Kendrick Lamar

Primavera Sound announce full lineup for 2014

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Primavera Sound has just revealed the full line up of its fourteenth edition, distributed from Monday 26th May to Sunday 1st June, through their film “Line-Up”, that has just been released in cinemas and on Internet, having already announced the presence of the Canadian band Arcade Fire, Neutral Milk Hotel’s stage comeback and Frank Black’s band, Pixies. The latter are now joined by an extensive list of artists who will play on the multiple stages of the Parc del Fòrum from 29th to 31st May. Among all of these newly confirmed names Trent Reznor’s band Nine Inch Nails, the American band The National, the mythical desert rock formation Queens of the Stone Age, Justin Vernon’s new project (with Bon Iver) Volcano Choir, the Californian rapper Kendrick Lamar and the legendary and influential Brazilian singer songwriter Caetano Veloso really stand out.

Arcade Fire

The first festival shows for newly reformed British band Slowdive, house from the British band Disclosure, Television from New York playing their greatest album “Marquee Moon", math-pop from the powerful Foals, the presentation of the Scottish band Mogwai’s new album, electro pop from the highly successful Metronomy and Darkside, Nicolas Jaar’s new project, all join the line up of the Barcelona event.

A large number of the participants at this edition will be visiting Spain for the first time. This is the case for the hidden gem of feminine folk Linda Perhacs, The Julie Ruin (new band of Kathleen Hanna, former Bikini Kill member), the explosive cult band Chrome, the loud British band Loop and Body/Head, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon’s new project.

Other cutting edge artists will come to Primavera Sound to present their most recent albums: From Australia Cut Copy and their dance pop, the funny and outrageous Black Lips, the British genius Blood Orange, regenerator of the most contemporary black music, the 90s rock veterans Superchunk, Drive-By Truckers and their classical rock and dance floor funk from the Duo Chromeo.

A multitude of musical styles will fill the stages of the Barcelona event: afrobeat by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and the New Yorkers Antibalas, cosmic jazz from Sun Ra Arkestra, post rock from The Canadians Godspeed You! Black Emperor, metal by Kvelertak and Deafheaven, noise from Wolf Eyes, the stunning electro pop of Helen Love, neo classical music by A Winged Victory For The Sullen and soul from Charles Bradley.

The national section is headed by Standstill who will perform their spectacle Cénit, the Granada band Grupo de Expertos Solynieve and the presentation of the Barcelona band Mishima’s new album, the consecration of El Petit De Cal Eril as one of the most robust groups in our country, the alliance between Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Raül Fernández Miró, the revelations of 2013 León Benavente and El Último Vecino, the Catalan singer songwriter Joana Serrat presenting her new album, the analogical-electro duo Svper and Oso Leone from Mallorca.

As for the electronic music programme, it will be headed by the world famous French DJ Laurent Garnier, who will be followed by a long and varied list of artists: the Germans Moderat (the union of Modeselektor and Apparat), the deep rhythms of SBTRKT, the revelation of electronic dance music Daniel Avery, Jamie xx from the UK (member of The xx), from Madrid comes Pional, Lasers from Barcelona with their impeccable live show, house by Julio Bashmore and the experimental sound of Demdike Stare and The Haxan Cloak.

Primavera a la Ciutat will flood the whole city of Barcelona with a series of complementary proposals in parallel with the main event. Among these the day of free concerts on Wednesday 28th May in the Parc del Fòrum stands out. On that day there will be concerts by Sky Ferreira, the Belgium revelation Stromae, the Argentinians Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, the electro pop duo Holy Ghost!, the up and coming British band Temples and the Madrid band Fira Fem. During the week of the festival, clubs such as Apolo, BARTS and the Teatre Principal will host all types of performances amongst which Darren Hayman and the Trial Separation, Full Blast, Shellac, Angel Olsen, Juana Molina, Paus, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Har Mar Superstar and the showcases by the Catalan labels Bcore and La Castanya stand out. Els Vermuts del Primavera in Parc de la Ciutadella with concerts by bands such as Speedy Ortiz, Dum Dum Girls, Boogarins, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal and La Sera on the 31st May and 1st June, merit a special mention.

CONFIRMED ARTISTS 28.01.2014

MONDAY 26th MAY
– Apolo: Darren Hayman & the Trial Separation, The Free Fall Band, Tigercats

TUESDAY 27th MAY
– Apolo: Antibalas, Chicha Libre

WEDNESDAY 28th MAY
– Parc del Fòrum: Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, Fira Fem, Holy Ghost!, Sky Ferreira, Stromae, Temples
– Apolo: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Har Mar Superstar, Holy Ghost! Djs, Niña Coyote eta Chico Tornado
– La [2] de Apolo: Showcase La Castanya: Aries, Beach Beach, Me and the Bees
– Teatre Principal: Jamie xx & friends
– El Teatro Latino: The Ex, Full Blast, Paus, Shellac

THURSDAY 29th MAY
– Parc del Fòrum: A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Andy Stott, Antibalas, Arcade Fire, Bo Ningen, Caveman, Charles Bradley, Chrome, CHVRCHES, Colin Stetson, Disclosure, El Petit de Cal Eril, El Último Vecino, The Ex, Föllakzoid, Fort Romeau, Gang of Youths, Glasser, Grupo de Expertos Solynieve, Jamie xx, John Wizards, Julian Cope, Julio Bashmore, Kosmos, Lasers, LNripley, Lunice, Majical Cloudz, Metronomy, Midlake, Moderat, Móveis Coloniais de Acaju, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pond, Queens of the Stone Age, The Range, Real Estate, Rodrigo Amarante, Shelby Grey, Shellac, Single Parents, St. Vincent, Standstill, Sun Ra Arkestra, Svper, Touché Amoré, Warpaint, William Dafoe, Wind Atlas

FRIDAY 30th MAY
– Parc del Fòrum: !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Angel Molina, Astro, Black Drawing Chalks, Body/Head, C+C=Maxigross, Darkside, Deafheaven, Demdike Stare, Dominick Fernow, Dr. John and the Nite Trippers, Drive-By Truckers, Factory Floor, Dj Fra, The Growlers, Haim, The Haxan Cloak, Jagwar Ma, Jenny Lewis, Jesu, Joana Serrat, John Grant, Julia Holter, The Julie Ruin, Kvelertak, The Last 3 Lines, Laurent Garnier, Lee Ranaldo and the Dust, León Benavente, Linda Perhacs, Loop, Mas Ysa, Mick Harvey performs Serge Gainsbourg, The National, Oso Leone, Pional, Pixies, Prurient, Refree, SBTRKT, Sharon Van Etten, Slint, Slowdive

SATURDAY 31st MAY
– Parc del Fòrum: Belako, Black Lips, Blood Orange, Boogarins, Caetano Veloso, Chromeo, Cloud Nothings, Dj Coco, Cold Cave, Connan Mockasin, Courtney Barnett, Cut Copy, Dani Baughman, Daniel Avery, The Dismemberment Plan, Dum Dum Girls, Earl Sweatshirt, Foals, Genius of Time, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Hebronix, Helen Love, Hospitality, Islands, Jonathan Wilson, Junkfood, Jupiter Lion, Kendrick Lamar, Kronos Quartet, La Sera, Marc Piñol, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal, Mishima, Mistakes Are Ok b2b Mattis With, Mogwai, Nine Inch Nails, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Sílvia Pérez Cruz & Raül Fernández, Spoon, Superchunk, Teho Teardo & Blixa Bargeld, Television performing Marquee Moon, Ty Segall, Univers, Volcano Choir, Za!
– Els Vermuts del Primavera (Parc de la Ciutadella): Flamaradas, Renaldo & Clara, Speedy Ortiz, Súper Gegant, The Twilight Sad

SUNDAY 1st JUNE
– Apolo: Chromeo, Cloud Nothings, Dave P, Ty Segall, Vàlius
– La [2] de Apolo: Showcase BCore: Cuello, Fuckin’ Bollocks, No More Lies
– BARTS: Angel Olsen, Grouper, Joana Serrat, Juana Molina
– Els Vermuts del Primavera (Parc de la Ciutadella): Berlinist, Boogarins, Dum Dum Girls, Hospitality, La Sera, The Mark Eitzel Ordeal

John Newman, Idris Elba, Naughty Boy and more added to V Festival lineup

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With only 3 weeks to go until crowds of music fans descend upon its gates, V Festival 2013, sponsored by Virgin Media, announces that John Newman, Idris Elba, Naughty Boy, Seasick Steve and Lawson will join this year’s stellar line-up. V Festival takes place across two sites, on 17 &18 August and is headlined by Beyonce and Kings of Leon.

Seasick SteveBrit singer John Newman shot straight to the top of the charts earlier this month with the hit single ‘Love Me Again’, and is ready to bring some soulful vibes to crowds at both sites. He’s joined by man of the moment Idris Elba, who is taking time out from leading roles in the forthcoming blockbuster ‘Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom’ and BBC detective series ‘Luther’ to perform at this year’s festival. The Brit, Golden Globe winning actor and critically-acclaimed musician will make a debut festival appearance bringing some hip-hop, dance grooves to crowds.

Fresh from a string of highly anticipated summer appearances, Naughty Boy will be making his way to V Festival, and Seasick Steve returns for a second time to perform his brand of blues/rock. Popsters Lawson have also been announced performing hits including their recent Top Ten smash ‘Brokenhearted’.

V Festival prides itself on the quality of artists that perform each year, aside from headliners Beyonce and Kings of Leon other incredible acts across the weekend include Stereophonics, The Script, Emeli Sandé, Calvin Harris, Beady Eye, Jessie J, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Jesse Ware, James, Rita Ora, The Courteeners, FUN., Labrinth, Ellie Goulding, Rudimental, James Arthur, Little Mix, and Laura Mvula.

Beyonce

2013 once again sees a wide spectrum of acts playing across the stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances.  The popular Glee Club Comedy Tent will also make a return this year, with side-splitting performers to be announced. There is something for everyone at V Festival.

Wireless Festival 2013 Review – Saturday

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This year’s Wireless Festival had announced a lineup so spectacular that expectations were riding high when Jay Z and Justin Timberlake were set to close out all 3 days of Wireless, Justin on Friday, Jay Z on Saturday and the both of them performing their “The Legends of Summer” tour on Sunday.
Brooklyn born hip hop megastar Jay Z attracted a sold out 60,000 people to the main stage arena to close out Saturday night and he did not disappoint.  Looking slick in a plain white shirt and customary gold chain, he kicks off with ‘Public Service Announcement‘.  With the crowd in unison chanting HOV, this is just the beginning of his 70 minute set.  Announcing that his new album Magna Carta has gone number one in the UK, he dives straight into ‘Tom Ford’, one of the latest singles from his new album.  With one million giveaways of his album to Samsung customers, you can tell enough of the crowd have had a good listen to Magna Carta as they all sing along with him.
We immerse ourselves in the crowd to listen to ‘Empire State of Mind’, another new track ‘Picasso Baby’, and ‘Run this town’.  Jay Z‘s smooth lyrical delivery and ability to control the crowd reminds us why he is still one of the hottest rappers in the world.  Jay Z’s set is flawless and as the night comes to a close we are treated with an appearance by Jay’s Wireless headliner partner Justin Timberlake to perform the opening track on Magna Carta ‘Holy Grail‘.  The crowd goes absolutely mental as Justin’s silky voice hits the right notes on the first chorus to ‘Holy Grail‘.
Wireless Festival
Photo courtesy of Wireless Festival
Earlier in the day, there was a special guest set to perform in the Pepsi Max Arena and we got there just in time to see that it was UK rapper Tinie Tempah.  By this stage the tent was so packed that we made use of the outside screens to get a glimpse of the man that was a huge drawcard for the festival two years ago.  ‘Drinking from the Bottle‘ and ‘Pass Out‘ blast through the sound system as the crowd bounce up and down inside and around the tent.
Scottish songstress Emile Sande impressed with notable songs “Heaven” and “When I sleep” being my highlights of the set.  With the crowd singing alongside her as the sun begins to set over London, Emile is the perfect act to warm the crowd up before hiphop superstar and headliner Jay Z.
I have been a huge fan of Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar and was pleasantly surprised to see just how popular he was as a massive crowd packed into the main arena to see the West Coast lad bust out his hits from his album including album titled ‘M.A.D.D City‘, ‘Fu*kin Problems‘, ‘Money Trees’, ‘B*tch dont kill my vibe‘ and ‘Swimming Pools‘.  His chilled style and his seamless delivery of his tunes make him quite a different rapper to watch live than many others I have seen before.  If you haven’t yet heard his album or seen him live then I highly recommend it!
Rita Ora was on hand to make sure the crowd was ‘Hot Right Now‘ as the sun basked down in London on what would be one of the hottest days of the year.  Her rendition of The Neptunes ‘She wants to move‘ and Notorious Big’s ‘Big Poppa‘ & ‘Juicy‘ was a surprise but the crowd lapped it up and mashed to her music.
Wu Tang influenced Macklemore & Ryan Lewis performed earlier in the day bringing their fast paced rapping and high energy performance to the Wireless crowd.  Number one hit’s ‘Thrift Shop‘ & ‘Can’t Hold Us‘ had the entire arena singing as the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the newcomers set.
Even though Wireless Festival had moved from the more central location of Hyde Park to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there was no denying that this years festival was up there with one of the best Wireless Festival’s yet.  With no rain in sight and the sun beaming down over the entire weekend, the iconic Olympic Park site proved to be the perfect setting for a weekend of amazing music and festival entertainment.

Wireless Festival 2013 – Saturday Live Update!

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We are on-site at the Yahoo Wireless Festival today in London reporting live for the Summer Festival Guide.  Keep an eye out here on who we are seeing backstage, the latest performances from today's lineup including headliner Jay-Z and much more!

13:00: We are en-route to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, its slightly overcast but the overall forecast is for a burning 30 deg so make sure you bring your sunscreen and your best summer atire!  Remember to keep hydrated!

14:20: Just arrived on-site at Wireless, the main stage area is already packed to the sounds of DJ Fresh who has the crowd jumping with "The Power" and a remix of White Stripes "Seven Nation Army". 

15:45: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis come out to the Wireless sunshine and run through their hits "Thrift Shop" and their current massive hit "Can't Hold Us".  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is basking in this sunshine and the crowd are completely up for everything coming at them today.

So far we have sat down and talked to Taboo from Black Eyed Peas who performed in the Pepsi Max arena early and saw olympic gold medalist James Degale enjoying the music!

16:30: Up on stage is Miguel who is back for his second Wireless performance after a smashing performance last night.  Playing a similar style set as last night, the crowd was treated to his reindition of "Stir it Up" and more!

17:00: The crowd is building up for the enterance of compton rapper Kendrick Lamar.

17:30: Sat in the blazing sun we catch the begining of Kendrick Lamer's set.  With his DJ commanding the crowd to through their "W's" in the air, Kendrick comes out swinging with the title track of his Album "M.A.D.D city", and going through hits A$AP collaboration "Fu*kin Problems" and into "Money Trees" and "B*tch dont kill my vibe".  Kendrick's coolness and chilled out style on stage flows into the crowd.  Standing in the middle of the audience I see heads bopping up and down and W's being thrown up in the air.

Wireless Festival 2013

18:30: Rita Ora is blowing up the main arena with her massive hit "Radioactive" and has now just got the crowd literally jumping out of their clothes for "Hot Right Now" with a special apperance by DJ Fresh who was on the stage earlier on.  

18:40: We just got word that the special guest on stage in the Pepsi Max arena is no other than Tinie Tempah!!!!

19:00: Rita Ora is belting out covers of The Neptunes "She wants to move" and surprises the crowd with some Biggie Smalls "Big Poppa" & "Juicy".

19:10: With word that Tinie Tempah is at the Pepsi Max arena spreading through the crowd, I make my way through the main stage over the bridge to the tent.  As I proceed closer, I can hear the sounds of "Drinking from the bottle" blasting from the speaker stacks.  The arena is so crowded that people spill out about 10 meters deep from the tent!  I manage to get a glimpse of Tinie on the video screen in an outside tent.

19:45: Scotish songstress Emile Sande immediately commands the stage with her massive hit "Heaven" and then into "When I sleep".  With the crowd singing alongside her as the sun begins to set over London, Emile is the perfect act to warm the crowd up before hiphop superstar and tonights headliner Jay-Z takes to the stage.

21:00: The crowd has flocked to the Main Arena to watch headliner Jay-Z take to the stage.

21:20: 60,000 are on hand to see Jay-Z hit the main stage.  Looking slick in a white shirt with a huge gold chain, he kicks off with the crowd singing anthem "Public Service Announcement".  With the crowd chanting H.O.V. this is just the begining of what is set to be a memorable performance.  Announcing that his new album Magna Carta has gone number one in the UK, he kicks off with "Tom Ford", one of the latest singles from his new album.  We emerse ourself in the crowd to listen to "Empire State of Mind", another new track "Picaso Baby", and "Run this town".  Jay-Z's smooth lyrical delivery and ability to control the crowd reminds us why he is still one of the hottest rappers in the world.  

22:30: The majority of the crowd still remain to see out Jay-Z's performance when he introduces suprise guest Justin Timberlake to perform the first track of his new album Holy Grail.  The surprise is one that gets the crowd going crazy and singing along to the track.  The night is signed off with Jay and Justin both walking off the stage and the crowd making a swift exit to get home.  

 

31 acts added to Yahoo! Wireless

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Live Nation today announced that a huge 31 new acts have been added across the Yahoo! Wireless line up. They join headliners Justin Timberlake, JAY Z, and Legends of The Summer featuring both JAY Z and Justin Timberlake. Yahoo! Wireless Festival takes place across Friday 12 July, Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July.  Additions across the weekend include Earth, Wind & Fire, Little Mix, Wiz Kid, B Smyth, Dream Mclean, Joey Bada$$ and Sinead Harnett.

Tickets for Sunday 14 July headlined by Legends of The Summer featuring Justin Timberlake and JAY Z – a special preview of their North American Stadium Tour – are available but selling fast, www.wirelessfestival.com Tickets for Friday 12 July (headlined by Justin Timberlake) and Saturday 13 July (Headlined by JAY Z) are now sold out.

FRIDAY 12 JULY

Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, John Legend, Miguel, Ke$ha, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard, special guest Frank Ocean, Bingo Players, Sub focus, Zane Lowe (DJ set), Bluey Robinson, Drop City, Yacht Club, Fazer, Mikky Ekko, A*M*E, Mat Zo, Waka Flocka Flame, Phlo Finister, Wiz Kid, Little Mix, B Smyth Flume, Chloe Howl, Jacob Banks, Joel Compass, Kat Dahlia, Ed Drewett, Raleigh Ritchie, Tom Prior

 

SATURDAY 13 JULY

JAY Z, Emeli Sande, Rita Ora, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, DJ Fresh/Live, Special guest Calvin Harris, Flux Pavilion, Zedd, Iggy Azalea, Devlin, Taboo, Watsky, Mikill Pane, Clean Bandit, JAKWOB, Logic, Drop City Yacht Club, Joel Compass, Earth WInd & Fire, Dream Mclean, Cherub, Monsta, Rascals, Phlo Finister, Roses Gabor, Knytronium, Etta Bond x Raf Riley

 

SUNDAY 14 JULY

Justin Timberlake and JAY Z LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER STADIUM TOUR, A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, A$AP Rocky, Jessie Ware, Rizzle Kicks, Drop City Yacht Club, Special guest will.i.am, Katy B, Magnetic Man, 2 Chainz, Porter Robinson, Daley, Misha B, Angel, Giggs, Koan Sound, Jacob Plant, P Money, Charlie Brown, Joey Bada$$, Sinead Harnett, Stylo G, Fuse ODG, B Smyth, Context, MAUSI, Jetta, Joel Compass, Purple Ferdinand, Sasha Keable

 

Ticketing Information:

Tickets for Sunday 14 July – are on sale now and are priced at £75 plus booking fee.

 

Tickets available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

 

VIP packages still available across all three days from:

www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

Open’er Festival confirms Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Kendrick Lamar and more

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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

A band famous to all from post-punk afficionados to the music TV and Internet generations. Their new album was one of the most anticipated returns in recent years. Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time at Open'er Festival, the masters of dark poetry, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds! They will perform on 4 July on Main Stage. 
 
This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as formed by leading man Nick Cave, multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey and guitarist Blixa Bargeld. From the very start, they were able to create their own version of alternative rock, incorporating elements of punk, gothic rock, no wave and blues.
 
In these three decades, they underwent countless line-up changes (with Cave now remaining the only original member), released 15 full-length albums and raced through a handful of genres, from the definite post-punk of first releases, through songwriter ballads and melancholic pop duos with Kylie Minogue or PJ Harvey to raw garage rock. In every genre, they can count legions of faithful fans, most of all thanks to Cave, his charisma, the unique voice and a talent to write poetic, dark and often ironic lyrics. 
 
Mid-February 2013 saw the release of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds 15th studio album "Push The Sky Away", promoted by singles "We No Who U R" and "Jubilee Street". Well-received by critics from the very start, "Push The Sky Away" was called a "majestic and desolate masterpiece" (NME), one of the best records in the catalogue of this prolific Australian legend.
 
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
 
Kendrick Lamar
 
"Now everybody serenade the new faith of Kendrick Lamar/ This is king Kendrick Lamar" – these are the two opening verses of “Compton”, the final song on “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. city” – best LP of 2012 according to Pitchfork. Both the listing and the words of Lamar himself are not vainly blowing his own trumpet.
 
The coronation of Lamar did not only make Lamar king of West Coast, but also of the entire American hip-hop, which had to subdue to the 26-year-old rapper in 2012. Released in October, "Good Kid, M.A.A.D city” was deemed a rap masterpiece from the very start, earning only positive reviews, praising the album concept (the story of growing up in LA suburbs as told in 12 songs), mature lyrics and production. The LP was produced by Dr. Dre, who halted his work on long awaited "Detox" to help his protégé. The studio work featured 12 different producers, including Pharrell, Hit-Boy, Just Blaze, yet was an extremely cohesive work. "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. city” was streamed over 3 million times in its opening week, the second result of 2012 after Mumford & Sons.
 
The LP debuted as #2 in Billboard charts, currently having sold nearly a million copies. Both Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg deemed Lamar the new king of West Coast and invited him onstage during the memorable Coachella 2012 appearance. Kendrick was featured on LPs from The Game and Drake, who also invited him on tour, along with A$AP Rocky. The two collaborated on "Fuckin’ Problems", and Drake returned the feature on "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. city”'s "Poetic Justice”. Built around a Janet Jackson hit, the single doesn't feature Janet in the video (as was Kendrick's dream), yet, the interest in Lamar is strong as ever. He sold out the European tour, appeared on two most important TV shows in the US and has a long feature queue, recently appearing on tracks from 50 Cent and Dido. Lamar will spend the summer at European festivals, including Gdynia's Heineken Open'er.
 
Kendrick Lamar
 
Devendra Banhart
 
Devendra Banhart is the second American alternative player at Open'er, following Animal Collective, with whom they co-formed the fluid Americana/New Weird America movement.  – Prior to becoming the king of Americana, he took a long road, straight from a movie on a young rebel hero. American-born, he spent a few years in his mother's native Venezuela, studied art and traveled around Europe, busking before finally having been discovered by an influential person. Swans' Michael Gira was enchanted by Banhart's demo, releasing or co-producing his first albums on his Young Gods label. However, the breakthrough "Cripple Crow" was released on XL Recordings, who realised the potential of freak folk. Banhart's music stood out with its elements of latino music, the singer's trademark vibrato, complete with his image of New York hippie, collaborating with Beck, CocoRosie and Antony and The Johnsons. On 11 March, his 7th solo album "Mala" premieres on Nonesuch label. Recorded almost entirely on analog TASCAM gear, "Mala" reminds us that the artist we're about to witness at Open'er this July is truly unusual.
 
Hey
 
Hey incarnate the living and ever-changing history of Polish music. Their charismatic singer Katarzyna Nosowska is often called the best lyricist in her generation, and the band won an endless number of awards. Their style includes all important influences in guitar music of the last two decades, from grunge and alternative rock to electronic experiments. All 10 of their records became platinum. Hey welcomes the second generation of fans, who take to their intelligent lyrics and music, an intelligence their musical peers could never even approach. It will be Hey's first time at Open'er, but recalling Nosowska's 2012 solo debut on Tent Stage, we know it will be a very special time.

Beyonce & Kings of Leon to headline V Festival

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AN EXCLUSIVE NIGHT WITH BEYONCE
HER ONLY EUROPEAN FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE OF 2013
PLUS
AMERICAN ROCKERS KINGS OF LEON HEADLINING

STEREOPHONICS, THE SCRIPT, EMELI SANDÉ, CALVIN HARRIS, BEADY EYE, JESSIE J, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, THE VACCINES, BASEMENT JAXX, OLLY MURS
PALOMA FAITH, RITA ORA, THE COURTEENERS, FUN., LABRINTH, ELLIE GOULDING, KENDRICK LAMAR, JESSIE WARE, RUDIMENTAL, JAMES ARTHUR, LITTLE MIX
AND MANY MORE ALSO CONFIRMED

TICKETS ON SALE AT 9AM FRIDAY 1 MARCH

 

This will be her one and only European festival appearance this year.  Multi-million album selling American rockers Kings Of Leon are also confirmed as headliners.  V Festival takes place across the weekend of August 17 & 18 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Tickets go on sale Friday March 1 at 9am, available at www.VFestival.com

Beyonce @ V FestivalV Festival, prides itself on the quality of artists that perform each year, more incredible acts announced today for 2013 are Stereophonics, The Script, Emeli Sandé, Calvin Harris, Beady Eye, Jessie J, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, James, Rita Ora, The Courteeners, Jason Mraz, FUN., Labrinth, Ellie Goulding, Kendrick Lamar, Of Monsters And Men, Maverick Sabre, Travis, DJ Fresh/LIVE,  Jessie Ware, Maximo Park, Lianne La Havas, Rudimental, James Arthur, Scouting For Girls, Deacon Blue, Little Mix, Ocean Colour Scene, The Fratellis, Gabrielle Aplin and Laura Mvula.  Many more acts will be announced in the coming weeks across the stages at the two festival sites.

V Festival is now in its 18th year and is renowned for bringing the very best in popular music together for one epic summer weekend.  Last year saw electric sets from headliners The Stone Roses and The Killers with other show stopping performances from the likes of David Guetta and Ed Sheeran.  V Festival has an unrivalled music pedigree, previous headliners have included groundbreaking performances from Coldplay, Radiohead, Oasis, Eminem, Foo Fighters and The Arctic Monkeys.  V Festival is now established as the biggest festival in the UK with over 170,000 fans attending across the two sites and was the first festival to establish rotating acts across two sites.

2013 once again sees a wide spectrum of acts playing across the stages, guaranteeing yet another year of unforgettable appearances.  The popular Glee Club Comedy Tent will also makes a return this year, with side-splitting performers to be announced in the coming weeks.  With many more great artists to be announced, there is something for everyone at V Festival.

V Festival is one of the hottest dates on the UK cultural calendar.  From the moment the gates open each area of the festival comes alive and a truly remarkable weekend of music and enjoyment ensues.  V Style camping is set to return this year giving festival fans the chance to get the best of both worlds.  They can dance the days away with their favourite artists and then chill out in luxury in ready built Pod Pads, Cloud Yurts, Hearthworks Tipis and pop-up hotel rooms.

Festival Directors Bob Angus, Simon Moran and Dennis Desmond commented: We’ve worked hard to bring fans an exciting and diverse line-up, securing Beyonce for an exclusive European Festival appearance and Kings of Leon as headliners is a great achievement. These acts along with one of the strongest bills in V Festival's 18 year history is something we are very proud of. We have a reputation for bringing fans the best world class acts and breakthrough artists, 2013 is set to be another sensational year.”

With many more exciting V Festival announcements to come be sure to keep up to date with all the latest news at www.vfestival.com

Tickets go on sale on Friday 1 March at 9am fans should visit www.vfestival.com, for official outlets details.  V Festival organisers stress to fans that purchasing tickets from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.

VIP upgrades are available and include:

  • A relaxed and spacious environment offering a wider choice of exclusive food and drink outlets not available in the main festival arena.
  • Cash bar with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas.
  • Post-festival late bar with DJs on Saturday & Sunday nights.
  • VIP toilet access.
  • Beautiful lakeside location (Weston Park only)

Kendrick Lamar added to Flow Festival lineup

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Kendrick Lamar, whose debut album Good Kid, m.A.A.d City went to the top of the U.S. album chart and pleased both fans and critics, will be performing at the Flow Festival in August. He has been praised for his live shows and these days the championship belt of West Coast rap rests comfortably around this 25-year-old's waist. Lamar's raps and sounds have also been endorsed by rap-royalty such as his label boss Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

Kendrick Lamar

Flow will also feature two hotly tipped newcomers as California-based Haim and London-based AlunaGeorge join the lineup. With their fresh blend of r'n'b and indie pop, Haim's group of sisters were voted to the top of BBC's Sound of 2013 list. It makes the band's debut eagerly expected. The top of the BBC ranking also featured AlunaGeorge, whose hits Your Drums, Your Love and You Know You Like It have made their mark with a marriage of electro-pop and swaying r'n'b. Their debut, Body Music, is also one of the summer's most anticipated debuts.

Earlier, artists such as Kraftwerk, The Knife, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Azealia Banks, Of Monsters & Men and Solange have been announced in the lineup.

The tenth Flow Festival will be held 7–11 August 2013 in Suvilahti, Helsinki.

Justin Timberlake and Jay Z to headline Wireless Festival

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Superstar Justin Timberlake is confirmed to headline Wireless Festival on Friday 12 July, this will be his only UK festival performance of 2013, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, John Legend, Miguel and very special guest Frank Ocean also join the bill.  Music megastar Jay Z has confirmed his only European performance of 2013 at Wireless Festival on Saturday July 13. Emeli Sande, Rita Ora, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, DJ Fresh/Live will also appear along with Calvin Harris who is confirmed as special guest. Tickets for Wireless Festival go on sale Friday 22 February at 9am, available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

Justin Timberlake is a true musical icon.  As a solo artist, he released two chart-topping and influential, groundbreaking albums that both reached multi-platinum status in many countries across the world. His debut album ‘Justified’ has sold in excess of seven million copies and included epic hit singles such as ‘Cry Me A River’ and ‘Like I Love You’.  His follow-up album, ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds,’ sold over 10 million copies worldwide, was met with equal acclaim and produced the massive singles ‘SexyBack’ and ‘My Love’.  After a break from music Justin recently thrilled fans with the surprise release of a brand new single, ‘Suit & Tie.’ The track reached number one on the iTunes charts in 31 countries and broke radio airplay records in the U.S.  An eagerly anticipated brand new album ‘The 20/20 Experience’ will be out on March 18.

Justin Timberlake

Very special guest Frank Ocean will be making his Wireless Festival debut this year. Before the release of his first album ‘nostalgia, ULTRA’ in 2011 Ocean made a name for himself by penning tracks for the likes of Justin Bieber and Beyonce. His Sophomore album ‘channel ORANGE’ was released last year to both critical and popular acclaim, he recently scored a standing ovation at the 2013 Grammy Awards when the album was awarded best urban contemporary album.

Snoop Dogg makes a welcome return to the Wireless Festival stage this year after a rapturously received set in 2010.  Having sold over 30 million albums world wide Snoop Dogg has become a true music legend. His quadruple platinum debut album, 1993’s ‘Doggystyle’, stormed the charts, selling more than 4 million copies and became a seminal moment in the evolution of gansta rap.  A brand new album, ‘Reincarnated’ will be released later this year.
 
Trey Songz, who is responsible for hits including ‘Already Taken’, ‘Bottoms Up’, ‘Neighbors Know My Name’ and ‘Say Aah’, will be bringing his unique soulful swagger to Wireless Festival fans. He has sold 14 million albums and singles worldwide, and received numerous Grammy nominations. His latest album ‘Chapter V’ was released last year. Nine-time Grammy Award winner John Legend, who has sold over seven million albums worldwide, hits Wireless Festival for the first time this year.  He topped the US Billboard R&B album chart with his 2004 debut 'Get Lifted', a fete he repeated with follow-up's 'Once Again' and 'Evolver' in 2006 and 2008 respectively. In 2010, Legend teamed up with The Roots for the critically-acclaimed, award-winning collaborative album 'Wake Up'.  His new album, ‘Love In The Future’ Is out this year.  Man of the moment Miguel who was recently awarded a Grammy for his US hit single ‘Adorn’ also joins the bill, he will appear Friday 12th July and Saturday 13th July.
Chart-topping, multiplatinum producer Calvin Harris makes a welcome return to the Wireless Festival joining headliner JAY Z on Saturday 13 July as very special guest.  Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in dance music today, he broke chart records earlier this year by becoming the first UK act to achieve seven top ten singles all from the same album, which included two number ones. He’s collaborated with the likes of Rihanna, Florence and The Machine, Ne-Yo and Tinie Tempah, and was recently nominated for Best Male Artist at the BRIT awards 2013.
 
Scottish singer songwriter Emeli Sande, one of Britain’s brightest music stars, will be making her first ever Wireless Festival appearance this year.  Her debut album 'Our Version Of Events' was the top selling album of 2012 in the UK and included epic songs such as ‘Next To Me’ and ‘Read All About It’.  After an electrifying performance at last years Wireless Festival, Rita Ora is confirmed to return.  Since the release of her debut single ‘Hot Right Now’ from her #1 certified platinum album ‘Ora’ she has been an unstoppable presence in the UK Charts.   Hotly tipped Kendrick Lamar, whose recent album ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ received worldwide acclaim, also joins Saturday’s bill. DJ Fresh will also be performing, the Drum & Bass/Dubstep producer and DJ has had several #1 singles, the most recent being ‘Hot Right Now’ featuring Rita Ora.
 
Entering its ninth consecutive year Wireless Festival promoter Steve Homer from Live Nation is looking forward to another sensational year.  He said, “Wireless Festival has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2005, we’re incredibly excited to take it to its new home, London’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and are delighted to secure Justin Timberlake and welcome back JAY Z.   Securing these two artists – JAY Z for his only European performance of 2013 and Justin Timberlake for his only UK festival appearance this year – cements our reputation as a world class player on the festival circuit.”

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said: "We are delighted to welcome world class artists like JAY Z and Justin Timberlake to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This summer we are hosting a summer series of events and concerts, including the fantastic Wireless Festival. We are on track to deliver a great summer, a top visitor destination and a great legacy for east London."

Boris Johnson said: 'This is a stellar line up of stars that is set to bring the house down this summer at Queen Elizabeth Park London. It proves that our fantastic Olympic park is now a destination of choice for world class musical events.'

Wireless Festival is the UK’s number one urban/ pop festival and the destination of the summer.  A dazzling open-air live music experience It offers a chance to experience the excitement of watching the best in popular music in one of London’s most iconic sites – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. With many more acts and details still to be unveiled, Wireless Festival 2013 is set to be the biggest and best event on the summer’s musical calendar.

Ticketing Information:

Tickets go on sale Friday 22 February at 9am and are priced at £57.50 plus booking fee.

Two day tickets are priced at £110 plus booking fee

Tickets available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk

Calvin Harris, David Guetta and more announced for T in the Park

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During a live Twitter interview with Festival Director Geoff Ellis and Head of Sponsorship at Tennent’s Lager George Kyle this afternoon, it was revealed that Calvin Harris will make a return to Kinross for the festival’s 20th year. One of the world’s most in-demand DJs, producers and songwriters, the latest album from the local hero turned global megastar featured a glittering array of guest artists, including T in the Park headliner Rihanna. Their smash hit single We Found Lovecatapulted them to the top of the charts the world over, giving Rihanna her first No.1 single in the USA (and Calvin’s 3rd no.1 single). He’s sure to get the crowd going when he’s back on home soil for T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations.

 
Calvin Harris
 
With 2009’s multi-platinum One Love, two-time-Grammy-winning artist/producer/DJDavid Guetta cemented his status as a genre-busting hitmaker whose in-your-face fusion of electro and hip-hop beautifully warps the pop landscape. Now, with his fifth studio album Nothing But The Beat, Guetta builds on that breakthrough momentum and takes his decades-spanning career to a new level. After raising the roof of the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent last year with a spectacular sonic and lighting extravaganza, he returns to get the 20th year party well and truly going.
 
Foals released their third album Holy Fire last week to major critical acclaim, with the record entering the UK album charts at number 2. Its 2010 predecessor Total Life Forever earned them nominations for the Mercury, an Ivor Novello, a Mojo Award and 7 NME Awards (with Spanish Sahara going on to win the NME Award for Best Song). Its follow-up is already being hailed as their finest yet, and looks set to take the Oxford five-piece to stratospheric new levels.
 
With their signature melding of sharp, danceable rhythms and effortless melodies,Phoenix make their hugely anticipated return to the festival circuit this year with a headline set at Coachella and a T in the Park performance. The French four-piece release a brand new album this spring.
 
Kendrick Lamar is the hottest hip-hop property in the US right now, having worked with the likes of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. The Californian rapper’s first independent album, Section 80 became one of the top digital hip hop releases of 2011, and its critically-acclaimed follow-up good kid, m.A.A.d city was hailed by fans and critics as one the finest hip-hop albums in years.
 
Hotly tipped LA group Haim topped the BBC’s Sound of 2013 list. They spent the latter half of 2012 on the road with T in the Park headliners Mumford & Sons in the US. With their hugely anticipated debut album out later this year, they make their T in the Park debut this July.