Wiz Khalifa

Bestival 2016 ‘The Future’: Reviewed!

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Thursday

It’s that time of year again, where the rest of the UK has basically resigned itself to Autumn but Bestival-goers know that there is one last high summer fling to be had. Cars crammed with people and gear are flooding the ferry docks, horns are blaring, people are already on the drinks at 9am… off we go to the Isle.

Upon arriving at Robin Hill, it’s clear something has gone awry. For some unknown reason they’ve decided to trickle-open the carparks, meaning those wanting to camp in yellow can’t actually park in yellow because it’s currently closed. For those not au fait with Bestival’s layout – the giant hill/massive walk through three campsites to get from Red parking (which is the only one open right now) to yellow camping, is utterly soul destroying when you’re carrying 4 days’ worth of binge-drinking materials. The second fail of the day (related) is that by not opening multiple car-parks and therefore access gates, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD is queuing for red entry. Two hours to get in is beyond mental, hopefully this will be rectified for next year because it was truly the worst entry system we’ve encountered at a festival this year, and Bestival have done it so right the last five years or so before.

After finally trudging over and setting up camp (in a field where toilets haven’t been delivered yet… what is going on?!), it’s time to head over to the arena to see what’s what. Next big shock of the day… where on earth is the main stage? The stage that sits in its’ place is about a quarter of the size of last years’ behemoth and is low-down, downhill. There are a lot of short people who are going to be seeing absolutely nothing this weekend that’s for sure.

Luckily, The Magic Meadow is up and running with the true Bestival vibe to make us feel better about everything. Happily The Feast Collective has only been moved here, not banished because everyone is starving and the food is just incredible. Where else can you side by side order a grilled-shrimp-and-samphire burger, raclette draped chips and a spicy beef rendang? With a pint of Bestivale in hand it’s off to scout out some early bands.

Asylums on the Invaders of the Future stage are punky and lively, you can’t really argue with a band who love to perform. ‘Joy in a Small Wage’ is perfect rock band fayre, easy to sing along, great to dance to, and the band themselves are leaping around the stage as they play in front of the Day of the Dead bar.

The highlight of Thursday is Besti-faves, Hot Chip in the Big Top. Weird and wonderful as always they play to a busy tent despite starting at nearly one am, and their electronic melodies can be heard far and wide across the still-filling campsites.

Friday

Friday sees ferries delayed by the discovery of a World War II torpedo in Portsmouth harbour which is later disposed of by controlled explosion, but with everything soon back on schedule it’s becoming apparent that not enough camping has been opened by the festival this year. Having sold only 40,000 tickets compared to years’ 50,000+ it seems that a decision was made to condense campsites. However, they clearly went a field too far and people are scrabbling for space today.

Anyway, on to the first proper arena day and we find ourselves drawn in by the presence of The World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle over on top of The Grassy Hill. At a price of £5 for ten minutes of bouncing, it’s pretty damn steep, but hey we’re drunk and ready to throw some shapes. After knackering ourselves out, getting told off by the flip police, and avoiding serious damage it’s time to explore Caravanserai over in the Stardust Field.

What can I say about Caravanserai except, it’s magical. Surrounded by half-caravan seating booths, a carousel stage and Wurlitzer carts, it almost feels as if you’ve stepped into an American Horror Story set, without the inherent creepiness I guess. An area is being roped off by toothless yokels who are swigging something foul from an xxxx bottle and people are being called up to ‘dance off’ against each other, choosing ‘beats’ or ‘junk’ as backing tracks. As people crowd in we see a wookiee face off against a cheerleader who is throwing flips on a perilously downhill slant, a pole-dancer takes on a guy with a bizarre rope-tied tiny tears doll, and an extraordinarily drunk flying squirrel twerks at an Adidas clad musician. It’s bizarre and brilliant.

Heading out to the main stage for something a little less frenzied we catch Kitty Daisy & Lewis on the main stage as they whip out the harmonica for some bluesy riffs.

Next up are Bestival legends and all-round disgracefully wonderful pervs, The Cuban Brothers. No Bestival could be complete without them and their crazy array of stunts, tricks, the tightest jumpsuits ever seen outside of Olympic gymnastics and old school hip-hop vibes. Starting off in traditional carpet-print suits, Archerio and Kengo hit the stage with their dance duo which we as always attempt to emulate badly. Miguelito rocks ‘Mike For President’ in his gold wrasslin’ belt, and guest BAM from hip hop crew The Jungle Brothers comes out just in time to be accused of #sexyfavours. As they sing “I’m a Jungle Brother, and he’s a Cuban Brother” we see Juan Erection and Kengo bust out the big moves with huge flares, head spins and tucks. Mike pops into the crowd for a bit of fondling and then busts out the swan pants with absolutely zero shame. The Cuban Brothers are party central and the huge crowd is laughing and dancing along with them. The only sad bit? Kengo brings out his skates but the stage appears to be a bit wet to see him do any tricks. Damn!

Next up, Norwegian waif Aurora is elfin and adorable. Wearing a ton of knitwear in the high summer heat, she has a touch of Tilda Swinton about her, but oh that voice. She soars with ‘Winter Bird’ and instantly endears herself to us when by breaking her ethereal spell to say “I really had to pee before I came on stage, but when I started to  sing… it went away. I didn’t pee myself on stage though!!”.

Years & Years hit the stage with a light-show based on the lines of their album cover and some pretty fabulous futuristic outfits. Frontman Olly Alexander is dressed in metallic geometric 8-bit armour which kind of looks like a Minecraft/Moschino collaboration and with huge ticker tape explosions they race through hit after hit. ‘Take Shelter’ and ‘Ties’ have everyone mesmerised and as snappy modern dancers flood the stage it’s clear the band have upped their production value in the last two years. Finishing up with everyone singing along to ‘King’, Olly yelling “I love this festival” and a massive rainbow streamer explosion from the top of the stage, they have been a perfect Bestival band.

Over in Bollywood there’s a sweaty crowd dancing their hearts out whilst cocktails are flowing at the cocktail bus next door. A tiny rave is happening in Sunday Best and there are people spread out all over sampling the culinary delights on offer here. Anna Mae’s Mac & Cheese deserves a mention for being the stodge that saved our souls after two bags of wine. Yes, bags. Praise cheesus!

Heading into the Ambient Forest for a bit of a calm-down, we take a stroll into the revamped Amphitheatre (amazing new design) but we are a little sad that the late-night movies have been axed this year, along with Scroobius Pip’s much loved Satin Lizard Lounge. The forest itself is full of new seating nooks and artistic installations like the Tron-esque musical pipes, and the tinkling of ivories can be heard through the secret entrance to the Gatsby-esque Blind Tiger.

Back to the main stage and Skepta has drawn a massive crowd for ‘It Ain’t Safe’ but it’s Major Lazer who really take it up a notch with thousands pouring into the arena for the likes of ‘Lean On’ and ‘Light It Up’.

Read our Major Lazer full headline review HERE

Over at the Spaceport, set in a giant fuse box underneath a massive rocket, Carl Cox is lighting up the night with some solid beats, followed by Diplo straight off the back of his main stage performance. The ribbon-wrapped area, flanked by two huge astronaut installations is awesome, but the layout does make access quite difficult with thousands of bodies piled in.

Saturday

Alas, predictions were true and the rain has put a stop to many of the wild and wonderful costumes we’re used to on a Bestival Saturday, not to mention the main parade has been cancelled due to ground conditions. Such a shame! However, spirits are never dampened at Besti when Mr Motivator is on hand for an early shakedown. There’s something weirdly comforting about a man espousing health in the midst of our foul hungover scurvy-wracked state. No I haven’t had any fruit for three days except in a cocktail, but I’m pretty sure I can keep up with these aerobics… probably…

The Chuckle Brothers are obviously both terrible and nostalgically hilarious but it’s Wolf Alice who deserve a much bigger, less soggy crowd for their soft, rock style. ‘Bros’ and ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’ are brilliant and should have been sun-drenched. Hopefully we can catch them again at a less damp future Bestival. Lady Leshurr is a powerhouse performer with hit 'Brush Your Teeth' and clearly everyone is loving the return of Craig David, no matter how many times he says his own name.

Over at Invaders, Pretty Vicious’ ‘Cave Song’ has a huge crowd up and jumping including a rowdy bunch of people dressed as their older selves with inflatable zimmer frames – The Future, I geddit, very clever. Followed up by rowdy bijou band Hinds who rock so much pocket-power they practically eclipse the main stage sound, we are loving their energy. Yelling “What’s up Bestival! Bestival is the first festival we did as a band… we were so excited because it was the first time we ever had like an artists wristband!” they echo the sentiments of quite a lot of new bands who were given their first chances at this festival. Rob Da Bank and co. have always been right on the cutting edge of booking up-and-comers, allowing new acts to flow into the festival mainstream.

Onto tonight’s main stage headliner – The Cure. With probably half the crowd never having heard of them, it’s a pretty great turnout. Hits ‘Friday I’m In Love’ and ‘Just Like Heaven’ are absolutely amazing, but the three encores and an almost three hour set they perhaps go a step too far.

Read our full headline review of The Cure HERE

Next door on the Invaders stage, PC Music Allstars followed by Danny L Harle bring a small slice of electronic rave, then euphoria to the side of the Magic Meadow and the glowsticks are out in force (ermegherrrd right?) and as we head back to the campsites later on, the STA Travel garden is inexplicably packed with people winding to… Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl. Yep, that’s the last song in my head before sleep. Thanks guys.

Sunday

Waking up to thankfully clearer skies it’s a chance to break out all the sparkly shit we couldn’t wear yesterday and walking through the tent graveyard, uh, campsite – it’s clear some people have gone full feral now. Broken poles poke holes in the sky as wellies (with feet still in them) protrude from tents, their owners flat out in oblivion.

The arena mud has dried enough to provide safe passage and it’s soon time for a bit of Electro-Swing with French movers and shakers Caravan Palace. At first a fairly small crowd has gathered but as they begin to blast out their strange mix of high tempo beats and jazz-swing riffs the arena suddenly becomes a bouncing, writhing mass of bodies throwing down together. It’s a big statement but I think CP are ‘the’ band of the entire weekend, the sun is out and the set is just incredible. Bow-ties and braces are the look, and cute and firey vocalist Zoé Colotis Charleston’s across the stage like she was born in the wrong decade. Hopping into the crowd to pull on a fans’ Union Jack tshirt, Zoé yells “We don’t care about Brexit, we love the UK!”. It’s a stellar performance and a great book for Bestival.

Over in the Big Top, a very different type of electro-swing-come-dubstep is going on with an incredible array of circus type acts to boot. Slamboree are fiercely Burning-Man in style, there’s a hint of cabaret mixed with Mad Max and freakshow vibes. Their sound is new, fresh and the fire-performers, skeletal dancers, fabric-winged fairies and kabuki masked creeps are amazing.

Taking a little time out up at Slow Motion, we laze in Solace with tea and cake, marvel at the Owl and Falconry display and laugh at Llama’s butts before attempting drunken hoop twirling and some hefty/danger fraught poi. The yoga tent looks great, but we are way beyond balance at this point.

In the Ambient Forest we stumble into becoming performers ourselves with the Uke band by The Gypsy caravans. With a song book filled with unlikely and brilliant options, we stay for renditions of Don’t Stop Believing, Friday I’m In Love, and go all out at the top of our voiced for The Final Countdown. This is the kind of unexpected happening that sets Bestival apart from other festivals, unplanned weirdness is always memorable.

The Out of Africa Bar & Disco Shed provide a little downtime as we listen to Michael Jackson jams and drink enormous cocktails whilst ducking to avoid the frenzied games of swirly tennis (swingball?) going on behind us. Grabbing some free fabric wristbands from the merch tent (if these were made up, why did we all get crap plastic wristbands for entry this year?) we stomp our way back to the main stage for Bastille.

Returning triumphantly to Bestival, Bastille are this time dressed in white jumpsuits with ww.com on the back, depicting their brand new album ‘Wild World’. Kicking off with old favourite ‘Bad Blood’ we know it’s going to be a good one, and the crowd is absolutely sardine-rammed into the arena. ‘Things We Lost In The Fire’ and ‘These Streets’ are brilliant, and new track ‘Good Grief’ gets a great reception. Despite it not really being a surprise any more, we all get down with their cover/re-working of No Scrubs ‘No Angels’ and ‘Of The Night’ a mashup of ‘Rhythm of the Night’ and ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’.

Dual headliners Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa make their mark on Bestival, with everyone getting their groove on, reliving their noughties youth. Though ticket sales say that this years’ headline choices perhaps weren’t up to Bestival’s usual standard, it’s clear those who are here are having a rowdy good time.

Check out our full headline review of Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa HERE

Now, hugging your mates and telling them you intensely love them is pretty standard practice at Bestival, it’s just that kind of place that makes you love the world, but the closing fireworks is where you can hold each other tight and reminisce on the great/hazy memories you’ve made this weekend. Soon you’ll be trawling through blurry pictures of yourself looking an absolute state and missing every single moment of this magical festival, but for now – we’re oohing and aahing at this amazing Prince Tribute. Complete with screened video, purple smoke and confetti, we are truly sad that Prince never made it to Bestival, the kind of place that would truly have revered him and his music. The solar system rings of fire glow below as massive rockets flower in the sky and it is beautiful.

The night is still young for those squeezing every last ounce of Bestival into their souls, and The Human League are playing to a huge crowd in The Big Top. ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and ‘Don’t You Want Me’ go way beyond karaoke and into the you-can’t-hear-the-band-because-everyone-is-singing territory.

Caravanserai is also full of life, with fire performers, aerialists and tightrope walkers walking high above cosy groups of people laughing in waltzer cars, whilst bursts of fire flame into the night from The Spaceport in the distance. Grabbing some gourmet grilled cheese we make the last trek back to the tents, watched by the shining eyes  of the Lovebot.

There have been many harsh reviews floating about for Bestival this year which I think are largely unfounded. Yes things were very different which definitely came as a shock after the sheer grandiosity of the last few years, but the atmosphere was as ever, oh so Bestival. The creativity, beauty and balance was still there – all the things Bestival is renowned for. For every mad moment where something truly serendipitous has caught you off guard, where something held you in the kind of wonderment you thought you’d lost after childhood, and for every second you forgot your problems and just let loose, Bestival is the engineer. The thought that drives this festival is apparent in every corner, no matter the budget. I will be there next year with bells on. Or whatever stuff the new theme requires really.

All photographs © Andy McHardy – please do not use without permission.

Bestival 2016 – Sean Paul & Wiz Khalifa: Reviewed!

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The final day of Bestival 2016 has thankfully been a scorcher, and as we turn our sunburnt faces towards the main stage, it’s time for the first of tonight’s dual headliners – Sean Paul. Though, is it really a dual headline if they’re just one after another?

Highlights of Sean Paul’s set are Temperature, him saying his own name more than Craig David does, and obviously Get Busy which has the entire arena ‘shaking their thing’. What ‘thing’ that is, is seriously up for debate it seems. There really is nothing like watching a field full of drunk British people trying to imitate the very talented stage dancers’ dancehall moves. Truthfully, we ought to be stopped before we hurt ourselves or get arrested.

Like Glue still makes absolutely no sense but there’s something really comforting about Sean Paul’s music, it’s all about memories of the early noughties – riding five up in an old banger, arms hanging out the window swamped in gold chains and sunnies, being a complete gangster on the Coventry ringroad. Ballin’. The arena is a sea of waving arms and people climbing flagpoles for a better view (or eternal glory) as Sean Paul yells “I’ve never seen so much tits”. Well, I guess we’re at least good at that then.

For the second half of tonight’s festivities, we get a taste of Taylor Gang with Pittsburgh party animal Wiz Khalifa. Black and Yellow has the arena jumping with Wiz yelling “Let’s get fucking high y’all” and “Y’all seem to love loud music”. Other highlights include Work Hard Play Hard and See You Again, but the fact that he can’t seem to go more than two minutes without mentioning weed is just a bit predictably boring – “Shout out to all the ladies out there! How many of y’all smoke weed?”. On the other hand singing about say, heroin is possibly a lot less coherent or marketable.

Though Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa certainly aren’t everyone’s cup of chai, it’s pretty obvious that the arena is full of appreciative applause after their energetic performances. It is however, the Prince tribute fireworks and big-screen play of Purple Rain (accompanied by streamers and purple smoke) that bring a tear to the eye. Oh how amazing it would have been to have seen him play Bestival.

All photographs © Andy McHardy – please do not use without permission.

Bestival announces final headliners for 2016

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Busting out from the houses of joy, our mighty main stage is going to take a spanking as we turn up the levels on a Future soundclash that will bring Bestival 2016 to a jubilant close. Announcing not one but two Sunday night headliners, hip-hop will meet dancehall for a mind-blowingly triumphant booty shaking party in the ultimate Sunday night head to head on the Isle of Wight.

Rob da Bank says: “We love a big finale at Bestival, we also love hip-hop and dancehall and a massive soundsystem superclash between Wiz Khalifa and Sean Paul seems like a solid plan to close off another big weekend of music of raving, partying and expanding your minds at Bestival. Pull up!”

Commenting on his Sunday night headline performance Wiz Khalifa said: “Can’t wait to be back in the UK and perform at Bestival. The fans here have such good energy, it’s going to be lit.”

Looking forward to his headline appearance, Sean Paul said: “I can't wait to play at Bestival… I’ve heard the grand finale on the Sunday night is the best festival spot in the UK and I'm gonna bring the fyyyaahhh”

Yes! In a UK festival exclusive, we have not just one but two Billboard Hot 100 chart toppers – hip-hop superstar Wiz Khalifa and dancehall legend Sean Paul – who will be the twin big things at the greatest party the Future has ever seen. Kicking off with Sean Paul, who will be taking it uptown with sweet beats and all the bass, you can expect to be dutty wining all the time as we transcend the normal and head into the unknown. Famed for getting the dance bouncing with tracks like Get Busy, Temperature and Entertainment, you know this is going to go Full Frequency… but that’s just part one.

Once the dancehall behaviour has lit the blue touch paper on our most epic of finales, we get the hip-hop as Wiz Khalifa takes to the stage to drop the dopest flow. Pittsburgh’s finest rhymer, Wiz came to worldwide attention for his track Black and Yellow, and keeps on smashing them out of the park, with Work Hard Play Hard (something the Bestival crew are well versed in), See You Again and We Dem Boyz cementing his place as one of hip-hop’s MVPs and one of our favourite ever MCs. Guaranteed to take the party into the stratosphere, if that’s not a sure fire knock out one-two, we don’t know what is.

But you know us, we don’t know when to stop! Capping what will be one of our most incredible Sunday nights ever, the man like da Bank, Tayo and more will take to the stage for Purple Rave a truly spellbinding audio-visual tribute to Prince. A huge and enduring influence on everyone in the Bestival family, Prince was unquestionably up there with the greatest musicians in history. So, don’t you dare miss our eye-popping pyrotechnic paean showcasing hits, rarities, the odd cheeky bootleg and more, all accompanied by a coruscating firework spectacular that will be our heartfelt tribute to the one that got away.

And keeping the good news flowing we have got even more future sailors joining the Bestival bill, who we predict will be making jubilant appearances across the weekend, including Oxford quartet Glass Animals, and fast, mesmeric masters Crystal Fighters.

Giving you the Future of festivals now, don’t miss out on our Robin Hill adventures. Keep an eye out for the omens: www.Bestival.net, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram / Tumblr

#Bestival16

Wiz Khalifa,Ty Dolla $ign and more set for Fresh Island Festival

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Wiz Khalifa is set to headline Fresh Island 2016 with further performances confirmed from Ty Dolla $ign. Statik Selektah, DJ Premier, Logan Sama, Shakka and Tim Westwood, with many more still to be announced. Fresh Island is pulling out all the stops this year to make its fifth anniversary  the biggest and most memorable yet. Returning to the stunning location of Croatia’s Zrce Beach, revellers will experience unmissable performances across hip-hop, grime and r&b along with boat and pool parties galore. Tickets are a very affordable €89 (around £69) for a standard 3 day pass, with VIP tickets costing €189 (around £144), available via the Fresh Island website. 

Having earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Europe’s most unique music festivals, Fresh Island will once again welcome thousands of revellers to the idyllic waterside settings of Zrce Beach to witness international and underground talent across the full spectrum of Hip Hop, R&B and Grime.

Headlining the anniversary celebrations this year is rap demigod Wiz Khalifa, riding high of the back of a huge 2015 that saw him slay the charts with the Grammy nominated See You Again. Wiz will be joined by one of Hip Hop’s most dominant voices Ty Dolla $ign, who’ll be ready to deliver live cuts from his formidable debut albumFree TC. Making a welcome return to the island after recording the Beautiful Life music video with fellow Fresh Island alumni Action Bronson and Danny Brown last year, is seminal East-Coast producer Statik Selektah. Founder of influential hip-hop duo Gang Starr, DJ Premier, is another legendary producer who'll be jetting to Zrce beach for Fresh Island.

Holding it down for the UK is BBK collaborator and rising r&b prodigy Shakka, alongside grime champion Logan Sama. No Fresh Island line-up would be complete without the godfather Tim Westwood on the bill and the DJ will be joined by Melody Kane and Miss DJ Candy. Keeping the party going throughout the week are some of the UK’s finest crews including Shorebitch, Applebum, So Fresh So Clean, Cheese On Bread, Faded andRompa's Reggae Shack. 

Bastille and Wiz Khalifa added to Exit Festival 2016

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Exit Adventure adds Wiz Khalifa, Bastille, Stormzy and Lost Frequencies to the bill!

First lineup additions for Exit and Sea Dance festivals

One of the biggest hip-hop stars of today, Wiz Khalifa will perform Exit Festival on July 10th! Khalifa is at the peak of his ever-rising popularity after heading most of this year’s charts with “See You Again” which is one of three most viewed videos of all time! Adding up to three billion YouTube views, Pittsburgh rapper is one the most popular artists in the world known for collaborations with Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Snoop Dogg, Miley Cirus, Maroon 5, Lily Allen, will.i.am, 50 Cent and numerous others. Khalifa has been nominated for ten Grammies, including the Song of the Year, which secured him a performance at Times Square NYE! Indie rock attraction Bastille are joining the Exit's bill for festival's openning on July 7th. The London-based quartet has swept the planet with their hit-singles "Pompeii", "Things We Lost in Fire" and "Oblivion", pushing their debut album "Bad Blood" to tje the top of the UK Albums Chart, followed by the BRIT award for the British Breakthrough Act. The world music scene eagerly awaits their new album, set to be released next year which only lucky fans at Glasto got to preview at a secret gig!

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/PnwEcdhO6co

The most talked about MC of this year, a MOBO award winner Stormzy will perform on July 10th July at Exit’s Main Stage. He owns the first ever freestyle single that entered UK chart’s Top 10. Stormzy's unstoppable force proved with his campaign to get his grime anthem “Shut Up” at the top of the UK Singles Chart on the week of Christmas Day, usually taken up by one of X Factor stars, such is Louisa Johnson who has already fallen behind him along with One Direction!

Exit Magic Adventure 2016 – New Lineup Additions:
Travellers for both Exit and Sea Dance are in for another ultimate X-Bass Adventure in partnership with UKF. The magical Petrovaradin Fortress will host Playaz 20th Anniversary lineup at Exit's opening night with DJ Hype, Ms. Dynamite and Sub Zero joining the bill. Exit will also host the most demanded DJ sets of Wilkinson, Modestep and Ivy Lab trio (Sabre, Stray and Halogenix). Festival goers at spectacular Jaz Beach are in for a treat as Andy C premieres at Sea Dance too with many more acts soon to be announced!

Fusion, the second biggest live stage at Exit, will host the forefathers of the dub genre, Dub Pistols on Saturday, 9 July! Last year, the band returned to the scene in grandiose style, "Return of the Pistoleros". The same place will be coloured by the sounds of the popular Dutch indie rock band Kensington, presenting their work to the audience on Friday, 8 July with their latest album “Rivals“.

One of the leading dubstep DJs and producers, Zomboy, continues his journey through the Exit Adventure and after this summer's smashing set Exit, he'll be heading south to Sea Dance, for an equally euphoric festival closure! After "Resurrected", an album that won the hearts of millions of fans, this 25-year old mixing virtuoso from England had the opportunity to collaborate on remixing some of the biggest players like DJ Fresh and Flux Pavilion, and of course, his mentor Skrillex!

The award-winning Sea Dance Festival will also have a grand opening with the Belge hitmaker Lost Frequencies making everyone singing on 14 July! Huge summer hits, "Are You with Me" and "Reality", will echo throughout the Adriatic coast in a special sunset set. These two singles were among some of the most listened tracks this year, joining the likes of digital chart toppers Wiz Khalifa, Ellie Goulding, Kygo and Feder!

Rudimental and Kanye West review at Wireless 2014 – Saturday

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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

Wireless Festival announce massive lineup with Kanye West, Drake, Bruno Mars and more

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We have massive lineup news for this years Wireless Festival which will take place two locations in London's Finsbury Park and Birmingham's Perry Park.

Kanye West, Drake and Bruno Mars will headline over the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows and joining them will be some of the biggest artists at the moment including, Outkast, Pharrell Williams, Rudimental, Basement Jaxx, Ellie Goulding, Wiz Khalifa, John Newman, Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks, Pretty Lights, Chance The Rapper, Ella Eyre, Angel Haze, Salt-N-Pepa, Clean Bandit, Earl Sweatshirt, A$AP Ferg and Neon Jungle.

 

Tickets  go on sale this Friday 31st January at 9am!

Entering its tenth consecutive year Wireless Festival promoter Steve Homer from Live Nation is looking forward to another incredible year.  “Wireless Festival celebrates its 10th year this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled to mark this momentous anniversary by taking it to a second site, Perry Park in Birmingham, and a brand new site in London, Finsbury Park.  We are delighted to be welcoming back Drake and Kanye West as headliners and thrilled to secure Bruno Mars for his first UK Festival headline performance.  They are perfect for Wireless Festival, securing these three artists plus many more world class acts continues to cement our reputation as a world class leader on the festival circuit.”

LONDON: FRI, 4TH JULY BIRMINGHAM: SUN, 6TH JULY

KANYE WEST

PHARRELL WILLIAMS 

BASEMENT JAXX

IGGY AZALEA

 ELLA EYRE 

ANGEL HAZE

LONDON: SAT, 5TH JULY BIRMINGHAM: FRI, 4TH JULY

DRAKE

RUDIMENTAL

WIZ KHALIFA 

AZEALIA BANKS * PRETTY LIGHTS

CHANCE THE RAPPER  

EARL SWEATSHIRT * A$AP FERG

LONDON: SUN, 6TH JULY BIRMINGHAM: SAT, 5TH JULY

BRUNO MARS

OUTKAST

ELLIE GOULDING 

JOHN NEWMAN

 SALT-N-PEPA * CLEAN BANDIT

NEON JUNGLE  

 

Complete Wireless Festival 2012 lineup announced

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Taking place on 6, 7, 8 July, the festival features the biggest and best names in music today including superstar headliners deadmau5, Drake and Rihanna alongside other sensational acts such as Nicki Minaj, Jessie J, Example, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Labrinth and Professor Green. The bandstand line up has now been unveiled giving audiences the chance to see the new breed of upcoming stars, hand-picked from the rich array of original talent in the Capital and beyond.  This year’s Barclaycard Wireless Festival is set to be the biggest and bestyet, 65,000 tickets for Saturday 7 (Headlined by Drake) and Sunday 8 (headlined by Rihanna) sold out a month in advance of the festival.  Tickets for Friday July 6, headlined by deadmau5 are still available but selling fast. 

Set times have also just been announced on the website so you can start to planyour schedule.  You can also download the free Barclaycard Wireless Festival 2012 app, available now on iPhone and later this week on Android and Blackberry.  You’ll have access to the latest line-up, interactive map, event information and social updates from backstage.

As well as enjoying the most enviable of line-ups, festival goers can explore all the exciting attractions on site and this year Barclaycard will enhance the festival experience with the Barclaycard PayBand. The PayBand allows you to buy things quickly (with just a tap of your PayBand at any of the vendors on site), escape the crowds in the Unwind Perk Park with its viewing platform, luxurytoilets and free festival goodies, and get in quickly through the Barclaycard fast track lanes!  If you have not registered for one already and you’re a Barclaycard customer, then head to the Barclaycard Unwind Perk Park on-site and get one. www.barclaycardpayband.com

Full Barclaycard Wireless Festival line up as follows:

FRIDAY 6 JULY

MAIN STAGE: Deadmau5, Afrojack, The Roots, Maverick Sabre, Metric

PEPSI MAX STAGE: Knife Party, Feed Me, Santigold, Modestep, Childish Gambino

BARCLAYCARD UNWIND STAGE: Jaguar Skills, Ms Dynamite, Zeds Dead, Gemini, Araabmuzik, Zedd

BANDSTAND STAGE: Pro Dot, Runriot, Brave New Storm

SATURDAY 7 JULY

MAIN STAGE: Drake, Nikki Minaj, Example, Wiz Khalifa, Professor Green, Tulisa, Rita Ora

PEPSI MAX STAGE: Nero, The Weeknd, Labrinth, Delilah, D’banj, Hilltop Hoods, Clement Marfo & The Frontline

BARCLAYCARD UNWIND STAGE: Chiddy Bang, Dot Rotten, The Dream, Lady Leshurr, Sway, Sneakbo, Angel, Koan Sound, AlunaGeorge

BANDSTAND STAGE: Mikill Pane, Josh Osho, Krept & Konan, Queen Of Hearts, Other Tribe, Bakery Boys

SUNDAY 8 JULY

MAIN STAGE: Rihanna, Jessie J, J Cole, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Pitbull, Cher Lloyd

PEPSI MAX STAGE: Calvin Harris, Kaskade, Madeon, A$AP Rocky, Flux Pavilion, Lloyd, Stooshe

BARCLAYCARD UNWIND STAGE: Far East Movement, Theophilus London, Doctor P, Kreayshawn, Rascals, L Marshall, Monsta, Steve Papa Edwards

BANDSTAND STAGE: K-Koke, Spe, Cleo Sol, NY, Skyline, Afterdark Movement

Wireless Festival 2012 Preview

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Drake

Saturday and Sunday are now completely sold out for this years Wireless Festival, and if you haven't got your ticket yet but want to catch a piece of Wireless, you can still get day tickets for Friday to see deadmau5, Aforjack and more!

After pulling out in 2010 due to unforseen circumstances, Drake returns to London to headline Wireless Festival in 2012.  Joining Drake on the main stage will be US rapper Nicki Minaj, Example, Wiz Khalifa, Professor Green, Tulisa and Rita Ora.  Over in the Pepsi Max Stage, Nero will headline along with The Weekend, Labrinth, Deliah, D'banj, Hilltop Hoods, Clement Marfo & The Frontline.

Rihanna returns to London to headline Sunday night after a massive sell out tour in the UK last year.  Joining Rhi-Rhi on the main stage is Jessie J, J Cole, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Pitbull and Cher Llyod.

The Summer Festival Guide will be on hand to bring you all the action from Saturday, we will be keeping you up to date on the performances through the day, who we have seen in the press area's, and will hopefully catch a few acts to interview through the day!

The Cure, Lana del Rey and more for Eurockéennes 2012

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After re-inventing the word Rocknroll with The White Stripes at the beginning of the 2000s’, Mr JACK WHITE is now playing a solo project. The Lana del Reyphenomenon of the year and pop-princess LANA DEL REY is preparing an amazing show for her first festival, an event that she used to enjoy as a spectator when she was a teenage girl; watching rock bands such as Nirvana or the heavy hip hop rappers CYPRESS HILL, back in the line-up of Eurockéennes this year.

Great American artists will play at Eurockéennes this summer, the intelligent metal of MASTODON, smoke-filled rap of WIZ KHALIFA and the Celtic punk of DROPKICK MURPHYS.

There are also two frenchies who bring the house down all over the world, they are called JUSTICE, and they are the most popular electronic music duo “French Touch 2.0”!

We also have various young rap artists from France, ORELSAN and the young collective 1995, all fed by the best French rappers. Native artist, the rocker HUBERT-FELIX THIEFAINE, is coming back to Eurockéennes where he feels like home. Everybody is crazy about their electro-rock and hip-hop show and you won’t miss that this summer: meet SHAKAPONK at Eurockéennes.

From CHARLIE WINSTON’s bohemian folk to the purely pop music of THE KOOKS, without forgetting the legend of THE CURE, the United Kingdom will be well represented during the festival. We will also welcome the come back of the hardcore punks from Sweden: REFUSED (after more than a decade off the stage!)

New band announcements will be made every Tuesday, stay tunned to our website:http://www.eurockeennes.fr/index.php/englishpage. Three Day tickets including camping are currently available on the Eurockéennes website and See Tickets for just 99 euros + booking fee

EUROCKEENNES: ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Eurockéennes is an open-air festival that takes place in Belfort, north east France, attracting over 95.000 festival goers across 3 days each year. You can enjoy over 60 acts including international stars across 4 different stages. Previous editions have seen bands of the calibre of Depeche Mode, Arcade Fire, Jay-Z, Daft Punk or David Bowie performing at the event. The festival takes place at beautiful peninsula of Malsaucy, surrounded by lakes and hills. Visitors from other countries and regions can pitch their tent or sleep in the tepee village at the free campsite.

Dates: 29th June – 1st July 
Where: Malsaucy peninsula – Belfort (France) 
Website: http://www.eurockeennes.fr/index.php/englishpage

Line-up so far: The Cure, Jack White, Lana Del Rey, Cypress Hill, Mastodon, Wiz Khalifa, Dropkick Murphys, Justice, Orelsan, 1995, Hubert-Felix Thiefaine, Shakaponk, Charlie Winston, The Kooks, Refused. 
Tickets: From 44 euro currently available on the Eurockéennes website and See Tickets 
How to get there: Belfort is located in the North East of France, close to Swiss border. The Basel / Mulhouse Euroairport (Easyjet) is 70 km away from the festival and very easily reachable by highway (40 minutes). 
Belfort is also easily reachable by train (voyage sncf). From Belfort station, you may take the free shuttles especially provided to reach the festival site and the camping area.