Clap, Akala, Josey Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, J-Felix, Flo Real (Mahogani Music), Chunky, The Menendez Brothers, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams, White Bobafatt, Mo Fingaz, Gilla, Russ Ryan, Jack Tyson, Charles (trio), DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, Manu & Ando, re:tract, Rogan Emerald, Amber Sounds, Thirsty Work, Harry Pepper, Alex Crescent, Rogan, The Future Dub Project, Shanty, Olbi Iyah, Shuna Boston, Bloxed Beats, Sounds of Harlowe, French DJ, DJ E, Double D, TWOGOOD, Mount Nakara, In Search of Yard, Melt Out, Touchy Subject, Kid Gorgeous, South London Samba

Friends & family: Soundcrash, New Bohemia, Tru Thoughts, South London Soul Train, Firstword Records, Tuckshop, So Fresh So Clean, Goodlife, Shut The Front Door, Bedmo Disco, Circles The Origins, Bitesize, House of Wax, Sure Shot, P.U.S.H Plates
£125 for 5 days / boat parties £20 + BF
www.soundwavecroatia.com / @soundwavecro

Beat Herder first wave line up announced.

November 18, 2018March 4, 2016 by Jane Anderson

BEAT-HERDER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST ACTS FOR 2016

RIBBLE VALLEY, LANCASHIRE
15TH – 17TH JULY 2016
www.beatherder.co.uk

PRIMAL SCREAM
CHRONIXX & ZINCFENCE REDEMPTION
DONOVAN
ANDHIM
CLAUDE VONSTROKE
DERRICK CARTER
CLEAN CUT KID
DOORLY
DUB PISTOLS
EASY STAR ALL STARS
GENTLEMAN'S DUB CLUB
GENERAL LEVY

FORMAT: B / JAUZ / JESS ROSE / JUSTIN MARTIN
MARSHALL JEFFERSON / RITON / SONNY FODERA

A.SKILLZ / BEATANGERS / DELTA HEAVY / DR ALEX PATTERSON (THE ORB) / KRYSKO / MOOQEE / UTAN SAINTS / WILL TRAMP / BROADWAY SOUNDS / CASH + DAVID / CAPTAIN HOTKNIVES / COSMO SHELDRAKE / FORMATION / KIKO BUN / LOUIS BERRY / OTHERKIN / TANTZ

DOHNUT / ED STONES & THE BD3 / EDDIE EARTHQUAKE & THE TREMORS / FANDJANGO / THE FOLKESTRA / FOXES FAUX / J-BEAR & THE GIANTS / PETE FOXON'S SOUL TRAIN / RARE ELEMENT / RUBBER KAZOO / FATHER FUNK / JAMIE BERRY / JAY NEWMAN / MAFIA KISS / NICOLA BEAR / SKAPES

The jewel in the crown of Northern England's festival calendar, the beloved Beat-Herder Festival, is back with a much-anticipated cheer from the 12,000 set to attend. Following its huge 10th birthday celebrations last year, Beat-Herder returns with its first line up announcement for 2016.

What sets this festival apart from all the rest – in addition to its entirely hand-made site and unpretentious atmosphere – is its wealth of musical diversity. True to form, in 2016 Beat-Herder will once again celebrate all genres of music, with a genuinely diverse line up that features household names across rock, house, techno, dub, reggae, drum & bass, folk, indie – with even a spot of EDM and dubstep thrown in for good measure.

Taking to the main stage will be veteran Scottish psych-rockers Primal Scream, folk-pop troubadour and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Donovan, reggae legend Chronixx, who will perform with his Zincfence Redemption Band, high octane party upstartsGentleman’s Dub Club and firm favourites Dub Pistols.

Over at the magical Toil Trees stage, the house and techno heartland of the festival nestled deep in the woods, Beat-Herder will play host to some of today's biggest DJs, including Riton – whose current track Rinse & Repeat ft. Kah-Lo is riding high in the charts – Dirtybird co-founder Justin Martin, Andhim, Defected stalwart Sonny Fodera and a special Doorly & Friends takeover, featuring fellow Dirthybird ead honcho Claude VonStroke, Derrick Carter, Will Tramp and many more.

Beat-Herder's very own 60ft x 60ft rave Fortress – complete with its own lasers, ramparts and fire breathing turrets – will be headlined by LA-based dubstep superstar Jauz, who has been garnering support from the likes of Skrillex, Zedd and Diplo. Living ragga legendGeneral Levy is also confirmed for The Fortress and will no doubt bring his encyclopedic knowledge of ragga, jungle and dancehall to the Ribble Valley this July.

Originating from roots as a free rave on the Lancashire moors in 2006, Beat-Herder Festival has grown to where it is today thanks to a swift word-of-mouth growth and a devout army of fans who come back year on year. Despite its increasing popularity, the organisers intentionally cap the tickets at an intimate 12,000 to maintain it’s egalitarian feel. Beat-Herder is a friendly, barmy, hedonistic oasis hidden amidst the relative calm of the Ribble Valley.

So much more than a music festival, Beat-Herder houses a Working Men's Club, comedy stage, a tattoo parlour, yoga classes, workshops including knitting and woodturning, mass-participation games, pop-up performances, a fun-fair and many more surprises round every corner, giving the punter an entirely holistic experience.

The entire site is made from scratch, by hand, including the tunnels in the woods leading to secret raves (look out for a red telephone box…) and a chapel, complete with SundayService. With so many secrets round every corner, including a secluded on-site swimming pool nestled in the heart of the woods, it’s no wonder the festival is such a special and magical experience for those lucky enough to attend, described by Gigwise as a ’northern secret and a magical wonderland.’

Reflecting the eclectic programming the festival is known for, Beat-Herder have also confirmed multi-instrumentalist and singer Cosmo Sheldrake, who creates beautifully unique folk-tinged tunes, Dr Alex Patterson of the legendary house group The Orb, breakbeat dance artist A.Skillz, Ram Records regulars, drum & bass metal duo Delta Heavy, house producer Jesse Rose and reggae singer/producer Kiko Bun.

Broadway Sounds will be showcasing their Australian psych-pop sound, with rising UK band Clean Cut Kid also on the billing. Bringing their ‘hard-hitting klezmer’ to Beat Herderare Leeds-based band Tantz, as well as Irish grunge-pop outfit Otherkin. On the Maison D’Etre stage – aiming to showcase a hand-picked selection of upcoming and unusual artists – are guitarist and singer Louis Berry and electro-pop duo Cash and David.

Stay tuned for more exciting line up announcements to come…

Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club and more set for Nozstock 2015

November 18, 2018February 23, 2016 by Summer Festival Guide

First headliners include Jurassic 5, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Foreign Beggars, Slamboree, Hot 8 Brass Band, Professor Elemental and Split Prophets and DJs includingFriction ft. Linguistics, Dub Phizix + Strategy, DJ Marky & MC GQ, Dimension, Rene LaVice + Stapleton and more.

Curated by the father and daughter duo of Noz and Ella and a huge extended family who work across the entire festival, there’s a unique charm and energy to Nozstock unlike anything else in the country. Reaching its 18^th year in summer 2016, Nozstock is like a mini-Glastonbury nestled in rolling hills.

Set on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, the reassuringly welcoming and independent event has evolved from 50 friends gathered at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey. Joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more, plus interactive adventure and performance for big and small kids of all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for their very first time.

The first Soundcrash Funk & Soul Weekender line-up announced

November 18, 2018February 9, 2016 by Jane Anderson

Soundcrash presents… The Funk & Soul Weekender Camber Sands Holiday Camp – East Sussex, England 13-15 MAY 2016

FULL LINE UP ANNOUNCED: QUANTIC (LIVE), AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, CRAIG CHARLES, GENTLEMAN'S DUB CLUB, ROY AYERS, TONY ALLEN, MR SCRUFF, NORMAN JAY, FATIMA & THE EGLO BAND, THE MOUSE OUTFIT, RENEGADE BRASS BAND, DJ YODARUSS RYAN + MANY MORE, 30 bands and 40 + DJ's

Respected London event promoters Soundcrash are proud to announce the full line up for their very first UK festival The Funk & Soul Weekender, to take place at Camber Sands Holiday Camp Legendary funk, soul and jazz composer Roy Ayers headlines, joining 9-piece dub band Gentleman's Dub Club, American genre-defying electro DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Eglo Records' Fatima (plus Eglo Band),Tru Thoughts' Quantic, and carnival legend Norman Jay. Completing the line up, names added today include: the 23-year-old musician, DJ and record producer Catching Flies, hip-hop live band The Mouse Outfit, and the beats, rhymes and brass

From Funk to Soul, to Latin and Afrobeat to Northern Soul, Ska and Swing a touch of the right Hip Hop & House and everything in between, this new event on the festival calendar is an intimate affair, with a capacity of 3000, created for an audience that truly loves its music. Soundcrash programmer and founding director Rob Waller explains the event is in response to a renewed public interest in the funk and soul genres, with record numbers of fans attending shows for established legends such as George Clinton, Quantic, Tony Allen and Tinariwen. There's also strong and growing interest in a very vibrant new soul scene with artists such as Taylor McFerrin, Andrew Ashong, Haitus Kaiyote and Andreya Triana at the helm.

"Soul, funk, jazz, afrobeat and latin has all been at the heart of my booking for almost 2 decades; and although Soundcrash Productions – itself in its 10th year, is equally well known for itinnovative electronic, bass music and hip hop output (which crosses very well into these genres), I thought is was time to make a special event specifically within the world of funk and soul for 2016.”

Soundcrash has also announced some fun and unique experiences as part of the event, including Live Band Karaoke, DJs, Brass Bands, Music Quizzes, Northern Soul Dance Classes, South London Soul Train Stage, and Live Brass Band Soundtracked Crazy Golf Tournaments. Warming up for the festival, associated club nights and DJ’s from the country's finest Soul nights, including Move On Up and Soul 45, will be promoting parties in the lead up to the big event. This is set in the picturesque Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex, a mere hour's train journey from London. Chalet accommodation (catering for 4-6 people) is included in the price of Get your dancing shoes packed and we hope to see you in Camber!

Tickets available now: http://www.funkandsoulweekender.com

Soundwave Croatia – First wave line up announced

June 10, 2020February 9, 2016 by Jane Anderson

Sound-tracked by the some of the world’s finest exponents of broken beat, reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass, vocalists, rappers and more, the festival is a harmonious and beatific odyssey which seamlessly merges a sublime holiday and musical escape like no other. Soundwave is revered for its eclectic range of bookings and its laid back attitude, which come together in an enchanting adventure by the sea, exploring a range of music seldom heard in the Adriatic region. It’s a journey which explores a different path to many of the region’s other festivals, a little more edifying and spiritually enriching, set under the sizzling Croatian sun and star-lit skies.

The headliners for Soundwave have now been revealed. While a member of the New York City duo Organized Konfusion, Pharoahe Monch developed a reputation as one of underground hip-hop's preeminent lyricists, crafting intricate and intelligent raps with partner Prince Poetry. He is also an incisive political and social commentator, using hip-hop as a platform for political engagement. Calibre is responsible for some of the most beautiful and sublime tracks in drum and bass. Releasing on only the most distinguished labels, including his own Signature Recordings, Calibre’s distinctive sound has progressed taking on elements of jazz, funk, dub and techno whilst losing none of its esteemed soul.

Many more great artists join the festival. Digital Mystikz’s Mala returns with a heavy dose of bass-shaking dubstep, whilst one of 6 Music’s lead presenters Craig Charles, a funk and soul DJ and prime instigator of good times, makes a very welcome return. Fatima & The Eglo Band perform live; soul star Fatima has worked with everyone from Floatings Points, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra) and Dam Funk, and the band are drawn from performers from the famed Eglo label. Still on the live side, Gentleman’s Dub Club will deliver their energetic and exhilarating live show, emerging from the UK reggae and bass music scene as its prime exponents. Channel One Sound System have been at the Notting Hill Carnival for over 30 years and are the UK’s most prominent and respected reggae crew; the Red Bull Culture Clash winners are set to bring ground-shaking bass to Tisno.

Back to genre-skipping delights, the Riot Jazz Brass Band bring peace-lovin’ aggro jazz, hip-hop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dubstep too, dropping drum and bass and dancefloor bangers that always have everyone dancing. Romare sublime cut ’n’ paste style blends Afrocentric beats and global inspirations, encapsulated in his brilliant Projections album; this also translates into bouncing party sets of the highest order. And the incredible voice of Harleighblu is set to enchant, the young singer and songwriter one of the UK’s brightest new names. Clap! Clap! is the project by the Italian producer C. Crisci. His focus is around sampling African tribes, bands and singers, creating tribal rhythms through drum machines and synths. And BAFTA and MOBO award winning artist Akala is a rapper with heart, soul and steel, a historian who brings a touch of lyrical grace and edge to Soundwave.

Rinse FM presenter and DJ Josey Rebelle’s house and techno spans across time and space, venturing into rare groove, soul and garage, and Eglo Record’s boss Alexander Nut brings his richly varied sounds to the festival. Henry Wu hails from 22a Records, a young label which has been causing a real stir. Their beautiful tracks are inspired by luminaries including Roy Ayers and John Coltrane to form jazzy, dubby soulful beats. Further names announced for Soundwave include Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, Flo Real (Mahogani Music), Chunky, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams White, Bobbafat, Gilla, DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, CC Disco, Taste The Difference, So Fresh So Clean, Plates and Tuckshop.

The Garden Resort is a true slice of paradise nestled on the Dalmatian coastline. Blessed with crystal clear azure Adriatic waters, sizzling sunshine and star-lit night skies, the idyllic and intimate setting welcomes a global crowd of music lovers and adventure seekers to Tisno. The site has the incredible water-side beach bar, where you are so close to the sea you are almost dancing in it, and cosy curl of beach which looks out over the bay. The site’s main stage is a little way behind, perfect for headline acts, and nearby nestled under the canopy of trees is the Olive Grove stage. It’s a beautiful location, everything built around nature, growing like the environment around it, rich with intimacy and a sense of wonder. And a short drive away is the incredible Barbarella’s club, a fully open air space, powered by Funkion One, redolent of Ibiza’s formative early days. As dawn breaks and the sun slowly comes up, there is no place else like it.

Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub

Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu, Clap Clap, Akala, Josey

Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, Flo Real

(Mahogani Music), Chunky, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams White,

Bobbafat, Gilla, DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, CC Disco, Taste The

Difference, So Fresh So Clean, Plates and Tuckshop

Soundwave
Thursday 4^th – Monday 8^th August 2016
@ The Garden Resort, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
£125 for 5 days (club and boat parties extra)
www.soundwavecroatia.com / @soundwavecro

Croatia’s Soundwave Festival full lineup announced!

November 18, 2018January 29, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Set in one of Europe's most beautiful locations, Soundwave Croatia returns for 2014 with a lineup that includes New Zealand 7-piece outfit Fat Freddy's Drop, LA based DJ / Producer / Rapper Madlib and British music producer Mr Scruff.

FAT FREDDY'S DROP | MADLIB (DJ SET) | MR SCRUFF | GOLD PANDA | THE BUG

Wychwood Festivals 10th anniversary lineup additions

November 18, 2018January 21, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Wychwood Festival is thrilled to announce the second wave of artists for the monumental celebration of 10 wonderful years of the family, rock, indie, folk and world music festival. Feel-good folk act Newton Faulkner will be performing on Saturday’s main stage along with Colombian musicians La Chiva Gantiva, who wowed crowds at last year's Womad festival, while the closing festivities, courtesy of Gentleman’s Dub Club, will leave all on a dub and ska high. Esteemed London-based promoters Smashing Blouse will be revisiting the Big Top after a phenomenal 2013 with a line-up that boasts some of the most exciting new and respected musicians to grace the UK music scene this year, including Bipolar Sunshine, Glitches and returner Lloyd Yates. Further additions to the line up include a flurry of top notch comedians plus literary pioneers who are confirmed to be a part of this year's esteemed Children's Literature Festival.

Wychwood celebrates ten phenomenal years in 2014. This momentous milestone is being honoured with a second wave of outstanding artists, leading with singer and songwriter of chart hits ‘Dream Catch Me’ and ‘Gone in the Morning’, Newton Faulkner. Faulkner is the perfect addition to this year's programme bringing his classic sing-along anthems to the stage in what promises to be an unmissable Saturday performance. Newton comments, "I'm really excited to be playing at Wychwood Festival this summer, especially for the 10th Anniversary! They've had some great acts over the years so I'm really happy to be joining them".

Also added to the bill is Gentleman's Dub Club, an energetic nine-member ensemble who fuse the best in reggae, ska and dub to a create a completely unique sound of their own. La Chiva Gantiva will bring the sound of their roots to Wychwood with a Colombian flavour that will surely get crowds dancing, whilst festival circuit regular and dapper dresser Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer will delight fans with his own style of eloquent British rap.

Gentlemans Dub Club @ Wychwood Festival - Summer Festival Guide 2014

The Big Top is once again being curated by Smashing Blouse who will be setting the bar high with pioneering up-and-coming acts alongside some of the most inspiring and respected musicians. This year is no exception with Brit-nominated Bipolar Sunshine heading the charge, dark electro-indie bandGlitches and returning with a no doubt heartfelt emotional performance, Lloyd Yates. Sam Garrett andPhoria also join in what is set to be another incredible three days of unmissable music.

Wychwood Festival is proud to host the dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, which will this year see the return of Philip Ardagh and award winning author Tony de Saulles to enlighten and thrill all ages . Zimbabwe-born Korky Paul and illustrator of ‘Winnie the Witch’, plus author and songwriter Karen Langtree, will also be bringing to life the written word and many more to be announced soon. In addition, the comedy programme in association with eFestivals reveals its first batch of comics, providing late-night hilarity with radio presenter and one time The Big Breakfast presenter, Paul Tonkinson, must see interactive comic Wed Zaharruk and self described one-liner merchant Gary Delaney.

Undercover Festival complete Friday lineup

November 18, 2018January 18, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

The Summer Festival Guide can reveal that the Gentlemans Dub Club will be headlining the Main Stage on the Friday for Undercover Festival 2014

Gentleman’s Dub Club is a nine-piece band that formed in Leeds in early 2006. With a style based in dub, ska and roots reggae, GDC have burst onto the UK circuit, rocking gigs and festivals up and down the country with their super high energy show. Combining tight grooves and a heavyweight sound, Gentleman’s Dub Club bring the party to crowds of all ages hungry for a dance floor workout, with their gigs often ending in a frenzied mosh pit reminiscent of a mid 80’s ska night. Live effects and mixing make for a crystal clear sound, and the band’s larger than life stage presence makes for a mesmerising experience.

Having built a reputation on consistently delivering one of the most energetic and exhilarating live shows to emerge from the UK music scene, the Gents’ antics have seen them astound crowds from Goa to Glastonbury, Boomtown, Bestival, V Fest, Secret Garden Party and Poland’s Ostroda Reggae Festival, not to mention the biggest bass-music’ festival in the world – Croatia’s Outlook Festival.

Their records remain securely within the top 40 of the album reggae charts since release, hailing support from some of the UK's most prominent underground representatives including Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Rob Da Bank (BBC Radio 1), David Rodigan (BBC 1XTRA ) and Don Letts (BBC Radio 6 music).

SPIZZENERGI

We are pleased to be able to welcome Spizz and the band to Undercover to close Stage II on the Friday!! AND boy are you in for a treat..

Spizzenergi formed in the late 1970s, led by Spizz. The band changed its name every year, subsequent names including Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles. They are notable as the first band to top the newly created UK Indie Chart early in 1980. However, they were perhaps best known for their single "Where's Captain Kirk?" More than two decades after its release, it was included in Mojo magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all time.

2014 marks the 35^th anniversary since those heady days where Spizz formed the band, yes there have been numerous changes to the band but what has not changed is the show you will witness at Undercover one that is relentless, pure theatre and great fun.

One of the best showmen on the scene today..

FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER

MAIN STAGE

GENTLEMENS DUB CLUB

Roddy Radiation (from The Specials) and The Ska Billy Rebels

Chelsea

DragSTER

Home Town Hi Fi

R.E.D

Geeza Punk

Rage DC

The Tang

STAGE II

SPIZZENERGI

Menace

The Spitfires

On Trial UK

Skurvi

Emergency Bitter

Crash Course / UK Subs cover band

TBA

Risk

Jon Lamb

SATURDAY 20th SEPTEMBER

MAIN STAGE

ANGELIC UPSTARTS (Joint Headline Act)

SPEAR OF DESTINY (Joint Headline Act)

PENETRATION (Joint Headline Act)

THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG (Joint Headline act)

999

Stone Foundation

Department S

Fighting Evil Is Cool

Vulgarities

The Cottonettes

STAGE II

The Talks

The Witchdoktors

King Punch

The Sha La Las

Charred Hearts

Phoenix Chroi

Wonk Unit

Monkish

Morgellons

Mocara

Top Buzzer

SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

MAIN STAGE

THE DUALERS

The Glitter Band

XSLF

Goldblade

Dirt Box Disco

Lead Shot Hazard

The Brompton Mix

No Lip

When We Run

STAGE II

Open Sore

Louise Distras

One Roots

The Duel

Archive45

Kilter

Stone Heroes

A-M-I

Wessex Pistols