Month: May 2013

Example, Basement Jaxx and more lead Rockness 2013 lineup announcement

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RockNess 2013 launches today with an announcement of quality and depth, and in keeping with the eclectic signature synonymous with the festival, a tantalising flavour of 2013’s hottest rising stars.

First up, with a knack for dispensing ridiculously catchy chart toppers, EXAMPLE’s live shows, complete Examplewith full band, are back-to-back, energy packed affairs. Drawing on a four album strong catalogue, including multiple number one successes, it’ll be a hits-a-thon come June with the likes of ‘Kickstarts,‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’, ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ and ’Stay Awake’.  EXAMPLE’s brand of dance-rap, flavoured with input from the likes of Benga, Calvin, Skream, Zane Lowe and Blur’s Graham Coxon, will be the RockNess soundtrack impossible not to bounce to with reckless abandon.

Few live acts shout “party” more than chief shindig instigators BASEMENT JAXX, and we are delighted to announce the ringleaders are back and heading to Dores this June. Last time the unstoppable duo and their merry band of singers, dancers and MCs landed at Dores, the brilliantly wild, main stage pandemonium never moved below fourth gear. Now the JAXX experience is returning, and with new material recently being teased across airwaves, igniting strong rumours of a new album, it’ll soon be party time again.

Having now attained national treasure status, MADNESS bring their inimitable nutty magic to The Highlands. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’… in now signature RockNess style, this promises to be the festival’s mass sing-along moment of 2013.

Predicted to “help usher in a new era for guitar music” with a sound described as “fantastic, exhilarating and exciting”, THE VACCINES are fast track sealing their status as rock ‘n’ roll icons. Debut demo “If You Wanna” exploded as Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ in 2010, and an instant sell out UK tour played to rapturous media acclaim, and audiences including Alex Kapranos, Marcus Mumford and members of White Lies and The Maccabees.  Second album ‘Come of Age’ rocketed straight into number one in September 2012, certifying gold status less than 3 weeks after release, and this summer, in what will be an electrifying assault, THE VACCINES will play RockNess.

Bombay Bicycle ClubWinners of the Best New Band award at 2010’s NME Awards, and Ivor Novello-nominated for second album ‘Flaws’ in 2011, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have arrived proper style with third album ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, a lesson in how to work a groove to glorious genre slicing effect. Witness the remarkable evolution this June,

Extolling the finest virtues of a modern day troubadour, singer songwriter BEN HOWARD is one of the brightest talents to emerge in recent times. The lush musicianship of debut album ‘Every Kingdom’ oozes quality, earning him a Mercury Prize nomination in 2012, and recent follow up EP ‘The Burgh Island’ continues his ascent. Relentless gigging has honed BEN HOWARD’s live shows like few others. Soulful, emotive and one of many unmissables set for RockNess 2013.

Since bagging the BRIT Awards’ Critics Choice in 2010, ELLIE GOULDING has shape shifted from the sparkly pop of debut album ‘Lights’ to the more bombastic but equally magical follow up of ‘Halycon’, released late 2012. Live, her sound, and especially her voice – folky, primal, soaring when it needs to – stands GOULDING apart as an original. Pop music in sublime effect.

THE MACCABEES posses the kind of heroic force that heavy touring has beefed them up for. Gutsy and honest, the band’s latest album ‘Given to the Wild’ was Mercury nominated in 2012. Check them out and see why for yourself.

Next up, RockNess is absolutely delighted to announce the stunning sound of JESSIE WARE will be gracing Dores.  Since emerging on to the scene in 2010, the London songstress has been laying impressive foundations with a sound that oozes soulful quality, reminiscent of the 80’s most seductive divas.  Guest production duties assumed by the likes of Julio Bashmore, SBTRKT and Joker edge her gorgeous sound on the credibility stakes too. JESSIE WARE.  Here, now, and utterly authentic.

Jessie Ware

CAMERA OBSCURA epitomise the spirit of indie. Coming on to the scene around the same time as the likes of Belle & Sebastian (debut album ‘Biggest Bluest Hi Fi’ was produced by Stuart Murdoch), the Glaswegian band’s output has never strayed far from their intoxicating brand of golden pop, building up a loyal cult following in the process.

Last but by no means least, as one of the original torchbearers to break through for the nu folk / acoustic movement of the noughties, NEWTON FAUKLNER’s distinct sound was prophetically ahead of its time.  Since then the dreadlocked one has refused the temptation to kowtow to any fleeting trends, sticking to what he does best – essentially tight, rhythmic guitars, nimble finger picking, uncommon tunings and inventive chord changes. NEWTON FAULKNER is not just an artist but an entertainer definitely worth checking out live.

With heaps more exciting announcements and arena details coming soon, including line ups for the mighty SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS, the countdown has officially commenced!

Speaking about this year’s launch announcement, Festival Director Jim King said ”I'm delighted to announce the first names we're bringing to the party at Loch Ness this summer. We've been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an eclectic line up of the highest calibre acts for which RockNess is synonymous. To top it all, we’ve reduced the price of our Weekend Camping tickets by £20 so you can join us at RockNess for less than most other major UK festivals at an amazing value price of £139. We’ve introduced a new Inverness Discount ticket, which is inclusive of all fees to support local businesses in Inverness if you buy over the counter; more details can be found on our website.

If you haven't joined us at RockNess before, I promise you it is the best way to kickstart your summer, a completely electric atmosphere, partying in what is probably the most beautiful festival site in the world. If you have been to RockNess before then as always I’d like to thank you for your continued support in making it the best festival in Scotland.  We've got many more bands and DJ's still to announce, plus another very special headliner, so stay tuned…!”

Want to see how much fun RockNess really is? Check out the video from last year!  

http://vimeo.com/54136241

Rockness announce Plan B as headliner + Temper Trap and more

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First up, one of the most important British artists of his generation, PLAN B is heading to Dores for what will be an explosive headline performance. Steadfastly refusing to be pigeonholed, PLAN B is a bonafide 21st century original.  From the critically acclaimed debut album Who Needs Actions When You Got Word, the oozing-with-soul breakthrough The Defamation of Strickland Banks, to last year’s soundtrack and film of the same name Ill Manors, PLAN B’s powerful and totally unique social commentary and musical narrative marks his return to RockNess as unmissable.

Plan B

Following a tour of sold out headline shows across the globe in 2012, Australian indie rockers THE TEMPER TRAP will play RockNess as part of only a handful of festivals this year. Meticulous arrangements and unashamedly catchy tracks highlight why they closed the year supporting Coldplay and are destined for greatness in 2013.

Notable for their fusion of styles, irony-laden lyrics, humorous personas and outrageous live performances, RockNess is delighted to welcome back ALABAMA 3. Get set for another tasty serving of psychedelic, technobilly rave ‘n’ roll underpinned with quality songwriting and accomplished playing.

Never limited solely to the dancefloor, JORIS VOORN creates soundscapes as much for the listener as for those seeking a full on club experience. As a DJ and live performer VOORN has joined an elite group of international DJs with global appeal. As a producer his work straddles the spectrum of electronica from atmospheric interludes to broken beats, house to deep soulful techno, the results of which can be found in the possession of Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier, Pete Tong and Sven Vath amongst many others.

LEN FAKI exploded into earspaces with his masterful Rainbow Delta / Mekong Delta EP, a perfectly wrought piece of ‘big’ techno with an unmistakable voice. FAKI has retained this unique voice ever since at both the packed out gigs he plays as well as across the management of two highly acclaimed techno labels Len Series and Podium.

CARL CRAIG is one of the most important names in the Detroit second generation of techno producers and DJs, with a formidable output inspired by the genres of jazz and soul.  His unique style, along with the reputation of his Planet E Communications label which serves as a vanguard for the art of techno, has played a pivotal role in sparking a new movement of electronic music and generating a die hard fanbase across the world.

A critically and commercially acclaimed, Grammy nominated producer, the UK’s NIC FANCIULLI has worked with artists as diverse as Kylie Minogue, Underworld, U.N.K.L.E., Tracy Thorn and JOSH WINK (also announced for RockNess 13). Responsible for a sleek, intelligent yet driving strain of house and techno, FANCIULLI’s own Saved Records has become an important purveyor of the electronic discipline.

Arguably the hottest property on Hospital Records, the UK’s most prolific drum and bass label,NETSKY burst on to the scene in 2009 with his eponymous debut album of liquid funk.  Pretension-free and mainstream-appealing, the Belgian’s follow up is a 15-track shot in the arm laden with trademark hooks and creative flair. No surprise his remixing magic is in high demand too, including for RockNess artists PLAN B, MADEON and SKREAM. Check out NETSKY LIVE! this June at the festival.

Netsky

THE FUTUREHEADS are true innovators, completely distinctive and occasionally mad. What other band could follow a four album-strong repertoire of exhilarating post punk garage rock with a wonderfully wacky collection of acapella songs spanning the likes of Kelis, Sparks and The Black Eyed Peas, as they have on recent fifth album Rant. This is what continues to set THE FUTUREHEADS apart and why their RockNess appearance is much anticipated.

London’s MARK HENNING has risen up as one of the international underground’s leading players and is signed to Glasgow’s SOMA RECORDS. Inspired by a diverse breadth of music from Dinosaur Jr to Dan Bell, HENNING’s sound sits somewhere between house and techno with futuristic bleeps, outright funk, darkness, deepness and straight up grooves.   

An artist’s artist, ALEX METRIC started out as a nuskoolbreaks producer, succeeding this with numerous awards, highly successful collaborations and a Radio 1 show. His remixing magic has been applied to the work of many high profile bands including U2, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz and La Roux, and more recently METRIC, along with Steve Angello collaborated with Ian Brown. A favourite at clubs and festivals around the world, we are very pleased to welcome ALEX METRIC.

Keeping on the new, fresh trance direction of this year’s RockNess, MAT ZO brings an experimental tour de force to his sets which are fast gaining repute to all who behold. Hailed as ‘one to watch’ by the mighty ABOVE & BEYOND, MAT ZO’s Radio 1 Essential Mix sessions give an insight to the tasty treats lined up for June.   

Bristol Drum & Bass composer REDLIGHT is another exciting new addition to this year’s proposition. With a number of dancefloor destroyers to his credit, as well as collaborations with Chase & Status, Ms Dynamite and Ceelo Green executed to devastating effect, the sound of the REDLIGHT imprint is spreading fast.  

Joining this array of quality is young Russian maverick PROXY. Signed to Tiga’s Turbo Recordings,PROXY produces massive techno with an unmistakable Russian industrial aura. Check out the huge blistering kick of ‘Vibrate’ and ‘Raven’ to hear what he is capable of.

Soma’s HARVEY MCKAY has emerged from Glasgow’s underground scene to become one of the hottest electronic prospects around, with a reputation for one-off originals, killer remixes, deep driving house and powerful techno always with a dark energetic signature party mood. Slam, Adam Beyer, Green Velvet and Luke Slater are fans of HARVEY MCKAY, and his set is highly recommended.

Rounding off this latest RockNess slam dunk, ANIMAL FARM aka Daren Quail, Chris Lamb and Charles Turtle, return to the festival to deliver more outstanding underground techno party vibes for which they are renowned. These are exciting times for ANIMAL FARM with a new eponymous label soon to be launched, releasing the debut from producer Bleak.

Speaking about programming this year’s Arcadia Afterburner, SOMA RECORDS boss Dave Clarke said “We always look forward to inviting DJs to RockNess. It’s the best boutique festival in the UK. Set in beautiful surroundings and attracting a great audience of fun loving music fans who like to dance!”  

Fatboy Slim, Above & Beyond and more set for Rockness

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Hot on the heels of the first acts being revealed for RockNess 2013, the next heaving-with-quality announcement of artists heading to Dores this summer is here, including the first acts landing with devastating effect on the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS on the ARCADIA AFTERBURNER.

First up, and we couldn’t be happier, FATBOY SLIM is heading back to his spiritual home as Very Special Guest!  There at the birth, and checking in to Dores as often as his in-demand globetrotting allows, no other artist in the festival’s history feels the RockNess love – or drops such monster levels of raveability – as FATBOY SLIM.  For those yet to experience the quite frankly outrageous party euphoria induced by Norman…get ready!

Fatboy Slim

Sending this message to Rocknessers ahead of June, he has this to say…“Comin’ home to baby on the shores of Dores…RockNess I’ve missed you…feels so good to be heading back to see how my wayward child has grown. Roll on June, roll on The Scottish Highlands, roll on the party…”  We’ve missed you too Norman. See you soon!

With the tightest productions and finely crafted, vocal-laced gems, released across 3 genre-defining albums on their Anjunabeats label, ABOVE & BEYOND are setting the trance bar very high indeed. Playing to packed out crowds at the biggest dance events on the planet, the trio’s relentless stadia touring schedule, which includes playing to 1 million people on Barra Beach in Rio, as well as soundtracking Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Spaceship Two and taking their TATW radio show to the Twitter top spot across the world, RockNess is very pleased to be welcoming ABOVE & BEYOND to Scotland this summer.

MADEON is one of the most electrifying artists to have burst on to the scene in recent times. Having delivered a set of outstanding quality when he made his debut Scottish appearance at RockNess last year as part of an all-French assault headed up by Justice, the 18 year old megastar is back for more demolition!  Mind boggling numbers of youtube views, production credits for the likes of Pendulum and Deadmau5, appearances at top festivals including Coachella…MADEON is on fire. Standby for a litany of sounds spanning nu-disco, house classics and full on electro bangers!

JULIO BASHMORE is leading the charge and cultivating house music like no one else right now. Which goes some way to explaining the level of excitement and stratospheric rise surrounding this Bristolian.  Having garnered a devoted following based on the slew of singles and EPs he has put out since 2009, electrifying club sets, plus production on the incredible JESSIE WARE’s Mercury-nominated Devotion (another RockNess must-see artist!), JULIO BASHMORE is delivering on the hype.

If anyone knows how to throw a banging party, STEVE AOKI does. The Dim Mak Records founder’s style is totally unique. A bit of dub step, bit of house, little bit of pop intricacy too, AOKI’s hardcore LA roots underpin his propulsive energy and raw punk attitude. STEVE AOKI rocks a crowd, and he’ll most definitely rock Dores!

Steve Aoki

As a member of dubstep pioneers Magnetic Man, BENGA is co-responsible for an output of undisputable quality, punctuated with junglist tendencies, tech-laced soulfullness and guest vocals from the likes of Katy B and Miss Dynamite. Along with Magnetic Man comrade SKREAM, one of the genre’s first and most prominent producers (La Roux, Bat For Lashes, Goldie and Toddla T), the two are forging the freshest musical directions, heard in its glory every Friday on their BBC Radio 1 ‘In New Music We Trust’ show.

German house duo BOOKA SHADE channel the spirit of the underground but reach out to festival-sized audiences. Having leapt to the forefront of dance with a clutch of hit tracks, as well as lending production magic to artists including The Knife, Moby, Roxy Music and Hot Chip, and garnering a string of awards along the way, fans can look forward to hearing new material off EP ‘Haleshop’, released on the highly acclaimed Get Physical Music label which they co-founded.

Philadelphia’s JOSH WINK  is one of the most prominent exponents of the tribal forms of techno and house.  Resting on the laurels of his huge success in the 90s has never been an option for WINK, who instead has consistently forged new directions in the underground scene, as well as enjoying the highest respect for his remixing of artists including Radiohead, Gorillaz and Nine Inch Nails.  

To hear PAN-POT’s simply colossal sound is to hear techno as it is intended. Tagging themselves as “the dark side of the force”, PAN-POT plumb the deep uncharted depths of pitch black techno, turning convention on its head with an unorthodox kinetic sound that stands them as one of the genre’s most dominant forces. The reverberations are still being felt from the last time our SOMA RECORDS friends brought PAN-POT to Scotland…so we are beyond excited to confirm they return in 2013, this time to RockNess.

A genuine homegrown hero, Glaswegian JACKMASTER’s rise to fame is about as storybook perfect as it gets.  Co-founder of the city’s long running NUMBERS collective, which played to packed out crowds at the legendary SUB CLUB and swiftly spread to dancefloors across the world, the element of glorious surprise underpins his sets every time.  Few can hype a crowd quite like JACKMASTER – as his global DJ’ing schedule in 2013 bears testament – and we are extremely pleased to be welcoming him back to RockNess for an unmissable set of sheer quality.

Regarded as one of the most forward thinking club nights in the world, the SUB CLUB’s weekly SUBCULTURE residency is an institution that reigns supreme. HARRI and DOMENIC are revered by the electronic music fraternity the world over, and week in week out bodies are jacked at this inspirational residency. Last year we were spoiled rotten at RockNess as we celebrated the start of the SUB CLUB’s 25 Years birthday party, Twelve months down the line and come June there will be no finer exponents of house music to bring the year-long birthday party to a close than HARRI & DOMENIC. And to toast the prospect of another 25 years of treats!

GARY BECK is one of the most prolific and inventive producers on the scene. A unique sound, and in high demand at the world’s most respected clubs and festivals, his style can be heard on electro’s most pioneering labels, notably SOMA RECORDS and his own imprint Bek Audio.  Now on its 12th release, Bek Audio features a raft of top notch artists such as Slam, Mr G, Mark Broom and Speedy J.

HANS BOUFFMYHRE began his career in Glasgow with a night called 'Sleaze' where he booked and played alongside the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Funk D' Void, Chloe and Radio Slave.. Fast forward and his Sleaze Records is trailblazing as one of the UK’s most impressive techno labels. HANS’ tracks enjoy the support from luminaries including Richie Hawtin, Dubfire and Adam Beyer. Check him out this June and witness why.

JAGUAR SKILLS is a British DJ who has gained notoriety for his eclectic multi-genre, cut-n-paste style mixes. He has released hundreds of mixtapes, including across BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, and plays out to the nation with a weekly mix on the Trevor Nelson show. JAGUAR SKILLS has also dropped vocals on Grand Theft Auto, occupied a residency at Jade Jagger’s Jezebel night at Pacha in Ibiza, then latterly at Jezebel happenings in Europe, Russia and Hong Kong, and retains his mystique by famously wearing a balaclava during performances.

These latest electronic acts join EXAMPLE, BASEMENT JAXX, MADNESS, THE VACCINES, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, BEN HOWARD, ELLIE GOULDING, THE MACABEES, JESSIE WARE, CAMERA OBSCURA and NEWTON FAULKNER.

T in the Park add Lower than Atlantis, Mallory Knox and more!

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With less than 8 weeks to go until T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent's Lager have today announced yet more acts for the festival, with Lower than Atlantis, Mallory Knox and Vigo Thieves all heading to Kinross over 12th – 14th July.
 
With their infectiously melodic, high octane hardcore, Lower than Atlantis are one of the hottest properties to emerge from the UK’s rock scene in recent years. After releasing their debut EPBretton in 2008, plus two more self-funded albums (2010's Far Q and 2011's World Record), the Watford rockers steadily developed a reputation as an incredible live act, capturing the attention of fans, media and major labels alike. Their self-released single If The World Was To End premiered on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 Show at the start of 2012, and went on to be voted number 11 in the DJ’s Hottest 100 Records of 2012. After inking a deal with Island Records, they released their third album Changing Tune to major critical acclaim last October, and played to loyal fans across the country last month with their UK tour. They’ll bring their massive tunes to Kinross this summer when they make their T in the Park debut.  
 
After quickly establishing a loyal fan base, Mallory Knox released their debut EP Pilot in 2011. The release of their first video Oceans saw the band reach number 2 in the most requested Scuzz chart, and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength. The Cambridge rockers have already notched up a Top 40 record this year with the release of their debut album Signals in January, and are sure to go down a storm at T in the Park.
 
Within the past year, Vigo Thieves have packed out the BBC Introducing Tent at T in the Park, opened for The View, played to sell-out crowds in Glasgow, and been named as Ones to Watch in 2013 by the Scottish Sun. The hotly tipped five-piece make a welcome return to Kinross this July.
 
Over 85,000 festival-goers per day will descend on Kinross over 12th – 14th July for the 20th year ofT in the Park, which will feature performances by some of the hottest acts on the planet, including headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus The Script, Stereophonics, Beady Eye, Kraftwerk, alt-J, Foals, The Lumineers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, My Bloody Valentine, Two Door Cinema Club, The Courteeners, Frightened Rabbit, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men, Twin Atlantic, Editors, Hurts, Travis, Frank Turner, The View, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Haim, Imagine Dragons, The Fratellis, Johnny Marr, James Skelly & the Intenders, Modest Mouse, Villagers, Local Natives, Chvrches, Tribes, FIDLAR, Palma Violets, Kodaline, The 1975, Peace, The Strypes, British Sea Power, The Heavy, Deap Vally, Swim Deep, Trash Talk, Brooke Candy, The Virginmarys and Josephine, plus many more still to be announced.

Red Bull Studios takeover at RockNess

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On Sunday 9 June, London’s Red Bull Studios will be travelling up north to Scotland where they will be taking over a stage at the eponymous RockNess festival, Loch Ness, Scotland. Featuring some of the hottest talent from the electronic scene as well as Red Bull Studios regulars – many of whom take to the RockNess stage for the first time.

The Red Bull Studios takeover stage features an array of exciting talent from the world of electronic music, with veteran German house duo Booka Shade headlining, with support from Belgian drum’n’bass pioneer and Hospital Records stalwart Netsky, Radio 1s mixtape educator Jaguar Skills, plus Russian bass moulder Proxy and nu-garage upstart Friend Within.  In addition, the stage will host very special guest appearances from Red Bull Studios regulars Bobby Tank and Karma Kid both of whom have recently swung by to record sessions for the Introducing series. 

Netsky

Bobby Tank says: “It’s amazing to be given the opportunity to play alongside huge artists like Netsky and Booka Shade. I can’t wait to get up to Scotland again – the crowds really go in”.

Kicking off proceedings for the day will be a very special set from RockNess DJ Competition winner Aaron Russell (https://soundcloud.com/aaronrussell-1/aaron_russell_ness_jam_2013) who will perform the first set of the day having been chosen from 100s of hopefuls by festival director Jim King and Soma Records boss Dave Clarke. The prize also includes VIP tickets to the festival and entry for a five-friend entourage

Festival director Jim King commented: “The quality of entries was really high, Dave and I have loved listening to all of the mixes. Aaron truly stood out as a DJ who can get the crowds going in true RockNess style, I can’t wait to see Aaron playing his eclectic mix of underground house, live.”

Red Bull Studios are giving away a pair tickets plus travel to the iconic RockNess Festival, head to www.redbullstudios.com/london for your chance to win. Head to the site to check out mixes from last year’s Red Bull Studios stage at RockNess from the likes of Mystery Jets, Olugbenaa (Metronomy), Eats Everything and Auntie Flo & Esa.

Red Bull Studios takeover stage line up:

BOOKA SHADE // Netsky Live! // Jaguar Skills // Proxy // Bobby Tank // Karma Kid // Friend Within // Aaron Russell

Preview: Dot to Dot Festival

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Like Camden Crawl, Live at Leeds and Brighton's Great Escape. Dot to Dot is a city centre based festival.  Since forming in 2005 initially in Nottingham, Dot to Dot festival has expanded to three cities and now runs on three sucessive days over the Whit bank holiday weekend. Dot to Dot kicks off in Manchester on Friday 24th May, travels to Bristol on the Saturday before closing at Nottingham on the Sunday 26th.

Manchester's day, is centred around 8 venues in the the Oxford Road area from Witworth Street to Grosvenor Street. Your wristband entitles you into any of the featured venues (capacity permitting) and ranges from the 1,500 capacity Ritz, The brilliantly wallpapered Deaf Institute which is a favourite for many bands and fans,  long established student favourite The Thirsty Scolar, new cool venue in town Gorilla,  and my personal favourite Sound control which is hosting 3 rooms of music from 3pm to 3am
 
At many of these city centre festivals, visiting every venue is an impossible task due to the long walk and distance between venues.  However, with the exception of the SSI (which is still very walkable), every featured venue at Manchester's leg of Dot to Dot is within about 5 minutes walk of each other, meaning it's quite possible, to check out and visit every venue if you so wish.
 
Unlike most of the muddy field based festivals which force you to pay for a program for the privelidge of finding out stage times, the full venue listings and timings for all three cities have been announced and can be found at: http://dottodotfestival.co.uk/times meaning you can plan your day and check out the band's playing in advance.
 
The impressive line up features several acts playing at all three cities including Hottly tipped acoustic singer songwriters Tom Odell and Lucy Rose. Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Dry the River also play all days. The Manchester leg features many local must see bands who are producing music a million miles away from the old Oasis and Madchester stereotypes, and include the ambienat trippy beats and haunting vocals of From The Kites of San Quentin, fun, post- rocky insturmentals from Tribal fighters with party poppers almost guaranteed. If you can last until 2am then Manchester's Mount Fabric will be your new favourite band with their acomplised, complex, math-rock with astonishingly good vocals.
 
The key to these city centre festivals is adhering to any plan too strictly and allowing yourself to stumble across some new bands who you have not encountered before, and hopefully leave with a new favourite band for the summer.
 
Tickets are still available at a good value £20 from Alt Tickets: http://www.alt-tickets.co.uk/alttickets/home_dot_to_dot_festival_2013.html

Eddie Halliwell & Steve Aoki set for SW4 Main Stage

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VERY SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCED FOR SW4 SATURDAY!

Eddie Halliwell is a DJ with an unprecedented talent; twice named Mixmag’s DJ of the year and nominated in its ‘Greatest DJ of All Time’ poll. His peers acknowledge him as one of the leading innovators when it comes to using technology to push boundaries, manipulating the music with lightning cuts, layers of effects and slick scratches. Playing tracks from across a broad musical spectrum – trance, techno, house and electro – he harnesses the energy of every beat, synth, hi-hat, squelch and squeak, using his technical expertise to generate new sounds. Through his extensive skill set Eddie has managed to unleash no less than a record eight Essential mixes and having hosted his own Radio1 show for five years, now broadcasts via his own ‘Fire It Up’ show, which attracts a hefty thirteen million listeners worldwide. With a huge list of accolades under his belt, this performance is set to raise the roof once again. Watch out Clapham, Eddie’s gonna get you…

VERY SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCED FOR SW4 SUNDAY!

Steve Aoki is one very busy man. 2012 witnessed the Grammy nominee play hundreds of shows and yet he still managed to release an album. ‘Wonderland’ was filled to the brim with all star appearances from the likes of Will.i.am and LMFAO, whilst on a more electronic tangent, collaborations with Afrojack and Laidback Luke. His manic on stage antics have earned him somewhat of a reputation and his high energy sets always go down a storm. Fuelled by cakes, champagne and rubber dinghies, the Dim Mak Records boss will be making his first South West Four appearance in three years. Get ready for the madness that will undoubtedly ensue.

Steve Aoki

SW4 SUNDAY TICKETS INCREASE IN PRICE THURS 16TH MAY!

With Steve Aoki announced as Sunday main stage special guest we can announce that SW4 Sunday tickets will increase in price on Thursday 16th May at midday. Tickets are selling faster than ever and with early-bird tickets already gone, time is running out to get them at the ‘saver’ price. Head to www.ticketmaster.co.uk/sw4 to get yours!

The Walkmen added to End of the Road Festival lineup

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The Walkmen top yet another twenty-band announcement for the End of the Road Festival, joining a bill topped by Belle and Sebastian, Sigur Rós and David Byrne & St Vincent.

In A – Z order, the following artists are confirmed today: Anna van Hausswolff, Andy Shauf, Black Yaya, Braids, Broken Twin, Crocodiles, Daniel Norgren, Duologue,  El Perro Del Mar, Evans the Death, Filthy Boy, Frontier Ruckus, The Graphite Set, Jessica Pratt, Landshapes, Tiger Cats, Trembling Bells and Mike Heron, The Walkmen, Wall and William Tyler.

See the website at www.endoftheroadfestival.com for full lineup info and more.

“One of the most unique and special propositions in the British festival calendar.” – The Line of Best Fit

“Uncut’s favourite festival.” – Uncut

Winner of Best Small Festival at the 2011 UK Festival Awards, End of the Road is an intimate festival in a peacock-strewn former Victorian pleasure garden offering a carefully crafted music lineup plus art, atmosphere, workshops, comedy, cinema, a woodland library, games, a healing field and the finest food and drinks, hand-picked and hand-decorated by a small team.

Take That’s Mark Owen and more for Camp Bestival

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With summer holidays around the corner we can’t wait to get back to Lulworth Castle for a festi-holiday weekend of fun and frolics for all the family from August 1st– 4th. And the Camp Bestival crew are leaving no stone unturned to make sure this year’s Camp Bestival is another absolute corker.

There really is something for everyone in this year’s line-up, so we’re very excited indeed to unveil a host of brilliant new acts that cover all bases, from huge popstars like our very special guest Mark Owen to brilliant local faves and beyond who will all be joining the likes of Labrinth, Richard Hawley, Levellers, Ash, The Proclaimers, Horrible Histories, Mr Tumble, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, Alan Davies, Dick n Dom, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures The Brit School and many more!

The Camp Bestival Crew says: "There’s so much great music at Camp Bestival with something for everyone and we know how much fun a ladies night out is, so we’re very pleased to announce Mark Owen is coming to Lulworth Castle this year, especially for the girls!"

With his first solo album in eight years, ‘The Art of Doing Nothing’ due out in June, we very pleased to announce that Take That’s very own Mark Owen will be joining us at Lulworth Castle. With a hit-packed career spanning 20 years, Mark is one of the UKs biggest pop stars and along with his brilliant four-piece band he will be the soundtrack to a mega ladies night out on Saturday at Camp Bestival, playing not only his new and much loved solo material but also a tantalising selection of Take That anthems too!

Mark Owen Says: “Just about everybody I know with a family has told me how wonderful Camp Bestival is and said 'you've got to go!' I've got my Winnebago on order. See you there”.

But that’s not all,  as we have plenty more top live music for your delectation, including Memphis chanteuse Valerie June who has been blowing away crowds with her mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, Appalachian and bluegrass music and her utterly magical vocals. If you haven’t caught her live yet, we guarantee this is one not to miss. There will also be live appearances from unique solo acoustic artist Cherishport, Dorset blues behemoth Red River Hogs, scrumpy & western phenomenon Skimmity Hitchers and New Forest duo Phil & Tilley.

Joining an already legendary line-up of amazing DJs that includes Grandmaster Flash, Sasha and Andrew Weatherall (in his A Love From Outer Space guide with Sean Johnston), we are very pleased to announce that deck-wrecking duo The Nextmanare joining David Rodigan MBE’s Ram Jam line-up alongside Venum Sound and MC Wrec. Plus there will be high octane party flavours from the inimitable Russ Cuban, reggae and hip-hop mash-up madness from Jstar, divine turntable manoeuvres from Dick Kurtaine, eclectic treasures from Rev Milo Speedwagon, tubular sounds from Rowan Chernin (Chairman Of The Board Surf) , rockin roots and psych love from In Light Of Aquarius and certified dancefloor devastation from Camp Bestival favourite Shepdog.

With a whole world of discovery for kids, plus the best in music, arts and culture it’s no wonder that  weekend tickets are flying out of the door, so you’re going to have to get a move on if you want to guarantee a whole weekend enjoying our fest-holiday treats. But, due to popular local demand from the brilliantly supportive people of Dorset, we are once again putting a very limited number of day tickets on sale on Friday May 17th. 

Adult day tickets will cost £60 per day, Age 15-17 day tickets are £35 per day, Age 11-14 day tickets are £30 per day and Age 10 and under day tickets are free (but you must obtain a ticket) and will be available in person from Lulworth Castle and Lulworth Heritage centre, as well as through the usual Camp Bestival ticket agents.

We’ve still got a few little surprises up our sleeves, so do keep an eye on www.campbestival.net and our Facebook  and Twitter.

LINE UP SO FAR:

LIVE: 
RICHARD HAWLEY / LEVELLERS / LABRINTH / VERY SPECIAL GUEST MARK OWEN / DJ FRESH LIVE / ASH / HEAVEN 17 / TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS / THE POLYPHONIC SPREE / GABRIELLE APLIN / KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS / I AM KLOOT / BILLY BRAGG / NIK KERSHAW / DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP / THE CUBAN BROTHERS / DJ YODA (LIVE AV SHOW ( FEAT THE TOOTSIE ROLLERS) / JOHN COOPER CLARKE / VALERIE JUNE / LISSIE / THE FARM / MUSICAL YOUTH / BEARDYMAN / SAM LEE & FRIENDS / THE CORRESPONDENTS / THE WURZELS / MAD PROFESSOR / SKINNY LISTER / CLEAN BANDIT / LONDON GRAMMAR / MIKILL PANE / THE 1975 / FLEETWOOD BAC / INTRODUCING RECREATE 'DISCOVERY' LIVE – A DAFT UNDERTAKING / HOWARD MARKS / LUCKY ELEPHANT / ADY SULEIMAN / LLOYD YATES / FOLK IDOL / MOLOTOV JUKEBOX / SEXY SUSHI / BEN WATERS / MOULETTES / FILTHY BOY / FAKE BUSH / HUDSON TAYLOR / ISAIAH DREADS / MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER / LEWIS WATSON / JAWS / JAIPUR BRASS BAND / J-CATS / RED RIVER HOGS / CHERISHPORT / THE OHMZ / PUSH PEDAL / SKIMMITY HITCHERS / PHIL & TILLEY / SCOTT ANDERSON (BANDSTAND COMPERE)

DJs – ROB DA BANK AND FRIENDS: GRANDMASTER FLASH / SASHA / DAVID RODIGAN MBE PRESENTS RAM JAM FEAT. THE NEXTMEN, VENUM SOUND, MC WREC / A LOVE FROM OUTER SPACE (ANDREW WEATHERALL AND SEAN JOHNSTON) / FABIO + GROOVERIDER / CRAIG CHARLES (DJ SET) / JON MORE (COLDCUT) / DICK N DOM RIP IT UP (DJ SET) / BARRY ASHWORTH / JOHN KENNEDY / RUSS CUBAN / SUNDAY BEST FORUM ALL STARS / BALEARIC BROTHERS / FEELING GLOOMY / TYTHE / COLEY FROM LUV*JAM / SOMBRERO SOUND SYSTEM / JSTAR / DICK KURTAINE / REV MILO SPEEDWAGON / ROWAN CHERNIN (CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SURF) / IN LIGHT OF AQUARIUS / SHEPDOG / MIX IT UP KRU / DJ DAPPER DAN

ENTERTAINMENT: HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN (FESTIVAL PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE) / ALAN DAVIES / MR TUMBLE / ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO / DICK N DOM / LET IT BE / BRIT SCHOOL  / BLACK EAGLES CIRCUS / ROYAL ALBERT HALL GINORMOUS PERCUSSION ORCHESTRA / SHLOMO’S BEAT BOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS / CANDO2 / GLORIA AND THE EXPLORERS / LITTLE SUNSHINE, LITTLE RAINFALL / ALICE IN WONDERLAND PANTO / LONDON LUCUMI CHOIR / INSECT CIRCUS / MATTHEW BOURNE’S NEW ADVENTURES / TRINITY LABAN / CANDOCO / MECHANICAL MENAGERIE / GIDEON REELING / SHADOW PUPPETRY & STORYTELLING / CRAFT AND NATURE WORKSHOPS / YOUNG BRITISH FOODIES / TATE WORKSHOPS / BFI FILM CLUB / THE FOUR CORNERS TREASURE TRAIL / LOST & FOUND / MORRIS DANCING / JOUSTING / FREESTYLE SPORTS PARK / KIDS BIG ART VILLAGE / MAYPOLE DANCING / BIGTOPMANIA KIDS THEATRE AND CIRCUS

‘HOW TO’ INTERVIEWS: HOW TO FLY WITH EDDIE ‘THE EAGLE’ EDWARDS / HOW TO BE A PRESENTER WITH JO WHILEY / HOW TO HANDLE A RIOT WITH TREVOR PHILLIPS / HOW TO PLAY A BADDIE WITH CHARLIE BROOKS / HOW PHILOSOPHY CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE WITH JULES EVANS / HOW TO INTERVIEW WITH SIMON HATTENSTONE / HOW TO COLLECT SONGS WITH SAM LEE / HOW TO STARGAZE WITH MAREK KUKULA / HOW TO BE WILD WITH ROB AND LEO 

SPOKEN WORD: SCROOBIUS PIP / KATE TEMPEST / POLARBEAR / MR GEE / JOSH IDEHEN / RAYMOND ANTROBUS / ADAM KAMMERLING / DEANNA RODGER / SIMON MOLE / PAUL CREE / JAMES MASSIAH / CHIMENE SULEYMAN / BRIDGET MINAMORE / ROUNDHOUSE POETRY COLLECTIVE / EARLY DOORS COLLECTIVE / ELEPHANT COLLECTIVE

WELL-READ: HOWARD MARKS IS: SCHOLOAR, SMUGGLER, PRISONER SCRIBE / BESTSELLING WOMEN’S HOUR WITH ADELE PARKS, LISA JEWELL, EMILY BARR, ANNA MAXTED / GRANTA BEST OF YOUNG BRITISH NOVELISTS WITH JOANNA KAVENNA, BEN MARKOVITS, ROSS RAISEN / KIDS BOOK SURGERY WITH JULIA ECCLESHARE 
DEEP INSIGHTS FROM RSA SPEAKERS: EXPLORATION! WITH KEVIN FONG / REVOLUTION! WITH BIDISHA 

THOUGHT-PROVOKING:
CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE WITH ANDREW SIMMS / WONDERLAND AND JUSTICE WITH AMBER MARKS /
BARELY IMAGINED BEINGS WITH CASPAR HENDERSON 

FOODIES AND FASHION: CAMP BESTIVAL BAKE-OFF JUDGED BY LILY VANILLI / HOW TO OPEN A RESTAURANT WITH MARTIN MORALES / CONFESSIONS OF A FASHIONISTA WITH ANGELA CLARKE

WOODLAND STORY DEN: GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE – GUY PARKER-REES  / CALM DOWN BORIS! – SAM LLOYD / THE PIRATE CRUNCHER – JONNY DUDDLE / DARCY BURDOCK – LAURA DOCKRILL / GUY BASS / KATE O'HEARN / ERICA JANE WATERS / SIMON BARTRAM / CRAIG GREEN

QUIZZES: SAM WOLLASTON’S FAMOUS TV QUIZ / HAIL! HAIL! ROCK ‘N’ ROLL QUIZ WITH JOHN HARRIS / FILM QUIZ WITH CATHERINE SHOARD  

WAKE UP WITH THE GUARDIAN: JOHN HARRIS, SIMON HATTENSTONE AND CATHERINE SHOARD

BOOKSIGNINGS: HORRIBLE HISTORIES ILLUSTRATOR MARTIN BROWN / ALL ADULT AND KIDS AUTHORS AT THE FESTIVAL

Miami’s Ultra Music Festival 2014 details announced

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Ultra Music Festival
Following a historic celebration of its inaugural double-weekend event just two months ago – what was by far the biggest in its 15-year history – the globally renowned Ultra Music Festival has revealed the official ticketing details for its 2014 March festival.
 
With the 16th edition set to take place once again In Miami from March 28-30, it’s been revealed that tickets for 2014 will go on sale on Tuesday, May 21st 2013 at 1pm EST.
 
Early Bird tickets priced at $149.95 (undoubtedly among the least expensive weekend tickets for any major festival in the world) will be available for purchase by the general public from 1pm ESTexclusively at www.ultramusicfestival.com for what is expected to be a very limited time only (Early Bird tickets for last year’s event sold out in less than 5 minutes). General Admission and VIP tickets will also be available from 1pm EST.
 
In 2013, Ultra Music Festival shattered attendance records as approximately 330,000 revelers descended upon Miami’s Bayfront Park and Biscayne Boulevard for two weekends of extraordinary musical talent and an out of this world stage-production. Becoming the first electronic music festival in history to expand to two weekends, ULTRA 15 saw an unprecedented gathering of artists, which reportedly displayed the largest variety of electronic music that North America had ever seen. Featuring Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Trap, Electro, Techno, Deep House, Trance and more, Ultra Music Festival conquered practically every facet of EDM, providing a plethora of incredible musical experiences to satisfy virtually every taste and preference.
 
Ultra Music Festival 15 featured the largest and most technically advanced concert stage production and designs ever seen at an outdoor festival, as the latest in staging automation technology, video, set design, and creative LED video systems were combined to form a complete and awe-inspiring audiovisual experience. The massive Main Stage measured in at over 200 ft. wide and 100 ft. high, housing 1050 intelligent lights, 12,000 shots of pyrotechnics, the most dynamic lighting rig to be found at any stage found on earth, and 12 full-color, 32-watt lasers. Ultra’s iconic Mega Structure once again pushed the boundaries of light and sound production, featuring moving honeycomb-shaped LED screens above, and a powerful Funktion One sound system that more than satisfied all the bass-heads in attendance not to mention the 5 additional state-of-the-art stages located around the festival grounds, including Bayfront Park’s Klipsch Amphitheater, which doubled as the ULTRA Live Stage.
 
Attendees from more than 95 countries flocked to downtown Miami’s 32-acre Bayfront Park during Miami Music Week for the 2013 edition of Ultra Music Festival. Following on the heels of this landmark event, the 2014 festival is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
 
For the first time ever, all SIX DAYS of the world’s premier electronic event were streamed live over the internet via Ultra’s official YouTube channel UMF TV, in a broadcast which saw over 200 of the world’s leading DJs and electronic musicians watched by an audience of over 10 MILLION unique viewers from all corners of the globe—officially making Ultra the most viewed festival in North America to date! Arguably the most notable climax of the festival was the last ever show from world-dominating Scandinavian trio Swedish House Mafia, which was watched online by over 200,000 concurrent fans worldwide. This figure has now been officially declared by YouTube as the highest concurrent number of views for any US non-sponsored music stream!
 
The dates for the upcoming Ultra Music Festival are March 28-30, 2014.
 
The 16th Annual Ultra Music Festival will take place March 28, 29 & 30, 2014.  Dates for the additional weekend are pending the approval of the City of Miami Commission and will be released if they become available.