jackmaster

The first Boundary Festival crossed some serious borders. Review 2016.

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Pushing the parameters of what is jovially known amongst us music journalists as ‘festival season’ lies Boundary Brighton. Boasting an impressive line-up for its inaugural year, this one-day dance music extravaganza definitely made its mark. Exhibiting an impressive list of DJ’s and acts across four stages, the festival collaborated with clubs and venues across Brighton alongside party innovators Elrow, music publication Mixmag and the infamous LWE to curate something pretty brilliant to witness.

 

 

The main stage combined one of Brighton’s most beloved venues, Concorde, with the go-to publication for all things clubbing and dance music; Mixmag. Artists such as Bondax and Groove Armada (DJ set) took to the stage, as well as the energetic Gentleman's Dub Club, a delightful surprise, whose combination of ska and dubstep, suited appearance and Yorkshire accents over reggae vocals, brought an incredible live show. A DJ set by Wilkinson closed the stage down with an immense stamina and an energetic collection of tunes.  

 

 

Notorious party-starters Elrow teamed up with Brighton’s The Arch – formerly known as Digital – to create a colourful psychedelic stage. If you haven't yet heard of Elrow, that's about to change, as the Barcelonian party enthusiasts have been putting on nights left right and centre; most notably the Ibiza classic Space. The Vibrant tent hosted the likes of Solardo, Seth Troxler, and Richy Ahmed all cocooned in a tent trying to be Woodstock, yet sounding pretty far from it.

 

One of London’s biggest underground events organisers LWE teamed up with Brighton club Patterns; still relatively new on the club scene since the death of Audio not too long ago (may it rest in peace) and I must say, whoever had the idea to build a fake London Warehouse as the set up for an inside stage was a genius. Entering the ‘building’ transported you into a club-like arena, where the likes of Jackmaster, Joy Orbison wowed the crowd, as well as sets from Patterns residents themselves. Last but not least, Boundary also set it’s very own bandstand. The smallest stage but still able to attract a crowd, the masked man Jaguar Skills played a hit-heavy set, albeit sounding a little rusty.

 

The man of the hour award definitely goes to Craig David and his new DJ project TS5. After the build up of one of the biggest revivals in garage history, Craig David’s comeback is definitely going strong. Though rumours of TS5 being a little rusty are still floating around, by the time the headliner hit the stage you could tell he’s cleaned up his act and his setlist was selectively fine tuned to please everyone from the 90’s kids in the crowd to old school garage fanatics. Being a fan as I am, I must say I’m probably a little biased but listening to Fill Me In and Seven Days live was enough to complete my summer of festivalling and if the attitude of my fellow punters in that crowd was anything to go by, I’m guessing they’d agree with me.

 

Craig David/ TS5 headlining the main stage.

 

This being said you can tell Boundary is still finding its feet. Though it’s had some great ideas and, in my opinion, had a pretty successful launch, it could do with a few tweaks. There’s no specific wristband system so punters are let in with no chance of re-entry if they leave, which would be fine if it didn’t make for a very confusing entry, there are no maps or clear labels as to which stage is which and punters have to check paper set times to make sure they catch who they want to see, It’s also pretty small. Though it held a 20,000 capacity, the festival site felt similar to a village fete making the four stages feel pretty squashed together. Nevertheless, in a way, this worked as a positive, as it promised big, energetic yet friendly crowds for each stage.

 

 

The acts themselves put on a great show, but with the renowned names on the bill and the brand of Brighton nightlife surpassing the name of the festival itself, this is hardly surprising. Though despite each stage’s own collaboration, all the music did feel a bit samey, samey. DJ’s and dance music aren’t always all too different and you come to appreciate the skills of each act you see, as well as their ability to captivate a crowd, but maybe next year it would be good to focus on a specific subgenre for each stage instead of mixing it up across the board. Do this, and Boundary could quite possibly become the next dance/club pilgrimage of the summer.

 
All images provided by www.visionseven.co.uk for Boundary Brighton.

Hideout Festival announce 16 boat parties for 2016

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With tickets on the verge of selling out for a sixth year running, Hideout Festival has now have announced the programme for their infamous boat parties. Taking place between 26th and 30th June, some of the biggest names and nights in clubland will be bringing their parties to the high seas. Taking a turn at the helm this year with their specially curated parties will be Bicep, Mu Nu Leng, Darius Syrossian, Eton Messy, Dusky, Hannah Wants, Eats Everything, Preditah, Danny Howard, Monki, Gorgon City, B.Traits, Jackmaster and Midland, and the now infamous Welcome to Hideout Sunday parties. 

With two already sold out pre festival boats, followed by daily boat parties every day the festival takes place, there are sure to be many highlights with an outrageous amount of talent and special surprises set to play. The specially curated parties from the best nights and artists in clubland include Do Not Sleep, Feel My Bicep, Metropolis, Notion, Nothing Else Matters, Eton Messy, What Hannah Wants, Edible, Monki & Friends, Gorgon City Kingdom, Mu Nu Leng & M8's x Thump, Future Sound, Dusky Presents and not forgetting Numbers x Graded. An unmissable part of the festival experience, Mixmag will be jumping on board to film three very special sets from the seas. 

Those who prefer to stick to dry land will not miss out, as Hideout Festival boasts one of its most eclectic line ups to date with artists spanning the breadth of the electronic music spectrum. Over 150 artists are set to perform across the five stages along Zrce Beach including Skepta, Jamie xx, John Talabot, Hot Since 82, Andy C, The Martinez Brothers and many more.
 
Day to night parties span across sea and land from the 26th – 30th June promising round the clock unforgettable entertainment. The daily pool parties kick off every day from 3pm – 8pm hosted by good friends of Hideout including BBC Radio 1, Paradise, Jackathon and Elrow. 

“To celebrate this year’s epic festival season, Smirnoff, the world’s most popular vodka brand, is proud to be the official vodka and partner with the biggest festivals across Europe including Hideout; teaming up great music and great drinks to make the week one to remember." – Nicholas Cornbleet – Brand Manager Smirnoff Europe / Diageo

Hideout Boat Parties Presented by Smirnoff – Tickets available at http://hideoutfestival.com/

Welcome To Hideout pt 1
Hideout residents- 
Grainger
The Sonic Emporium
Arkive

Welcome To Hideout pt2
Hideout residents-
Last Magpie
People Get Real
Nicola Bear

Metropolis
Preditah
Mistajam
Plastician
 
My Nu Leng & M8's x Thump
My Nu Leng
Zinc
Mak & Pasteman
 
Nothing Else Matters
Danny Howard
Friend Within
Apres
 
Gorgon City Kingdom
Gorgon City
Riton
 
Notion
Patrick Topping
Denney
 
Feel My Bicep
Bicep
The Black Madonna
 
Future Sonic Voyage
B Traits
Alan Fitzpatrick
Gardens of God
 
Dusky Presents
Dusky
Jasper James
 
What Hannah Wants
Hannah Wants
Sonny Fodera
Devstar
 
Do Not Sleep
Darius Syrossian
Hector Couto

Edible
Eats Everything B2B Lord Leopard

Numbers x Graded
Jackmaster
Midland 
 
Monki & Friends
Monki
Toddla T
Mella Dee

Eton Messy 
TCTS 
Eton Messy
Gotsome

Bugged Out Weekender 2016 Review

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What do you get if you throw 50 of the biggest names in house, techno, garage and grime into Butlins with thousands of other party hungry ravers from across the country that are beyond fed up of the January blues? The biggest party this side of winter, that’s what. Who ever thought up the idea of getting DJ's to play at what is usually a relaxed, child-friendly family holiday resort is, unquestionably, a genius. Because it works unbelievably well…

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After resurrecting Floorfillers Club Classics from a dusty glovebox early on during our Friday afternoon journey, it proves the perfect soundtrack to get us in the mood for a weekend at Butlins.

As soon as we've checked in we head to Spar for some essentials. Though, instead of the usual mum-friendly songs on its radio, it's a Bugged Out Weekender takeover as Skream's ‘Midnight Request Line' subtly makes itself heard. And it's not just the corner shop with an unusual soundtrack. The lifts, too, reject their usual music as Artwork preaches, "What comes up must come down" and "don't forget to eat before the pool party" as just two of the cheeky remarks to guide everyone along…

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Heading into the main pavilion we’ve no idea what to expect. Greeted by a man in full Star Wars attire, we zoom past retro arcade games to check out DJ Barely Legal's grime and bass-heavy set. Not much later and we’re running into Reds – 'the home of the Redcoats' – as B Traits drops Barnt's face-melting techno thumper, 'Chappell' … everyone’s practically forgotten we're in Butlins by now. 

Instead, we could be at any of the country's best clubs. With an unexpectedly strong sound-system, a good-sized stage, expansive dance-floor and incredibly on-point strobe lighting set up – Reds is where we spend most of our nighttimes…

Groove Armada put in a set full of euphoria, dropping 'You've Got The Love' to arms-in-the-air effect. There's almost a Bestival vibe to the night so far; one group of lads sport homemade ‘to dare is to disco’ printed t-shirts. Everyone’s just high on happiness.

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Meanwhile, in the more intimate Escape setting Erol Alkan is delivering the perfect electro set, and DJ EZ takes a packed Centre Stage crowd on a one-hour journey of past, present and future hits.

Grime, house, pop and garage – you name it EZ's playing it. From Bieber ('Where R U Now') to Stormzy ('Shut Up') to AJ Tracey ('Naila') to Chase & Status ('Hypest Hype') and even a weird-but-it-works edit of The Clash ('Should I Stay Or Should I Go?') …it's a bit like being at Oceana on a Saturday night. 

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Saturday afternoon rolls round too quickly and before we know it it's time to start drinking again – plans to explore Bognor’s beauty are fast disappearing…

Armand Van Helden, following Eats Everything’s energetic house and techno, plays a 90's throwback set – attracting one of the Weekender's biggest crowds and a whole lot of confetti. It’s all about unashamed fun as Mouse T’s ‘Horny’ is met with two guys waving their half-eaten carrot and cucumber in the air like glow-sticks. Completely ridiculous, it seems we are at Butlins after all. 

This is all going on whilst Mumdance takes a smaller but focused crowd through a hard-hittIng ear-punishing soundscape of electronic bleeps and bass in The Escape; whilst back on the Centre Stage, Skream and Jackmaster are preparing for Bigger Than JESuS with Armand and Eats, who see us through the rest of the night perfectly. 

With Jackmaster behind the decks, Skream adds a new string to his bow, acting as a sort of hype-man by coming crowd level to encourage a clap along; at Bugged Out Weekender the fun never stops…

TomHorton-BuggedOutWeekender-2016-374

 

With it being the last day at Butlins, it’d be shameful not to check out a pool party. Inflatable’s, slides, wave machines, a lazy river, hot tub and dozens of dinghy's are just the tip of the iceberg – because it’s soundtracked by house and disco purveyors Bicep, a duo who’s 2015 was nothing short of amazing. As Sunday afternoon's go, this one takes the crown.

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Come midnight we're straight down the front for Glaswegian star-in-the-making Jasper James's brilliant house and techno set. There’s not one track that misfires throughout Jackmaster’s housemate’s 90-minute set. We even watch man on his own, at least 70-years-old, throwing some crazy shapes; whilst a group of guys physically bow down in front of Jasper.

With the whole crowd applauding and having the time of there lives, there's an energy from the constantly on-point track selection – highlights: Emmanuel Jal ‘Kuar’ (Henrik Schwarz Remix) and Lil Louis and the World ‘I Called U (The Conversation)’ – that's been, so far, unmatched…

That is the case … until The Black Madonna puts in an effortlessly show-stealing performance. Most artists would struggle to follow a great set like Jasper’s, but Marea Stamper takes the pressure completely in her stride. Having played a show in Istanbul on Friday, it wouldn’t be wrong to expect she’d be just a bit tired, but no. Contrastingly, it’s rare to see a DJ getting as involved as The Black Madonna does. She looks completely at home behind the decks, putting in the most eclectic – and easily the best – set of the weekend.

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From driving, vocal house to heavy, relentless techno, via personal highlights: Green Velvet and Harvard Bass’s sonically blinding 'Laser Beams' and Jimmy Edgar's ground-shattering 'Let Me Tell You' – The Black Madonna keeps the audience dancing like it’s their final night on earth.

It's clear from her hand claps, hair flicks and exuberant moves that she's up for a proper party. I could carry on with how great it was – especially the tribute to Bowie near the end – but The Black Madonna summed it up perfectly on Twitter: “I was maniac raving out here! … I literally don't know if I've ever danced as hard as I did on these last two shoes”. We couldn't have put it better…

Closing out Reds for another year, Bicep take the reigns for a set that ends up extended by an hour – because it was so good. Opting for Hubie Davison's brilliant 'Sanctified' to open, they don’t put a foot wrong from thereon. House music legend Kerri Chandler, meanwhile, provides the perfect send off at Centre Stage with a New York classics set full of soul and piano chords aplenty. Veering from a rapturously received ‘You’re In My System’ to ‘Lost In Music’, there’s no age limit. 

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“I’ve been raving since 1986,” explains a middle-aged man dressed in a flowing metallic cape with a neon pink flashing cupcake attached to his head. “It’s real music,” he gushes. “I do struggle to keep up these days, but I manage … somehow!” And that’s what the Bugged Out Weekender is all about. Offering fun for everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are, when you get to Butlins all your inhibitions are forgotten. As the banner inside Reds reads …

‘IT’S JUST A BIG DISCO!’

Sleaford Mods, Gold Panda and more added to Field Day 2016 lineup

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Field Day Saturday 11th June
 
Field Day are delighted to reveal the new line-up additions that will be joining the likes of Skepta, Four Tet, Deerhunter, Orchestra Baobab, Floating Points, Motor City Drum Ensemble and Youth Lagoon on the Field Day Saturday 11th June bill.
 

Field Day are thrilled to welcome Brooklyn based experimental rock band Yeasayer. With their new album Amen & Goodbye set to drop in April, this will be one of the first opportunities to hear the band's superbly odd and fantastic new material live in the UK. 
 
Contemporary Nottingham duo Sleaford Mods will also be joining the Field Day Saturday bill.  

Jason Williamson from the band commented on their addition to the Field Day line-up: "We've been wanting to play Field Day for ages, it's a festival that always houses a great deal of interesting new music and not the usual bland array of star employees from big labels. Should be a right laugh!"
 
Field Day are also excited to announce the post-hardcore sludge-punk trio Metz, hailed as North America's finest touring rock band, their guitars are titanic, drums ill-tempered, vocals chilling and the volume worrisome. 
 
Girl Band, the noise-rock quartet from Dublin have been praised for delivering visceral, invigorating music with nods to Daft Punk and Nick Cave. Their recent album Holding Hands with Jamie was recently included in Time Magazine's 10 Best Albums of 2015 poll.
 
Also on board for Field Day Saturday will be the impeccable Gold Panda. Hailing from Chelmsford in Essex, Gold Panda started writing beats and producing a few years ago, beginning the journey that ultimately saw him nominated in the BBC's Sound Poll list and the Guardian's prestigious First Album Award for his debut album Lucky Shiner. Since then, he has released a follow-up album, Half Of Where You Live and toured the world to considerable acclaim.
 
Meanwhile, the Berlin based duo Tale Of Us bring their emotive deep house sound to Field Day. Their popularity and talent was evident when they appeared at #3 in Resident Advisor's 'Top 100 DJ's' poll at the end of 2015. Jackmaster, the Glaswegian DJ and co-founder of the highly successful label and club night Numbers plus previous XOYO resident, will play b2b with the highly respected house and disco DJ Gerd Janson. 
 
Belfast-born duo Bicep will be spinning live, bringing their varied, disco, acid house sounds to a Field Day stage. The forward thinking Plastician and Berlin based disco diva The Black Madonna, renowned for her uplifting sets that balance established anthems with idiosyncratic selections, will also be joining the bill.
 
Elsewhere, Field Day welcomes Little Simz, an artist barely into her 20's who has already become one of the UK's most in-demand acts, changing up the rap game and appearing on the Forbes '30 under 30' list. Hackney based singer songwriter and BBC Music 'Sound Of 2016' pick Nao, whose unique vocal tone draws a fusion of hip hop, soul and R&B to UKG, funk and jazz, plus Kelela, an artist known for her gorgeous off-kilter R&B vocals and chilly metallic production.
 
Rising stars performing at this year's event include the young and extremely talented singer songwriter Gillbanks and Polydor Records signing Mabel, who will bring her refreshing pop sound to Field Day Saturday.
 
In addition Wooden Wisdom & DJ Fitz will be responsible for an unforgettable set. Wooden Wisdom are made up of Zach Cowie along with actor and label owner Elijah Wood (from Lord Of The Rings fame!), who'll be spinning classic funk-soul, spaced-out space age instrumentals and 80's-era dance new wave jams. They will be joined by DJ Fitz for a truly electric collaboration.
 
Field Day Sunday 12th June
 
After confirming the iconic PJ Harvey, Field Day are thrilled to announce more additions to the Field Day Sunday line up, which so far includes Beach House, John Grant, Molly Nilsson, GOAT, Optimo, Thurston Moore Band and many more.
 
Field Day Sunday welcomes The Brian Jonestown Massacre, the American neo-psychedelia torchbearers, formed in San Francisco back in 1990. Led by lead singer and guitarist Anton Newcombe, the band's output spans psychedelic rock, folk rock, shoegaze and noise pop. Now onto their fifteenth globe-trotting album, packed with multiple chiming guitars, the band will touch down at Victoria Park on Sunday 12th June. 
 
Also joining Field Day Sunday, will be the african 7-piece band Mbongwana Star from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their music has been described as a 'clever balance between the sunshine vibes of soukous with the gritty reality of life in a Kinshasa slum'.
 
Also confirmed are Manchester's rising indie stars and BBC Music 'Sound Of 2016' hot picks Blossoms. Plus New York based rockers Parquet Courts, London's Tangerines as well as the enigmatic American alt folk singer-songwriter Cass McCombs.
 
Daphni the club-floor, techno drawn alias of Dan Snaith, more commonly known as Caribou will be returning to Victoria Park. London brothers Formation, who's smart liquid funk sound positioned them as one of NME and Time Out London's 'Ones To Watch' for 2016, and grammy-winning, classically trained, writer and producer Tourist will also appear on this years bill. 
 
Finally, Field Day are excited to announce Moon Duo, who will bring their off-kilter dance rhythms, repetitive, grinding riff and cosmic trucker boogies to Field Day Sunday.
 
Field Day president Tom Baker said on the new additions: "Im really thrilled to be able to announce even more acts for our 10th series of Field Day; Mbongwana Star are coming all the way from Kinshasa and they will blow your mind! We are very happy to welcome back Dan Snaith in his Daphni guise to FD Sunday alongside the seminal and psychedelic brilliance of The Brian Jonestown Massacre… True gents those Sleaford Mods will teach you some manners and Metz will make your ears bleed (in a good way)… There is still more to come we just can't tell you it all now!"
 
Tune in to the Steve Lamacq show on BBC 6 Music from 4pm GMT on Thursday 21st January for the exclusive first play of PJ Harvey's new single. 

Introducing Croatia’s latest music festival Love International

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In 2016 Love International continues the legacy left by The Garden Festival in Croatia, the region’s founding event and the one which inspired the now burgeoning scene of electronic music along the country’s stunning coast.

Harnessing a unique sense of intimacy and inspiration, Love International launches this summer in the picture-postcard town of Tisno, surrounded by verdant pine forests and the glittering waters of the Adriatic Sea, hidden away with its own secluded beach and bay. By day a beatific chill-out under the sizzling sun, then as the evenings gather pace the stars come out and the enchanting site transforms; as night closes in it becomes a pulsating festival which looks out across the sea, the action culminating at the stunning fully outdoor club, Barbarella’s, to see the sun’s rise. This tiny strip of true paradise draws music lovers and adventure seekers from across the world to Croatia for a mesmerising holiday and festival odyssey.

Making its debut on June 29th, Love International’s ethos might already feel a little familiar, curated by Dave Harvey and Tom Paine who have many years of experience working with The Garden Festival’s crew and shaping its artist bookings. Now they are realising their full vision, bringing back some old friends who have graced Tisno over the years and also introducing many of the world’s most revered DJs and producers for the first time to Tisno.

Five of the just revealed names are all amazing artists in their own right, each bringing something different to Love International. Eats Everything is quite simply one of the world’s biggest DJs and for the last three years he has blown Tisno away; for pure electric party vibes it doesn’t get any better. Bicep had a huge 2015 and the duo are all set to make this year even bigger, sculpting sublime sets across disco, house and techno, whilst Jackmaster played arguably one of the defining sets of last year with Armand Van Helden, their Boiler Room show skipping between French touch to garage and everything good inbetween. Roman Flugel is a Teutonic legend from the early 1990s crossing ambient, house, techno, electro and leftfield, and prime Swedish export Axel Boman is a bit of a young legend already; his Studio Barnhus label is a source of great material, and he has released and remixed on Permanent Vacation, Moodmusic and Hypercolour. The guys are joined by the already announced Dixon, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Ben UFO, Gerd Janson, Craig Richards, Joy Orbison, Midland, Horse Meat Disco, Prosumer, Hunee and Job Jobse.

Further guests announced include Young Marco and his gleefully genre-seguing sets which have brought him great acclaim; the Dutch DJ is one of the scene’s most creative minds, and Tisno faves Crazy P Soundsystem make their annual pilgrimage to the region. Felix Dickinson continues to add to his sublime career, from Burning Man to Glastonbury to Bad Passion resident, and to being a pivotal part of the UK house music scene, whilst Tisno regulars PBR Streetgang bring back their epic party music. Subclub duo Harri & Domenic make their debut, fresh from DJ Mag awarding them Best Small Club of 2015, and re-Rex club resident and frequent Panorama Bar guest Jennifer Cardini also joins the festival and makes her debut. Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani is another welcome face, fusing disco and house to seamless effect, and the esteemed Maxxi Soundsystem has released on Futureboogie, Ellum Audio, Hypercolour, Wolf Music and makes a welcome return. Classic statesman and long-time DLC collaborator Luke Solomon takes to the decks too, and Dalston Superstore’s Dan Beaumont returns after last year’s boat mayhem.

Across a sublime week of music, the guys are joined by Adam Shelton, Alex From Tokyo, Apiento, Bad Passion, Bradley Zero, Begin, Christophe, Damiano Von Erckert, Dave Harvey, Discodromo, Dreems, Eric Duncan, Ess O Ess, Fantastic Man, Fort Romeau, Francis Inferno Orchestra, Gatto Fritto, Gideon Block 9, Hodge, Ilija Rudman, Jay L, Jex Opolis, Jonny Nash, Jonny Rock, Jozif, Justin Vandervolgen, Khruangbin, Lakuti, Last Waltz, Lexx, Lord Of The Isles, Lukas, Man Power, Mark Seven, Medlar, Moonboots, Moscoman, Mount Liberation Unlimited, Mudd, Otologic, Paramida, Peak & Swift, Pender Street Steppers, Phil Mison, Red Axes, Ron & Neil, Ruf Dug, Shanti Celeste, Shmlss, Solar, Steve Cobby, Subb-An, Suzanne Kraft, Tama Sumo, Telephones, Thomas Von Party, Tiago, Tornado Wallace, Tristan Da Cunha, Waifs & Strays and Wolf Music.

Love International
Weds 29th June – Weds 6th July 2016
@ The Garden Tisno, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
£120 for 7 days and 7 nights (club and boat parties extra)
www.loveinternationalfestival.com / @LoveIntFestival
(All names listed alphabetically)
Axel Boman, Ben UFO, Bicep, Craig Richards, Dixon, Eats Everything, Gerd Janson, Horse Meat Disco, Hunee, Jackmaster, Job Jobse, Joy Orbison, Midland, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Prosumer and Roman Flugel.

Adam Shelton, Alex From Tokyo, Apiento, Bad Passion, Bradley Zero, Begin, Christophe, Crazy P Soundsystem, Damiano Von Erckert, Dan Beaumont, Darshan Jesrani – Metro Area, Dave Harvey, Discodromo, Dreems, Eric Duncan, Ess O Ess, Fantastic Man, Felix Dickinson, Fort Romeau, Francis Inferno Orchestra, Gatto Fritto, Gideon Block 9, Harri & Domenic, Hodge, Ilija Rudman, Jay L, Jennifer Cardini, Jex Opolis, Jonny Nash, Jonny Rock, Jozif, Justin Vandervolgen, Khruangbin, Lakuti, Last Waltz, Lexx, Lord Of The Isles, Lukas, Luke Solomon, Man Power, Mark Seven, Maxxi Soundsystem, Medlar, Moonboots, Moscoman, Mount Liberation Unlimited, Mudd, Otologic, Paramida, PBR Streetgang, Peak & Swift, Pender Street Steppers, Phil Mison, Red Axes, Ron & Neil, Ruf Dug, Shanti Celeste, Shmlss, Solar, Steve Cobby, Subb-An, Suzanne Kraft, Tama Sumo, Telephones, Thomas Von Party,  Tiago, Tornado Wallace, Tristan Da Cunha, Waifs & Strays, Wolf Music and Young Marco.

Ali Tillet, Anthony Mansfield, Asaf Samuel, Banoffee Pies, Belfast Music Club DJs, Ben Price, Bobby Beige, Cedric Maison, Chris Farrell, Craig Christon, Cut N Shut Disco, Dan Wild, Dea Brandana, Deano Ferrino, Dirtytalk DJs, Galen, Harahoney, House Of Disco DJs, Jake Manders, James Holroyd, Jenny Jen, Jess Farley, Joe Lye, Jukes Of Hazard, Katie Barber, Katzele, Krywald & Farrer, M3, Melting Pot DJs, Miles Simpson, Mr Paul, Mr Solid Gold, Myles Mears, Nick Bennett, No Fakin’, Orkun Bozdemir, Paddy Freeform, Pardon My French, Park Ranger, Peter Leung, Phil Cooper, Sebastian Spring, Shiny Objects, Shapes DJs, Stevie Wonderland DJs, Tayo, That Inkfolk Lot, Tom Rio, Tosh Ohta, Wayne Holland and Wild Sirenda.

Lost Village 2015 Review

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Buried in the Lincolnshire countryside, 5,000 party-goers descend upon the idyllic woodland setting of Lost Village festival. Taking place over the May bank-holiday weekend in an “ancient abandoned village”, the festival’s motto is to “join the tribe”. Set up by Moda’s Jaymo & Andy George – who later play a sparkling set on Saturday afternoon – the location is perfect for the acts performing; eclectic electronica from Die Vogel and Four Tet, crowd-pleasing sets from Ben Pearce and Annie Mac, and heavier techno-based sounds from Tale of Us, Jasper James and Gardens of God.

Aside from one shower, the usually temperamental English weather holds up, offering sun throughout the whole weekend – Summer Festival Guide even returns home with a tan! Transport-wise, there is a free shuttle bus; impressive for a first-time festival. SFG meets people who have travelled up from the Midlands, London, and one electronic music lover who has travelled four hours from Brighton.

Set behind a lakeside family campsite, it’s like a whole other realm. Attracting a multitude of types of people; when setting up camp, one middle-aged man sporting a Blasé Boys Club t-shirt is drinking with those who could be his children. Everyone who SFG meets is friendly and really here for the music.

Reasonably priced Vodka and cokes begin to flow throughout Grandmaster Flash’s charismatic old-school set, declaring the festival open on Friday evening at Basecamp. Though licensing requires music to finish at midnight each night, back in camp there’s no sign of sleeping until the early hours.

[Special mention to Diamond Dogs, who provided the best post-drinking cure with their Chilli Cheese Dogs and Tater Tots]

It’s Saturday morning, the sun is shining through the campsite and anticipation is high to see Lost Village’s main stages; the Abandoned Chapel, Forgotten Cabin and The Ruins, each with impeccable sound-systems and impressive set-design. At midday, Citizenn opens the Cabin with a groove-laden house set before Jackmaster’s housemate Jasper James – a personal highlight – delivers hard-hitting tech-house, and as one Villager suggests, “its 3 in the morning vibes at 1 in the afternoon”, another gushing, “I feel like I’m in Berghain!”

 

Later, Erol Alkan delivers an acidic electro set like a true professional, looking suave in a leather jacket, before Denmark’s Kolsch plays what everyone wants to hear; Huxley’s ‘I Want You’ and Adesse Versions’ ‘Pride’ make much-appreciated appearances as well as his own euphoric piano-led ‘Cassiopeia’. Over at The Ruins, Lost Village’s mud-filled main stage, Dusky’s ‘Yoohoo’ is blasting through the industrial-sized speakers to the packed crowd as one partyer holds up an LED lit ‘TUNE’ sign. Back at the Cabin, Four Tet closes the first night in magical, enchanted fashion; his Martyn-collaboration ‘Glassbeadgames’ becoming a highlight as the vibrant strobes light up the darkness.

Come Sunday morning, Ejeca’s defying the traditional day of rest, delivering tech-house at the Abandoned Chapel, as one guy dressed like Fryar Tuck with a massive tribal stick urges the crowd on. Theo Kottis, Moda Black’s newest signing, continues on a similar vibe at the Cabin as glittered faces – old and young – tribal hennas and selfie sticks are visible at every turn, watching the darkly uplifting set; Guy Gerber’s remix of Art Department’s ‘Catch You By Surprise’ really goes off.

Tourist attracts a massive crowd to the ruins, performing with synth pads and keyboards; Pretend, Trust In You and I Can’t Keep Up translate effortlessly in Lost Village’s mud-covered main stage The Ruins.  With a massive ‘U’ behind him, the co-writer to Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’ introduces Anywhere, a new track from his debut album, appropriately titled ‘U’.

“How great is this festival?” asks William Phillips aka Tourist. It’s a statement which becomes heavily echoed over the course of the first ever Lost Village. Considering this is its debut year, Lost Village has the potential to rival the likes of Secret Garden Party in the not so distant future.

Later, after stumbling across a fake marriage – Lost Village has a plethora of spooky actors waiting at every turn – Tale Of Us deliver an intense techno set as the Forgotten Cabin’s strobes light up one of the weekend’s biggest audiences.

Jackmaster, sporting a ‘We Love Detroit’ t-shirt, follows, playing a typically eclectic set of house, techno and everything in between. Meanwhile, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs aka Orlando Higginbottom seems on a completely different trip in The Ruins; dropping drum & bass and jungle tracks, it’s a refreshing break from the weekend’s house/techno sound, before Annie Mac closes out the first ever Lost Village with on-point house tracks.

Over the course of the weekend, SFG have brushed shoulders – and taken selfies with – Annie Mac, Richy Ahmed and Tourist. It’s not often that such big names are within arms length walking through the woodland setting.

Post-festival, Lost Village’s founders Jaymo & Andy George have commented: “We never in our wildest dreams expected it to go this well! The crowd were 10/10, every stage was constantly busy, all the artists who played have said amazingly positive things and all those little elements we planned came together just how we hoped. The feedback we’ve been getting since has been unreal… we can’t wait to start planning the next one now.”

2016s Lost Village couldn’t roll around any quicker!

 

Love Saves the Day add Groove Armada, Jackmaster and more

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With just over seven weeks to go until Love Saves The Day sets up in it's new home at Eastville Park, more big names have bene added – including chart-topping dance duo Groove Armada – to a stellar music line-up, which already includes headliners Jessie Ware and Azealia Banks. 

Love Saves The Day will see over 300 acts perform across six stages to 30,000 people. Weekend tickets are already sold out, and day tickets, which are still available for Saturday and Sunday are expected to sell-out in a matter of weeks.

As the festival moves to a bigger, better site in Eastville Park this May (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th), Love Saves The Day is pulling out all the stops with a line-up that will put it firmly on the map as one of the UK's most exciting music festivals. 

ARTISTS ADDED

Joining Groove Armada – as new additions to Saturday's line-up – are DJ and co-founder of the 'Numbers' record label, Jackmaster and Bristol born and bred RnB singer, Raleigh Ritchie, whose star has risen rapidly since the launch of his debut album in 2013. 

There's also plenty of good news for dub, reggae and roots fans who can look forward to a heavyweight line-up of living legends over the weekend including David Rodigan MBE, Horace Andy and Jah Shaka with a special all-day session from the epic Channel One Sound System.

STAGES

With six stages to choose from, Love Saves The Day fans will be spoilt for choice in Eastville Park this May. 

On the Main Stage, huge international artists like Groove Armada, Jessie Ware and Azealia Banks will play alongside up and coming local acts like singer-songwriter Rae Morris and the hyperkinetic Trinidad/Bristol collaboration, Jus Now. 

The Paradiso Stage – with its 'cosmic, exotic Arabian Nights vibe' – will be dedicated to house and techno with an epic big-room line-up on the Saturday featuring Tale of Us, Jackmaster andGeorge Fitzgerald. On Sunday, the stage will feature cutting edge sets from the likes of Four Tet, Errol Alkan and Daniel Avery. 

The 'tribal, tropical, carnival' themed Apocalypso Stage will have more of an underground slant featuring the skills of Âme, Craig Richards and Leon Vynehall on Saturday. Sunday will be hosted by prolific producer Shy FX with a massive line-up of dub, drum 'n' bass, grime and garage legends including Wiley, Skepta and David Rodigan. 

Over on Cloud Nine, nu-house and bass will be order of the day with big chart names like Gorgon City and Hannah Wants alongside rising stars of the West, like Gotsome, on Saturday and bass heavy grime, garage and dubstep on Sunday featuring Redlight, DJ EZ and Newham Generals.

On Saturday, the Just Jack extended family will take over the 'love shack' themed Brouhaha Stagewith house and techno selectors Soundstream and Dyed Soundorom on the bill. Sunday will see the legendary Channel One Sound System take up residence, hosted by Bristol institution,Teachings in Dub. 

House, techno and disco will be in abundance over at the Cocktails & Dreams 'beach hut' with an all-star selection of Bristol's most prolific party starters including Icarus, Apex Collective, Stamp The Wax and Dutty Girl. 

Skrillex and Mark Ronson lead The Port lineup at Bestival 2015

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Our own king of the ones & twos Rob da Bank says: “The Port is one of our finest achievements at Bestival, with some pretty stiff competition from all the other inventive constructions that have gone down over the last 12 years. A massive ship seemingly anchored into the grass at Robin Hill complete with smoking funnels, rusty portholes and all topped off with a crazy crew of nautical nutters dancing day and night in laser beam ecstasy.

“I cannot wait to see what Skrillex will pull out the bag for a Sunday finale. Sonny hasn’t been to Bestival for four years so a lot has changed for all of us, and I think The Port is gonna be very special that night. Especially because, as anyone who’s seen Mark Ronson DJ knows, they’re in for a massive treat, too – a sublime Sunday night double-header, even if I do say so myself. I love Annie Mac’s back to back extravaganza – great concept and some amazing talent, and our Friday techno and disco explosion will kick it all off nicely. All aboard for another insane party at The Port!”

Making his return to Bestival, we are absolutely ecstatic to be able to announce the mighty Skrillex will be ramping up the late night action on Sunday. A trail blazer of electronic dance music, he’s a six-time Grammy award winner, and a global icon, so you can guarantee when he drops the magic, it’s gonna go off. Fierce beats and rib-smashing bass ahoy!

He might know a thing or two about ruling the pop charts but Mark Ronson has got fat beats flowing through his veins. A true master with a pair of turntables, his sets are consistently devastating, spanking dancefloors into submission worldwide. Add in a touch of HMS Bestival’s own special magic and you’re on course for some truly euphoric last night shenanigans. Not to be missed.

With Annie Mac taking the reins on Saturday showcasing a series of very special back to back rinses, and Seth Troxler large and in charge on Friday, we really could keep you dancing all weekend long. And we just might, with sets from Four Tet, Tale of Us, Guy Gerber, Jackmaster, David Rodigan MBE, Hannah Wants, Mistajam, Erol Alkan, Andrew Weatherall, Greg Wilson, Toddla T, High Contrast and London Elektricity.

We’ll also have the very welcome return of Croydon’s finest, Benga, plus Special Request, Horse Meat Disco, Monki, Mele, Wookie, Slimzee, Etherwood, Fred V & Grafix, Dynamite MC, The Heatwave, Kiwi, Low Steppa, Logan Sama, Mella Dee and Flava D.

It’s not just a dance stage, it’s a life changing experience. Make sure you get yourself to The Port this September for a blissful summer of love.

Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Jamie Jones and more set for We Are FSTVL 2015

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Award-winning dance music event We Are FSTVL have announced a staggering100 names for their anticipated 2015 event, ahead of returning to the ‘Field of Dreams’ in Upminster, Essex for the third year running on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May 2015. Featuring the likes of Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Pleasure State (live), Hannah Wants, Sven Väth, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Adam Beyer, Ten Walls (live), Dennis Ferrer, Hot Since 82, Jackmaster and many more, We Are FSTVL have curated a line-up that firmly positions itself at the very heart of the international festival circuit and paves the way for their biggest year to date.

Having made a spectacular sell-out debut in 2013, We Are FSTVL has seen a rapid rise in the space of just two years. After doubling in size in their second year following unparalleled levels of demand, We Are FSTVL has since broken through in a massive way and now attracts crowds of over 30,000 from right across the UK. 

Saturday 30th May 
The first to grace the festival’s main stage is dance music mainstay Carl Cox. Taking the reins from the likes of Disclosure and Fatboy Slim, Carl’s debut We Are FSTVL performance will be packed full of Ibiza spirit, whilst Seth Troxler is also set to unleash his universally recognised brand of techno on the Upminster crowd.Grammy nominated producer Nic Fanciulli is set to share his driving strain of house and techno, with the larger than life force of Solomun also set to cause a stir. In-demand producers Gorgon City and Hot Since 82 will also feature, joined by Anglo-American Second City and BBC Radio 1 tastemaker Monki.

Heading up Saturday’s techno Warehouse is Loco Dice’s Used + Abused party, whose thundering brand of techno is sure to kick things off in style. Drumcode head Adam Beyer and Berlin-based duo Tale of Us will be on hand to deliver their atmospheric take on deep house and techno, with special guest Recondite providing a melodic live set of his own. Fuse-boss Enzo Siragusa also make his We Are FSTVL debuts, with Yaya set to round off the day’s proceedings.
 
The ‘What Hannah Wants’ takeover of Saturday’s Big Top Bass stage brings a selection of artists at the heart of the UK’s bustling underground scene. Joining Hannah is iconic DJ and one half of ‘Can U Dance’ Oneman, who’s set to perform alongside PMR signee T Williams and the duo who recently charted at #3 in the UK singles charts with their rework of R Kelly’s ‘Bump & Grind’ – Waze & Odyssey. Black Butter’s My Nu Leng and Kidnap Kid will also be joining ranks, alongside up-and-comers GotSome and the enigmatic Friend Within.
 
Seminal house music label Defected are also to return to Upminster to showcase the latest and greatest names in electronic music. Danish visionary Noir is set to explore the darker edges of electronic music, whilst Berlin native Oliver Dollar will also feature, having stormed the UK charts with ‘Pushing On’ earlier this year. Label upstarts Sonny Fedora and Christoph will each deliver their distinctive twist of techno, disco and italo dynamics and wrapping up the label’s ‘Very Big Top’ arena are Sam Divine and Simon Dunmore – two producers at the heart of the imprint for over two decades.
 
Mark Knight’s newest offering of ‘Toolroom Live’ presents the label’s core artist roster in the festival’s luxury VIP village. After his recent remix of London Grammar’s ‘Sights’ became an Ibiza staple, Dennis Ferrer is set to deliver his iconic brand of tech-house, whilst Dirtybird-affiliate Shiba San and Tensnake both make their We Are FSTVL returns. German duo Tube & Berger are next in line, with the deep house sound of Wanklemut’s “My Head is a Jungle” also guaranteed to make an impression on the dance floor. Purple Disco Machine will then add a touch of soul to the line-up, which is rounded off by Toolroom residents Dosem and Weiss.  
 
Sunday 31st May  – Main Stage announcement imminent. 
 
Returning to We Are FSTVL for the third year running are crowd favourites Cocoon, whose stage will be spearheaded by the undisputed king of techno Sven Väth.Joining him are Cocoon heroes Ilario Alicante and Ricardo Villalobos, whilst Âmeand Dixon will play an extended back-to-back set – a recent highlight of Fabric’s 15th Birthday weekend. To top this off Ten Walls, credited with producing one of the biggest tracks of the summer in ‘Walking with Elephants’, is also set to perform live.

 
Drum & Bass stalwarts Hospital Records are next to call the shots of We Are FSTVL’s ‘Big Top Bass’ arena. Boasting one of the largest line-ups at the festival, the label will be out in force to showcase the likes of Camo & Crooked, Logistics b2b Nu:Tone, Lynx, Fred V & Grafix and Etherwood. Special guests will also include garage legends DJ EZ & MJ Cole, as well as the joyful Toyboy & Robin, all supported by three of the leading MCs on the circuit; Lowqui, Wrec & Dynamite MC.
 
Bringing his acclaimed club night ‘Paradise’ back to Upminster is Hot Creations head Jamie Jones, who will be supported by label mates Richy Ahmed, Russ Yallopand WaFF. Prolific DJ and Viva Warriors frontman Steve Lawler will also be accompanied by Mark Jenkyns and rising star Patrick Topping, who’s recent single ‘Voicemail’ has been dominating the Beatport charts. DC10 residentJackmaster is next in line, whose eclectic music taste stretches from techno and house right the way through to classic disco and grime.

 
Back by popular demand is one of house music’s most sought after producers MK, whose ‘Area 10’ heads up Sunday’s VIP village. Joining MK are close friends Lee Foss and Anabel Englund, who will collectively perform as Pleasure State, having recently unveiled their debut release ‘Ghost in the System’. Purp&soul boss Ben Pearce will also feature, joined by up and coming producers andhim, Kant andShadow Child. A rare father-and-son performance from Kevin Saunderson andDantiez Saunderson will round off proceedings in fitting style.

Bestival Red Bull Music Academy lineup announced

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Taking its place among more than 20 stages in 10 fields of wonderment with mega soundsystems, non-stop parties and 24-hour escapism, Bestival are delighted to announce that Red Bull Music Academy will be returning to Robin Hill once again in 2014 with a mind-blowing new stage featuring a stunning altar dedicated to dance and a winged deity. 

A takeover by Glaswegian electronic music Mafiosi Numbers, who return to Bestival for the fourth time, kicks things off on Thursday, with Jackmaster & Oneman Present Can U Danceshowcasing their four-deck manoeuvres, live sets from Redhino, and Kool Clap and Spencergoing back to back with Optimo.

Commenting on his return to Bestival Jackmaster said: “We've started thinking of Numbers at Bestival as a bit of a tradition within our ranks, as have myself and Oney with our b2b sets at the festival. Heavy looking forward to taking that to the next level with our 4 deck Can U Dance set and also welcoming two of our favourite DJs on the planet!”

Friday sees Harvey’s Discotheque taking charge, channelling the same wide-grinned disco as his sell-out UK comeback gig with RBMA in 2012. Techno DJ du jour Daniel Avery joins in, alongside stalwarts of the sunrise anthem Pachanga Boys, while Eric Duncan brings the party-throwing antics of his NYC outfit Rub N Tug to the fray, and the ever-charismatic Berlinite Hugo Capablanca goes maximal. The Red Bull Music Academy alumni corner is repped by Jolly Mare and Andre Laos, both from the 2013 edition in New York.

Speaking about his Red Bull Music Academy appearance at Bestival, Harvey said: “Having been a regular guest DJ at Rob’s original Sunday Best Party almost 20 years ago, it's a real treat to come full circle and curate my own Discotheque at Josie and Robby's Bestival, and what a theme! “We've put together a really great line-up of DJ's, some you will have heard and others that have blown my socks off when I've seen them DJ on my travels. It's an honour to play with them all for you all. I can't bloomin' wait”.

Saturday’s line-up comes packing some urban heat, headed up by Boy Better Know’s JME,Skepta, and ex-Kiss FM DJ Logan Sama. They’re joined by garage poster boy Preditah with regular collaborator C4, Rinse co-founder and “Godfather of Grime” Slimzee with Riko Dan, and dubstep pioneer and early FWD fave Plastician. Saturday’s special guest comes in the form of garage royalty DJ EZ, while RBMA alumni Elijah and Skilliam go b2b for an alumni hat-trick.

Bringing the weekend to a close, Sunday sees Diplo & friends take the headline slot, with appearances through the night from seasoned beatmaker Kaytranada, enigmatic remix artisteTrippy Turtle, dubstep originator Artwork and sublime selector Martelo. Rounding up Sunday’s roster, 2013 RBMA alumni DJ Slow and Sinjin Hawke weigh in.

Supplementing the music, the stage will be brought to life along a ‘dance temple’ design theme, complete with totem poles and resplendent tribal miscellanea inside and out – a fitting testament to the pantheon of talent on offer. Cranking out sermons of hip-swaying hedonism, the roster brings together acts from across the spectrum, giving Academy alumni the chance to share the bill with legends for a party to end all parties, at our Desert Island Disco.