Today Fusion Festival and 107.6 Capital FM Liverpool announced a stellar line-up of pop royalty to perform at Fusion Festival, Otterspool Promenade on the 3rd & 4th September.
Serial chart-topper Jason Derulo will headline Day One, along with Tinie Tempah, Labrinth, Craig David, Sigala, Fleur East and Krept & Konan. On Sunday the 4th of September an exclusive festival headline 90-minute performance from Olly Murs will bring the two day event to a close. Also performing on Sunday are Busted, The Vamps, Nathan Sykes, Lawson, Ella Henderson and Jamie Lawson.
The massive line-up was revealed this morning exclusively on the 107.6 Capital FM Liverpool Breakfast Show with Adam, Gemma and Imogen. There are many more acts still to be announced – listeners should keep it Capital to find out who else is going to be added to the stellar line-up.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 8th April via www.thefusionfestival.co.ukand Fusion’s official ticketing partner StubHub on www.stubhub.co.uk. StubHub will also serve as Fusion’s official Ticket Marketplace.
In an exclusive headline festival performance, Olly Murs and his band will close the show on Sunday night with a breathtaking 90 minute show featuring all his classic hits from ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ through to his recent hits ‘Wrapped Up’ and ‘Kiss me”. The six time BRIT Award nominated artist was catapulted into the limelight when he stole the hearts of the nation with his cheeky charms on the X Factor 2009. Murs can now boast 3 Number One albums and a sensational live show that sells out arenas all across the country.
Olly Murs says: “This is going to get crazy, Fusion Festival! I cannot wait to get out on that stage and get everybody moving. It’s going to be a send off to remember, you better be there!”
Jason Derulo has brought us mega-hits ‘Talk Dirty’, ‘Ridin Solo’ and ‘Whatcha Say’ and the massive number 1 single ‘Want to Want me”. The American singer, songwriter and dancer has sold over 50 million singles, with three singles going platinum in the UK. He is now hitting Liverpool’s Otterspool Promenade for Fusion Festival 2016 with all of the hits to headline the first night of the biggest pop event of the summer.
Derulo says: “I’m honoured to be headlining Fusion Festival 2016, it’s a great line up and I can’t wait to get out there to perform in Liverpool with Fusion Festival & Capital FM – it’s going to be amazing!”
Fusion Festival is teaming up with Liverpool’s number one hit music station, 107.6 Capital FM, continuing its long-term partnership with Global Radio to bring music fans the most exciting festival line up of the summer on the banks of the River Mersey.
Now in its 4th year, Fusion has grown into one of the UK’s most popular music festivals. The move to Liverpool coincides with the city being declared a UNESCO City of Music due to music’s place at the heart of Liverpool’s contemporary culture, education and the economy. Liverpool has a rich music heritage and the team at Fusion Festival are excited to become a part of that.
Damien Sanders, Event Director of Fusion Festival said “It’s great to reveal such an incredible line up with a few more surprises still to come. We have such a strong list of performers again this year and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Olly Murs 90 minute headline spectacular on the Sunday night, it will be a great way to wrap up the weekend and introduce Fusion to Liverpool.”
Graham Sarath, commercial director of Capital Liverpool, said: “It’s great for 107.6 Capital FM to be able to launch in Liverpool with such a huge local event and help bring it to the city of Liverpool – Fusion Festival will be fantastic for music fans and for the city. We know that for lots of listeners, Fusion will be one of the highlights of the Summer and we’re delighted to be a part of that.”
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said “We take great pride in the events we hold here in Liverpool. Each year we strive to offer something new and exciting, not only for our own residents but for those visiting the City too. That is why I am delighted to welcome such a distinguished music festival to Liverpool.”
Fusion are offering a massive 50% discount on a limited amount of General Admission and Gold Circle tickets to local residents of L17, L18 and L19. To redeem this offer residents need to visit tickets.thefusionfestival.co.uk/residentsand enter discount code RESIDENTS along with a valid L17, L18 or L19 billing address on checkout. Please note this is limited to 4 tickets per address.
FOLD Festival are thrilled to announce that multi-platinum, global superstar Beck, pop phenomenon Labrinth and fast rising, electronic / soul sensation Anne Marie are joining the bill for the inaugural London festival. Curated by NileRodgers, FOLD takes place at the historic Fulham Palace on the banks of the River Thames.
One of the most creative and influential artists of a generation, Beck’s eclectic fusion of rock, indie, folk and soul has cemented his position as one of the planets most revered artists. Winning ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Rock Album’ at the 57th Grammy Awards, Beck is peerless in his style, energy, and pure showmanship. His performance at FOLD is a rare chance to catch this genius at work performing a career spanning set.
Acclaimed British producer and singer Labrinth will bring his huge catalogue of credible pop hits to FOLD. Expect anthems such as ‘Pass Out’, ‘Earthquake’ and ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’ alongside tracks from his upcoming album, ‘Take Me To The Truth’, co-written with Ed Sheeran. As a seriously electrifying live performer Labrinth will light up the stage at this iconic London landmark.
The recent award winner of MTV's Brand New for 2016 and frequent Rudimental collaborator, Anne Marie will showcase her fresh brand of soulful pop. She joins previously announced acts including one of the greatest UK vocalists of all time, Alison Moyet, modern soul man John Newman, soul diva Angie Stone, The Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, rising Australian singer Grace, Acid Jazz heroes Incognito and Russian superstar Emin.
Jesse Rose was raised on Motown soul, jazz and eighties funk in London and his particular blend of Chicago house and early Detroit techno has ensured he regularly plays Europe’s most respected clubs including Fabric, Basics, WMF and Panorama Bar. Lebanese-Nigerian producerNicole Moudaber, once described by Carl Cox as “the most underrated DJ”, will be bringing her unique blend of dance classics to the decks on the Saturday. Delving into the treasure chest of 80s electronica and body-jacking pulsations, Irish supremo Krystal Klear is set to soundtrack the Sunday night celebrations with an unrivalled journey celebrating the past whilst embracing the present.
FOLD Festival is a unique event that will feature Rodgers and his multi-platinum band CHIC sharing the stage with music legends and contemporary trailblazers who have personally been invited by Nile to perform. Nile’s musical career has spanned 4 decades in which he has constantly traversing new musical terrain and successfully expanding the boundaries of popular music and his contact book reads like a who’s who of the most important musical innovators to the last 4 decades. Expect more artists and many surprises across the weekend.
Sundown Festival returned this weekend for three days of pop, drum and bass and house music, offering, as one girl gushed on the first night, "great value and a great line up." Kicking off with an exclusive 'campers only' opening party from 5pm hosted by SubSoul, house music belted out of the Big Top tent throughout the evening. With one-hour sets from upcoming producers including Après – who has just graduated from university, DJ S.K.T who reached the top ten of the charts with 'Take Me Away', Friend Within (of Renegade Master fame), GotSome and Icarus, who closed the night with a grimier, bassier vibe. But it was Toyboy & Robin's set, from start to finish – with a perfect opening of Bicep's 'Just' mixed into Format:B's Ibiza smash 'Chunky' and ending with their own massive hit 'Jaded' – which gained the biggest reaction. With the music switched off dead on 11pm, the hundreds if not thousands of revellers were able to catch a good night’s sleep in preparation for nearly 20 hours of live music.
Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival
SATURDAY
After filling up on a Sainsbury's big breakfast – the handy thing about Norfolk Showground is that there's a McDonald's, Costa and Sainsbury's within a short five minute walk – SFG made their way to the main arena for the first time, after mingling with Kiss FM breakfast presenters Rikki and Melvin and Facebook famous Jack Jones.
Following a last minute cancellation from Jess Glynne due to recent vocal surgery, Becky Hill – who gave a standout performance last year – was left to foot the bill, a task she took on with ease; her new collaboration All My Love, produced by Watermat and Tai showing off her seemingly endless vocal range to the booming house beat. Once the growing crowd realise how many of this year's chart hits she's put her voice too; Wilkinson's 'Afterglow', Oliver Heldens and 'Gecko (Overdrive)' to name just two more, everyone's lungs are given a real workout as she makes way for Karen Harding.
Similarly a go-to-vocalist for house producers, the glamorous singer shines brightest throughout her top-ten track 'Say Something' and new Blonde-collab 'Feel Good (It's Alright)' – the latter with a strong and catchy enough hook and chorus to top the charts when it's released. "Up next we've got the man that gave us the tunes Pow and Oi" proclaims Rickie and Melvin of Kiss FM fame as they ensure the crowd are suitably hyped up before introducing each act over the weekend. And the phrase 'hyped up' barely describes the atmosphere when Lethal Bizzle arrived onstage … gliding accords on a Segway no less. Sporting one of his own 'DENCH' t-shirts, the likes of Rari Workout and Flashing Lights descend into his request of numerous circles of mosh pits. "This is the last festival I'm doing this year. Let's make it the best one" he beckons, launching into The Drop and Fester Skank.
Contrastingly, MNEK, backed by two powerful female vocalists take things down a more smooth R&B/pop route during Take You To A Place and Ready For Your Love. Meanwhile in the Big Top it's a Defected Records take over. Returning for their second year, label boss Simon Dunmore, leading lady Sam Devine (cue crowd surfer) and relatively new Low Steppa keep the thousands of house lovers satisfied as they bring Ibiza vibes to Norwich. But, expectedly, the biggest draws come from Gorgon City and then Hannah Wants – the latter who's had a whirlwind year, with a Mixmag cover shoot and story last month.
Leading the evening's talent is Sigma, arguably the breakout drum & bass act of the year. Performing tracks from their soon-to-be-released album Life, Labrinth-collab Higher, which sees girls on shoulders and a building d'n'b edit of Rhianna's Diamonds as well as Lighters with its Chase & Status-like beat, keep the crowd's energy up.
Although, the highlight comes from Ella Henderson's appearance as she belts out Glitterball, faultlessly, along with all the girls – and guys – in the audience, proving herself as one of The X Factor's finest exports.
With flares in hand, it was down to London collective and Sundown first-timers Rudimental to headline. Flanked by live instrumentalists and numerous guest vocalists including Will Heard and Anne Marie who feature heavily on second album We The Generation, the hits everyone knows prove memorable, and the newer as-yet-unheard songs fares nearly as well. With ten members onstage, Right Here, Never Gonna Let You Go and Waiting All Night, the latter dedicated to a passed friend, certify their headlining credentials with ease; the drum & bass + live instruments set up clearly a well honed success.
Photo by Kath Sansom
SUNDAY
Following a failed attempt to get into the DJ EZ after-party on Saturday night, everyone was left clueless as to why, until a member of the merchandise team told SFG the following morning that, allegedly, police were called to shut down the warehouse event due to mass over capacity. Catching Zak Abel, whom SFG later caught up to chat with, the young Londoner's performance was a case of great voice, potentially massive songs, minimal crowd – most likely down to his post-lunchtime set time. Running From Myself and the Kaytranada-produced Say Something, from his brilliant new seven-track EP, One Hand on the Future, are given soul-filled, emotive outings and deserve to gather a lot of attention in the very near future; as does his somewhat brave cover of Daniel Bedingfield's Gotta Get Thru This…
"This young girl actually went to school with Zayn Malik. I would love to have her kisses for breakfast" says Melvin (Kiss FM) as he welcomes Melissa Steel. With slick black hair and vibrant trousers, she bounces onstage, along with two impressive backing dancer. The crowd are quick to pick up on all the tracks she's provided vocals to this year; from the reggae vibes of Drunk and Incapable to her top-ten pop breakthrough Kisses for Breakfast. Ending with Kove's D&B hit The Way That We Are and an acepella version of Blonde-collab I Loved You, Melissa's a pop star to keep an eye on; especially with her new single You Love Me (featuring Wretch 32 – who performs next) coming out this week.
Sporting a new, almost unrecognisable head of hair, Wretch 32 tells the story of Blackout with humble intent; "I started out having to in to the shop to get electric", he says, adding that there is a "hope for life for everyone". A heartfelt version of Six Words stays in the audience's heads, as does Don't Go. Trekking over to the RAM Records stage, it's a drum and bass lovers paradise; Culture Shock, DC Breaks, Mind Vortex, Sub Focus and label head honcho Andy C each rattling out energetic heart racing beats throughout the day. Back at the sunny main stage, Maverick Sabre, who it seems has been away for years now, is asking the question, "can you be my Sundown choir?" The reason? An impeccable cover of Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, led by his, as ever, individualistic vocal style. Airing his new single Come Fly Away, the soulful lyrics are bound to score him a hit, and just as he reveals to SFG later during an interview that a new album is imminent as well as a UK tour, he's set for a big return.
Headlining on Sunday evening, Tinie Tempah, whom performing at his last festival of the summer ("lets make it the best one" he shouts) ran through his biggest hits; Pass Out, Frisky and Miami 2 "Norwich", the collabs; RIP, Not Letting Go and Tsunami; and new single "which i've not performed anywhere else" Turn Up The Music – which is bound to go to number one with a Katy B feature and a cheeky, infectious house sample of KDA's track, Rumble – it was a crowd-pleasing set for sure, and one that left everyone with smiles on their faces before leaving to go back to school/college/work.
Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival
For SFG and friends though, it was Nero's live set which smashed it most. From the intense ground rattling opening bass right to the trio bowing at the end, it was easily the best hour of the weekend, possibly the year in terms of this festival season (closely behind seeing Faithless at Balaton Sound). Having wanted to see Nero for countless years now, it was refreshing for the anticipation to be fulfilled. Alana Watson, who would stalk the stage in a lace dress ensemble, appearing and disappearing between songs, provided transfixing, almost haunting vocals, to Guilt, Me and You, Innocence and Satisfy among others, while the guys took charge of the drops and beats – all aided by an insane light show onstage. With a new album imminent, Nero's grip on dance music will soon re-tighten.
Although the ground was soggy, the air stayed clear for the majority of T in the Park, Scotland's biggest music festival. There had been a lot of anticipation with the change in venue from the usual Balado sight in Kinross. However it seems with a few “teething problems” set aside, Strathallan did not disappoint. With a promising line up of artists from Avicii to Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds set to headline, there was a very diverse weekend of music in store for Scotalnd’s festival goers.
The Cribs and The Wombats were the first to take to the main stage on Friday, offering a punk-rock vibe to get the crowd warmed up with their infectious energy. Tord Øverland Knudsen from the Wombats living up to his usual playful, crowd pleasing self. Meanwhile acts such as Blossoms and Indiana were pulling out all the stops in the BBC introducing and T Break stage.
Later on Annie Mac took to the Main Stage and had everyone up dancing for her first of two performances over the weekend. After her followed Hozier, performing his debut Album with hit song Take Me To Church amongst the set.
As Rudimental hit the main stage the crowd multiplied. Well known for their high energy live performances, drum and base group Rudimental put on a spectacular show, opening with Not Giving In. DJ Locksmith could not stop moving and his infection energy really rubbed off on the crowd. The DJ also pulled on the crowds heart-strings by dedicating a song to his son. Waiting All Night was a huge crowd pleaser and had everyone dancing and singing along.
When Sam Smith took to the main stage, you could hear a pin drop over at the BBC introducing stage. The crowd were hung on his every word. He delivered a very sincere performance and stated how happy he is now he creates music true to himself. He thanked the crowd for helping this happen. Some reckon they even seen Sam Smith shed a tear during his performance.
Kasabian wrapped things up on Friday night headlining the main stage. As the countdown clock displayed on stage got lower and lower the energy in the crowd lifted higher and higher. With Bumblebee and Underdog being amongst the opening songs the atmosphere was electric from the beginning of the set right through to the end. Songs from Kasabian’s No.1 UK album Empire went down a treat and it was clear to see both the crowd and the band were having a great time. People headed back to their tents with Kasabian's bass line resinating in their bones.
There were a number of early risers on Saturday morning who turned out to see acts such as The Lafontaines and The Strypes play. Later on pop-rock group Lawson took to the stage, getting the whole crowd singing along to songs such as When She Was Mine.
Jungle were a real crowd pleaser in King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent. A young boy took to the stage mid set and break danced which had the crowd going wild. Also performing in King Tut’s was St Vincent who delivered an intense and captivating performances. The set was accompanied by some spectacular lighting to add to the intensity of the performance. After St Vincent came Scotland’s pride and joy, The Proclaimers who attracted the widest age range. Delivering hits such as Letter From America and 500 Miles the Tent was full of good vibes and nostalgia.
A lot of young excited festival goers gathered to watch The Script on the Main Stage on Saturday Night. Well known for his tendency to leave the stage and come down to the crowd, Danny O'Donoghue did not disappoint the die hard front row spectators. Girls were screaming and crying and doing everything they could just to touch the Irishman’s leather coat. Danny stated he loved to play gigs in Scotland as it was close to home and had the Celts in the audience raise their hand. Performing all of the classics alongside the more recent hits, The Script attracted an enthusiastic crowd.
The Libertines, the first of the headliners to be announced when T in The Park released 2015’s line up, took over the main stage. The Libertines attracted a slightly different crowd, many excited to see the band play for the first time after their reformation. The band opened with hits such as Time For Heroes and Can’t Stand Me Now and played an encore including Up the Bracket and closing with Don’t Look Back Into The Sun. There seemed to be a great relationship between Pete Doherty and Carl Barât throughout the set which pleased the crowd.
Some of Scotland’s finest talent was on display throughout the weekend with acts like The Proclaimers, Admiral Fallow and headliners Twin Atlantic playing across the stages. Many people faced a tough decision on Saturday with Avicii and Twin Atlantic playing at the same time on separate stages. However it was safe to say whichever act was chosen would not have disappointed. Both acts offered an energetic, all singing, all dancing performance that not even the rain could hinder. The Swedish DJ, Avicii, offered a visually captivating performance with smoke, streamers and a spectacular lighting display. There was a rave taking place in Strathallan with people dancing and singing along to hit songs Hey Brother and Wake Me Up.
On the Radio One Stage, Twin Atlantic were offering heart filled seventh T in the Park performance. Amongst speaking of the honour and emotion the band were feeling to be headlining on a Saturday night, lead vocalist sam McTrusty also had the crowd sit on the ground and on his count stand up and go wild. With a wide range of new and old songs from what What is Light? Where is Laughter? to I Am An Animal, Twin Atlantic invested their hear and soul in the performance and had the audience captivated from start to finish.
The third and final day of T in the Park was kicked off by acts such as Saint Raymond, The Parsonage Choir and Ella Eyre. The View followed James Bay, whose good looks and great tunes both attracted many goey eyed females. It was great to see the amount of people out to see the opening acts on the final morning of the festival.
The Main Stage and Radio 1 Stage were both displaying tough competition on Sunday evening. Catfish And The Bottlemen, Kodaline and Jamie T all offered an indie/alternative rock performance Radio 1 Stage. In tandem on the Main Stage there was a slightly different vibe, with the soul singing group Alabama Shakes giving a spectacular performance and had people in the crowed shouting ‘We love you Brittany!’.
The crowd were extatic to watch Paloma Faith perform. She played a variety of songs, from her first ever single, Stone Cold Sober to the more recent chart topping single Changing. Although there was much controversy over Paloma’s revealing outfit, the singer-songwriter put on a great visual performance with her quirky stage set up, opposed to the black back drop the crowd had gotten used to across the weekend. This performance was not the first time the crowd has got a glimpse of Paloma. The brit appeared at the front of the stage the previous day to watch her “idol” Labrinth play and later stated he made her cry “actual tears”.
Stereophonics opened with Catacomb and a small flame display and continued to wow the crowd with all-time favourites such as Graffiti On The Train, Mr Writer and Maybe Tomorrow. Stereophonic are no strangers to T in the Park and have developed a reputation that is certain to attract a large crowd every time. Just when it seemed the energy could not be elevated any higher, Stereophonic kicked it up a notch and played finished the set with 2005 No.1 hit, Dakota.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds were the grand finale on Sunday night. The band’s own songs got the crowd going, however it was the old Oasis classics that got the crowd going wild. People of all ages showed up to absorb the atmosphere and sing their hearts out. There was many an emotional Oasis T-shirt wearer when they played songs such as Champagne Supernova and The Masterplan. Noel communicated with the audience throughout the set and offered a more sincere performance many may be used to. The band closed with Don’t Look Back in Anger. A very fitting end to both the set and T in The Park, 2015.
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.
Liverpool has a long and rich musical heritage. From Merseybeat to the famous Cavern Club, to Billy Fury and undoubtedly their most successful export, The Beatles, the city’s heart certainly beats to a tune. Liverpool International Music Festival has become the current voice of the global music city, shining a spotlight on its musical pedigree with an experimental but accessible programme like no other in 2015.
Consisting of Commissions, Partnerships and the grand finale, LIMF Summer Jam, LIMF 2015 takes place in several iconic Liverpool venues, attracting thousands of music lovers and making it a must-visit destination this summer.
LIMF SUMMER JAM Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August – Sefton Park – FREE LIMF Summer Jam, a free outdoor music event on Sefton Park, marks the end of Liverpool International Music Festival and the end of summer. Kicking off Saturday proceedings is veteran dance duo Basement Jaxx, responsible for hits such as ‘Romeo’ and ‘Where’s Your Head At?’, supported by Garage legends Artful Dodger. Sunday takes an urban pop flavour as the multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Labrinth takes to the stage along with Queen of Dubstep Katy B. Joining them is the of the moment chart topper dance music vocalist and now solo artist Becky Hill, plus producer Naughty Boy who has been responsible for hits with Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran.
The itsliverpool stage will celebrate local talent in the form of 1970’s soul group The Real Thing, up-and-coming Scouse Louis Berry, plus acts from LIMF’s very own music academy. The three-day festival will also see other phenomenal Liverpool legends taking to LIMF's main stage including, Echo and the Bunnymen performing live with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in their 175th Anniversary year, in what will be a truly unforgettable collaboration. Unique British soul-singer Laura Mvula will also play along with lady-of-the-moment Rae Morris and fellow North-Westerner, Bipolar Sunshine. Representing the city are bands Space and Hooton Tennis Club, the former an indie rock band that came to prominence in the 90’s with hits such as ‘Female of the Species’, and the latter a hot one-to-watch in 2015.
Summer Jam’s monumental music offering will be available for all to see for free, making it one of Europe’s biggest free outdoor events and an unmissable date in the diary.
THE COMMISSIONS: 'Music Migrations' Routes Jukebox – Friday 28th August – The Epstein Theatre – £10 + Fees Grammy winning producer Steve Levine and BBC Radio 2's Janice Long along with esteemed video documenter Mark McNulty, retrace the key influencing records that came to Liverpool from the U.S. and beyond via the air and the sea in the 1950’s. The documentary and live event will tell the definitive story about the cultural impact of music from the Americas and the resulting tide of influence from Liverpool bands have had on the world of music.
The Revolution Will Be Live: A Tribute to Gil Scott Heron – Thursday 27th August – St George’s Hall – Tickets TBC An event in tribute to the chart topping revolutionary artist, poet and civil rights activist, Gil Scott Heron. Featuring veteran rapper, movie star and civil rights activist Yasiin Bey a.k.a Mos Def, plus legendary UK Reggae bandAswad, local chart toppers The Christians, poet and protégé of Gil’s Malik & the O.G's plus Sophia Ben-Yousef and much more. Gil’s son Rumal Rackley and non-other than Ndaba Mandela, grandson of the late great Nelson Mandela, will be guest of honours whilst a DJ set from BBC Radio 6’s Craig Charles completes an unforgettable night.
Liverpool, Next Stop New York! – Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August – The Palm House, Sefton Park – FREE This series of events will explore the unique association between the city of Liverpool and Black American music, and its huge impact on the region and its people. A weekend of celebration in Sefton Park’s Palm House will feature a must-see headliner in the company of influential figures from Liverpool’s musical heritage – seminal DJsGreg Wilson, Les Spaine, and long running Liverpool hip hop crew No Fakin’. This will be preceded by an exhibition in Liverpool city centre including and a party on the Friday night will be followed by a weekend of activity and exploration; featuring broadcasts, DJ sets, the Independent Record Label market (Monday), and interactive discussions and Q & A’s with key figures; including members of the Chants and TheReal Thing,Bernie Connor, and original Cunard Yanks.
Global Roots International Mixtape – Sunday 30th August – The Palm House – £5 + Fees Exploring international electronic music from Lagos to LA via London, The Global Roots crew comes together to celebrate the sounds of the DJ's mixing it up around the world. Thris Tian & Blackfoot Phoenix of NTS/Boiler Room invite their selector, DJ & A+R friends from across the Globe to make the ultimate mix – created in a relay style. Some of the names involved in the project include Lena Wilikens – Comeme (Berlin); Hannah Faith – Soulection (London); Clap! Clap! – Black Acre Record (Toscana); Ebbo Kraan -Rwina Records (Amsterdam) and many more. The project will culminate in a live event that will be broadcast on NTS. Full line-up to be revealed.
Sundown has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting festivals in the UK with a reputation for bringing the very best in contemporary electronic, urban and pop music to the East Coast. Confirmed to headline on Sunday is multi BRIT and MOBO award winner and UK number 1 artist Tinie Tempah. A firm Sundown favourite, Tinie is back by popular demand to headline the Sunday whilst Saturday’s bill will be topped by Rudimental, one of the best live acts in the country and the breakthrough act of 2014!
Nero are leaders in electronic music who have a massive year ahead of them whilst Labrinth will bring his huge live show to this year’s festival. Also confirmed is bona fide hip-hop star Wretch 32 and soul and R&B from Maverick Sabre.
Legendary UK record label Defected will bring the very best house music to the masses with chart smashers Gorgon City, undisputed dance queen of 2014 Hannah Wants and rising star Sonny Fodera all taking to the decks for a euphoric house music party.
Ella Henderson will be performing tracks from her Number 1 album ‘Chapter One’ while drum and bass royalty Sigma, Clean Bandit collaborator Jess Glynne and afro beat trailblazer Fuse ODG all contribute to a weekend of musical mayhem.
Andy C Presents the Ram stage on Sunday playing host to electronic production wizard Sub Focus and the multi-genre DJ’ing of the amazing Jaguar Skills.
Campers get even more with an exclusive Saturday night after party with none other than garage superstar DJ EZ on the decks keeping the vibes going until 1am!
After last year’s hugely successful three-day run, Wireless will return to London's Finsbury Park for the weekend of 3rd – 5th July to celebrate the festival’s 10th birthday with an incredible line-up and a new name – ‘New Look Wireless’.
Wireless promoter Steve Homer of Live Nation said:
"This year we have an incredible line-up for New Look Wireless. We can’t wait to bring Drake back to the main stage, along with some of the best artists that span the world of Hip-hop, dance, R&B and UK Garage. This is our 10th Birthday and we’re really going to make it one to remember."
Joining Drake as headliners are Avicii and Kendrick Lamar on Saturday and Nicki Minaj and David Guetta on Sunday.
Also on the lineup are:
Labrinth, Nero, Joey Badass, Fuse ODG, Knife Party, Childish Gambino, Gorgon City, Jessie J, Clean Bandit, Wretch 32, Grandmaster Flash, Arrested Development + many more!
As Saturday rolls around, its been raining overnight in London but as the afternoon hits, the clouds slowly make way for sun as we hit Finsbury Park for Wireless Festival again. As Drake cancelled, Kanye West will once again headline the London leg of Wireless and after yesterdays performance, we were hoping he might take note of the negative reviews and change things up today.
Running slightly late, a jewel encrusted mask wearing Kanye West kicks off with “Black Skinhead” and then into “I Don’t Like”. Kanye changes things up to pay tribute to Drake who can’t be here and his deejay spins out a few Drake hits which go down really well with the public of whom most are disappointed is not here. Kanye continues hit performance and his set is almost a replica of Friday night and we await the moment he begins his daily rant. As “Clique” kicks in, Kanye once again pauses for a moment before telling the crowd about his issues with the media and how they portray him. He then proceed’s to tell the crowd that they are “his clique”, and the music thunders back in as Yezzy finishes up this “Clique” verse. There was a pattern occurring as Kanye belts through “Can’t tell me nothing”, “New Slaves”, “Power”, “Stronger” & “Runaway”. Its at this point on Friday night Kanye kicked off his rant and the crowd was praying that he didn’t. However this is Kanye West and he does what he wants, regardless of the boos which can surely be heard up on the stage. As I stand by, numerous crowd goers begin to filter out stating, “I can’t believe he is doing it again”.
For me personally, the festival stage is not made for Kanye West, his sets belong in an arena. At a time when thousands have paid to hear good music, the last thing they want to deal with is a 10 minute rant.
Rant over Kanye West, he smashes through hits, “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”, “Jesus Walks”, “Touch the Sky”, “All of the Lights” & “Bound 2”.
Overall minus the rant, you can’t knock the performance that Kanye gives, its energetic and the crowd join in to rap and sing on all his songs.
The rest of the Wireless day is packed full of massive artists and we managed to catch Rudimental, Wiz Khalifa, Labrinth, Azealia Banks and more.
London’s own Rudimental brought their full stage production to the Wireless main stage and as the sun shone down on London, the lads from London trawled through their hits “Give You Up”, “Right Here”, “Free” and their massive smash hit “Feel the love”. Special guests John Newman and Ella Eyre joined the Rudimental boys on stage for “Not Giving In” and “Waiting All Nite” respectively.
Photo courtesty of Wireless Festival – Andrew Whitton
Wiz Khalifa brought his typical cool stage presence to the main stage and had heads bopping for the hour long set as he entertained the crowd with “Bout Me”, “Man of the Year”, “”GangBang”, “Roll Up”, “We Own It”, “Young Wild and Free” and crowd hitter “Black and Yellow”.
Another local London lad, Labrinth always knows how to work the crowd and he did just that at Finsbury Park. Always dressed to impress, Lab’s biggest tracks of the day are “Let the Sun Shine”, “Earthquake” and “Beneath Your Beautiful”.
Over in the Pepsi Max stage, the likes of Knife Party and Pretty Lights bring draw the electronic dance music fans to the tent. The Boombox stage also hosts D&B artist Wilkinson, as well as All About She, and girl group M.O.
So another day at Wireless Festival is over, and with Bruno Mars and Outkast to headline tomorrow there is still a hell of a lot to look forward to. See you in the park tomorrow!
Photo courtesy of Wireless Festival – Rachael Wright
With Wireless Festival being hosted in both London's Finsbury Park and Birmingham's Perry Park this summer, we can now reveal another massive 21 artists that will join headliners Kanye West, Drake and Bruno Mars.
Tinie Tempah, Robin Thicke, Sean Paul, Naughty Boy, Labrinth, Kid Ink, Wilkinson, Meridian Dan, Lizzo, Jon Bellion, Schoolboy Q, Javeon, Elli Ingram, Blonde, Rixton, Alec Benjamin, Say Lou Lou, Sinead Harnett, Indiana, All About She and Sasha Keable join the bill for what will be one of summer's biggest music festivals.
