Skrillex

Ibiza & Mallorca Rocks announce massive lineup feat Skrillex, Tinie Tempah and more!

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Having already confirmed Haim and The 1975 for Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks, some of the world's biggest artists have been confirmed to join them on the summer islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Tinie Tempah, Skrillex and Bombay Bicycle Club (Ibiza Closing Party) plus critically acclaimed champions of the live scene Rudimental, John Newman and Clean Bandit have been added to the 16 week-long line up, kicking off on 03/06. Support slots come courtesy of exciting new talents Wolf Alice, Breton and Chloe Howl, with more to be announced.

The summer long season will open in style with a headline performance from HAIM, supported by hotly tipped band for 2014, Breton. The 1975 take on week 2 with support from NME’s Best New Band nominee Wolf Alice.

Newly confirmed to keep the party vibes in full flow in June is Yorkshire lad John Newman. The 3 x BRITs nominee shot into the spotlight after writing and singing on two of the biggest dance tracks to smash into the UK charts in years: Rudimental’s Feel The Love and Not Giving In. Debut #1 solo single Love Me Again is a taste of the huge, melodic hits fans can expect from John Newman’s highly anticipated debut set, supported by BBC Sound of 2014 nominee Chloe Howl.

July will see the welcome return of Tinie Tempah, back by popular demand.  With his high-octane, high energy, explosive live sets packed with huge hits Tinie Tempah knows exactly how to work the crowd. Embarking on a UK tour in March including a show at London’s O2, Tinie Tempah will have one seriously slick set to showcase back in the Balearics.  Speaking of the shows, he said: “I am happy to be back doing Rocks for the 4th time! This is always a great show, can't wait!”

From releasing quintuple platinum debut album + in 2012, Ed Sheeran has been recognised as one of the most genuinely talented and successful singer/songwriters of recent times. Grammy Awards, Q Awards, Brits and Ivor Novellos, Ed Sheeran has clocked up them all with his all-encompassing appeal.  Huge hits fill emotionally charged sets fused with unexpected risks and surprises. From being championed by Jamie Foxx to opening Rocks in 2012, to selling out Madison Square Gardens and being hugely in demand on a global scale, Ed Sheeran knows what he loves, everyone loves what he does and he’s coming back to Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks in July to do just that.

Ed Sheeran said: "I played at the Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks opening parties 2 years ago and had a lot of fun. Looking forward to getting back out there in the sun and playing some of the new songs this summer!"

Brits British Single winners Rudimental and British Breakthrough winners Bastille pulled off an epic mash up of their huge hits Waiting All Night and Pompeii at this year’s Brit Awards and both acts are Balearic bound.   Rocks championed Rudimental long before they hit the big time and booked their debut Ibiza show in 2012 at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where they stayed, partied and played, big time! It will be a proud moment to have these boys back, bigger than ever, for what will undoubtedly be one of the seminal moments of the summer, from one of the best live acts on the planet right now. 

Rudimental said: “We can’t wait to head back to Ibiza Rocks this summer. It’s one of our favourite venues in the world and our show in 2012 was too much fun. Don’t miss this one people, Ibiza here we come!!”

Since debuting at Rocks last year, Bastille went on to be the biggest selling new British act of 2013, with platinum-selling debut album Bad Blood topping the charts and infectious single Pompeii becoming the second most streamed song of the year (just behind Daft Punk’s Get Lucky). After smashing it stateside then being nominated for 4 x Brit Awards back on home turf, Bastille have officially been crowned British Breakthrough of the year. 

Bastille’s Dan Smith said: “We can't wait to play Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks again. The gigs were both loads of fun last summer so we're really happy to have been asked back this year."

It will be from stateside to poolside when 6 x Grammy award winner Skrillex takes to the open-air stage at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel for an exclusive headline set in August. This electronic imagineer comes with way more than an killer set – there’s shimmering LED walls, 3D lights shows, pyrotechnics and a relentless thirst to create a live experience of ever-increasing drama and spectacle.  This show takes the music landscape in Mallorca to a whole new level – a first for Mallorca, a  ‘must see’ ONLY at Mallorca Rocks and a massive statement to what Rocks brings to the resort.

Clean Bandit made their Rocks debut supporting Ellie Goulding last year and then kicked off the very first Ibiza Rocks the Snow event in Meribel In December.  They’ve since scored a UK #1 single with Rather Be, selling over half a million copies in the UK alone and staying at the #1 spot for 4 weeks running. Now one of the UK’s finest new bands move from the piste to the poolside to make their headline debut at the Rocks Hotels in August.

The Ibiza Rocks closing party will be headlined by a classic Rocks band, Bombay Bicycle Club.  The London four piece supported Biffy Clyro at Ibiza Rocks in 2010 and returned as worthy headliners in their own right the following year. Back with UK #1 album So Long See You Tomorrow, Bombay Bicycle Club will create the climax to what will be a phenomenal summer of live gigs under the Balearic stars.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Skrillex and more added to Sziget lineup

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Joining the already announced Queens of the Stone Age, Placebo, Klaxons, Stromae, Calvin Harris, Imagine Dragons, Bastille the full list of new names are…

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are one of the most celebrated and shiniest stars on the hip-hop map of the United States. Their charismatic music is followed by millions of fans and this year their work has been sealed with four Grammy Awards. They received the award for 'Best New Artist', 'Best Rap Performance', 'Best Rap Album' and'Thrift Shop' received the award for 'Best Rap Song'. Skrillex is one of the most well-known electronic musician today. He will definitely make everyone crazy with his very exciting and massive sounds.

Extraordinary talent British singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, will also perform at the 'Island of Freedom' with his direct, honest and unique folk rock sounds. Die Fantastischen Vier are also coming to Sziget. The German rap and hip-hop quartet will tour with their new album Rekord. Electro-trip-hop trio from Nottingham, London Grammar, has an emotional and melancholic feeling combined with great lyrics and a unique sound.

Tom Odell has a passionate, romantic and irresistible voice merged together with great talent. Arriving from Southern-England, the twenty-three year old singer-songwriter will hit the stage of Sziget this summer. Also coming from the UK, Michael Kiwanuka, will make his performance memorable with his sophisticated, characteristic, sensitive soul music with some folk and jazz tunes. His debut album, Home Again, has been nominated for Mercury Award in 2013.

Two performers with a unique perspective in the world of electronic music, Darkside, will be a real exciting act of this year's Sziget. They will not only address e-music lovers, but also those fancying jazz. It's hard to categorize the music of The Big Pink, but it is simultaneously intimate, unsettling and noisy. Check out for yourself!

Borgore is a real EDM-hooligan, DJ and producer from Israel, who is known by everyone in the international dubstep network. True party person, who focuses on massive drum bases and heavy metal sounds what he just calls gorestep. Coming from Australia, Brody Dalle, wanted to do music similar to Nirvana, the Hole or PJ Harvey. Now she is ready to conduct a party anywhere in the world. She will perform at Sziget on August 12th, Day 0, the same day her husband, Josh Homme will play with Queens of the Stone Age.

Exit Festival 2014 first lineup announcement

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Serbia's award winning festival Exit announces its first acts for the 2014 edition which include EDC master Skrillex, UK's Breakthough Act of the Year 2014 Rudimental, Dub FX and more!

Skrillex

Making his EXIT Festival debut in 2014 will be SKRILLEX, one of the most inspirational figures for the new generation of electronic music fans and is one of the most wanted DJs in the world. With a genre-defying armoury that includes Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and Bangarang, he’s not only won the audience's hearts, but also six Grammy awards, including Best Dance Recording and Best Dance/Electronica Album as well as MTV Video Music Award. In July 2012, he reached the top of the Billboard Social chart – with over 14 million followers on Facebook, and over 3 million on Twitter. Currently in the midst of planning a brand new live show for summer 2014, Skrillex is guaranteed to rock EXIT festival to pieces with never-seen-before special effects and previously unheard audio. Make no mistakes: Skrillex's appearance at EXIT will go down in festival history.

RUDIMENTAL also promise to shake the fortress walls down to their very foundations. Breakthrough Act Of The Year in 2013, as voted by more than half of million fans on UK Festival Awards, RUDIMENTAL, have taken the British and European music scene by storm. Bursting out of London’s underground music scene Rudimental are coming to EXIT with their amazing live show. A pioneering melting-pot collective championed for their uncompromising approach to music-making whilst avoiding rigid classification. This act reached number one in the UK Official Charts with their single Waiting All Night in April 2013, beating even Daft Punk to the top spot. Two weeks later, their album Home debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. No other act stirs a musical melting pot with as much flavour or thunder as Rudimental… And EXIT Festival can’t wait to have them on board!

An addition to the powerful bass lineup comes in the form of Benjamin Stanford, aka DUB FX. Set to performing on Thursday, July 10, Dub FX has developed a remarkable following through a wholly DIY approach. Everything he does is created with his own voice and serious loop-technology wizardry. His video for "Love Someone", recorded in the streets in 2008, serves as the perfect example of his unquestionable talent. A veritable postmodern messiah, he will present his third studio album "Theory of Harmony" to the EXIT audience. Released only a month ago, it’s a unique manifesto of his philosophy: peace, positivity, joy and healthful pursuits. Something we can all relate to and embrace! 

We can also confirm the appearance of white-hot bass-burning duo KOVEN. Creators of one of last year's hottest singles "More Than You", they will be performing at EXIT's Main Stage on Friday, July 11. You can expect the full package from these dubstep youngsters, especially their live set all infused with grinding bass combinations and effortless musicality. From the moment of their arrival to the bass scene, they became favorites of many stars, including The Prototypes, Borgore and Hadouken.

Kings of Leon to headline Rock Werchter 2014

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The Summer Festival Guide 2014 can now reveal that Kings of Leon will headline Sunday night at Belgium's Rock Werchter.

They join Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Jack Johnson, Major Lazer, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Pixies, Placebo, Skrillex, Stromae – who said himself on Facebook this week that he’d be there – The Black Keys and Triggerfinger, all already announced for Rock Werchter 2014. Festival tickets have been on sale since early December. Ticket sales for Rock Werchter 2014 are at 60,000 and still counting. The 18,000 day tickets for Saturday 5 July are already sold out. Still on sale: combi-tickets and day tickets for Thursday, Friday or Sunday. More festival news to come soon.

Kings of Leon

About Kings of Leon:
”There is no festival we’ve played more,” said singer Caleb Followill to the Werchter crowd last year. The pleasure is ours, Caleb. No name has graced the bill as often in such a short space of time: in 2014 it will be the sixth time in eight years. This mutual respect tells a Werchter fairytale: young band makes headliner status through repeat visits. The first time around, in 2007, Kings of Leon were honoured by a visit from Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam). Two years later they topped the bill. By then “Sex On Fire” and “Use Somebody” had brought them world fame and they were heaping up the gold records. The album “Come Around Sundown” (2010) was overshadowed by internal stresses, but that was only a glitch. “Mechanical Bull” (2013) sees them back in good form. More roots than arena rock. Good stuff.

Major Lazer, Skrillex and more added to Rock Werchter 2014

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Today more names were added to the Rock Werchter 2014 bill. Five particularly resounding names: Franz Ferdinand, Major Lazer, Pixies, Skrillex and Triggerfinger. Nice. Tickets for Rock Werchter go on sale on this Saturday. More festival news is on its way!

Skrillex is coming to Werchter on Thursday 3 July. The prince of American dance created something of an earth tremor in 2012. This time too, he promises great beats across the fields. Get out the dancing shoes again on Friday 4 July, because that’s when the hottest party machine of them all, Major Lazer, is at the festival. Then, on Saturday 5 July, Werchter is all about guitars. Or so the initial confirmations say. Pixies will generate a wave of pleasant frenzy over Werchter. And Belgium’s finest, Triggerfinger will be there on Saturday as well. At present the band are recording the successor to their successful album “All This Dancin’ Around” (2010) in Los Angeles. Franz Ferdinand will play the festival on Sunday 6 July. These Scots get the guitars swinging, more so now than ever. It’s party time!

Major Lazer

Sónar Barcelona, or The Best Festival Yet

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Sónar’s 20th anniversary reads like a who’s who of electronic music new and, well, more new. From Jurassic 5’s old school hip-hop and the eternally synth-pop Pet Shop Boys, to dance anthem pedlars like 2manydjs and the impossible grace of Natasha Khan aka Bat for Lashes, this was always going to be a big weekend.

The three day festival kicks off Thursday, leaving you Sunday to recover – or carry on the party. We catch Oddisee under the SonarDôme, slick rap between brassy jazz, while outside SónarVillage has exploded with the cheesy 70s hit ‘Love is in the air’. Fun is the aim of the game.

Gold Panda is another of those non-DJ DJs. In black denim and t-shirt, I picture him nursing a book alone in a café somewhere. Today, though, he hits us with playful and animalistic beats, eyes fixed on his fingertips as he bops along to perfectly haphazard breaks. The sound is of a runaway music box, and oddly relaxing.

Beer vendors wind through the crowd under a heavy Spanish sun. I worry for all the hipsters getting hot beneath their beards – at least they have their Wayfarers on. One such beardy man holds a kaleidoscope to his mobile phone to film the set (not the Beardyman, though he plays on Saturday). Lindstroøm and Todd Terje get us to nightfall. It’s the first time I’ve heard Terje’s ‘Inspector Norse’ and I understand immediately why it’s so popular. Have a listen.

Sonar

There’s action aplenty with ‘off Sónar’ events across the city, but we save our feet for the first Sónar de Noche, held in a series of warehouses at the edge of town. Of course Bat for Lashes is wonderful, but we knew she would be. Bristolian DJ Eats Everything plays ahead of Two Door Cinema Club, a sentimental favourite who move seamlessly through their repertoire. “Maybe someday, you’ll be somewhere, talking to me, as if you knew me.”

It’s worth the rush to the outdoor SónarLab to see French DJs C2C perform ’Down the Road‘. They do a Run-DMC cover and manage to hold a sound-off in the crowd, a winner-by-applause deal without spoiling the mood. The 3D Kraftwerk set is all hype and Skrillex becomes the night’s surprise win (although I’d like my ears back, badly). I’m distracted by someone so famous wearing a shirt with his name on the back, but he’s forgiven with Benny Benassi’s ‘Cinema’. I don’t like dubstep; I just love that he’s got us all dancing.

Three hours sleep gets us by, and we’re back at Sónar de Dia for some synth-disco courtesy of US act Chromatics. I warm to their 80s edge and a convincing take on the Kate Bush classic ‘Running up that hill’. We watch AlunaGeorge from faux-grass decking, and catch TNGHT open with a cinematic rendition of Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit’. The stop-start set isn’t my thing, and I leave early to give my eardrums a break.

Sonar

The closing night of Sónar is marked with a three-hour Ed Banger tribute. Justice scores easy points with his Simian Mobile Disco mashup ‘We are your friends’, and it’s good-time fare ‘til Laurent Garnier heralds the Sunday dawn. Even with a huge turnout, the warehouses have space to sit and take stock when needed. Revellers don’t seem to overdo it as much as back on the British Isles, and the international crowd adds to Sónar’s world-class festival credentials.

In 2014 Sónar hits five cities, so the next question is Barcelona, Tokyo or Mexico? Life’s tough.

@MirandaAnimated

Check out the photos from Sónar 2013 here.

DON BROCO, DEAF HAVANA, SAVAGES AND OVER 30 MORE ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR READING & LEEDS!

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Voted ‘Best Festival’ at the NME Awards, this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals are officially set to be better than ever! Reading & Leeds guarantee special performances, huge headliners and rising stars and are the only place to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend with friends this summer. 

With exclusive UK festival performances from headliners Green Day, Eminem and Biffy Clyro, plus exclusive appearances from Fall Out Boy, System of A Down, Deftones, Skrillex and more, Reading & Leeds can now announce over 30 more names for the Festivals.

 

NEW NAMES FOR THE MAIN STAGE:

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

The Pretty Reckless are fronted by lead singer Taylor Momsen who brings equal measures of seething rage and tempered vulnerability to this New York band’s sound. They have been steadily garnering critical acclaim, have supported Marilyn Manson and Evanescence and are a welcome addition to the Main Stage bill.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Four-piece Bedford alternative rock band, and iTunes’ ‘Best New Rock Artist’ of 2012, Don Broco bring their infamously raucous rough-edged riffs to the Main Stage. The band have been gaining momentum in the mainstream as a rock band to watch, and continuing on from their success at Radio 1 they are making a mark on the British rock scene and beyond. Following their thrilling Festival Republic Stage performance at Reading & Leeds last year, they step up to Main Stage for what will no doubt be an insane performance.

 

NME/RADIO 1 LINE-UP GROWS WITH NEW ADDITIONS

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

Night Engine’s take on glam anthems has drawn comparisons to dance-era Bowie, INXS, Kane Gang and Power Station, and indeed they do sound vintage, but this London four-piece bring an infectious modernity to proceedings making them one of the most talked about bands of the past six months.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

Darwin Deez is to bring his brilliantly entertaining live show to Reading & Leeds’ NME/Radio stage in support of his new album, ‘Songs For Imaginative People’. Don’t miss your chance to witness a rare insight into everything an indie pop star should be.

Also joining will be alternative rock band from Norfolk Deaf Havana, renowned for their soaring melodies and candid lyrics. The band’s success continues to grow and with their highly anticipated new album 'Old Souls’ due out in September this year, be sure to catch them before they get even bigger.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Irish folk band Villagers will be bringing their icy melodies and eerie synth-laden indie-folk to Reading & Leeds this year. Since their debut album was shortlisted for a ‘Mercury Music Prize’ in 2010, they have been gaining momentum and their most recent album, ‘Awayland’, released earlier in the year is a thrilling follow-up.

Californian surf-rockers Wavves are bona fide staples on the rock scene thanks to the critical success of their self-titled debut album, which whetted the appetites of critics and fans alike. They have since gone on to play sell-out shows and collaborate with artists such as Big Boi, all the while building on their thrilling live-show energy.

 

BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE EXPANDS
 

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

Alvin Risk is signed to Skrillex’s OWSLA label and is rapidly gaining notoriety for his dark and aggressive dubstep. Slow beats build into grimey climaxes with stadium sized, ethereal choruses, just what you’d expect from Skrillex’s protégé.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

London four-piece Post War Years bring their brand of polished synth-pop to the expanded three day Dance Stage. With comparisons to both New Order and LCD Soundsystem, Post War Years offer up a fresh take on dance music simultaneously referencing the past, whilst pushing boundaries.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Electronic music duo Alexander Odden & Michael Parsberg AKA Pegboard Nerds are best known for their evenly spaced electronica with plenty of synths. The overall melodic and bassy effect makes them key players in the EDM scene and Reading & Leeds welcome them to the Dance Stage.

 

MANY MORE BANDS FOR THE LOCK UP/ROCK STAGE

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

Hardcore connoisseurs Feed The Rhino will be playing the best of their rough, riff-heavy emphatic hardcore stylings for die-hard fans. The five-piece have been acclaimed by the likes of Metal Hammer and Kerrang! and are sure to raise the roof this summer.

Also on the Lock Up Stage is the Canadian four-piece The Creepshow who use horror films as a point of reference for much of their music, which is sure to thrill any slasher fanatics in the crowd. The band are notorious for their frenetically paced, high-energy shows, and will have the crowd singing along in unison.

Rising talent Rat Attack will be thrilling festival goers with their pop-punk indie stylings. The Exeter-based band have been championed by Radio 1’s Zane Lowe and a slew of underground music blogs.

Already established in the hardcore scene, British band Palm Reader offer up some of the best of the genre. Known for their punchy riffs and killer percussion teamed with emotive vocals, you can expect lots of power, energy and undoubtedly a spot of moshing.

Brighton-based band Gnarwolves have been gaining plaudits recently for their contagiously energetic performances. A huge summer awaits them, all topped off with their set on the Lock Up Stage.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH

Manchester based five-piece Sonic Boom Six (SB6) expertly deliver politically motivated narratives about social justice and activism, combined with an eclectic blend of musical influences. From ska and reggae to punk and dubstep, they return to whip Reading & Leeds into a frenzy.

Rising punk band Off With Their Heads are known for their electrifyingly mid-tempo pop teamed with supersonically paced punk. The band’s most recent single ‘Epitaph’ has been gaining heat on underground rock blogs and their performance at Reading & Leeds is sure to put them on the map.

Guitarist, songwriter and singer Chuck Ragan has had an impressive career which has seen him release a live album, three solo albums and head up punk rock band Hot Water Music. He has since gone on to write a book and tour across Europe with his evolved folk-rock sound, and he will be bringing his array of musical experience to the Lock Up Stage this summer.

Ahead of their European summer tour, Anti Vigilante will be gracing the Lock Up Stage. Influenced heavily by ska, they merge hardcore sounds with saxophones and intensely heartfelt lyrics. Their tracks have been championed by the likes of Radio 1’s Mike Davies and they’ve played in the iconic Maida Vale studios, a variety of independent rock festivals, and now play the big ones!

Four-piece punk rockers Sharks are best known for their uncompromising brand of blue-collar punk, packed with songs focusing on rebellion and resistance. Influenced by The Clash, these boys from Leamington Spa are serving up the best in modern rock n’ roll and their show is sure to be a real treat.

Great Cynics are fresh from being touted as a one to watch at Brighton’s Great Escape festival, and performing a live session for Mike Davies’ Radio 1 Punk Show. With notes of folk, grunge and punk in their musical offerings, they are sure to offer something for everyone.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Legendary industrial-rock band Filter have spent 20 years contributing to the rock arsenal. From songs about Kurt Cobain, Tomb Raider, and Smashing Pumpkins, they write about contemporary culture, and their albums document the mood of modern youth over the past two decades.

Pioneers of the ‘djent’ genre, which refers to a dense, complex and very hardcore strain of heavy music, Hacktivist are nothing if not innovators. The five-piece incorporate pounding quick-fire grime-inspired rhymes over thunderous riffs, which makes for a unique sound that has earned them accolades from rock critics and fans alike. Check them out on the Rock Stage and make up your own mind.

Three-piece rock band The Virginmarys are adept at touring, with a career which has seen them support the likes of Skunk Anansie, Slash, Feeder and We Are Scientists. They promise an electrifying live performance this year as they turn up the amps and the energy.

American rock trio Beware Of Darkness take their inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Black Keys and have supported huge bands including The Deftones since they formed in 2010. Their brooding rock songs from debut album ‘Orthodox’ will be captivating audiences this summer on The Lock Up Stage.

Portland based band Hawk Eyes cite a range of influences from garage rock and post punk to Brit-pop, all of which can all be heard in their music. With a thrilling live show, make sure you catch them on the Rock Stage as they ascend to the realms of the mainstream.

 

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE WELCOMES NEW NAMES
 

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

LA based four-piece Papa are identified by big, raucous sounds that whip listeners into a frenzy. Their charismatic charm and catchy hooks will ensure a legion of fans at their feet at the Festival Republic Stage.

Also joining the bill are Charlie Boyer And The Voyeurs with their intoxicating blend of grinding guitars, rolling organs and frantic energy. The English five-piece are influenced by the music of 70’s New York, straddling avant-garde rock ‘n’ roll and big, sing-a-long tracks, this band is not to be missed.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH 

Influenced by Arthouse cinema and post punk, Savages have had a phenomenal year and show no intention of slowing down. Starting it with a nomination for the BBC ‘Sound of 2013’ poll, they have been widely regarded as one of the most thrilling live acts around by critics, thanks to their incredible energy and emotion on stage.

Formerly known as Dive, critics’ favourite DIIV are a New York based indie rock band who have a slew of accolades behind them. Their album ‘Oshin’ released last year featured on Pitchfork’s ‘Top 50 Albums Of 2012’ and their unique sonic influences include a mix of world music, krautrock and indie.

One foot in electro and one foot in folk, Dan Croll is adept at making catchy tunes supported by the likes of Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 Music. Dan and his band join the Festival Republic Stage this year. Enjoy.

Alternative pop rockers Sons & Lovers are known for their catchy guitar melodies and strong lyrical stature. They will be bringing their gentle indie stylings to Reading & Leeds this year.

READING SUNDAY 25TH / LEEDS FRIDAY 23RD

Critically acclaimed electronic music duo Mount Kimbie have made some of the most progressive electronic music over the last few years, and have featured in countless ‘Best Of’ lists. Their beautiful blend of ambient beats and well-produced instrumentalism has earned them the status as some of the best in the game, and they are sure to thrill the Festival Republic Stage audiences this year.

Frankie & The Heartstrings are back with the follow-up album ‘The Days Run Away’ to the much-loved 2008 debut ‘Hunger’. Bernard Butler is the producer this time around, and you can certainly feel his presence on the record. Always great live, it’s a welcome return for Sunderland’s finest.

Musical pairing In The Valley Below will be delivering hushed swirls of male and female vocals forged with dark tales of brooding riddles and romance. The band have received acclaim from NME and MTV, and this show should push them to the next level.

Also joining are Leeds rock ‘n’ rollers China Rats who have clearly been inspired by classic British rock and guitar bands. After being championed by Radio 1’s Huw Stevens and BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, the band are paying homage to the 90’s indie scene while adding dimensions that make the sound their own.

Australian four-piece San Cisco offer up their brash and uncompromising indie to the festival this year. After steadily receiving acclaim from the likes of Radio 1, NME and a wealth of indie blogs, the boys from down under walk the line between soft rock and indie-pop and are sure to live up to the hype.

 

NEW CONFIRMATIONS FOR THE BBC RADIO 1XTRA STAGE
 

READING FRIDAY 23RD / LEEDS SATURDAY 24TH

British rapper Itch brings his blend of UK rap and rock riffs to the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage this year. His angry and brash foray into the worlds of rock, rapping and social justice create a powerful performance that you won't forget in a hurry.

READING SATURDAY 24TH / LEEDS SUNDAY 25TH 

Championed by Zane Lowe Chicago based Chance The Rapper has spent the last few years injecting a sense of freshness into the rap world with his thrilling take on hip-hop instrumentals, beats, and bars. His second mixtape ‘Acid Rap’ features heavy-hitters including Action Bronson, Black Hippy’s Ab-Soul and childish Gambino. Chance The Rapper has recently served up some unforgettable performances and is definitely one to watch at Reading & Leeds.

 

THE ALTERNATIVE STAGE AT READING & LEEDS

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Voted ‘Best Festival’ at the NME Awards, this year’s Reading & Leeds Festivals are officially set to be better than ever! Reading & Leeds guarantee exclusive performances, huge headliners and rising stars and are the only place to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend with friends this summer.  With exclusive UK festival performances from headliners Green Day, Eminem and Biffy Clyro, plus exclusive appearances from Fall Out Boy, System of A Down, Deftones, Skrillex and more, Reading & Leeds can now announce the line-up for the Alternative Stage!

Russell Kane • Seann Walsh (L) • Rob Delaney • Mark Thomas (L)
Shappi Khorsandi (R) • Josh Widdicombe • Paul Chowdhry
Trevor Noah • Jamie Kilstein • Carl Donnelly’s National Novelty Dance Off Finals • Nathan Caton • Jarred Christmas (L) • Andrew O’Neill
Joel Dommett • Katherine Ryan • Idiots of Ants • Tiffany Stevenson
Romesh Ranganathan (L) • Tom Deacon (R) • Ellis James • Rob Beckett
Lucy Beaumont (L) • Luisa Omielan • Suzi Ruffell • Mark Simmons
Daniel Townes (R) • Jim Smallman (L) • Andrew Ryan

MC DOOM • Shlomo & The Lip Factory • Jeffrey Lewis & The Rain
Reeps One • Transgressive • Rebel Bingo (L) • Boogaloo Stu (L)
Buttoned Down Disco (R) • Propaganda with special guests Haim
Snoop Lion: Reincarnated (Film)

(L) Leeds only, (R) Reading only

Ultra Music Festival adds colossal lineup additions

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"In celebration of Ultra Music Festival's double weekend and 15 year anniversary, what we've achieved with this edition's ocean of talent and stage production  is, we feel, unprecedented. As the industry we work in continues to explode, with so much talent emerging and the taste of our consumer changing in the process, diversity was key"says Russell Faibisch, Ultra Music Festival Founder, Executive Producer, CEO & President.

 
"We've never put so much time and effort into programming an event as we have for this year's Ultra Music Festival. We truly hope everybody attending this year will value and more importantly enjoy the unique experience we've worked so hard to create"Adam Russakoff Ultra Music Festival Executive Producer, Director of Business Affairs & Talent Buyer.
 
Set to annihilate the newly designed, never-before-seen ULTRA MAIN STAGE, the aptly titled MEGA STRUCTURE, the ULTRA WORLDWIDE ARENA and more, the Phase 2 DJ billing is quite simply out of this world. ALESSO, BENNY BENASSI, DIRTY SOUTH, DOG BLOOD (Boyz Noise & Skrillex), ERIC PRYDZ, FEDDE LE GRAND, HARDWELL, LOCO DICE, LUCIANO, LAIDBACK LUKE, MARTIN SOLVEIG, PRETTY LIGHTS, STEVE AOKI andSVEN VÄTH are among just some of the hoards of names to join the already eye-watering line-up delivered in Phase 1, including ABOVE & BEYOND, AFROJACK, ARMIN VAN BUUREN, AVICII, BASSNECTAR, CALVIN HARRIS, CARL COX, DAVID GUETTA, FATBOY SLIM, KASKADE, KNIFE PARTY, RICHIE HAWTIN, SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA and TIËSTO. After 14 consecutive years of delivering the ultimate dance music experience, it was never in doubt that Ultra Music Festival would deliver for its 15thanniversary.
 
Looking certain to shake the revamped ‘LIVE STAGE’ to its very core – the next slew of LIVE acts confirmed includes AZELIA BANKS, FAITHLESS (Live DJ & PA Set), SLEIGH BELLS, SNOOP DOG, THE WEEKND and YEAH YEAH YEAHS. Joining the likes of THE BLOODY BEETROOTS, BOOKA SHADE, BOYS NOIZE, CRYSTAL CASTLES, DEADMAU5, DISCLOSURE, DJ FRESH, HOT CHIP, MAJOR LAZER, MATT & KIM, MODESTEP, RUDIMENTAL, THIEVERY CORPORATION and YEASAYER announced in Phase 1 at the beginning of the year, it’s safe to say that never before has an electronic music festival offered so much variety and such an array of top LIVE talent than this year’s 15TH edition of ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL.
 
ULTRA have also announced the incredible array of arenas set to appear over the two weekends this year; true to form, we’re in for quite a treat…
 
 
First up, OH YES OH YES! It wouldn’t be Ultra without the legend that is CARL COX! Bringing his titanic CARL COX & FRIENDS ARENA to Bayfront Park this March, he’ll be playing host to some of the finest names in house and techno, including SVEN VATH, RICHIE HAWTIN, JAMIE JONES, LOCO DICE, LUCIANO, FATBOY SLIM, JOHN DIGWEED, MAGDA, UMEK, CASSY, NICOLE MOUDABER and UTO KAREM. Expect seriously big things from this much-loved Ultra veteran and his merry following!
 
Once again, the world’s #1 DJ ARMIN VAN BUUREN delivers his breathtaking ASOT 600 stage, where ABOVE & BEYOND, ATB, COSMIC GATE, DASH BERLIN, FERRY CORSTEN MARKUS SCHULZ, TRITONAL and W&W, will all be joined by the legendaryPAUL VAN DYK who will be making his long-awaited return appearance to the world’s premiere dance music event.
 
The MEGA STRUCTURE serves up an all-star lineup of the world’s top acts, which includes main stage regulars ALESSO, CALVIN HARRIS, DAVID GUETTA, ERIC PRYDZand TIËSTO, just one example of what ULTRA meant by “2 Weekends, 2 Unique Experiences.” Fans will rejoice to see their favorite artists tackle both the Main Stage and the Mega Structure at ULTRA 15.
 
Keeping it going for underground fans, new to Ultra this year is SURFACE – a brand new concept arena held each Sunday at the Bayfront Stage. Reading like a ‘who’s who’ from the world of the underground scene, look forward to seeing the likes of ART DEPARTMENT, CLAUDE VONSTROKE, DAMIAN LAZARUS, DANNY DAZE, DROOG, FRANCESCA LOMBARDO, GUY GERBER, JUSTIN MARTIN, LEE FOSS, MACEO PLEX, MAYA JANE COLES, MIGUEL CAMPBELL, SETH TROXLER, SOUL CLAP, SUBB-AN, TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS, WOLF & LAMB and more.
 
ULTRA is not only delivering the world’s greatest underground sounds each Sunday, but everyday of the festival. The Mixmag Stage will play host to performances by tech gurus CARLO LIO, DUBFIRE, ELIO RISO, JON RUNDELL, JOSH WINK, SHADED andYOUSEF on Friday of Weekend 1. The second Friday will boast additional techno sounds from AUDIOFLY, CARL CRAIG, KEVIN SAUNDERSON, NINA KRAVIZ, PAUL WOOLFORD, RADIO SLAVE and STACEY PULLEN. Each Saturday will also see a myriad of techno and deep house artists that include DAVID SQUILLACE, tINI + GUTI, MARTIN BUTTRICH, NIC FANCIULLI B2B JORIS VOORN, REMO, ROBERT DIETZ, SCUBA, STEVE LAWLER, TIGA and TIMO MAAS on Weekend 2, and an undisclosed arsenal of premier DJs to play on Weekend 1.
 
Space Ibiza (voted #1 Club in the world and winning multiple awards) plans a triumphant return on Saturday, March 23 to host the tech house and techno acts that they are known for.  Also hosting stages will be Skrillex’s formidable OWSLA label, Afrojack’s JACKED, Mark Knight’s TOOLROOM, with more to be announced in Phase 3. Completing the full house, the brand new ‘TRAPPED’ arena, featuring the likes ofBAAUER, BRO SAFARI, DJ CRAZE, DILLON FRANCIS, FLOSSTRADAMUS, NADASTROM and many more look more than adequate to cater to the new trap craze.
 
Finally, for the ninth consecutive year, ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL proudly welcomes back the “ECO Village”.  This area is dedicated to the exposure and understanding of numerous non-profit organizations and charities, and will run over both weekends of the festival.  You can find several interactive booths that provide an informative outlook on the world today. 

 

Saturday Tickets for SW4 SOLD OUT

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SW4 Sunday is already down to the last remaining saver tickets with these due to increase in price on Wednesday 1st August. What can you expect from the day? Check out ourbrand new trailer below. For Sunday is no longer the day of rest…

SW4 SUNDAY FEAT. SKRILLEX, STEVE ANGELLO, PUBLIC ENEMY, 2MANYDJS, ERIC PRYDZ, SKREAM & BENGA + MANY MORE!

“So excited to be headlining SW4 this year. London is like a second home to me and there are so many friends performing as well.  Great people! Great times!” Skrillex.

A warm Clapham Common welcome for triple Grammy Award winner Skrillex, who headlines SW4 Sunday in an exclusive London festival performance. Scheduled to close our alfresco action, Skrillex’s set continues South West Four’s heritage of showcasing the most revolutionary DJs. Expect the obligatoryheart thumping bass lines, plus huge, gut wrenching breakdowns and chaotic riffs. Guaranteed to go down as one of the greatest sets in SW4 history, this mouth watering performance is set to pummel Clapham Common into submission. You have been warned.

In addition to Skrillex, SW4 Sunday will welcome the world’s greatest DJs and live electronic acts. Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello makes his SW4 debut this year, in his final UK festival performance of 2012, whilst hip hop royalty will be on show as the truly legendary Public Enemy play SW4 in a UK festival exclusive as part of their 25th Anniversary World Tour. The ‘expect the unexpected’ ethos of 2 Many DJs, the DJ manifestation of sensational production duo Soulwax, make their SW4 debut this summer. After selling out the mammoth Brixton Academy, Alexandra Palace and Amnesia Ibiza last year, it’s a privilege for SW4 to welcome one of the greatest DJs and producers of our generation, Eric Prydz; raw and in the flesh. In addition Sasha’s atmospheric sound and transcendental synths will again be on display at SW4 as he showcases his mesmerising connection with the dancefloor.

Skream & Benga; two pioneers synonymous with quality bass music will be joined by three legends of drum & bass; DJ Fresh, Friction and Andy C, who brings his audio visual ‘Alive’ arc to SW4 for the very first time. Clapham debauchery can be expected from Mad Decent’s Diplo, the riotous Simian Mobile Disco and the dynamic Italian duo Crookers, whilst a defining festival experience will no doubt be delivered by Erol Alkan. The world’s undisputed ambassador for electronic dance music Mr Pete Tongreturns in 2012, joining the enigmatic trio of Seth Troxler, Maya Jane Coles and Dyed Soundorom, all of which make their SW4 debuts this year. Eats Everything, one of THE breakthrough acts of the past 12 months will also be present, along with one of the most important acts of the past 20 years Curtis Alan Jones aka Green Velvet.  Flux Pavilion is a red hot talent taking the dubstep world by storm, as isBorgore. With further performances confirmed from Jack Beats, Foreign Beggars, Doctor P, Dillon Francis, Rudimental we can safely say that all in attendance are in for a real SW4 treat.

SW4 SUNDAY LINE-UP

SW4 MAIN STAGE HOSTED BY UKF BASS CULTURE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH LAST.FM:

SKRILLEX

[LONDON FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE]

PUBLIC ENEMY

[THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR – UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE]

SKREAM & BENGA

DIPLO · DJ FRESH · CROOKERS

FOREIGN BEGGARS · RUDIMENTAL

+ VERY SPECIAL GUEST

STEVE ANGELLO

DJ MAGAZINE ARENA HOSTED BY TOGETHER IN ASSOCIATION WITH VIEW LONDON:

2 MANY DJS (DJ SET)

ERIC PRYDZ

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO (DJ SET)

EROL ALKAN

GREEN VELVET

BRODINSKI & GESAFFELSTEIN B2B

JEREMY OLANDER & FEHRPLAY B2B

PETE TONG PRESENTS

ALL GONE PETE TONG

IN ASSOCIATION WITH PULSE RADIO:

SASHA

SETH TROXLER

MAYA JANE COLES

DYED SOUNDOROM

EATS EVERYTHING

JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE

JESSE JAMES & JOHNNY BLOOMFIELD

RAM 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN ASSOCIATION WITH DRUM & BASS ARENA & GET DARKER:

ANDY C: ALIVE

FLUX PAVILION · JACK BEATS · BORGORE · FRICTION

DELTA HEAVY · LOADSTAR · DOCTOR P · DILLON FRANCIS