Jamie Xx

Lovebox 2017 lineup announced

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This year’s chapter of Lovebox is set to be even more special than usual. East London’s favourite festival are celebrating their 15 year anniversary – 15 years of music, 15 years of good vibes and 15 years of love.

This landmark occasion calls for the best line-up yet, and Lovebox have delivered. Having already announced Friday’s headliner – the global phenomenon that is Frank Ocean – Lovebox unveils their second headliner, the explosive Chase & Status, and further musical programming.

FEATURING:

FRANK OCEAN (FRIDAY)
CHASE & STATUS (LIVE) (SATURDAY)

WITH

JAMIE XX – JESS GLYNNE – SOLANGE – ANNIE MAC – ANDY C – MAC MILLER – RAG’N’BONE MAN – SAMPHA – KAYTRANADA – KURUPT FM – ANNE-MARIE – AJ TRACEY – RAY BLK – MIST – RAYE

JAMIE JONES – RICARDO VILLALOBOS
SETH TROXLER – DIXON – KÖLSCH (DJ SET) – BICEP

FABRIC
FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE

KINK (LIVE) – JAZZY JEFF – RICHY AHMED – SOLARDO – JESSE ROSE – CRAIG RICHARDS – TERRY FRANCIS – HORSE MEAT DISCO – MICK JENKINS – SOULECTION – MIKE SERVITO – LEWIS BOARDMAN – DREEM TEEM – KLOSE ONE – LATE NITE TUFF GUY – WORK IT – JAZZIE B – CLUB DRIVE

XL RECORDINGS PRESENTS NEW GEN & FRIENDS

ARTIKAL – DR PACKER – ELLIE COCKS – FORT ROMEAU – SÄLEN – GW HARRISON – HAMMER – JACK SWIFT – JIMMY SWITCH – REX ORANGE COUNTY – LINDSEY MATTHEWS – WILL TAYLOR – HOT BLOOD

FRIDAY

Friday’s headliner, Frank Ocean, speaks for itself. The enigmatic singer-songwriter was catapulted to fame in 2012 with the release of his debut Channel Orange, which was greeted with universal acclaim. After four years of countless memes and think pieces about Ocean’s “disappearance”, questioning when his second album would arrive, it finally landed in 2016 in the form of a visual LP – Endless – followed by the album proper, Blonde. It was well worth the wait.

The Friday also sees one of the hottest producers on the planet, Jamie xx, open for Frank Ocean on the Main Stage. His debut album In Colour has been the soundtrack to our summer since it was released in 2015, and his new album with band The xx is an instant classic. Jamie XX says: “I'm looking forward to playing at Lovebox this year and sharing the stage with Frank Ocean who headlines directly after my set!”

Elsewhere on Friday is US rapper Mac Miller, whose latest, soul-infused album The Divine Feminine was lauded by critics upon its release, fast-rising star Rag N’ Bone Man, the runner-up in this year’s BBC Sound of 2017, and London synthpop trio Sälen.

The peerless Solange headlines the Noisey stage, fresh from the release of her landmark album A Seat At The Table. The younger Knowles sister’s third album was named by Pitchfork as their Album of the Year, and bagged her her first US No 1. February has also seen her win her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her stunning track ‘Cranes In The Sky’. This performance at Lovebox is set to be extra special.

Joining Solange on the Noisey stage is London’s own Sampha, whose distinctive vocals and confessional lyricism have propelled him to global fame. Initially emerging as a frequent collaborator of SBTRKT back in 2011, Sampha has collaborated with the likes of Drake, Beyoncé and the aforementioned Solange, and released his highly anticipated debut album Process in 2017.

Elsewhere on the Noisey stage is the talented super-producer Kaytranada, who we’re thrilled to welcome back to the Park to perform tracks from one of the best albums of 2016 – his debut LP 99.9%. His affiliate Mick Jenkins will also appear – the rising US hip hop artist released his dazzling debut album The Healing Component in 2016 – as well as BBC Sound of 2017 winner Ray BLK and rising star Rex Orange County.

Lovebox are thrilled to welcome fabric back for their second year in the Park as a festival exclusive. The news is all the more exciting considering the iconic’s club loss of license, which thankfully they have now won back after outcry from the global music community. London wouldn’t be the same without fabric, and we’re glad they’re back and bigger than ever. fabric say: "Lovebox gave us the perfect entry into being part of a festival last year and it left us wanting more. To be invited back to build on the foundation we made in 2016 is a prefect to develop something bigger and better than last year across the weekend. Expect something different to last year but with the same calbire of artists and our exclusive audio partner Pioneer."

fabric have programmed a fittingly explosive lineup to mark their festival return. Arguably one of the best DJs on the planet, the inimitable Seth Troxler headlines the Friday. Raised in Detroit, the house and techno master will bring a flavour of Chicago to the Park. Preceding Seth will be Bicep, playing their trademark mix of obscure anthems and club classics spanning a kaleidoscope of genres. Elsewhere, there’s experimental producer KiNK performing a live set, disco master Hammer, and fabric resident Terry Francis.

Finally, Lovebox are extremely excited to introduce a brand new structure for 2017. The Transistor stage will resemble a giant radio set, and feature explosive flame pyros throughout the day – it’s not to be missed. Taking over Transistor on the Friday are Abode, the deep house promoters running the hottest nights in London. Headlining Abode will be the reigning king of underground house, Eats Everything, who will be joined by Hot Creations rising star waFF, the dynamic Jack Swift, and B2B sets from Will Taylor and GW Harris, Ellie Cocks and Jimmy Switch, and Artikal and Lindsey Matthews.

SATURDAY

Saturday’s headliner comes in the form of one of the UK’s best live acts, and a Lovebox favourite. Chase & Status’ ferocious live sets are truly a sight to behold, whether they’re storming through classics from their 2008 debut More than Alot or the bestselling homage to 90s dance, Brand New Machine. 2015 saw the release of EP London Bars, featuring some of the UK’s finest MCs, and their much-anticipated fourth album drops this year.

Expect new material, a brand new show and extra special guests at what is set to be a masterful headlining slot – which was unveiled via a mysterious social media campaign and a billboard portraying a countdown hangman spelling out ‘Lovebox’ in London. Chase & Status say: "We’re blessed to be back headlining Lovebox again. It’s always special playing at home in London & at such an iconic festival."

Lovebox also welcomes Jess Glynne to the Park. One of the UK's most promising pop talents, she originally found fame lending her distinctive vocals to chart smashes such as Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' and Route 94's 'My Love’. Jess introduced her own sound with the release of her 2015 debut album I Cry When I Laugh. With a follow-up scheduled for release in 2017, this year looks set to build on Jess Glynne's solid reputation as one of the best on the scene. Also on the Saturday is rising star Anne-Marie, whose infectious singles ‘Karate’ and ‘Do It Right’ have led to her being nominated for British Breakthrough Artist at the Brits.

Lovebox favourite Annie Mac will also be back in the Park, and R&B singer Raye plus rising four piece Club Drive will also perform.

Over at the Noisey stage, there’s the most fierce of UK talent, both rising and legendary. DNB icon Andy C headlines, and the RAM Records co-founder is set to destroy his slot. Andy says "First time at Lovebox! Heard some amazing things, I can’t wait to get involved!"

Joining Andy C are comedy rap crew Kurupt FM (stars of the BBC hit show People Just Do Nothing), as well as respective performances from two fast-rising grime MCs – Birmingham’s Mist and London’s AJ Tracey – both deservedly much-hyped in their own right.

For the grime fans there’s a special showcase from XL Recordings. New Gen continues the theme of fresh homegrown talent on The West Stage. This performances follows the compilation album of the same name, which features contributions from the scene's rising stars (Ray BLK, Kojey Radical).

fabric’s Saturday lineup is equally as stacked as the Friday. The legendary Ricardo Villalobos returns to London to head up the billing. Elsewhere, returning to Lovebox after last playing back in 2010, is Berlin’s Dixon (who came No 1 on Resident Advisor’s Top DJs 2016 Poll), Bunker resident Mike Servito, and fabric’s own Craig Richards.

On Saturday Transistor will host a lineup featuring some of the finest names in techno. The multi-faceted Kölsch is set to headline, and will be joined by Richy Ahmed, Jamie Jones, Jesse Rose, Solardo and Lewis Boardman.

It wouldn’t be a celebration of 15 Years of Love without some Lovebox favourites on the decks. Norman Jay MBE, Jazzie B OBE, Horse Meat Disco will all be appearing across the weekend

The Adventure that was Benicassim, 2016.

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You’ve all heard of Benidorm, I presume. That Spanish resort town, filled with sunburnt brits and head fuckers for breakfast, even with its own TV show about the life and times of its seasonal inhabitants.

For one week of the year, however, the brits are pre-occupied with a different kind of Beni, Festival Internacional de Benicassim. As a veteran fib goer myself (this year was the fourth) bringing along a backpack with an Argos tent, a Chromebook, a few different cameras plus their owner, the only clean clothes I had left, and flashbacks of Benicassim campsites and extreme heat, I felt well equipped and mentally prepared to tackle the biggest party of the summer, all in the name of journalism.

Benicassim itself is one of the friendliest experiences you will ever have. International is mentioned in the name because that is truly what it is. Though I felt there were considerably less Spanish goers (and noticeably a lot less Spanish acts) the multicultural vibe is definitely known, and with the gloom of Brexit still hovering over our heads there felt a definite subconscious need for camaraderie, which when you consider the amount of EU flags we saw dotted around and more often than not, wrapped around sleeping people, is a comforting thought.

The general atmosphere of Beni and it’s set up is really what makes it. Your ticket entitles you to 8 days of camping in their main area ‘campfest’ (you can also opt for glamping at a fairly reasonable price) and whilst alongside the various parties and events, the actual festival itself doesn’t start until 7pm, leaving you plenty of time to head to the beach, go into town, get your shopping done, and pregaming started, whilst not missing anything, and saving insane amounts of cash by raiding the Mercadona or the Lidl for the supplies you need to survive the night.

Financially, unlike British festivals, it won’t cost you a kidney and your first born child to enjoy Benicassim. Early Bird tickets start at 85 Euros, building to not more than 120, factor in the low, low cost of living out in the Spanish desert and even with a flight you’re still way ahead of the game, as long as you don’t mind inhaling 6 metric tonnes of dusk every time you wake up in the morning, and a hell of a lot of sun.  

 

Musical Highlights

 

Although Benicassim has become almost a rite of passage, the reason we all keep flocking to this ant infested wonderland every summer is not only for its general atmosphere but for the music. Although fib tends to have a smaller lineup (spread over 5 stages) than the majority of British Festivals, its headliners alone have enough pulling power. I’ve found over the years that a lot of the Glastonbury lineup will make a few sneaky appearances, but you’ll have to take my anecdotal word for it.

 

Thursday /

 

The shortest of all music days, but what turned out to be one of the best, Thursday boasted sets from DJ Hannah Wants and Irish rapper Rejjie Snow, however, the two main acts of the night by far were grime music artist Skepta and electronic music entity Major Lazer. Skepta, who halfway through his set worshipped the crowd as individuals, claiming he ‘hated celebrities’ became the simultaneous shunner and bringer of hype. The energy in the crowd was electric, and the growth of the London grime scene became increasingly obvious from the gigantic, international crowd that flocked to see him. The first headline act of the long weekend extravaganza, however, was Major Lazer, which gave the newbies a taste for FIB life and veterans like me a heightened nostalgia of what it’s all about. Their set was planned to the millisecond and mixed in a haul of different samples from Eurotrash, bashment and dancehall, and of course starting with Pon de Floor, the absolute tune that filled me with nostalgia and brought me back to being a fifteen-year-old getting drunk on a bottle of Lambrini. Moving forward, they started the encore with their feelgood hit of last year, Lean On, which shows just how much their popularity has grown.

 

Friday /

 

Friday saw the likes of more bands take to the stages, including the British rapping, indie, all-round shabby Rat Boy, the lo-fi garage rock Spanish girl band Hinds, now increasingly veteran rockers The Vaccines, and an emotional set from the harder rock of Biffy Clyro. Hinds played the main stage fairly early in the day, and although they started out with a small crowd it had almost quadrupled by the end, obviously attracted to their dynamic and the energy oozing from all four of them. They seem to be drawing quite a following from their various performances around the globe the last couple of years, and I’m pretty sure next year their names will be way higher up the bill. Finishing with Davey Crockett, throwing in a couple of new songs and even a Dead Ghosts cover, Hinds were one of the highlights of my weekend.

Though Friday was technically a lot more band heavy, Jamie XX took over for a disco-heavy and grime influenced set later in the evening, and the heavyweights of electronic music and putting on a fantastic show The Chemical Brothers headlined that evening. Starting with Hey Boy, Hey Girl and finishing their set with a combination of Galvanise and Block Rockin Beats, the show itself boasted spectacular lights, visuals and sound that made pretty much everyone go nuts.

This year Benicassim decided to up the ante with the dance stage, turning their previous second stage into the South Beach area set up complete with a ‘pool party’ – basically borrowing some Ibiza vibes from the another well known Spanish turn-up. Though the pool got pretty dirty after day one, the area itself was a success and saw the likes of Dan Deacon and John Talabot tear it up on the Friday.

Saturday /

 

If you’re a Muse fan, Saturday night was what you were waiting for. They headlined the main stage with a show-stopping two-hour set, incredible lights, showmanship and Matt Bellamy’s vocals in full force. Bringing out all the classics such as Supermassive Black Hole, you really cannot fault this band for doing what they do, and doing it heart-stoppingly well.

But on the contrary, it wasn’t just the superband that got the crowd going on that day. Disclosure followed suit on the main stage, starting with White Noise and playing a mix of tracks from Settle and Caracal, the boys radiated buzz as they always do whenever they take to the stage.

For the earlier parts of Saturday, however, it seems the indie and rock bands were out in full force, with Irish rockers Walking on Cars taking the main stage with the sun still glaring. For relative newcomers, they gathered a lot of support from a ferocious fan base, which, given the amount of Irish melodic voices heard around the festival is quite unsurprising. Bloc Party also mesmerised the visa stage, back with a vengeance and a beautifully revised selection of their catalogue, after a hiatus left them with just Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack as the original members. A brief chat with Kele himself before the show lead me to believe we can expect some new music from the new lineup very soon, and the band is sure to go from strength to strength after the writing process gets well and truly underway.

Echo and the Bunnymen and The Coral also played incredible sets, giving us a little blast from the past. For E&TBM we came for The Killing Moon but ended up infatuated with the set list, and after a five year hiatus, old time rockers The Coral perfectly matched their classics Dreaming of You and In the Morning with the release of their new album, Distance In Between, including track Chasing the Tail of the Sun, which Skelly himself thinks is the best to get the crowd going.

Although Muse did steal the show on the main stage, whilst the heavyweight rockers were letting the crowd fall in love we did sneak away for a few songs at the Visa Stage, where The Kills created an atmosphere that was lively, dramatic and addictive, even though a major amount of their fan base was stolen away. They were definitely one of my surprising highlights of fib, and deserve a medal of musical adoration in my eyes.

 

Sunday /

 

Sunday finally came around, and although I was completely shattered after running around a festival in sweltering heat, sleeping on a dusty floor of a tent and getting accidently sunburnt with the most awful tan lines you ever did see, the nostalgia was creeping in and I didn’t really want to go home. The mix of genres on this day was pretty special, Jess Glyne took the visa stage, where a surprising collection of men found themselves bobbing along to classics Hold My Hand and Rather Be. She also did a solo rendition of My Love, the Route 94 song that helped propel her solo career, as well as a collection of her own material. Following on from Glyne, Mac Demarco and The 1975 also played the Visa Stage, Demarco drawing a sizable crowd, arguably just as crazy as him. Known for his antics and his love of crowd surfers, he let good old ‘Tony’ climb his way onto the stage for a spot of light conversation before prompting his guitarist to crowd surf himself. The topless boys definitely knew how to do a show, and hardcore fans were lapping up every second, in fact every time they play they look like they’re having the best time, which is first and foremost what you want from a performer. The 1975 followed suit, again drawing in a large crowd with a pretty serious fanbase.

The main stage saw the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, who this year decided to make some festival appearances after cancelling a load of them last year. The northern rockers played a great show but I’m yet to be fully convinced of their staying power. Kendrick Lamar took the headline set that night, bringing in a gigantic crowd and a chilled vibe all across Benicassim. The setlist was perfect, with How Much a Dollar cost, B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe, of course King Kunta and after a profound, heartfelt speech that referenced the attacks in Nice, Turkey, and the need to unite at the state of the world, Lamar ended his set with the notion that we’re all going to be Alright.

DJ’s Snakehips took to the South Beach stage later that night to help bring the festival down to a close, and although I would have perhaps liked to see Lamar play the friday alongside Skepta, especially seeing grime music start to crack america, I was more than content with the set up as it was. All in all, I ended up completely delirious with sleep deprivation, but it was so worth it just to be at fib again.

 

Would I come again? Just try and stop me.

 

Full Final Bill for FIB – Benicassim!

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Not long now til we, you and a stellar line up of the biggest bands in the world head to the coast in Spain for the 22nd edition of FIB Benicàssim.

The amazing 2016 line up is now complete and includes exclusive shows from some of the biggest and best names in rock, pop, electronica, hip hop, indie and beyond.

Your  only chance in Spain this summer to see very special festival headline shows from Muse and The Chemical Brothers, to witness the biggest rap act in the world right now, Kendrick Lamar live, to dance to the massive hits of Disclosure and Major Lazer or to check out the legendary Massive Attack.

Beyond these, there’s the some of the greatest new acts around like The 1975 &  Catfish And The Bottlemen, indie tunesmiths like The Vaccines and the Maccabees, the best in electronica from Jamie XX, John Talabot (Dj Set) and more. Pop? Jess Glynne. Grime? Skepta

Something for everyone including some of our favourite Spanish acts, Hinds, Dorian, La Habitación Roja…

FIB Benicàssim 2016 – 100 acts and four days and nights you’ll never forget. The greatest bands in the world and YOU at the festival of the year!

 

For ticket info and the timetable of acts, check out their website. 

Best Kept Secret Line up Complete!

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Best Kept Secret, the food and music lovers dream festival that takes place in Hilvarenbeek each year has finally released their full Line Up, with Daphni, Palbomen II and Joost van Bellen making their appearance on dj stage FOUR. 

These are additions to an already overwhelming Line Up. Headliners Beck, Editors and Jamie XX will be joined by an array of different genres of artists, hailing from all continents. Two Door Cinema Club, Wilco, Mount Kimbe, Beach Slang, Yeasayer, Band Of Horses, Bloc Party, Fat White Family and many more will be taking the five stages at Beekse Bergen Safari Park over the weekender. We can't wait to see what the fourth installment of the festival has to offer, see you in June!

To read the review of last year's festival, click here. 

Benicàssim add Kendrick Lamar, Jamie XX, Major Lazer and more

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11 time Grammy nominated Kendrick Lamar has firmly established himself as rap’s new superstar and will showcase his unparalleled ability and powerful wordplay in his debut headline performance at Benicàssim in 2016.

Following the great success of his debut solo album and Mercury nominated ‘In Colours’, Jamie XX will be bring a live show every bit as jaw dropping as the album. Festival favourites The Maccabees will be making a return to FIB after an incredible set back in 2012, bringing with them hits from their number 1 album ‘Marks To Prove It’.
 
We’ll be welcoming the epic Bloc Party, remarkably making their Benicàssim debut. The irrepressible Kele Okereke will lead the band through a set packed with hits and a smattering of tracks from their new album “Hymns”. Another Benicàssim debutant will be the remarkable Mac DeMarco. The Canadian multi-instrumentalist and all round musical wizard will have you converted in seconds to his off-kilter pop which he describes himself as “jizz jazz.” Expect mass sing-alongs.
 
The new South Beach Dance stage will play host to unquestionably one of the major names at the forefront of the house and bass music scene, Hannah Wants. From the Basque country, we welcome DeLorean who’ll be bringing their wonderful blend of indie pop, Balearic house and electronic dance to keep the FIB Benicàssim crowd dancing through the night.

Chrvches, Jamie XX and more set for Sweden’s Way Out West

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In 2016 the festival aims to set the bar even higher handpicking the most exciting names across hip-hop, electronic, rock and pop music highlighted by the first announcement. Jamie xx has had a stand-out year with his debut album 'In Colour' reaching number 3 in the UK charts and cementing his position as one of the most exciting producers around thanks to numerous stand out festival performances. Scottish actChvrches also finish 2015 on a high having released their second studio album second album ''Every Open Eye' to critical acclaim, whilst local songstress Anna Von Hauswolff flies the flag high for Swedish folk. UK Grime pioneer Stormzy will undoubtedly slay the crowd in his own inimitable style and French producer M83 will also be bringing his dreamy synths to the Way Out West main stage for a rare performance, and still many more artist to be announced.

Croatia’s Hideout Festival 2016 lineup announced

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Once again the Island of Pag plays host to the most cutting edge of festivals with grime pioneer Skepta headlining, alongside UKG legend DJ EZ, house stalwart Hannah Wants and breakthrough producers Gorgon City. The inimitable David Rodigan MBE makes a welcome return to Hideout as does BBC Radio 1's Monki and digital soundboy Shy FX, with a host of new acts joining them on the line up. Making their Zrce Beach debut in 2016 will be Stormzy, Preditah, Kurupt FM, My Nu Leng, DJ Hype and many more still to be announced. The festival will also be unveiling a  brand new stage to make room for yet more eclectic and diverse artists. Hosted by the unique and uninhibited Elrow, the new platform ‘Noa' is situated right at the end of the beach, with the dance floor reaching out into the sea. Registered ticket holders are able to purchase tickets from today via the Hideout Festival website and general tickets will be available from 10am on Wednesday 5th November for £139 + BF.

With Hideout having already cemented itself as the definitive European dance music destination thanks to a previous 5 sell-out years, 2016 will see the festival continue to raise its game with artists spanning the full spectrum of electronic music and surprise new additions. 

Hideout's ethos of bringing electronically diverse acts together will come into its own this year, thanks to a roster ranging from the legendary to the up and coming, all set against the beautiful Island of Pag.

This year, Hideout announce their partnership with Barcelona’s legendary Elrow, as they take over the latest venue addition ‘Noa’. Hideout also promises more new offerings for 2016 with exciting plans to vamp up the food, drink, travel and retail elements of the experience too.

Set on Croatia's idyllic Zrce beach Hideout is the number one festival destination for music lovers and adventure lovers alike,  whether it be catching cutting-edge sounds at one of the six beach facing venues, relaxing on the picturesque Island of Pag, or taking in the astounding views whilst aboard one of the infamous boat parties.

Hideout will also be offering a dedicated travel platform to make it even easier for fans to book safely, securely and direct from the festival site itself. Transfers and coach trips will also be available at great value money via the site, making it the cheapest and most reliable way to plan the Hideout experience. 

A firm favourite with electronic music revellers and adventurers alike, 2016 will see Hideout push all boundaries to become the highlight of the festival calendar.

First Line up announced:

Jamie xx
J.E.S.u.S / Jamie Jones / MK
Andy C / DJ EZ / Dusky / Eats Everything
Gorgon City / Hannah Wants / Hot Since 82 / 
Seth Troxler / Skepta / Stormzy 

Bicep / B Traits / David Rodigan MBE / Darius Syrossian / Heidi / Jackmaster / Joy Orbison / Julio Bashmore / Kurupt FM / Patrick Topping / Paul Woolford / Richy Ahmed / Shadow Child / Skream / Steve Lawler

Andhim / Barely Legal / Catz 'N Dogz / Denney / DJ Hype / Doorly / 
Eton Messy DJs / Friend Within / GotSome / Jasper James / Mak & Pasteman / Midland / Monki / My Nu Leng / Oliver Dollar / Preditah  / Sante / Secretsundaze / Special Request / Sidney Charles / Toddla T / wAFF / Zinc

Arkive / Cera Alba / Damian Martez / Grainger / Jack Swift / Last Magpie / Mediate / Mike Jones / Nicola Bear / North Base / People Get Real / Scot Bradford / The Sonic Emporium

Parklife 2015 Review

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On June 6 and 7, 80,000 people descended on Heaton Park for Parklife 2015, indulging in headline sets from Disclosure on Saturday and Rudimental on Sunday, while Hudson Mohawke, Todd Terje, Jamie XX and the weekend’s highlight, FKA twigs, had Summer Festival Guide darting from stage to stage.

SATURDAY 

Saturday belongs to Jamie XX. Throughout a perfectly-crafted set, 'Girl', 'Gosh' and 'Sleep Sound', along with the soon-to-be defining track of the summer festival season, 'Loud Places', and older percussive house gem 'Far Nearer' pack the Now Wave tent – one overexcited reveler climbing the tent's rigging, becoming barely visible, to an eruption of cheers as he carefully eases back down.

Earlier, in the Big Top, Everything Everything – dressed in matching red suits – belt through new material, their current single 'Regret' achieving anthemic status.

Disclosure's graduation to main stage headliners comes with a plethora of new material from their imminent second album, 'Caracal', along with a host of upcoming vocal talents. 'White Noise', 'F For you' and 'You & Me' gain as incredible a response as expected, but it's Guy and Howard’s newest creations which stand out, as the Lawrence brothers tease, "Parklife, we've got some surprises for you". Lion Babe's leading lady Jillian Hervey – with the longest legs and wildest hair SFG HAs ever seen – comes first, her R&B-orientated vocals perfectly complimenting the slinky synths of an as-yet-unnamed track as she struts across the stage in arm-length silver gloves and nearly knee-high black boots. London-based future R&B vocalist Nao soon follows, her vocals and onstage presence similar to Aluna Francis, before Kwabs’ soulful tones command the crowd from a raised platform throughout two untitled tracks. The arrival of American jazz legend Gregory Porter for an on-point rendition of current single and collab ‘Holding On’ mesmerises the mainly young crowd with his unparalleled ability to hold a note, fusing two musical worlds seamlessly. After a brief stage leave, ‘Help Me Lose My Mind’ and ‘Latch’ – the latter is dedicated to Sam Smith who’s just recovered from vocal surgery – sees friends on shoulders in a moment of hysteria.

Bidding farewell for the evening, the flocks of thousands head for the shuttle bus appropriately chanting the lyrics to Blur's ‘Parklife’.

SUNDAY 

As SFG arrive on Sunday, Ella Eyre is playing to a massive crowd to the main stage despite her early afternoon set placement, launching herself across the stage in a leopard print leotard, belting out 'Deeper' and 'If I Go' along her energetic way.

Later, Labrinth arrives – suit and shades on – blasting through his synth-heavy chart hits 'Earthquake', 'Pass Out' and Sigma-collaboration 'Higher', the latter emptying everyone's lungs.

Meanwhile, in an equally busy Resident Advisor tent, Jimmy Edgar and Machinedrum – together they're known as J.E.T.S – pump out thumping techno as green inflatable aliens and neon balloons are slung around in the air; Ben UFO's back-to-back set with Pearson Sound continuing the bass-heavy electronic onslaught.

Oliver Dollar's back-to-back with Jesse Rose proves an early evening highlight, opting for Dirtybird's booty-house with Claude VonStroke's 'Make A Cake', assuring an up-tempo energy from the off.

Over at the MK Area 10 stage, Ben Pearce – of 'What I Might Do' fame – drops a housier edit of Take That's 'Relight My Fire', completely unexpectedly.

Later, in the Big Top, James Bay proves himself as having the potential to command the main stage in a year’s time; 'Let It Go' and 'Best Fake Smile's infectious chorus inducing a sense of euphoria.

US-based Sango, sporting a Manchester City sports jacket, opens the Kaytranada stage on Sunday with hip-hop and trap-influenced bubbling synths and bass beats in a tucked away Greek coliseum-like vicinity; even the security guards are bouncing along as they make their way through the crowd amidst a sparse edit of Skepta's ‘That's Not Me’ and a Cashmere Cat-sounding remix of Drake's ‘Through The 6’.

Chet Faker, sporting a topknot for the occasion, packs the Sounds of the Near Future stage with his synth-laden sound. Alone at first, he intricately and passionately delivers electronic instrumentals, before he’s joined by a guitarist and drummer. Encouraging us to "use those muscles" before ‘No Diggity’, a sea of phones are hoisted to record the cover, as everyone’s vocal muscles flex while singing along to ‘Drop The Game’.

Bristol duo Blonde meanwhile pack the Drop The Mustard stage with their summery house anthems ‘Foolish’, ‘All Cried Out' and ‘I Loved You’ as part of a new live show, wheeling out guest vocalists – expect them to be as big as Disclosure this time next year.

Todd Terje, with his live band The Olsens, who alternate between saxophone, flute, bongo drum, guitar and keyboard, build into their funky set with zooming laser synths, though it does take a while for the crowd to warm to the sounds. ‘Delorean Dynamite’ and set closer ‘Inspector Norse’ soon get them moving though, as the funky bass line kicks in; one Terje fan who’s celebrating a birthday screams “this is the best day of my life” while his friend, clearly intoxicated, jokes, “is this Lady GaGa?”

Jungle's well-deserved transition to the main stage sees them play to a massive crowd, the summery weather perfect for their almost 70s sound as the seven-piece perform their biggest hits, ‘Julia’ and ‘The Heat’ just as the sun beams down.  

Back in the Sounds of the Near Future tent, Hudson Mohawke walks onstage with a new live set up, bringing out Redinho on keyboards and Two Door Cinema Club’s Ben Thomas on drums. Drawing on material from his new album ‘Lantern’ and his and Lunice’s collaborative project, TNGHT’s biggest hits, intense bass and red strobes match the maximalist electronica of ‘Acrylics’ and ‘Higher Ground’, sending the crowd into mass hysteria.

An hour later, FKA twigs, visible only through a cloud of smoke, leaves thousands in awe, as her hauntingly ethereal performance remains compelling from start to finish. Easily the largest crowd of the day, there’s a ritualistic sense to her set as she flows through her debut album ‘LP1’ and new material from her imminent third EP, ‘Melissa’. With an incredible vocal from the off, twigs, dressed in double denim with her hair to one side, is joined by a three-piece band who delicately tap their synth pads respectively, producing the intense, almost apocalyptic trip-hop beats of ‘Water Me’, ‘Number’ and ‘Papi Pacify’. How she was once only Jessie J's backing dancer is unbelievable for her unique talent as a vocalist, dancer and performer. Effortlessly charismatic, the entire crowd’s eyes are transfixed on her throughout the hour set as she reaches vocal notes you didn't know existed, all whilst popping her body around the stage. Removing the denim jacket to show off her toned body in a stripped white top, her enigmatic presence is made even more likeable when she speaks, sweetly and humbly. "It’s great to be back in England,” she delights, “I just got back a week ago.” Closing with a faultless rendition of ‘Two Weeks’ and then ‘How’s That’, it’s evident that the summer festival season belongs to FKA Twigs.

The Libertines will headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2015

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Reading & Leeds Festivals are thrilled to announce The Libertines as the final of this year’s Main Stage headliners!  The indie-rockers will bring the good ship Albion to the Festivals this summer, cementing a Reading & Leeds legacy which dates back to 2002.  

Rising up through the Festivals’ billing, the legendary troubadours Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, Gary Powell and John Hassall made their Main Stage debut in 2003 and returned in 2004. The band blew the crowds away in 2010 when they famously reunited at the Festivals and now, for the first time, they will take their rightful place as Reading & Leeds headliners. With their long awaited new record in the works, their set will undoubtedly be one of the defining moments of Reading & Leeds 2015.

In an exclusive video message, Peter Doherty said: “

I’ve just woken up and I can’t stop thinking about playing at Reading & Leeds.”

John Hassall said: 

"Really excited to be playing Reading and Leeds this year. There is a great vibe in the band and we should be doing some new songs too. So it'll be the best Reading and Leeds ever!”

Gary Powell said: 

"We are all extremely happy to be playing Reading and Leeds this year.  As Reading and Leeds was the festival that graciously allowed us to perform back in 2010 at our first attempt at reforming, and the audience were amazing in their reception of us, it seems only right that we go back to the scene of the crime and do our best to not only replicate what we did back then – but do better, for the fans and friends we have met along the way. Here’s wishing 'us all' luck come R&L. We’ve all got a lot of work to do!!!!I for one am excited for the challenge and looking forward to seeing everybody!"

Festival boss Melvin Benn comments:

“What a band to announce as our third headliner. The Libertines are part of the Reading & Leeds family and I can’t wait for the boys to walk on to our Main Stages in their rightful place at the top of the bill.

“I’m excited to announce over 50 other phenomenally talented acts today who will bring amazing performances for our fans. I really think we’ve got the ultimate line-up this year. Where else can you see Kendrick Lamar on the same day as Deadmau5 and Years & Years, or Marmozets on the same day as Azealia Banks or Metallica, or All Time Low on the same day as Knife Party or Mumford & Sons!

“It’s almost exactly six months to the Festivals and I already can’t wait until August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Having spent some time reviewing the ticket price and talking to people about it I felt that where we had got to with the day price was too high and once I really examined it decided to go the whole hog and reduce it to £59.50. However, anyone thinking it’s a way to get the weekend including camping cheaper will be disappointed. It will not give access to the campsite as I'm creating new entrances for day ticket holders. It’s still great though for those that don't want to camp." 

 Over fifty further names are also revealed today, joining artists already announced for the Festivals including Main Stage headliners Mumford & Sons and Metallica, proving that Reading & Leeds is the Festival for true music fans.

MAIN STAGE

On the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds, pop-punkers All Time Low will return to the Festival for the first time since 2012 with eagerly anticipated new album ‘Future Hearts’ in tow.

Sheffield’s Bring Me The Horizon have established themselves as the UK’s biggest and best metal crossover act, and will follow up their all-conquering sold out Wembley Arena headline show last year with a set immediately before Metallica on the Main Stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds. Their performance at the Festivals this summer is a European exclusive.

Grammy nominated rapper Kendrick Lamar will showcase his unparalleled ability and powerful wordplay in his debut performance at the Festivals, creative indie rock heroes The Maccabees will take the Main Stage and will play some tracks from their forthcoming album, Wakefield rock band and NME Outstanding Contribution to Music Winners The Cribs whose hotly anticipated new album ‘For All My Sisters’ will be released this March.

Panic! At The Disco will bring their incredible grown up pop-rock and infectious hooks back to the Main Stage, along with anthemic rock quintet Lonely The Brave, who return following their hugely successful set in 2014.

Pop Punk’s most exciting new band Neck Deep have set course for Reading & Leeds this summer to demonstrate exactly why they were named ‘Best Newcomer’ at last year’s Kerrang! Awards and West Yorkshire Festival favourites Marmozets will bring their incendiary live set back to Reading & Leeds as they graduate to Main Stage billing.

NME/BBC RADIO 1 STAGE

Following the release of their debut studio album ‘Abandon Ship’ late last year, electronic dance duo Knife Party return to the Festivals this summer for an extra special closing set on the Friday at Reading and Saturday at Leeds.

American rock band Limp Bizkit and rap prodigy Tyler, The Creator also join the bill, along with Birmingham indie poppers Swim Deep, inventive British art rock band Everything Everything, indie rock quartet Peace and North London production duo Gorgon City.Also revealed today are Math rock legends American Football, Liverpudlian band of the moment Circa Waves, beat-maker and prolificproducer Jamie XX, leftfield pop musicians Glass Animals, emotionally charged Pennsylvania four-piece The Districts and Punk duo Slaves.

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE

Boy Better Know featuring JME, Skepta, Wiley, Shorty, Solo 45, Maximum, Jammer & Frisco will be headlining the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage on the Sunday at Reading and the Friday at Leeds.  Headed up by JME, brother Skepta and Wiley, they are the leading collective in Grime. 

 Also performing across the weekend are drum & bass duo Camo & Krooked, producer and techno artist Brodinski, Scottish production wizard Hudson Mohawke, mysterious R ’n’ B maestro Ben Kahn and My Nu Leng, who will bring their big bounding beats to the Festival. London based feel-good House duo Toyboy & Robin, New York electric pop duo Cardiknox, geek-step Midlander FTSE, electronic producer Porter Robinson presents his incredible Worlds live show, LA DJ Dillon Francis, and self-proclaimed ‘sad dance’ musician Tourist will also be performing.

THE LOCK UP/PIT STAGE

As one of the most influential pop punk bands of all time, and with a rich history at Reading & Leeds, New Found Glory return to headline The Lock Up on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Three-time Grammy nominated titans of metal Mastodon will take top billing on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds.

Canadian hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats also join the line-up, along with ex-My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero, who brings his new project FrnkIero Andthe Cellabration. Swedish theatrical metallers Ghost, technical death metal band Gojira and reunited hardcore legends Modern Life Is War will rock the stage across the weekend. Anthemic punkers The Menzingers, Sheffield’s top metal band While She Sleeps, Southampton five piece Bury Tomorrow and rockers Simple Plan are also revealed for the Festival bill.

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE

All three Festival Republic Stage headliners are revealed in today’s announcement, with a very special set from Django Django closing the stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Indie rock veterans The Wombats will headline the stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds and fan favourite Frank Turner will bring a special solo set to Reading on Sunday / Leeds on Friday.

Legendary Irish rockers Ash will make a welcome return to Reading & Leeds, building on a rich history with the Festivals dating back to their first performance at Reading in 1995. Having recently announced their new album, their set will be yet another classic performance providing the soundtrack to the summer.

Also performing on the stage will be Canadian indie-pop quintet Alvvays, fast rising rockers Coasts, grunge revivalists Darlia and Australian indie sensation DMA’s. The soaring melodies of Jake Isaac, folky Sydney trio Little May, the socially observant hip-hop/rock of Ratboy, American baroque pop band San Fermin, young South Londoners The Bulletproof Bomb, the soaring rock of We Are The Ocean, irish rock-pop five piece Walking On Cars and Missouri garage punk brothers Radkey make the Festival Republic Stage the one-stop shop for all things on the rise, alongside some of the biggest names in music.

BBC 1XTRA STAGE

Now a well-established feature of Reading & Leeds, the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage will bring the absolute best in urban music across the three days of the Festival. Co-headlining on the Friday at Reading and the Saturday at Leeds are Harlem trap lord A$AP Ferg and hazy Brooklyn hip hop crew Flatbush Zombies, providing an incredible East coast double header of real rap music. Having finally dropped her long awaited debut album ‘Broke With Expensive Taste’ late last year, Azealia Banks returns to Reading & Leeds for one of her characteristically high octane live sets to headline the 1Xtra Stage on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds.

With one final headliner still to be revealed for the stage, the tent will host sets from Miami bass turntablist Craze, South London hip hop duo Krept & Konan, grime hero and UK trailblazer Lethal Bizzle and the fresh sounds of Essex rapper Nick Brewer. The line-up grows even further with the addition of genre-blurring urban DJ Oneman and the unique dream-rap of Pell. New York natives Ratking are one of the purest voices of modern underground rap music and this year marks their debut R&L performance alongside MOBO Award ‘Best Grime Act’ and BBC Sound Of runner up Stormzy. Brotherly hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd are also announced today.

Newly announced today:

The Libertines (Headliner)

 A$AP Ferg

All Time Low

Alvvays

American Football

Ash

Azealia Banks

Ben Kahn

Boy Better Know

Bring Me The Horizon (European Festival Exclusive)

Brodinski

Bury Tomorrow

Camo & Krooked

Cancer Bats

Cardiknox

Circa Waves

Coasts

Craze

Darlia

Dillon Francis

Django Django

DMA’s

Everything Everything

Flatbush Zombies

Frank Turner (solo)

Frnkiero Andthe Cellabration
 

FTSE

Ghost

Glass Animals

Gojira

Gorgon City

Hudson Mohawke

Jake Isaac

Jamie XX

Kendrick Lamar

Knife Party

Krept & Konan

Lethal Bizzle

Limp Bizkit

Little May

Lonely The Brave

Marmozets

Mastodon

Modern Life Is War

My Nu Leng

Neck Deep

New Found Glory

Nick Brewer

Oneman

Panic! At the Disco

Peace

Pell

Porter Robinson

Radkey

Rae Sremmurd

Rat Boy

Ratking

San Fermin

Simple Plan

Slaves

Stormzy

Swim Deep

The Bulletproof Bomb

The Districts

The Maccabees

The Menzingers

The Wombats

Toyboy & Robin

Tourist

Tyler, The Creator

Walking On Cars

We Are The Ocean

While She Sleeps

 

Already announced:

Metallica (Headliner and UK Festival Exclusive)

Mumford & Sons (Headliner and England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Bastille (England & Wales Festival Exclusive)

Catfish and The Bottlemen

Deadmau5

Hannah Wants

Jack Garratt

Jamie T

Manchester Orchestra

Pierce The Veil

Pretty Vicious

Rebel Sound

Refused

Royal Blood (UK Summer Festival Exclusive)

Run The Jewels

Wilkinson (Live)

Wolf Alice

Years & Years

The Chemical Brothers to headline Bestival + many more announced

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With a brand new album about to drop, we are ecstatic to announce that the Chemical Brothers will be headlining Saturday night at Bestival’s Summer of Love. Longstanding favourites at Bestival HQ, we’re giddy with anticipation for an all-new live show featuring Tom Rowlands dropping the knowledge and those fat, fat beats. A colossus in dance music and leaders in club culture’s move into the mainstream, The Chemical Brothers are simply historic, and we love ‘em!

Another firm Besti-crew favourite is Underworld, who, we’re extremely pleased to say, will headline the Big Top on Thursday night as part of a UK festival exclusive for us! Currently touring their seminal Dubnobasswithmyheadman album to packed venues across the land, we’ve bagged them to kick off our epic four-day love-fest, when they’ll be proving it’s not just skyscrapers that they love.

Commenting on their opening night appearance, Underworld said: “Can't wait to be back on the Isle of Wight with the Bestival crew. Be sure to get there early to catch us on Thursday night and start the weekend as you mean to go on”.

Joining our line-up for the first time for a UK festival exclusive appearance are iconic trailblazers Duran Duran. Unstoppable as ever, the band are currently in the studio with Mr. Hudson, Mark Ronson and Nile Rodgers, putting the finishing touches on a brand new album, set for release later this year. Frontman Simon Le Bon says: “This year sees the beginning of a new Duran Duran live show. I couldn't imagine starting it with more of a bang than an appearance at Bestival.”

We’ll also have a UK festival exclusive appearance from the world’s most famous musical family, The Jacksons, and live sets from psychedelic riff merchants Tame Impala, soul-powered collective Jungle, bloc party hip-hop kings Jurassic 5, a UK exclusive from unique beat sculptor Flying Lotus, garage duo Gorgon City, who, as you’ll know, are ‘ready for your love’, genre-swerving four-piece Little Dragon; the golden voiced Roisin Murphy, and deep house don and UK singles chart-topper Duke Dumont.

And there’s plenty more live music from the likes of Kate Tempest, Jamie xx (Live), Boy Better Know, Todd Terje (live), Action Bronson, Future Islands, Level 42 , Young Fathers, Flight Facilities, Rae Morris, Jungle Brothers, The Cuban Brothers, Pond, Sleaford Mods, Fat White Family, Lapsley, Cymande, Slaves, Shura, George The Poet, Dean Blunt, Snap!, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, Reggaerobics and Circus Raj.

Sharing bounteous love on the ones & twos late into the night, we’ll have the undisputed queen of Radio 1’s dance shows Annie Mac, rabble rousing as Lily Allen presents FUNLORD, plus  Kalamazoo’s coolest man Seth Troxler, musical yarn-spinners Tale of Us, first lady of bass Hannah Wants, and the unutterably brilliant Four Tet, who will not only be blowing minds when he opens The Port on Friday but will also be taking everybody that bit higher, bringing our beloved Bollywood to a close the very same night!

We’ll also have mayhem from Black Butter Presents…, sick beats from Madlib, floor-smashing goodness from Jackmaster, Joy Orbison going toe to toe with Ben UFO, cosmic techno from Guy Gerber, full signal when David Rodigan MBE presents Ram Jam, sonic adventuring from Erol Alkan, beautiful blends as erstwhile Streets man Mike Skinner presents Tonga and unknown pleasures from Andrew Weatherall.

And there’s plenty more arms in the air behaviour courtesy of SHY FX’s Party on the Moon, Mistajam presents Speakerbox, Benji B presents Deviation, Redlight, Jonas Rathsman, The Heatwave, Norman Jay MBE presents Good Times, Wookie, The Shellac Collective, Late Nite Tuff Guy, SG Lewis, Joe Hertz, World Of Rave & Music Mondays presents: Billy Daniel Bunter, Slipmatt, Rat Pack, Mark Archer (Altern-8), Kaotic Chemistry, Baby D, Liquid & Uncle Dugs, Work It DJs, Juicebox DJs and Venum Sound.

Tickets for Bestival’s Summer of Love go on sale at 10am on Thursday 12th February, and will be available through our ground breaking weekly payment plan, which lets you spread the cost of a Bestival ticket across 25 weeks for around £7 per week after your initial deposit. So there are no excuses! Join our legion of lovers now!

Live:

The Chemical Brothers / Underworld / Duran Duran / The Jacksons / Tame Impala / Jungle / Jurassic 5 / Flying Lotus / Gorgon City / Little Dragon / Roisin Murphy / Duke Dumont / Kate Tempest / Jamie xx (Live) / Boy Better Know / Todd Terje (Live) / Action Bronson / Future Islands / Level 42 / Young Fathers / Flight Facilities / Rae Morris / Jungle Brothers / The Cuban Brothers / Pond / Sleaford Mods / Fat White Family / Lapsley / Cymande / Slaves / Shura / George the Poet / Dean Blunt / Snap! / The Crazy World of Arthur Brown / Mr Wilson’s Second Liners /The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band / Reggaerobics / Circus Raj

DJs:

Annie Mac / Lily Allen presents FUNLORD / Seth Troxler / Tale of Us / Hannah Wants / Four Tet / Black Butter Presents… / Madlib / Jackmaster / Joy Orbison / Ben UFO / Guy Gerber / David Rodigan MBE presents Ram Jam / Erol Alkan / Mike Skinner presents Tonga / Andrew Weatherall / SHY FX’s Party on the Moon / Mistajam presents Speakerbox / Benji B presents Deviation / Redlight / Jonas Rathsman / The Heatwave / Norman Jay MBE presents Good Times / Wookie / The Shellac Collective / Late Nite Tuff Guy / SG Lewis / Joe Hertz / World Of Rave & Music Mondays presents: Billy Daniel Bunter, Slipmatt, Rat Pack, Mark Archer (Altern-8), Kaotic Chemistry, Baby D, Liquid & Uncle Dugs / Work It DJs / Juicebox DJs / Venum Sound