Over on the NME/Radio 1 Stage headliners Disclosure, Courteeners and Bombay Bicycle Clubare joined by ex-My Chemical Romance front man and previous festival headliner Gerard Way in his first ever solo UK show, hip-hop heavyweight and Kendrick Lamar collaborator Schoolboy Q and the soulful vocal and cutting rap delivery of Maverick Sabre. Also playing will be Aussie thrash-pop duo DZ Deathrays and emotive screamo titans La Dispute.
Reading & Leeds have a burgeoning reputation for bringing the best in electronic music and cutting edge dance to the Festival and the additions of the incredible Sigma, Indiana, RÜFÜS, Panama,Kove, MØ, Lxury and Billion prove that this trend will continue.
Punk and rock have a strong heritage at Reading & Leeds and last year’s addition of a rock day added to the Lock Up Stage acknowledged that. Now announced alongside incredible headliners Jimmy Eat World, Gogol Bordello and Of Mice & Men are We Came As Romans, Crosses,Muncie Girls, Brutality Will Prevail, Lesser Key, The HELL, Beasts, Masked Intruder, Emily’s Army and Vales.
Providing a place to see upcoming acts alongside some real heavy hitters, the Festival Republic Stage is looking as strong as ever. Headlined by Palma Violets, Band Of Skulls and Augustines, now King Charles, Southern, We Are Scientists, The Amazing Snakeheads, American Authors,Little Matador, The Minutes, Leaders Of Men, The Sunshine Underground, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Sivu, Drowners, Lucius and Saint Raymond have all joined the line-up.
Added as a new stage in 2013, this year sees the return of the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage. Dedicated to all things hip-hop, urban and grime, and already boasting the likes of Giggs, Pusha T, Danny Brown and Joey Bada$$, the stage is joined by MistaJam, Raleigh Ritchie, Dirty Dike, Edward Scissortongue, Dominique Young Unique, Tempa T, Little Simz, Newham Generals, Adian Coker, Kwabs, Elli Ingram, Hawk House and My Nu Leng alongside the other previously announced names.
Standon Calling today reveals additions not just to the live line-up but also the DJ offering for 2014’s festival, 1st – 3rd August in Hertfordshire. Regular and fan-favourite King Charles will be present yet again on stage, whilst the eclectically-eared Giles Peterson takes to the decks.
Newcomers Ibibio Sound Machine will bring a heady cocktail to Standon Calling’s live stage, infusing West-African funk and disco with modern post-punk and electro, a no doubt intoxicating affair. In contrast Fat White Family promise a raucous and often provocative rock n’ roll as one might expect from six young squatters of South London.
Across Standon Calling’s Big Top and Cowshead stages DJs including electro pioneer Felix Da Housecat lead the charge into the twilight hours. Disco / re-edit scene favourite Greg Wilson, alumni of The Hacienda will also be heading to Hertfordshire as will hip hop turntablist and scratch master, DJ Yoda. From 80s warehouse parties to modern-day DJ royalty the next name cued up for the festival will be none other than Norman Jay MBE. Jay is a renowned house music DJ whose crate confidently veers into many sounds including jazz-funk and soul.
Back on the live stages and also returning to the festival is post-rock outfit Revere, boasting their own string section. East London might be lacking in coalmines but thanks to Hackney Colliery Band it does have a vibrant funk, hip-hop and high-octane rock inspired brass band. The group performed at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony so should have little trouble rousing the boutique-sized party that is Standon Calling. Long-standing poetic rock trio The Wave Pictures are next up alongside alternative quartet Flyte. Ska-punk will be on offer in the form of Imperial Leisure and N-A-I-V-E-S are set to serve up anglo/french electro-pop sounds. Last but by no means least for the live side of Standon Calling are locals Maddox.
For night owls the festival’s dance music line-up expands further with the Lana-Del-Ray-remixing Asadinho, alternative urban heavyweight DJ Format and duo Heavy Hz, formed of playlister.fm’s Dan Lywood and Ben Bridgewater.
The legendary Paul Weller, hugely influential Wilko Johnson (who Weller has cited as his own musical hero) and seminal soul group Soul II Soul have joined the bill, alongside Earl Sweatshirt, Wilkinson,Charli XCX,King Charles, Darlia, The LaFontaines, The Amazing Snakeheads,Becky Hill, Jess Glynne,The Minutes,Hudson Taylor,Neon Jungle, Lonely the Brave, Dolomite Minor and Little Matador.
T in the Park 2014 – artists announced so far
FRIDAY 11TH JULY: Biffy Clyro, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Pixies, Steve Angello, Alesso, Haim, You Me At Six, Manic Street Preachers, Chvrches, DJ Fresh & Messy MC, Maximo Park, Foxes, The Magic Numbers, The Rifles, Len Faki, Pan-Pot, Drenge, Pretty Lights, Charli XCX, Josh Record, Jackmaster, Wolf Alice, Factory Floor, Neon Jungle, Lonely the Brave, Hudson Taylor, Little Matador, Dolomite Minor, Clouds, Alex Smoke.
SATURDAY 12TH JULY: Calvin Harris, Paolo Nutini, Pharrell Williams, Elbow, Rudimental, Ben Howard, James, Bombay Bicycle Club, Twin Atlantic, The 1975,The Charlatans,John Newman, Embrace, Katy B, The Human League, Nina Nesbitt, The Stranglers, Joris Voorn, Dave Clarke, Duke Dumont, Robert Hood, Carl Craig, Clean Bandit, We Are Scientists, Wilko Johnson, Ella Eyre, George Ezra, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The LaFontaines, Twenty One Pilots, The Amazing Snakeheads, Circa Waves, Skream, Chlöe Howl, Guy Gerber, Magda.
SUNDAY 13TH JULY: Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Paul Weller, Disclosure, Bastille, Example, Tinie Tempah, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, London Grammar, Tame Impala, Kodaline, Above & Beyond, Sam Smith, Passenger, Sven Vath, Soul II Soul, Metronomy, Newton Faulkner, Chance the Rapper, Slam, Wilkinson, Reverend & The Makers, The Twilight Sad, Earl Sweatshirt, Inspiral Carpets, Julio Bashmore, Jess Glynne, Kerri Chandler, Tale of Us, Levon Vincent, Royal Blood, King Charles, Darlia, George Fitzgerald, Becky Hill, The Minutes, Mark Henning, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and more acts to be announced (line-up subject to change).
The Summer Festival Guide has another massive lineup announce from the Secret Garden Party's HQ.
This years Secret Garden Party have announced another headliner in the form of the legendary hiphop group Public Enemy who will be performing around Europe this summer.
Joining them on the lineup announcement today as well are New York based collective Hercules & Love Affair as well as the following:
Foreign Beggars – King Charles – Alabama 3 – Big Deal – Say Lou Lou
Big Gigantic – Rae Morris – The Skints – Thumpers – Koven – John Fullbright – The Hics
Lxury – TCTS – Jacob Plant – Josef Salvat – Eagles For Hands
Nimmo And The Gauntletts – Ted Zed – Mad Professor – Coves – Jon Batiste – Melt Yourself Down – The Ramona Flowers
Losers – Arkon Fly – Ekkah – Killsonik – Wara – Plump Djs – Too Many T's
Max Cooper – Miraculous Mule – Rag 'N' Bone Man – Norma Jean Martine
Devon Sproule – Gorgeous George – Si Cranstoun
Palace – Dandaluz – Cable Street Collective – Longy – The Future Dub Project – Beans On Toast
Animanz – Feral Mouth – The 45's – Cut Capers – The Meow Meows – Crinkle Cuts – Alexia Coley – Myles Sanko – General Skank
The Levellers, responsible for hits such as "What a Beautiful Day" and "One Way" are the third and final headline act for Wychwood Festival 2014. The Brighton-based rock band have been a firm favourite of the festival over the years, with their acclaimed performances in 2007 and 2010 leaving a lasting impression on fans and organisers alike. Who better to help celebrate the fantastic 10thAnniversary celebrations than a band whose return is destined to get the crowds reliving some incredible memories from the last decade.
The Levellers comment, "We are really looking forward to coming back to Wychwood Festival this year for their 10th anniversary celebrations!"
A plethora of other acts have been announced for this year’s festival including the nation’s favourite children’s entertainer and BAFTA Award-winning, Justin Fletcher a.k.a. Mr Tumble, who has starred in favourites such as The Tweenies, Timmy Time and Sean the Sheep. Destined to draw in the thousands of families and eager fans for Saturday's midday slot, Fletcher's inspiring performance is one not to be missed.
Justin Fletcher comments, "Looking forward to bags of singing and dancing and having a party at Wychwood Festival this year!"
Also announced is London-born artist King Charles who’s 2012 debut album ‘Loveblood’ was a hit with both critics and fans alike. Wychwood Festival has long been known to have a soft spot for the ska genre and this year it comes in the form of Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, a British band formed in 2011 by Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. Their unique musicianship and covers of classic ska tracks make them a feel-good favourite for any festival.
Additional new acts on the bill include Afrobeat dance band Baraka, featuring a potent mix of dance rhythms, soaring melodies and funky grooves, sure to get the Wychwood crowd moving. Glastonbury band Reef will be bringing their classic tracks to the Wychwood stage with "Place Your Hands" and"Naked", plus vintage songstress Gabby Young and Other Animals. Wychwood favourite and World Vision Ambassador Paul Ewing will perform alongside the incredible UK Soul Ensemble whose members have collaborated with artists such as Whitney Houston and George Michael and and Swindon based band The Newquay Times all announced today.
Also known for it's entertaining comedic offering, Wychwood will not fail to disappoint this year with the appointment of Canadian comic Peter White on opening night duties. His coveted TV and stand-up career has made him a hit both sides of the Atlantic and it is certain he will be kicking off the comedy tent in true hilarity. He is joined by North Devon Stand Up Comedian Luke Honnoraty, who's skilled story-telling is sure to captivate any crowd, as well as cheeky Brummies Andy White and Freddie Farrell, controversial Geordie Gavin Webster, plus many more.
Founder Alex Trenchard comments: "This is the first time weekend tickets have sold out and I'm utterly thrilled. Thank you to all I've worked with for keeping the faith. Standon Calling might be a smaller festival but this season is seeing some of the independents making big waves. Bring on next weekend's celebrations."
Headliners Digitalism, Band of Skulls and De La Soul head to Hertfordshire 2nd – 4th August for what is set to be Standon Calling’s best year yet. The headliners are joined by some of the most successful young bands and the hottest up-and-coming names around including Bastille, AlunaGeorge and London Grammar. See below for a full day and stage split.
Alongside the music extravaganza is the 2013 theme, ‘Running Away From The Circus’. Fans are no doubt beavering away to create their costumes as we speak. The bravest of punters are signed up to ‘Standon People’s Circus’ which will be putting on shows over the weekend, others will be sky high courtesy of Gorilla Flying Circus and their outdoor trapeze rig offering 90 minute classes and ‘pay per fly’ options.
For families favourites including crafts, Maurice’s reggae nursery rhymes, ‘You and Me photo booth, yoga, storytelling and more take place within the special kids area. Elsewhere more ‘grown-up’ talks and workshops include Art Macabre Life Drawing, the Science of Building a Human Pyramid, the Art of Whipping and more can be enjoyed in The Strongman’s Arms, Standon Calling’s onsite pub. Last but no means least canine friend’s star in Standon Calling’s annual dog show and as always the onsite swimming pool will be open for business.
Weekend tickets are now sold out however day tickets to Friday and Sunday can be purchased for £50 from the Standon Calling website. Ticket holders for Sunday will also be able to purchase a £15 add on ticket allowing them to camp that evening.
Line up
MAINSTAGE
FRIDAY Digitalism Bastille Shields Lazy Habits & Miss Baby Sol Mary Epworth & the Jubilee Band Maddox TBC (Gig Review Competition Winner) SATURDAY Band Of Skulls King Charles The Correspondents The Skints Josephine Silvermoths Autoheart Carnival of Souls SUNDAY De La Soul Gentleman’s Dub Club Dizraeli & The Small Gods London Afrobeat Collective Mary Epworth Lips Choir Dancing Years Vardo & The Boss
THE BIG TOP FRIDAY The Joy Formidable Toy Revere Bibelots Rockaoke Standon People’s Circus SATURDAY DJ Yoda+Trans-Siberian Marching Band The D.O.T. Dutch Uncles Public Service Broadcasting A Band Of Buriers Lazarus & The Plane Crash Standon People’s Circus She’Koyokh Standon People’s Circus SUNDAY AlunaGeorge London Grammar Chloe Howl Stills Rotten Hill Gang New Groove Formation Rockaoke Standon People’s Circus
THE BIG TOP – LATE NIGHT FRIDAY Mele Nina Kraviz Roy Davis Jr Two Inch Punch Debian Blak Benin City SATURDAY Orgy Banton Pusherman Simian Mobile Disco SOPHIE Tuesday Born Shox SUNDAY Craig Charles DJ Set Smoove & Turrell Soundsystem
THE COWSHED Count Sizzle’s Whoop Whoop Circus Gilles PetersoN DJ Format Greg Wilson Natty Bo (Ska Cubano) Count Sizzle Count Skylarkin Leo Beckford Cleen Boys.
THE LORDSHIP STAGE FRIDAY Lucy Rose Emily And The Woods Sivu Thomas J Speight Alev Lenz The Title Sequence Lowpines Gibson Bull Matthew Neel SATURDAY Danny & The Champions Of The World Treetop Flyers The Rockingbirds Pete Bruntnell Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou The Dreaming Spires Case Hardin Silver Darter SUNDAY The Willows Fred’s House Boo Hewerdine Reg Meuross The Folk Delirium Tremens Said the Maiden Annie Dale Flaming June Roxanne de Bastion Interiors Indi Forde Zoe Wren Rob Finlay Minnie Birch Noel Cowley Josiah
Lucy has performed at Osfest for the past two years but now returns as one of our headline acts after performing in the X Factor live shows; We just had to have her back! Lucy will join James Arthur, The Enemy and King Charles on Sunday 26th May.
JLS, Lawson and Wiley will be taking to the stage on Saturday 25th May before headline act JLS.
We also have rising stars ‘I am Tich’, who has already toured with Paolo Nutini, Pixie Lott and Justin Bieber.
‘Get Cubs’ and ‘The Propellers’ will perform over the weekend, both have been featured on Radio One recently.
Manchester alternative rock band Rook and the Ravens will also be performing.
Plus our fantastic home brewed talent including The Taste, Danny Gruff and the Peacemakers, Dan the Thief, Portlights and The Maydays.
This year Osfest is partnering with the £500,000 Appeal to help fund a £2million Bone Cancer Centre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry (RJAH). The new Centre will be designed to treat cancer patients in a dedicated care environment, the majority of whom are under 24 years of age. Appeal Director Gwilym Owen OBE, commented, “This is fantastic news! We are delighted that Osfest 2013 has come onboard to support our Bone Cancer Centre Appeal. The festival targets the age group where bone cancer most often strikes”.
The music festival at Oswestry Showground has been held for the last three years and has attracted a number of top acts including Example, Razorlight, Stooshe and Hard-Fi.
The festival, which attracts thousands of music revelers, will take place over May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 24thuntil campers depart on Monday 27th May at Oswestry Showground.
A variety of music and dance acts, both well known and emerging, local talent promise something to suit all musical tastes.
The main stage big top will only take 5,000 festival goers this year.
Full weekend camping tickets start at £59.50 Non Weekend Camping £55.00 and day tickets from £29.50.
Carly Jackson, event director, has urged people to get hold of their tickets fast!
Carly said: “As the main stage is undercover this year when they are gone they are gone, so don’t miss out”.
SLEIGH BELLS, FEEDER & YOUNG GUNS, THE VIEW and a very special closing DJ set from BASSNECTAR are our headliners. They will join FUTUREHEADS (playing an a capella & acoustic set) and THE SUBWAYS alongside over thirty other acts who have secured a slot on this coveted stage with psychedelia courtesy of the likes of S.C.U.M. and TOY, classic songwriters like BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH and LUCY ROSE and rock sensibilities from LOWER THAN ATLANTISand DON BROCO amongst many more.
Cornwall folk-punks quartet CROWNS have also been added as the opening act on the Lock Up Stage on Friday in Leeds and Sunday in Reading.
Many more names are still to be announced including the full line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage and the Alternative Stage.
THIS YEAR’S HEADLINERS
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Formed in 2008 whilst residing in Brooklyn, SLEIGH BELLS – duo Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss emerged from 2009’s CMJ Festival with rhythmic pop songs that combine overdriven guitar riffs and sugary female vocal melodies. Rapidly becoming favourites of the critics on both sides of the Atlantic, they released their debut album ‘Treats’ in 2010 and earlier this year the follow up ‘Reign Of Terror’. 2012 has seen the pair air the new album live to further acclaim and this summer’s showing as headliners on the Festival Republic Stage will doubtless be one of the performances of the weekend.
www.reighofterror.tv
2011 saw the return of THE SUBWAYS with the release of their third album ‘Money And Celebrity’, a sell-out UK tour and two Radio 1 A-listed singles which were seemingly never far from the airwaves. This explosive three-piece from Welwyn Garden City crashed onto the UK rock scene in 2005, and have over time forged a formidable live presence melding the melodic pop/punk immediacy of their earlier material with the highly energetic, rock power of their second album ‘All Or Nothing’. ‘Money And Celebrity’ is an amalgam of them both and has seen the band compile a comprehensive live CV across Europe.
www.thesubways.net
Forming in 2009 having met at a Comet Gain show, VERONICA FALLS’ pop orientated, reverb-kissed-tunes arrive via their collective mid-80’s influences but see the quartet add their own poppy slant that aligns them with contemporaries such as Vivian Girls . With a couple of EP’s under their arm the band went on to record their debut album – the end result sounding like a perfect blend of eighties meets noughties melodic pop. The self- titled album hit the shelves last year and saw them reach new dizzying heights of recognition.
www.veronicafalls.com
BASTILLE is the musical guise of singer/songwriter and producer Dan Smith. Having produced music and videos in his bedroom for a few years his profile began to grow via word of mouth following a makeshift video that accrued upwards of 300,00 views. Bastille – a vehicle for his different musical worlds, full of songs with danceable rhythms and beautiful soaring vocals encased in harmonies and bleeps was born . Live, he is joined by three other members who together produce a unique and spine tingling performance which to date has resulted in sell out shows across the UK.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hot on the heels of the amazing reaction to their recent album, ‘Generation Freakshow’, FEEDER will be one of the Festival Republic Stage headliners. Clearly rising towards a new career peak, 2012 is shaping up to be a big year for the band. Having already sold out UK tours in January and April, the response to the new songs has been overwhelming and has seen the ‘Borders’ video clock up over 500,000 views on YouTube. In their career, which spans over two decades, the band have racked up over 25 hit singles, sold in excess of five million records, and released a double platinum singles collection.
www.Feederweb.com
High Wycombe quintet YOUNG GUNS have been making a name for themselves with a rigorous touring schedule in 2012. Last year they performed their largest headline show to date, an evening at the 2000 capacity Forum in London’s Kentish Town, and in doing so marked themselves out as ones to watch. With new album ‘Bones’ hitting the UK Top 20 in February, fans at the Festival Republic Stage are sure to be in for a treat come August.
Watford rockers, and recent Island Records signings, LOWER THAN ATLANTIS will be giving fans a very special preview of their new album (due October) when they visit Reading & Leeds Festival in August. Having made one hell of an impression on their sold-out headline tour earlier this year, expect an electric, chaotic, and passionate set of songs from one of the UK’s best rock acts.
BASSNECTAR (DJ set) is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, who creates a musical experience that is sure to engulf the senses. Festival goers can expect a show which fuses the familiar with the strange and the classic with the cutting edge. Spanning the spectrum of sonic styles, the artist draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a combination of basslines and hypnotic soundscapes. This very special DJ set will see out the night in style on this year’s Festival Republic Stage.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
There are few bands guaranteed to get a crowd jumping as much THE VIEW. Since the band leapt into the charts at No. 1 with their debut album ‘Hats Off To The Buskers’, the Dundee group have taken their upbeat, indie rock-pop around the world gathering fans along the way. With new album ‘Cheeky For A Reason’ due this summer, described by vocalist Kyle Falconer as “its Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ done by The Clash”, expect a lively end to the day in this tent.
Barry Hyde (lead vocals, guitar), his brother Dave (drums, vocals), Ross Millard (guitar, vocals) and Jaff (bass, vocals) have established theFUTUREHEADS as one of Britain’s most thrilling and durable bands with four albums over the last eight years. This year however they decided to do something totally different, throw away all their instruments and make their latest release ‘Rant’ just using their four vocals. A brave and inspired move, it is this very special a capella and acoustic show they bring to Reading & Leeds Festival.
www.thefutureheads.co.uk
When BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH released his debut album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm’ last summer he was hailed as a “serious new talent” by the Sunday Times. Inspired by the likes of Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros he seems himself as simply, unpretentiously, as a singer-songwriter. We see him as one of the finest new British artists around.
KING CHARLES’ critically acclaimed debut album ‘LoveBlood’ has been hailed as a unique piece of work, which has seen the glam-folk star rise from the underground folk world and into the mainstream. It’s an extraordinary record that draws down influences from Afro-beat, rock and roll, glam, folk, hip-hop and country. This one-off artist is guaranteed to put on a spectacular show.
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
Sweden’s NIKI & THE DOVE, a duo who having played their part in previous musical outfits emerged in 2010 and following a release on the Moshi Moshi label began to pick up plaudits in bloggers world. The electronic pairing continued to see the media clamour and with a further release saw them play on the NME Emerge tour alongside Wolf Gang and S.C.U.M. Earlier this year saw a nomination for the prestigious BBC Sound of 2012 before they releasing their debut album ‘Instinct’. In search of the perfect pop song? Catch this beguiling couple and that quest could well be over…
Formed last year, ZULU WINTER to date have only played a handful of UK shows. Tipped in both print and over the UK airwaves, the five-piece have recently returned from a debut run of shows in the US including an appearance at this year’s SXSW, have released an acclaimed debut album ‘Language’. The Pitchfork endorsed debut single ‘Let’s Move Back To Front’/ ‘Never Leave’ and the Zane Lowe’s approved follow up ‘We Should Be Swimming’ have now notched up in excess of 400,000 plays on youtube to date. Feted as one of the guitar bands to watch out for this year, get a glimpse close up in the intimacy of the Festival Republic Stage.
Having lent her not inconsiderable vocal talents to Bombay Cycle Club on their two albums, LUCY ROSE has also recorded in her own right and is currently working on her debut longplayer with three long-term fellow musicians since her arrival in London, having moved from Warwickshire. Vogue magazine stated that she is “one of indie music’s breakout stars of 2012”, with her videos reaching an increasing fanbase. With songs and sentiments that warm the heart and upcoming live appearances both here and in the US she is definitely one to watch.
ALT-J came together whilst studying at Leeds University and following some healthy airplay for the track ‘Breezeblocks’ last year, were on most of this years ‘lists’ having managed to create an uncontrived element of mystique with their own brand of patient, sophisticated, intricate music. Hard to pin down musically this four-piece have just released their debut album ‘An Awesome Wave’ which veers from psychedelic avant pop to skeletal folktronica and trades in the band’s ability to conjure up understated beauty one minute and epic oddities the next. Catch them early…
With a well-received debut album ‘Rise Ye Sunken Ships’ under their belt, Brooklyn’s WE ARE AUGUSTINES have propelled themselves into the spotlight with a series of heart-warming shows here in the UK along with tracks that have been aired on Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM. The band’s catalogue of songs is borne of their collective personal background and their formative years and despite the shattered dreams and extinguished guiding lights along their way, the trio have survived and this is only the start.
Seen by many as the latter day pioneers of the Nashville rock scene , brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall aka JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD have built a reputation for stripping rock music down to its basic. Delivering mind-bending live shows with a work ethic that practically defines D.I.Y., be it their simple but compelling videos to their self-produced and critically acclaimed albums, EP’s and singles. As Spin stated … “post-adolescent bros dig into the sweet spot between punk and hard rock.” Whilst Thetripwire succinctly hailed thus; “Jake and Jamin hail from Nashville but share psychedelic mayhem wherever they roam.”
For London four-piece SAVAGES the intention was to create a sound, indestructible and musically solid, written for the stage, designed with enough nuances to provide a wide range of motions. The songs aim to remind us that human beings haven’t evolved so much, that music can still be straight to the point, efficient and exciting. For a band with so few shows under their belt, they have certainly created a stir and one well worth witnessing as they make their festival debut.
With an imminent support slot with The Hives confirmed in the US, LA’s FIDLAR pre-empt their sortie to the UK with an appearance at this year’s Lollapalooza in the company of Black Keys, Black Sabbath et al before making the crossing for their debut this side of the Atlantic. “The tracks sizzle with aggression and bargain-price fidelity of the SoCal punk tradition though their catchy hooks have more in common with Social Distortion and Wavves than Black Flag,” exclaimed MTV. See for yourself and be swayed…
Despite only having existed for mere months South East London’s THE PALMA VIOLETS have certainly caught the right ears. The band have played a series of secret shows in their own neck of the woods and much has been made of those special nights. They’ve released even fewer tracks and information is scarce bar the fact they have recently signed to Rough Trade Records which, if past history counts for anything, will see a lot of fuss made of this four-piece in the right quarters.
Carrying the weight of the luminance and spacey textures from their earlier EP’s Atlanta’s O’BROTHER have grown into sounds of scorching heaviness and punctuated melodic interruptions that act as puzzles in-between the groaning feedback of ‘Garden Window’ – last year’s debut full length album. With a seemingly relentless touring schedule, this year has seen the band accompany The Hives and the like of Thrice in the US – the Festival Republic Stage welcomes the five-piece as they make their festival debut.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Taylor Jardine, Jordan Eckes, Mike Ferri, Rob Chianelli and Cameron Hurley are WE ARE THE IN CROWD. Hailing from New York, the band are riding high off the release of 2011’s debut album ‘Best Intentions’. Expect everything from pop-punk frenzies to more thought-provoking slow burners; this band really has something for everyone. They know they have a lot to prove in 2012, and that’s exactly what they thrive on.
Nottingham five-piece DOG IS DEAD are a band that have built up the old-fashioned way, honing their thrillingly energetic live show across the UK. They released their debut ‘Glockenspiel Song’ back in the Summer of 2010, and have now signed to Atlantic Records and released two singles (‘Hands Down’ and ‘Two Devils’) that garnered key fans at Radio 1, NME and The Guardian. They have toured the UK in the past year including key support dates with good friends, Bombay Bicycle Club, and now begin their ascent to Reading & Leeds Festival.
If you haven’t heard of folk-rock singer JAKE BUGG yet, you certainly will soon. Armed with a sensational vocal, he cites his influences as Donovan, Don Mclean, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. With his lyrics it’s hard to believe this young singer-songwriter from Nottingham is producing music way beyond his years. With time on his side, who knows how far Jake Bugg can go.
With their debut album scheduled for an August release, DON BROCO look set to emerge as the bright, brute new force in British rock – and beyond. The four-piece will be the first act to release an album on the newly formed ‘Search & Destroy Records’, a joint venture between Sony Music and Raw Power Management. The bands crossover appeal has spread via word of mouth amongst fans online, and with their penchant for catchy melodies and big choruses, these Festival Republic Stage shows will be one of the many highlights of the weekend.
2012 is shaping up to be a big year for OBERHOFER. The debut by this fast-rising talent, entitled ‘Time Capsules II’, is a bold and exciting statement, recorded in Brooklyn late last year with legendary producer Steve Lillywhite. Emotion is what drives the psychedelic, catchy pop-rock tunes, crafted by the effervescent Brad Oberhofer. Drawing on influences ranging from Brian Wilson to Descartes, the 21 year old is fixated on the idea of making philosophically minded, energetic melodies that just make people smile.
New Orleans bred, LA based THE KNUX are brothers Kentrell ‘Krispy’ Lindsey and Alvin ‘Joey’ Lindsey. A band who blur the lines between rap and rock, their sound was showcased on last year’s ‘Eraser’ album. The crossover appeal seems natural given their influences include The Rolling Stones, Nas, Wu-Tang, The Stooges, The Clash, Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. Expect an intense set from this hotly tipped duo.
After signing to French label Kitsunẽ in 2011, CITIZENS! have been making noises in all the right places. The end of last year saw the band support The Rapture and more recently they played the Electric Ballroom in London as part of the NME’s run of Awards show gigs. The band’s debut album, ‘Here We Are’, was produced by Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, and was released to critical acclaim last month. The resulting 11 tracks prove to be an example of what Citizens! do best – classic pop subversion at its most cunning.
After releasing a couple of low-key singles in the latter half of 2011, THEME PARK kicked off 2012 with their first release on Transgressive Records, ‘Two Hours’. With an album to follow later in the year, they’re already picking up strong radio support, notably from Huw Stephens, Nick Grimshaw, Zane Lowe, John Kennedy and Lauren Laverne. Described by the press as “a band destined for big things” we’d suggest getting down the front early for these sets.
THE MINUTES are a three-piece rock band from Dublin, becoming one of the city's must see live acts having toured extensively both at home and further afield. Last year saw the release of their debut album 'Marcata' and had the likes of Kerrang! and The Guardian salivating at the brilliance of their live shows – which conjure up images of Dr Feelgood meeting The White Stripes, hit the Festival Republic Stage early and get a glimpse of what the hyperbole is all about.
BLOOD OR WHISKEY describe their sound as “demented Irish trad kicked in the balls by punk rock”. Hailing from Kildare and Dublin in Ireland, the band have released three albums and an EP to date, ‘Blood or Whiskey’, ‘No Time To Explain’, ‘Cashed Out On Culture’ and ‘Live and Learn’. Having toured all over England, Europe, America and Japan, the jaunts have seen them play with many artists including Manu Chao, The Pogues, Flogging Molly and Rancid.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Sisters Colette and Hannah Thurlow make up 2.54 who have been gaining fans from both the public and critics alike since they posted their own recordings on MySpace in 2010. The Irish sisters, who were raised in Bristol and now live in London, have seen their sound described as “a little bit grunge, a little bit shoegaze, with bursts of heavy riffing and the odd psychedelic meander”. Their recently released eponymous debut album has only raised expectations higher, not to be missed.
With the release of debut album ‘Again Into Eyes’ S.C.U.M. saw their elevation from cult hipsters to respected musicians. It was an iron-clad collection of dizzying, synth-heavy fare, rattling with reverb, smouldering rock, an undeniable classic in-the-making. They have won over the cynics with their own brand of psychedelic punk and will be sure to do the same to the crowds at Reading & Leeds Festival.
www.scum1968.com
ALBERTA CROSS are Petter Ericson Stakee (vocals/guitar) and Terry Wolfers (bass), a Swede and a Londoner with Brooklyn as their home. The success of their acclaimed 2009 debut, ‘Broken Side Of Time’, saw the band tour the world; criss-crossing America more times than they’d care to count, earning the patronage of bands like Them Crooked Vultures, Oasis and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, with whom they toured. A new album ‘Songs of Patience’ is due later this year and this will be the first chance to hear the new songs live in the UK.
Formed while at school in Copenhagen aged only 12, ICEAGE mix punk, post-punk, goth and hardcore as if they invented it. Now still only in their late teens, they released their debut album ‘New Brigade’ last year. Their shows are notoriously physical, sometimes aggressive, often destructive and always fun. You may get pushed around but you’ll have great time.
Hailing from Brisbane in Australia, DZ DEATHRAYS have just released their debut album ‘Bloodstreams’ filled with riff-laden scuzzy tunes with thrashing drums, party noise and some seriously laid back grooves. Describing themselves as thrash pop, they recently came to the UK for some properly sweaty shows where one magazine said the band were “plugged into the oldest of rock and roll mainstays: lust, aggression, hate.” Sounds good!
Having only released their debut single last year, London five-piece TOY quickly picked up accolades from the press and public alike. Their gloriously kaleidoscopic post-punk sound of psychedelia mixed with krautrock has stood them apart from other new bands and having recently toured with friends The Horrors their live shows have been praised as intense and energising. With their debut album due later this year they are definitely one not to miss.
NME described DEAP VALLY as "Think a hippie Karen O fronting Black Sabbath and you're somewhere in the caustic, blues-riffing ballpark as these Los Angelinos. A hollerin', howlin', hellraising duo”. Sounds good to us! The duo, Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards, break blues down to its simplest, most fundamental form: beat, melody, and meaning, while their scorching live shows are fast becoming the stuff of legend.
Dubliners THE CAST OF CHEERS play a ballsy post-punk racket that they describe as "like the end of the world and dancing”. Their debut album ‘Chariot’ was described as a “raucous assault of angular riffs and insistent vocals, it's what Death From Above 1979 might sound like if they were trapped in a lift with Battles and Foals”. New album ‘Goose’ won more fans last year, danceable repetition fights with heavy rock drums, big bass sounds and intricate guitar work, you will be dancing!
From Spain come L.A., the brainchild of Albert Lluis Segura who has played in many bands over the years before finding his new sound with release of the six track EP ‘SLNT FLM’ earlier this year. Described as “six songs full of harmonies and dusty guitars, with a burnt tyre on Mediterranean roads flavour, songs that are earthy wood, like guitars…songs that are the sea and the sand of the isle of Mallorca but also the heat of amp valves”. Don’t miss this exciting opening act.
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
CROWNS, a quartet from Cornwall have forged a formidable live reputation since their inception in 2010. Part inspired by traditional Cornish songs they bring their shanty-esque rabble rousing folk punk racket to this year's Lock-Up Stage and if their recent tour with the like-minded Sharks are anything to go by then they are certainly ones to watch.
Taking to two of our three stages in Myrtle Park from 31st August to 2nd September, they’ll be joining: Nero,DJ Fresh, The Pigeon Detectives, Hard-Fi, The Charlatans,Maverick Sabre, Delilah, Kids in Glass Houses, Katzenjammer, The Idiot B*stard Band, StooShe, Yes Sir Boss, Miles & Erica, SkinnyLister, Citizens, King Charles,The Chevin, Sadie and the Hotheads, Ellen and the Escapades and The Lancashire Hot Pots.
Razorlight secured their headine status shortly after the release of debut album Up all night in 2004. Since then Johnny Borrell’s band continue to make an impact on the indie rock scene with their brilliant pop songs, exceptional live performances and confident swagger. Expect Razorlight to tear the place up with a stream of massive hit singles including America, In the morning, Golden Touch and many more that are guaranteed to get the Bingley Music Live audience fired up.
Next up, we have one of the world’s truly great performers, Detroit’s finest diva and Motown legend Martha Reeves. A sensational vocalist with undeniable star quality, Martha continues to delight audiences with an incredible back catalogue consisting of some of the 60’s most enduring hits including Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack and Dancing in the Street. Her live appearances during 2010 earned her two nominations for the UK Festival Awards, as ‘Best Headliner’ and ‘Feel Good Act of the Summer’. Come to this year’s Bingley Music Live and catch some of that feel good vibe for yourself.
Recently reunited after a 6 year break, Liverpool’s Space are set to make a triumphant return to the stage at BML. Bringing their unique brand of darkly humorous pop to the proceedings you can expect all your favourite 90’s hits such as Female of the Species,Neighbourhood, Avenging Angels and The Ballad of Tom Jones as well as new material from their new album Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab. Brilliantly bizarre!
For those looking for a much rock-ier tip there’s the Sheffield based Black Spiders. Their debut album Sons of the North released in 2011 received plaudits across the board, with Rock Sound Magazine proclaiming “their apocalyptic… axe assault is awe-inspiring.” They’re busy thrilling audiences across the UK and mainland Europe and have up coming gigs at Sweden Rock festival, Download as well as BML. One of their tour highlights so far was being selected to open for Ozzy Osbourne. We look forward to some serious moshpit action.
New kid on the block, Jake Bugg, has had an already impressive musical adventure since his appearance at Glastonbury last year at the tender age of 17. A confident singer-songwriter, Jake recently featured on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ performing his new singleLightening Bolt. We highly recommend you check out Jake’s distinctive voice and mature lyrical content.
Also confirmed for the Raise the Roof stage we have We Were Evergreen. This Parisian, alternative folk-tinged, indie-electro-pop trio are currently creating a huge buzz in the UKwith The Evening Standard hailing them as “the rarest of things: a band with something new and brilliant to offer.” Listen out for new single, Baby Blue, which is due for release on 4 June.
We're also thrilled to announce that Dexys, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Lower Dens, King Charles, Cate Le Bon and more also join the bill for this year's festival!
Formed in 1995 in Glasgow, Mogwai are famed for performing lengthy instrumentals with melodic bass lines, dynamic contrasts and heavy use of distortion and effects pedals. From classic debut Mogwai Young Team to supporting the Pixies and composing the soundtrack to a film about Zinedine Zidane, this is a band that never rests on its laurels.
Mogwai’s 10th album – Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will – was released last year. Their headline set (the band's only UK show this summer) is sure to bring Friday night on the Mountain Stage to a suitably epic conclusion beneath the moonlit silhouette of the Sugar Loaf.
PLUS! Also newly-added to the ever expanding Green Man 2012 line up are:
Dexys Reformed incarnation of legendary ‘80s soul pop pioneers Dexys Midnight Runners, led by the great Kevin Rowland. With a new look inspired by 1940s noir and the excellent album One Day I’m Going To Soar, which is out on Monday, is a barnstorming return to form. Mojo have given it five stars, while Uncut have said 'It might just be the best record of the year and the best of Rowland's career'. If that wasn't enough to wet your appetite, a recent string of highly anticipated live dates that also featured classic Dexys hits have been receiving rave reviews across the board including full marks from The Guardian.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich The Yorkshire-born singer/songwriter’s melancholic brand of acoustic folk-pop has drawn comparisons with the likes of Jose Gonzalez and Iron & Wine. Inspired by Elliott Smith and Bruce Springsteen, he taught himself to play the guitar aged 10. He made his Green Man debut in 2011 after releasing acclaimed first album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm.
Lower Dens Swarming guitar fuzz, bass waves and insistent drum throbs from the Baltimore new wave drone pop outfit, fronted by Jana Hunter.
King Charles Uniquely British psych-inflected pastoral whimsy from the dandy West Londoner currently promoting debut album Loveblood.
Cate le Bon Beguiling Welsh songstress currently residing in Cardiff's infamous French quarter – as befits a songwriter whose music is heady and highly personal Gallic stew inspired by the likes of Nico and Pavement. Her new album Cryk is one of the highlights of 2012 so far, marrying the playfulness of Faust and Syd Barrett with the tropical melodies of Os Mutantes.
Withered Hand Heartfelt acoustic loveliness from the Fence Records endorsed quartet, led by fragile-voiced Scottish songwriter Dan Willson.
Paul Thomas Saunders With influences such as Joe Meek and Leonard Cohen, Paul Thomas Saunders encapsulates both the psychedelic soundscape and intellectual sentimentality that the sixties graced us with, then wraps it up in a spiralling contemporary shell.
Crybaby Crybaby is the alias of Bristol singer/songwriter Danny Coughlan. The ten songs which make up his self-titled debut album are beautifully crafted and imbued with a sparse, timeless clarity. Neither a note nor a word is wasted.
Stuff Three piece Manchester band who describe their sound as “Yoda Rock”. Currently recording their second album in their own purpose built studio.
