Besides them, a solid electro-package will arrive on the A38 stage, while maybe the best news is that it’s less than 100 nights to sleep before the start of the 20th Sziget between 6-13 August in Budapest, Hungary.
It is all confirmed, America's most exciting contemporary rock band, The Killers will perform at Sziget, as they will be the headliners of the final festival day. Probably they are the most significant production of the entertainment industry from the Sin City of Las Vegas, even booked by US President Barack Obama for a gig at the White House. They sold over 15 million copies of their 3 unforgettable albums around the world. Currently, they are working on their fourth album, which will come out in the second half of 2012, and they will probably perform a few of those new songs at the 20th edition of Sziget Festival.
A notable electro-package is also confirmed for the festival’s A38 stage, which moves to a central place and will become bigger. Not to mention a new program feature: 2 world-renown DJs will throw a party there every night. Part of the package is Borgore, the golden boy DJ and producer from Israel who at the age of just twenty-four is already well known in the international network of dubstep.
The dynamic Italian grand masters of electro and fidget, the Crookers will also get to Budapest, while the Parisian drum’n’bass and electro house squad, Dirtyphonics will be here to present their unstoppable, unbelievably energetic live act.
The genius of Dj Fresh stems from his ability to connect with the underground drum and bass fans and come out with a radio friendly pop hit in the same time – if you were not aware, discover this at Sziget. Another great name in the line-up is Dope D.O.D, a Groningen-based hip-hop formation of three MC’s, Dopey Rotten, Skits Vicious and Jay Reaper, all of them with African and British origins. They play massive, crazy hardcore hip-hop music, but their sound of wicked groove and bizarre tone finds its own way in the horrorcore sub-universe.
Lincoln Barrett is a progressive drum’n’bass artist, DJ and producer, known by the name High Contrast in the scene. He will team up with MC Dynamite, one of the most popular MCs of this genre, so their joint Sziget party is something no one should miss. Tiga, the Canadian Juno award winner DJ and producer is one of the most renowned electronic musician of his country who reformed the North-American club culture in the 90’s. Half of his family is Hungarian, so he knows exactly what we need for a great electro party in this country. Azari & Ill, messengers of the resurrection of 80’s disco, swift electro, deep and Chicago house will also appear on Sziget this year. And the electro package wouldn’t be complete without the legendary German electro duo Modeselektor, right from Berlin, the heart of the European e-music scene.
The name Kakkmaddafakka is probably the best choice to represent the swift, cocky and unique music of twelve musicians whose performances are full of energy as they entertain the audience. E-musician-producer Andy Barlow and songstress Lou Rhodes form Lamb, creating the most ambitious and attractive downtempo music of the late 90’s and the early years of the millennium. Their numerous fans will be able to see them again after nine years at Sziget. Also in the line-up are TheBlack Seeds with their light, modern reggae music, reflecting positivity and optimism that helps to get the sweetest vibe at their shows.
The Wild Beasts are also gearing up for the festival with their slightly folk-rock influenced, sophisticated, fine and elegant guitar music, best defined as art-rock or even dream-pop – depending on the mood. And lovers of the Scandinavian metal scene will surely be happy with the crazy, energetic, yet melodic death metal played by Amon Amarth – now confirmed for Sziget.
We have new names in the Party Arena program as well, amongst them Flux Pavilion, a music-titan who made it to BBC's list of most promising bands and musicians this year. Also confirmed, British group Saint Etienne, who have been active for over twenty years without showing any signs of growing old, proving year after year that they are full of fresh and convincing ideas. This time they will fill a live slot at the Party Arena's electronic megatent.
And the list of new additions to our lineup wouldn’t be complete without Anti-Flag, an ultra-provocative, uncompromising punk band form Pittsburgh, famous for their fast paced songs with unsubtle social criticism and political activity. They will be pumping up the crowd of the Main stage in the early afternoon. Similarly, the seven female and four male member of Gocoo, today's strongest taiko-collective, will entertain the crowd with their set of fourty traditional Japanese drums.
Fans of the 70 submitted bands plus fans of the festival could vote on their favourite acts from across the seven BBC radio regions and having been combined with the votes of the judging panel has been counted and verified to create three days of the finest programme of emerging talent seen on the festival circuit. The festival is also thrilled to announce comedy genius Robin Ince and his Robin Ince Science show plus music from dazzling acoustic roots duo Show Of Hands, You Tube sensation Danny Shah, Tallulah Rendall, Gemma Hayes and much more. Taking place 8th-10th June on Cheltenham Racecourse, tickets for Wychwood Festival are on sale via the website.
BBC Introducing presenters from BBC Radio Gloucestershire and the six surrounding regions, including BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Oxford, BBC Radio Wiltshire and BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire each submitted 10 emerging acts that are currently being championed on their stations. These 70 bands were uploaded into a bespoke Facebook application to be judged by the public, BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson,Wychwood Festival Director Graeme Merifield and The Independent's Music Editor Elisa Bray and today Wychwood can announce the 28 outstanding acts that will make up the BBC Introducing…in Gloucestershire line-up:
BBC INTRODUCING IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE AT WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL: BBC Gloucestershire GEORGE MONTAGUE | HARBOUR | PINK CRUDGE CARAVAN | THE FLEX
BBC Hereford & Worcestershire A POETIC YESTERDAY | THE BLACK ACID BAND TBC | I AM RYAN | TBC
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire SATSANGI | SIXTYFOURS | STYLUSBOY | THE MOONSHINES
BBC Bristol DUPPY BEATZ TBC | KATEY BROOKS | PHANTOM LIMB | ROZI PLAIN
BBC Wales SHY & THE FIGHT | JOSHUA CAOLE | HEAVY PETTING ZOO | ERIC UNSEEN TBC
BBC Oxford GUNNING FOR TAMAR | HALF DECENT | SECRET RIVALS | WILD SWIM
BBC Wiltshire CRASH & THE BANDICOOTS | SUPER SQUARECLOUD | THEO ALTIERI | DAINE & MYLES TBC
Wychwood Festival is also delighted to announce that award-winning comedian Robin Ince will be leading a session of light-hearted scientific antics combining music, experiemnts and hot sums to create a unique and exciting set of science and comedy. In line with people's increasing interest in the world of science, Robin Ince Science is a collaboration between Steve Mould, Helen Arney and Matt Parker, all of whom are members of the Festival Of The Spoken Nerd, a hugely successful new group of scientists who's credits include everything from Blue Peter to the Infinite Monkey Cage. Also taking to the stage will be Bruce Hood hot off the back of presenting the 2011 Royal Institute Christmas Lectures and his second book The Self Illusion. Space enthusiast and star of BBC Radio 4 series It is Rocket Science, Helen Keen will be combining experiments, bangs, whizzes and film. Also appearing will be Gavin Osborn, who writes and performs the songs for Dan Kitson's shows.
New additions to arguably the best world and folk music line-up on the festival map already featuring the likes of Bellowhead, Francois & The Atlas Mountians, Dodgy, James, The Damned, Duke Special, The Cuban Brothers and much more includes the legendary Show Of Hands who are widely regarded as the finest accoustic roots duo in England and were awarded the prestigious double accolade of Best Duo and Best Original Song at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Joining Show of Hands on the Sunday line-up will be Simon Friend's Seismic Survey. The Seismic Survey is a collaboration between Simon Friend (Levellers), Mick Doyle (No Right Turn, Neverland, Bloodsimple), Paul Miro (Apes, Pigs & Spacemen) and Andy Cooper (No Right Turn), bringing to Wychwood collection of their individual material.
Friday night's offering is bolstered by singer-songwriter and BBC Introducing favourite Jenny Hallam bringing her piano-pop style, mixing folk and indie with soulful vocals. Mila Falls returns to Wychwood fresh from a run of shows supporting Ringo Starr and boasts collaborations with the likes of Tim Baxter (Britney Spears), Charlie Holmes (The Saturdays) and with Jono Buchanan (remixes for Whitney Houston, Shania Twain).
Saturday's programme further develops with incredible live performances from Celtish, renowned for their passionate, lively and emotive performances; 21 year old Scottish internet sensation Danny Shah, who's famed for creating his hugely clever pop video for his song We Are Connected, featuring Rihanna, Katy Perry & Justin Bieber that saw support from the likes of Chris Moyles, Lauren Laverne and Andi Peters; The Jar Family who will be performing a vast array of indie-folk songs and recently toured with Alabama 3, opened for Ocean Colour Scenes' Steve Cradock and are set to play alongside Babyshambles duo Mik Whitnall & Drew McConnell and The Charlatans. Plus festival revellers will dance the day away to Keston Cobblers Club, acoustic folk duo The Dual and opening the day's music will be Tallulah Rendall who is known for her theatrical, beautiful and mesmerizing performances.
Famed for delivering a truly family-focused festival experience, Wychwood leads the way with innovative programming designed to delight children as well as wonderful music from around the world to entertain the adults. Since launching in 2005, Wychwood has become one of the UK’s most successful independent arts events of the summer season and been nominated in the ‘Best Family Festival’ category at the UK Festival Awards every single year. Taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse from 8th-10th June and set against the picturesque backdrop of the Prestbury Hills, Gloucestershire, Wychwood Festival is charming in both setting and content and one not to be missed. Tickets are now on sale and available from the official festival website.
Widely regarded as the UK’s foremost folk singer songwriter, Mercury Prize nominee, Seth Lakeman is Sunday co-headliner, alongside Adam Ant, Billy Bragg and The Men They Couldn’t Hang. Friday night delights include Buzzcocks, and an acoustic set from Ocean Colour Scene and we are thrilled that BRIT Award nominated indie rock band Guillemots headline on Saturday.
The ‘local’ talent in support of our headliners this year is amazing, and we are lucky to have Leeds guitar maestro Jon Gomm hosting a master class – Jon’s talent was recently ‘endorsed’ by Stephen Fry on twitter, causing a media frenzy! – Ellen And The Escapades are topping a Leeds stage, The Talks headlining the Hull stage and York’s Chris Helme, Littlemores and the inspired Arts Barge Project make a welcome return.
This year, sees another first: Galtres Festival falls on the final weekend of the York Mystery Plays, and we have got together with Script Yorkshire and the York Settlement Players to bring modern versions of the plays to the festival.
Continuing the festival’s medieval theme of Dragons & Knights, there will be jousting, archery and a whole range of creative family activities centered upon a medieval village, including falconry and a Dragon Ball!
As ever, dozens of workshops and activities will hopefully keep families and children happy and within the festival is a Yorkshire beer and cider showcase with more than 100 different varieties – from Ampleforth Abbey Cider to Black Sheep Ale.
Galtres is a festival with admirable environmental and conservation policies that continues to pride itself as among the greenest, run by volunteers and raising money for local charities, it appears to have found the perfect balance featuring major headliners and making room for local artists – never too big for its boots and unlikely to sell-out to the music promotion equivalent of Tescos.
Rock band Sum 41’s career has been filled with highlights that extend well beyond the traditional ‘punk‘ band. Not to mention, they’ve sold over 12 million albums and toured the globe countless times.
Since their inception in 1996, Sum 41 has been relentless, unapologetic, and unconcerned with musical boundaries. In the past, their music style has been described as an “eclectic meld of raucous punk-rock, thunderous heavy metal and straightforward rock.” Sum 41’s new album, Screaming Bloody Murder, feeds off this past and expands on it. With tracks including 'Blood in My Eyes', 'Jessica Kill', 'Holy Image of Lies' and 'Happiness Machines', Screaming Bloody Murder is an evolution if the brand's metal and punk-rock influence, but continues to blend musical styles as they have done in the past.
Andy C
Andy C is undisputedly the biggest name in Drum and Bass as well as being a NASS legend. 2012 will see Andy C unveil his groundbreaking new state of the art show, ALIVE. The multi-media audiovisual experience will feature bespoke technology, including new interactive audio and visual elements created especially for ALIVE. The ALIVE concept is about taking DJ shows to a new dimension, capturing the energy of Andy C’s DJ set and translating that to an audio visual experience that fills the room and invites audience interaction. As ever, the heart of the set up, Andy will be using 3 turntables, but with added edge technology to produce a spectacular visual event and software to remix the tracks ‘on the fly’.
DJ Fresh
DJ Fresh set the standard with an incredible set at Relentless Energy Drink NASS 2011 and he saw enough there to convince him to make a return with his new live show for 2012. Dan ‘DJ Fresh’ Stein has taken another step up in his illustrious career by launching his incredible live show. FRESH/LIVE will amplify the experience by incorporating a full live band to perform Fresh’s latest and greatest tracks in authentic fashion.
RoniSize
Bristol native Roni Size is one of the UK jungle scene's most respected name with production credits spanning dozens of labels, projects and releases. Size's influence as a producer, label owner and committed underground magnate figured him as one of the emerging sound's true pioneers. The breakout success of his debut album New Forums finally confirmed his stature and vaulted him to a greater degree of popularity than any other drum'n'base producer.
Datsik
If you don’t know Datsik by now, you best be learning. Datsik has been taking the dubstep scene by storm, blowing up dance floors around the globe with his original style of hip-hop future-tech bangers. In 2009 alone, Datsik had over 7 number one releases on Beatport, and vinyl sales through the roof on many other sites such as Chemical Records, Red-Eye and Juno. Aside from that, he has also done remixes for some of the biggest names in the scene such as the Crystal Method, Freestylers, Bassnectar, Noisia, Diplo, the Wu-tang Clan, and Apex from the critically acclaimed Lifted Music label; not to mention countless collaborations with some of the hottest producers in the scene. With multiple anthems under his belt, countless plays from some of the biggest DJ’s, and an endless perseverance to reach that next step, it is safe to say that Datsik has proven himself to be one of the best dubstep artists around… and he is here to stay.
Steve Blount from Bearded Theory says, "We are delighted to be welcoming Adam Ant & the Good, the Mad & the Lovely Posseto headline Bearded Theory Festival. To find a high-quality replacement headline act with just four weeks before the festival was a tall order, so we are incredibly excited to have secured a performance from such an iconic artist as Adam Ant at this short notice. We wish Jon from the Levellers a speedy recovery and look forward to them hosting them at Bearded Theory at a future date.
Since returning to live performance in 2010, the legendary Adam Ant has enjoyed a massive resurgence in his career. With his groupAdam and the Ants he was one of the pioneers of the new wave/post-punk movement, enjoying considerable success including Number 1 singles Stand and Deliver and Prince Charming. Going solo, he gave way to a more glam-pop musical direction that once again brought him UK chart-topping success, including the single Goody Two Shoes from the iconic album, Friend or Foe. Though he stepped away from the limelight for a number of years, Adam Ant returned to regular live performance in 2010 to critical acclaim. His headline performance at Bearded Theory festival will be one of his biggest UK live dates since his return.
Taking place between 18th and 20th May 2012, Bearded Theory has firmly entrenched itself as the first 'proper' music festival of the season. 2012 will be Bearded Theory's fifth birthday and is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festival's inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years.
On Saturday night, Captain Sensible's Gothic Punk legends The Damned are top of the bill and founding favourites Dreadzone return to close the festival on Sunday night.
Other major acts also confirmed include The Selecter, Show of Hands, The Popes, Terrorvision, Back To The Planet, Dr & The Medics, Credit To The Nation and of course, perennial Bearded Theory favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys. The fabulous Wheatus will be performing the now-legendary Sunday lunchtime slot, and word is they will wear custom made false beards for their entire performance!
Bearded Theory has also confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for 2012. These include a creation of two entirely new areas; Tornado Town (a festival within a festival), and The Water's Edge. Underlining their commitment to supporting local businesses, the festival have appointed Thornbridge Brewery in Bakwell, (located just 20 miles from the festival), to run their on-site bars.
Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, "We are delighted to have be named UK's Best Independent Festival at the prestigious AIM Music Awards in recognition of last year's fabulous event. Everyone involved in Bearded Theory is already working hard to try and deliver an even better one for next year. With two totally revamped areas and a whole range of new activities planned, 2012 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Bearded Theory Festival.
The Tallest Man On Earth were absolutely phenomenal at Green Man 2010 so it gives us great pleasure to welcome them back this year! Keep an eye out for their new album 'There's No Leaving No' that's due to be released in June.
Good times are guaranteed as The Bees, one of Britain’s best bands, bring their gigantic tunes to the Black Mountains.
With unique vocals and haunting melodies that are capable of plunging an audience into awed silence, The Staves are fast becoming a must-see act in 2012
Also confirmed for this year’s festival are…
AHAB – John Leckie-produced alternative country/folk five-piece from London.
Pen Pastwn – Acoustic Welsh loveliness from former Gorky’s man Richard James.
David McCaffrey – Startlingly mature 17-year-old singer/songwriter from York.
One Sixth Of Tommy – Prodigiously young all-girl trio with luscious harmonies.
Full line-up so far: Van Morrison / Feist / The Walkmen / Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks / The Tallest Man On Earth / Jonathan Richman / tUnE-yArDs / of Montreal / Michael Kiwanuka / Yann Tiersen / The Felice Brothers / King Creosote & Jon Hopkins / The Bees / Scritti Politti / Junior Boys / Time & Space Machine / Damien Jurado / Field Music / C.W. Stoneking / Friends / Bowerbirds / Ghostpoet / Slow Club / Cass McCombs / Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny / Dark Dark Dark / Three Trapped Tigers / Willy Mason / Daughter / Trembling Bells / Joe Pug / Lucy Rose / Peaking Lights / Islet / Megafaun / Cashier No.9 / TOY / ∆ Alt-J / The Wave Pictures / Kwes / The Staves / Steve Smyth / Laura J Martin / Jamie N Commons / Gang Colours / Stealing Sheep / Vadoinmessico / Rocketnumbernine / Psychemagik (DJ set) / The Pictish Trail / Teeth of the Sea / Treetop Flyers / Richard Norris (DJ set) / Sweet Baboo / Tiny Ruins / Ahab / Pen Pastwn / Mowbird / Seamus Fogerty / RM Hubbert / Pete Paphides – Vinyl Revival / Richard Warren / The Perch Creek Family Jug Band / No Thee No Ess / Goodnight Lenin / Chailo Sim / Georgia Ruth / David McCaffrey / Alaska / Joanna Gruesome / Sen Segur / Greta Isaac / One Sixth Of Tommy
You won’t find anything quite like Einstein’s Garden at any other UK festival!
Fire your imagination and cultivate your curiosity with over 60 eye-opening performances fusing science and nature in a fun and informative way. We’ve got three packed stages of theatre, music, art and crafts – here’s just a smidgeon:
Simon Watt: Dissections Uncut – Channel 4′s “Inside Nature’s Giants” gets under the skin of massive animals (including an elephant, a giraffe and a whale) to figure out what makes them tick. Join presenter Simon Watt to take a look at some of the fascinating science that didn’t make the final cut.
Rosie Wilby: The Science Of Sex – Rosie Wilby reprises her Fringe Report award winning show investigating the science of attraction, sexual chemistry and sexual identity
MJ Hibbett & the Validators: Dinosaur Planet – science fiction rock opera "Dinosaur Planet" that tells you exactly what happened when the Dinosaurs disappeared 65 million years ago… and why they've now returned. It features songs, jokes, giant robots, explosions, the hornpipe, and the total obliteration of Peterborough.
Lori Campbell – glorious singer-songwriter who has taken her guitar and her songs about pigeons, rainbows, the English Riviera and such like on the road to support Ben Howard, Seasick Steve and Benjamin Francis Leftwich.
Bronze Medallists – The North London-based four-piece formed two years, their multi-layered twisted pop songs have been championed by the likes of John Kennedy and Bethan Elfyn. The band are currently working on 'Hippodomania' an ambitious four-track concept EP about mankind's yearning for chaos and order at once, named after Hippodamus, the progenitor of modern town planning.
Bright Club – a comedy event, starring real scientists involving a cast of professional comedians and specially-trained scientists that will leave you knowing more about everything!
A Supercollider For The Family – described by The Times as “the world’s best feel-good movie that never got made” and “the beautiful funny child of Wim Wenders and Thomas Pynchon”, Ben Moor’s revived solo show from 1997 mixes particle physics with romance in an absorbing tale of tightrope walking, international espionage and ludicrous puns. Traversing the world, the subatomic landscape and the geography of the heart, this is a story like no other. As a treat for Green Man, the original score will be played live by members of Suns of the Tundra.
Green Man just wouldn’t be the same without our party-hard partners-in-crime Chai Wallahs! Kick back or freak out in a giant Bedouin marquee serving a feast of food and drink, as over 40 bands and DJs play the very best in reggae, rap, blues, jazz, hip hop, dub and dance daily until 5am. Here’s a tantalising taster:
Yes Sir Boss – A truly original, distinct and indefinable sound that has elements of everything from a brooding Balkan blues band to a horn injected indie rock outfit
Gabby Young & Other Animals – Young uses her stunning voice and global influences to fuel her beautifully haunting songs.
Dizraeli & The Small Gods – Fusing harmony singing, turntablism, heavy beats and delicate instrumentation to create a melodic, unashamedly heartfelt reinvention of hiphop
Urban Folk Orchestra – Electrifying acoustic music that has been taking the European folk scene by storm
Hidden Orchestra – two live drummers, organic samples and deep dub basslines
Nuru Kane – Foot-stomping Afrobeat dance party from Senegal via Paris
Tako Lako – Psychedelic Balkan beat and gypsy trash tunes from Copenhagen
Chai Wallahs line-up so far: Cate Ferris / Cheeba / Cocos Lovers / Dizraeli and the Small Gods / Dom James and His Dixie Ticklers / Gabby Young and Other Animals / Hidden Orchestra / Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate / King Porter Stomp / Lund Quartet / Mankala / Nuala Honan / Nuru Kane / Parker / Pat Dam Smyth / Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin / Rodney Branigan / Sheelanagig / Smerins Anti Social Club / Tako Lako / The Urban Folk Quartet / Yes Sir Boss + more tbc soon!
Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival
THE MACCABEES’ third album ‘Given To The Wild’ was released earlier this year to massive critical acclaim and soared into the UK charts at Number Four. The South London five-piece are enjoying a hugely successful year so far, and with a sold out Brixton Academy under their belts The Maccabees are further cementing their status as one of the most exciting British bands of our time. We welcome them for their first headline appearance on the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
FOSTER THE PEOPLE have garnered a huge amount of critical acclaim and public adoration on both sides of the Atlantic since the release of their debut album ‘Torches’. With last year’s feel-good hit of the summer ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, word of their music spread in a manner that was shockingly quick, even in the age of endless internet churn with everyone agreeing on one thing: this was a band on the cusp of an undeniable breakthrough and Foster The People show no sign of slowing down.
Band of the people, THE COURTEENERS, head to Reading & Leeds Festival ahead of the release of their third studio album, the follow up to 2010’s ‘Falcon’. With the Manchester four-piece eager to road test new material, head honcho Liam Fray recently declared their new sound as “industrial Motown”. An incredible live band, this could be one of the years most talked about performances.
Hot on the heels of his eighth album ‘A + E’, erstwhile Blur guitarist GRAHAM COXON returns to solo business with a hotly anticipated appearance on the NME / Radio 1 stage. The critics have been positively slavering over this latest outing and will undoubtedly see this appearance over-subscribed.
With the follow up to 2009’s critically acclaimed ‘Manners’ under construction, we welcome PASSIONPIT to this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Hailing from Massachusetts, expect a blend of new electro dance tunes and old favourites.
Alternative rock band, THEBLACKOUT are Sean Smith, Gavin Butler, Matthew Davies, James Davies , Rhys Lewis and Gareth Lawrence. With a new album scheduled for release in August, these very special shows at Reading & Leeds will give fans a unique preview.
Always a favourite at festivals THEHIVES are sure to get things jumping with their infectious, thrilling garage rock hits. With new single ‘Go Right Ahead’, a sax-laden, glam-rock stomp hitting the airways now and previewing new album ‘Lex Hives’ due in the summer, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, Nicholaus Arson, Chris Dangerous, Dr. Matt Destruction, and Vigilante Carlstroem will bring the sound of the summer to the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
This year sees SPECTOR graduate from their BBC Introducing Stage debut at last year’s festival with a well merited position on this year’s NME/Radio 1 stage. Nominated for the BBC Sound Of 2012 the band, fronted by one Fred Macpherson, were formed in 2010 and have released a trilogy of singles through Luv Luv Luv. With a debut album slated for later in the year this East London based five-piece bring their melancholic widescreen pop to the stage at Reading & Leeds.
Following inclusion on the BBC’s Sound Of Poll, Brooklyn’s FRIENDS are taking 2012 by storm. Armed with one of the singles of the year, ‘I’m His Girl’, and the captivating follow up ‘Friend Crush’, expect these shows to be the talk of both sites come the August Bank Holiday weekend.
With debut album ‘Breakfast’ unleashed last month, CHIDDY BANG are ready to step into the limelight. You’ll have heard their MGMT sampling breakthrough track ‘Opposite Of Adults’, and with time spent touring with Tinie Tempah, are sure to be ready to deliver one of the shows of the year.
www.chiddybang.net
Brooklyn’s HERE WE GO MAGIC make their first foray to Reading & Leeds this year. The band who came to the attention of Nigel Godrich with their 2010 album ‘Pigeons’ have just released the fruits of those joint labours – ‘A Different Ship’ which had Spin Magazine saying “…this is the sort of music that would happen if Paul Simon had made ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’. Yes it’s that good”. Get there early and see what the fuss is all about.
Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival
Hailing from El Paso, Texas AT THE DRIVE-IN came, conquered and released three albums: ‘Acrobatic Tenement’, ‘In/Casino/Out’, the EP ‘Vaya’, and their ultimate swansong ‘The Relationship of Command’ which is now cited in dispatches as one the most important albums of its genre. Then they split. Now it looks like the many who were never able to see this incendiary live act back in the day will have their dreams fulfilled with this NME/Radio1 stage headline show. This band are name checked and revered by fellow musicians and fans alike and this, their ONLY UK FESTIVAL APPEARANCE will definitely be unmissable.
On the eve of their fifth album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’ THE CRIBS make a return to the scene of one (or two) of their best ever shows. Recently reverting back to their near legendary three-piece status the band continues to evoke passion amongst their fiercely dedicated and ever growing fanbase. The Jarmans – brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross have always been fiercely independent, proud of their DIY ethos and from their early days adept at writing great songs leaving a catalogue of classic punk rock brilliance, battle scars and memories. The Cribs will once again be thrilling, spilling, entertaining and engaging.
MASTODON have never really done anything the ‘conventional’ way. The Atlanta-based band formulated their own brand of highly-skilled hard rock over a decade ago when others were rehashing 80’s metal, and went on to mastermind a string of complex concept albums. With new album ‘The Hunter’ hitting the Top 10 in the US last year the band are picking up more and more fans – head-banging will be compulsory at this scorching show.
Canadian punks BILLY TALENT come to Reading & Leeds Festival with expectations for their upcoming fourth album riding high. The band, led by vocalist Ben Kowalewicz had been playing together for almost a decade before a name change lead to a record deal and their debut eponymous album was released in 2003. “A sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band has grown out of these four former Mississauga teenagers' shared high-school dreams of … well … growing into a sh*t-hot, world-dominating hard-rock band” is how they describe themselves. Check it out for yourself at the NME/Radio 1 Stage.
MIIKE SNOW are back and return with their new album ‘Happy To You’ later this month. The hugely talented Stockholm-based three-piece have previously dabbled in the DJ scene and in punk bands, alongside electro and new wave, which lead to writing and production stints with the likes of Madonna and Britney Spears. Now ready to step out of the studio again, these shows are a must see for all music fans.
Anticipation is high for the return of SANTIGOLD and her new album ‘Master of My Make-Believe’ and this show will be the perfect opportunity to see this high-rising artist. Last year’s collaboration ‘Go’ with Karen O of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs was described as a "brittle and brilliant brawler of a track" by the NME and ‘Disparate Youth’ the first track released from the new album is also picking up plaudits. Citing Aretha Franklin, Devo, James Brown and Siouxsie and the Banshees as influences, this is an eclectic and exciting singer not to be missed.
Set to tear up the festival season this summer, DRY THE RIVER are one of the most talked about artists of the year. With three years and over 250 shows already under their belts, they released their debut album ‘Shallow Bed’ to rave reviews last month, with NME declaring they’ve made an “accomplished, luxuriant, expertly crafted” record. Get down to the front early for these sets.
Glasgow’s TWIN ATLANTIC follow a successful 2011 with the release of their Gil Norton produced ‘Free’ album. The quartet cut their collective teeth with slots supporting the likes of Gaslight Anthem, Angels And Airwaves and Taking Back Sunday and as singer Sam McTrusty says “…we’re giving people something to believe in again.” Catch them and believe too…
www.free.twinatlantic.com
Formed by ex. Gallows frontman Frank Carter and ex. Hope Conspiracy and Suicide File guitarist Jim Carroll, PURE LOVE’s debut single ‘Bury My Bones’ has just been previewed on BBC Radio 1. Currently working on their debut album due later this year with producer Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies), Carter commented "Rock might not have been as popular in recent years, but that's definitely going to change because we haven't released our album yet. I want to make music that's timeless and classic."
www.therealpurelove.com
Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival
Ed Banger’s JUSTICE make electronic music that everyone can rock to. With riffs now as heavy as their beats, the Grammy-nominated Parisian pair head for Reading & Leeds armed with new album ‘Audio, Video, Disco’. The record has established them as an international force who are equally at home blaring from a dance club sound system or performing in an arena. Expect a powerful and mesmerising headline performance from a truly unique group.
Since releasing their debut album ‘Tourist History’ in March 2010, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have rapidly become one of the biggest new success stories in UK music. After selling out headline tours in the UK, US, Europe, Australia, Asia, Japan and South America, playing two successive sold out nights at Shepherds Bush Empire and selling out Brixton Academy in under four hours, the band have deservedly earned both a devoted word-of-mouth live following and huge critical acclaim. The Times have called them “the band of the moment” and NME declared that they have “quietly become one of the UK’s best loved bands".
The release of THE HORRORS’ third album ‘Skying’ saw the band’s already impeccable credentials soar even higher. The record was celebrated across the board by fans new and old as their finest yet and recently won the NME ‘Album of the Year’ accolade. Not that their debut ‘Strange House’ and follow up ‘Primary Colours’ hadn’t already cemented their reputation as one of the most original and ground breaking groups around. Both dense and expansive, insidiously poppy and stubbornly arty, The Horrors are one of the bands you must see at the festival.
SBTRKT returns to Reading & Leeds Festival after last year's triumphant DJ set on the Dance Stage at both sites and live performance on the Alternative Stage in Leeds. This time round, fans will be treated to his famous live show at both sites. His self-titled debut album propelled towards the top of DJ’s playlists around the world with his combination of funk, soul, synths and bass. Fresh from releasing single ‘Hold On’ with Sampha, SBTRKT now has his sights firmly set on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The legendary vocalist fronting the MARK LANEGAN BAND has sung with some of the greatest bands of the last two decades. Lanegan formed the Screaming Trees in the 80’s and made some of the finest albums of the grunge scene. He’s worked with the coolest names around since and his distinct baritone voice has been described as "as scratchy as a three-day beard yet as supple and pliable as moccasin leather”.
Having wowed the Main Stage last year, THE JOY FORMIDABLE return at the personal request of Foo Fighters to play a very special set. Currently mixing their second album in New York with Andy Wallace, the trio made waves on both sides of the Atlantic with their debut album ‘The Big Roar’ in 2011, NME declaring that ‘its big but it’s certainly clever’ and Rolling Stone thrilling to ‘multi orgasmic crescendoes’. Having recently sold out New York’s Terminal 5, this return to UK shores promises to be a perfect preview of the band’s second album, due later in the year.
Having evolved from various outfits, Camden-based quartet TRIBES came to the fore at the start of 2011 and has seen the band accrue plenty of support both in print and on the airwaves. The band’s debut album ‘Baby’ was unleashed earlier this year reaching Top 30 status en route, further embellishing the plaudits already bestowed upon them. If last year’s appearance is anything to go by the tent will be filled to the gills for those to see on of the UK’s finest live acts of recent years.
www.tribesband.com
On its release earlier this year, the self-titled debut album from DJANGO DJANGO was succinctly hailed thus: "It's a dream of the psychedelic tropics, a heady explosion of colours, an album that takes what it means to be in an indie band and gives it a good shake…" This art pop quartet first emerged back in 2009 doing things their way whilst releasing selected tracks, mainlining into the nation's psyche and producing what has been one of the year's highlights.
Young Minneapolis five-piece HOWLER marked their arrival on this side of the Atlantic last year in a barrage of hysteria. Having rapidly signed to Rough Trade Records, they consequently released the ‘This One’s Different’ EP and supported The Vaccines on their Autumn UK tour. Earlier this year saw the arrival of their debut album ‘America Give Up’ with the band showing few signs of slowing up. This summer’s shows mark their debut at Reading & Leeds and will see further clamoring down the front as they play their biggest shows to date.
OF MONSTERS AND MEN’s debut album ‘My Head Is An Animal’ went to Number One on its release in Iceland from where the band hail. Describing themselves as “an amiable group of day dreamers who craft folkie pop songs” they turned into local heroes after winning a yearly battle of the bands competition. This will be one of the first chances to see this highly tipped six-piece.
First up on the Main Stage is Erykah Badu, the undisputed queen of R'n'B and Neosoul, who will performon Saturday, 14th July. A four-time Grammy winner, this inspiring American singer defined the pages of Soul music history with her outstanding voice, atypical styling and hits which include Love Of My Life, On & On, Bag Lady, Window Seat, Tyrone and Honey, and many more. From her debut, Baduizm, released in 1997, godine, to the latest album named New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) from 2010, her musical opus has been woven through with African beats, American Blues, Jazz, and Funk.
Also on the Main Stage will be New York-based band Hercules & Love Affair who will perform on Friday 13th July. A musical project led by DJ Andy Butler is a perfect combination of disco, nu-disco and house sound. With hits such as Blind and You Belong, which featured Antony Hegarty, the leader of Antony & The Johnsons, as well as the exotic Nomi Ruiz, they have enchanted the masses. After an extremely successful debut album, released in 2008, Andrew Butler returned last year with an album named Blue Songs, carrying out his original idea of rotating cast of performers and musicians. Therefore, current members of the band include DJ Kim Ann Foxman Aerea Negrot, Shaun Wright and Mark Pistel. Polish your shoes to the maximum, these indie heroes have prepared a spectacular disco experience!
On Friday 13th July the Fusion Stage welcomes the hot British five-piece actCitizens! Their talent was first recognized by Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, who is producing their debut album, Here We Are, due for release through Kitsuné on, 28th May 2012. Implementing key elements of a good pop song, melodic vocals and music which will make your shoes dance themselves out, Citizens! have firmed their place in the music world with singles such as True Romance and Reptile. Bravely treading the untrodden paths of the genre, alone against the world, they claim not to be as serious as we could expect. Since “pop is not a dirty word“, as they often proclaim about their aesthetics in music, the only thing left is to believe them and have fun during their set!
The renowned Kapela Ze Wsi Warszawa and Cool Kids of Death will present their new releases, UL/KR, Pablopavo andPraczas bring their debuts to Gdynia.
Yeasayer are the surprise announcement of this turn. Although their next release comes out in a bit, the Polish audience will have a chance to listen to the new material before the official date. A few months ago, the New Yorkers announced working on a "demented" record, described as "an Aaliyah album if you played it backwards and slowed it down". Has the direction taken in the studio changed, or maybe was enhanced by other shades, is to be determined on July 4th.
Joining Open’er are The Ting Tings “Sounds From Nowheresville”, the follow-up to ultra-catchy “We Started Nothing” took long to be made. Allegedly, the album was inspired by Berlin electro scene. However, two months ago, the band delivered a semi-acoustic, semi-electronic LP, setting boundaries from the successful debut. Katie White and Jules De Martino now focus on promoting their album, and we are waiting for their next concert at Open'er. This one to remember, from 2009, was a perfect combination of both the band and the public in their best of moods. We're counting to see it again in a dozen weeks.
Soldiers Of Jah Army are one of the most popular American reggae bands. Their success in Europe, much later than in their home country, was achieved thanks to Gentleman, who invited the band to tour along him. They gained notoriety with ”Peace In a Time of War” in 2002, but their breakthrough came with “Get Wiser”, where they defined their style and commitment to the roots of the genre, presented with freshness. The last one, “Strenght to Survive”, was released earlier this year. – The musicians truly understand the Jah philosophy, tackling the subjects ever-present in reggae: peace, love and humanity.
Also added to the line-up are the cream of the crop of the Polish scene.Fisz Emade Tworzywo are Open’er’s regular guests. This time, Bartek and Piotr Waglewski will appear onstage to enliven the songs from their first three records and the material somewhat reaching back to their beginnings, and surely to their youth fascinations with a special MEDLEY project. Kapela Ze Wsi Warszawa (Warsaw Village Band)who have crossed both musical and national their return to Gdynia are Cool Kids of Death. Ten years in the field, they were able to withstand all storms of Polish music market. Although dubstep duo Pablopavo and Praczas appeared previously at Open’er in different line-ups, this will be their first appearance together. Two talents of urban music on one of the most important albums of last year live at World Stage! UL/KR’seponymous debut is one of the most commented debuts of last months. A little over 20 minutes of music with no counterparts made UL/KR the darlings of local blogosphere. If it was reviewed by Pitchfork, Best New Music would be a formality. There are things in their music so new you didn’t even know they existed.
Rita Ora, Newton Faulkner, Wretch 32, Gossip, Beverley Knight, Childish Gambino, Sub Focus, The Feeling, Stooshe, Cover Drive, The Rifles and Angel all confirmed to appear over the festival weekend.
Additionally, fans who weren’t lucky enough to snap up general admission tickets the first time around are being given another chance to head to the festival, with additional tickets to both Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Stafford going on sale at 9am on Friday 27th April.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.vfestival.com for all ticket options available, including coach and ticket packages available through the Big Green Coach company and V Style for those looking for a luxury festival experience. V organisers once again stress that fans should only purchase tickets through official outlets listed on the V Festival website and that purchasing from unofficial outlets could lead to disappointment.
Ahead of his appearance at V Festival, Wretch 32 says, "I'm buzzing to be back at V Festival again this year. Last year was big, and I'll be looking to top it this year by performing my new tracks to the V crowd. I will also be looking to get a little meet with Nicki Minaj…if I'm lucky!"
BeverleyKnight comments, "It has been a while so I am chuffed to be back on stage at V this year. I have spent the last few years enjoying all the action as a punter. This year it's time to do what I do best – and that's rocking a crowd!”
The Stooshe girls comment, "Really looking forward to V Festival this year. We attended last year so to be performing this year is amazing! The line up iswicked and it feels great to be a part of it. So excited!”
Taking place across the weekend of the 18th and 19th August, music fanswill be treated to an exciting line up of legends old and new with the StoneRoses, The Killers, Nicki Minaj, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran also on the bill.
These latest additions come as V Festival also reveals which artists will be performing on which day and location over the festival weekend.
V FESTIVAL 2012
Saturday 18th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford Sunday 19th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire
Saturday 18th August, Weston Park, Staffordshire Sunday 19th August, Hylands Park, Chelmsford
