Summer Festival Guide

UB40 to headline Wowfest and more acts added to lineup

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With a string of top ten hits to their name, UB40 head up a quite outstanding reggae line-up of living legends that already includes the likes of Finley Quaye, The Wailers, Aswad, Maxi Priest and Misty in Roots alongside another dozen acts in what promises to be the finest collection of reggae artistes anywhere in the UK this year.

UB40

And there was further excitement from the Wow camp with news of the exclusive UK appearance of Madeleine Peyroux, from USA, on Sunday on the Blue Angel Stage, for what is to be a great treat for fans of her jazz/folk bohemian style, once discovered busking in the streets of Paris with her soul shaking songs and haunting voice likened to Billie Holliday. This follows the Saturday headline appearance of The Overtones – 5 Irish/English boys updating the swing and fun of be-bop and dee-wop and bringing some good old style back into the modern UK jazz scene. The Blue Angel Stage features some exquisite Jazz acts including the recognisably Jamaican inspired lilts of jazz party trombonist Dennis Rollins in the Velocity Trio and Dominican Cameron Pierre, Dixie chicks Larkin Poe, plus The London Community Gospel Choir, with some more outstanding live appearances still to be announced, ensuring the most impressive selection of Jazz acts in the UK for 2012

And the global party that is Wowfest continues to gathers pace in the afterhours Club Nights with the addition of Roni Size alongside Smith and Mighty for superlative jungle/dubstep/drum and bass night on Friday, whilst Peter Hook, until recently of New Order fame, joins Marshall Jefferson on the ones and twos in a closing Madchester Hacienda themed after hours party on Sunday.

And with the addition of the Alabama 3, Heaven 17, 808 State, Kitten and the Hip, The Pretty Things, and The Blockheads to the Main and Global Stages, with plenty more support acts as well as headliners still to be announced, Wowfest is already shaping up to be an iconic event, with an eclectic mix of House, Reggae, Ska, Jazz, Global and Dance that is already seeing a few envious eyes cast by established festival organisers – with the emphasis firmly on quality rather than excessive quantity of fillers that can sometimes blight other festival line-ups

Tickets are on sale from the event website for a bargain early bird weekend £99 (including free travel on Southern Vectis buses) for limited period only, and many have already snapped up since the announcement of  Paul Oakenfold, Soul 11 Soul, The Beat, Norman Jay, Danny Rampling, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Neville Staple of the Specials, Bez from the Happy Mondays' acid house night, Manos De Dios, Black Roots, Talisman and host of other top names all appearing at Wowfest over the weekend – and with a lot more to come yet.

Wowfest also sees a very promising stage for newer acts evolving – The Shaved Fish stage highlights global and local up and coming bands ensuring that plenty of young unsigned and Isle of Wight talent gets to share the event with some of the classiest live performers alive today. Local and unsigned acts are invited to contact Wowfest HQ to apply for an opportunity to play – see the event website www.wowfest.co.uk for more info about opportunities to perform and get involved with Wowfest – including catering and trading concessions, volunteer stewards and other opportunities to join the festival.

And with a strong green ethos, an emphasis on veggie, locally sourced and organic food, and a tantalizing looking selection of workshops and activities for kids and families in the African Village, plus some fabulous comedy, cabaret, theatre, performance, circus and walkabout, there's plenty more going on than just the superb musical line-up to ensure a truly memorable weekend at what promises to be one of the friendliest and enjoyable weekends this summer

WOWfest is also proud to partner the following charities: Oxfam, Solar Aid, Building Schools for Africa, Sustrans, Vegfam and the IW NHS Juba project.

Tickets are available from www.wowfest.co.uk. 

105 bands added to The Great Escape Festival

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Songwriter and Supergrass alumnus Gaz Coombes, hard-edged indie poppers Reverend and the Makers, Uber-hip Brooklynites We Are Augustines, and LA riot grrrl sister act Haim.

Temper Trap

New additions Haim said: "We're so excited to play the Great Escape Fest! One of our dreams was to come to the UK and play cause we're such big fans of all the music from out there.

Rae Morris said: 'I played at The Hope on my first tour a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I'm from Blackpool so Brighton reminded me a lot of home. I'm a seaside girl at heart so can't wait to be back in Brighton for The Great Escape; i never thought i'd get to go to such a cool festival never mind play it!' 

The full list of bands announced today is: TEMPER TRAP** / BASS DRUM OF DEATH / ST LUCIA

/ PORCELAIN RAFT / GAZ COOMBES / JETHRO FOX / FILMS OF COLOUR / TREETOP FLYERS / HANNAH COHEN / CLOUD NOTHINGS / AMONG BROTHERS / BODY LANGUAGE / RETRO STEFSON / THE BLACK BELLES / BLACK MOTH / WE WERE EVERGREEN / WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS / DROP OUT VENUS / TALL SHIPS / FOSSIL COLLECTIVE / I AM OAK / NOVIKA / BUENO BROS / HANS CHEW / GABRIEL AND THE HOUNDS / ADMIRALL FALLOW / TINY RUINS / FACE + HEEL / DAUWD / ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE / REDINHO / LAPALUX LIVE / JAM CITY / PAULA AND KAROL / DEVIN / SOLAR BEARS / REVEREND AND THE MAKERS /

THE BARR BROTHERS / OSO LEONE / JODIE MARIE / CROWNS / THE NATURALS / WE ARE AUGUSTINES / ABI WADE / DOPE D.O.D./ JACK SAVORETTI / TWILIGHT SAD / PHILCO FICTION / RIZ MC / [ME] / TRIPPPLE NIPPPLES / GABRIEL BRUCE / JONAS RATHSMAN/ RANDOM IMPULSE / EJ / DANTE / WILD BELLE / DALEY / REVERE / ENJOYED / SWISS LIPS /

LUCY ROSE / KARIMA FRANCIS / HATCHAM SOCIAL / KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES / NEGATIVE PEGASUS  / JAPE / SAVOIR ADORE / THE BIG SLEEP / NICOLE ATKINS / THE FRONT BOTTOMS / THE CHEVIN / BWANI JUNCTION / BERNHOFT / MILK MUSIC / BOYFRIEND /

MAYBESHEWILL / ODONIS ODONIS / KING CHARLES CERCUEIL / AMATORSKI / MMOTHS

REGAL SAFARI / BLANCK MASS / BIGKIDS / THRONE / PROPER ORNAMENTS / VIRALS / HALLS / CAVE PAINTING / RAE MORRIS / PAUL THOMAS SAUNDERS / PETE PHILLY / ALBY DANIELS / JIMMY EDGAR / WE BARBARIANS / FEVER FEVER / SEAMS / SYKUR / SX / ALEXANDRE DESILETS / MISTEUR VALAIRE

TGE festival-goers, can set up an affordable and perfectly positioned base at Brighton’s JOURNEYS HOSTEL for just £30 per night. Well located in relation to all TGE gig venues, a stay at Journey’s guarantees that all guests receive the lowest price possible for their stay as well as providing a better atmosphere for meeting and interacting with fellow festival goers. It’s got to be better than camping, right?

The festival is world famous for the massive acts who’ve cut their teeth on its stages: highlights include Bon Iver, Adele, Tinie Tempah, Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran to name a few. We’re looking to forwards to many more discoveries being made this year.

Other acts already confirmed to play The Great Escape this year are:

Africa Express Sound System**/ Maximo Park**/Dry The River / Spector / We Are the Ocean / Friends / Howler / Zulu Winter / Grimes / DZ Deathrays / Nils Frahm / A Winged Victory For The Sullen / Jamie N Commons / Django Django / Eagulls / Perfume Genius / Com Truise / Δ (Alt-J) / When Saints Go Machine / Sonic Boom Six / François And The Atlas Mountains / Bos Angeles / Young Dreams / Doldrums / Weird Dreams / Young Magic / The British Expeditionary Force / Max Cooper / Jinja Safari / College, Graphics / Slow Down, Molasses / Mojo Fury / Mallory Knox / Hawk Eyes / Peace / Yukon Blonde / Emma Louise / Juveniles / Binary / Sing Tank /The Soft / Karlmarx / Inland Sea / Half Moon Run / Owlle / Princess Chelsea / Mesparrow / Stranded Horse / Avalanche City / Trust / The Darcys / Jordan Cook / Mujeres / Me And The Bees / Seward / Furguson / Mystery Jets/ Booka Shade / Alambama Shakes / Natty / Lianne La Havas / Ema / Forest Swords / Madeon / Erros / Willy Mason / Rolo Tomassi / Foy Vance / Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny / Micachu and The Shapes / Maxxi Soundsystem / We Have Band / Loney, Dear / Tanlines / New Look / Koreless/ Shabazz Palaces / Toy / Lower That Atlantis / Kwes / Gross Magic / Disclosure / Duologue / Jonquil / Exitmusic / Spoek Mathambo / Haim / Pale Seas / Foxes / Swin Deep / The Computers / The Skints / Antlered Man / Chew Lips / Hooded Fang / Pets with Pets / Tall Ships / Holy State / Wim / Rich Aucoin / Vondelpark / Milagres / Mesparrow / NZCA / Lines / Dillon / Don Broco / Boy / Odonis Odonis / Eighty and a Half / Wet Nuns / Mikill Pane / The Night / Cut Ribbons / Paws / Ben Chaplan and the Casual Smokers / I Ching / Oliver Tank / Gold and Youth / Psychologist / Hot Panda / Fiction / Step-Panther / Pikachunes / Ben Salter / Boxes / Films of Colour / Alunageorge / Flip Grater / Grass House / Husky / JD Mcpherson / Josh Kumra / Lulu James / My Best Friend / Seasfire /Shields / 22 / Jaguar Shark / Violet / Last Dinosaurs / Jordan Cook aka Reignwolf / Jackson Firebird / Massmatiks / Martha Paton

The Great Escape will return to the bustling British seaside city of Brighton from 10th-12th May 2012, presenting festival-goers with over 300 new local and international artists across 30 different venues throughout the city. Running alongside this is the Great Escape convention programme hosting a variety of insightful industry talks, panel debates, targeted networking sessions and key note interviews for industry professionals and music business fans.

**A small number of shows will take place at The Dome in Brighton. The second of the 2012 Brighton Dome Shows to be announced is TEMPER TRAP. To ensure guaranteed access at a Brighton Dome Show, attendees can top up their festival wristband for £7 per show, or purchase a separate gig ticket at www.escapegreat.com


 

WOMAD’s add Robert Plant, Buena Vista Social Club and more!

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Ever since that first gathering in 1982, the spirit of collaboration and cross-pollination has been WOMAD’s fuel. Back then, it was Echo & The Bunnymen sharing the stage with The Drummers Of Burundi. In the three decades since, it’s always been conspicuous and, this year, that spirit takes many forms.

There’s the rather awesome prospect of Robert Plant’s new project, the Sensational Space Shifters – a heady brew of blues, gospel and psychedelia inspired by the roots music of Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton. Longtime WOMAD face Justin Adams lines up on lead guitar.

Another Adams-associated act, the much-loved French collective Lo’Jo, will also joined the bill this July. As well as blowing out their own 30 candles this year, the collective return to treat all-comers with their hybrid of chanson, folk and Berber stylings.

Such musical impurity has always been welcome at scores of WOMAD events across the word. And there’s more evidence of it heading our way. Dizraeli and the Small Gods promise to be one of the weekend’s surprise discoveries, hitting the bullseye with their highly effective take on folk and hip-hop. The same sources are drawn upon by the USA-meets-Guinea collaboration between Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate, a partnership aiming to reduce the spiritual distance between continents.

It’s always best to approach a WOMAD event by expecting the unexpected, by banishing those preconceptions about how music should sound from a particular corner of the globe. Want Latin funk with a Texan postmark? Then give yourself over to Grupo Fantasma, the ‘funk orchestra’ who’ve often been the support band of choice for Prince. Fancy a singer-songwriter who blends ancient and modern, Indian traditions and Western rock and pop? Then lend your ears to Bangalore’s celebrated Raghu Dixit. And fancy ska from Tokyo City? Look no further than the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra…

These Japanese ska fanatics have plenty of miles under their collective belts – as do several other seasoned performers taking to this year’s stage. The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club continue to cast sunshine on all those within earshot with their timeless melodies and unbreakable rhythms, while the sinewy blues of Malian songster Boubacar Traore never fail to enthrall and charm.

WOMAD is delighted to be welcoming back those perennial Russian favourites (and former Real World recording artists) Terem Quartet whose balalaikas and accordions take us to St Petersburg and beyond. Further Eastern promise comes from the highly energetic Alaev Family. Although now resident in Israel, they unleash a torrent of Central Asian groove with songs from their native Tajikstan. 

Closer to home, Bristol quartet Spiro return to Charlton Park with their mesmerising, almost mathematical tunes, proving to be the missing link between English folk and contemporary composer Steve Reich. More vocal-free sounds come courtesy of Celtic fusionists Peatbog Faeries who marry an electronic sensibility with the tried-and-tested instruments of their native Scotland – fiddles, whistles, pipes… And the pipes are also calling for Narasirato, the high-octane Solomon Islands troupe. We’ll wager that you’ve never seen panpipes played so energetically.

And finally, rounding off this opening artist announcement, is Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun, most recently seen lending her striking vocal prowess to Peter Gabriel’s New Blood Orchestra and now stepping into her own limelight.

So there you have it – 15 reasons to come and help WOMAD celebrate becoming a thirtysomething. And watch this space for many, many more reasons why attendance is compulsory…

WOMAD Charlton Park – July 27-29 2012

Artists confirmed so far… Alaev Family (Tajikstan/Israel); Ane Brun (Norway); Boubacar Traore (Mali); Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club (Cuba); Dizraeli and the Small Gods (UK); Grupo Fantasma (USA); Lo’Jo (France/Algeria); Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate (USA/Guinea); Narasirato (Solomon Islands); Peatbog Faeries (UK); Raghu Dixit (India); Sensational Space Shifters (UK/USA/Gambia); Spiro (UK); Terem Quartet (Russia); Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Japan).

Lineup announced for Cornbury Festival

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Just look who’s coming…major international stars like Elvis Costello, James Morrison and Alison Moyet….great performers like Will Young, Jools Holland, and the irrepressible bluesman Seasick Steve, pop princess Pixie Lott, the intriguing trio Stooshe and mischievous Norwegian instrumentalists Katzenjammer will all join the fun. US diva Macy Gray makes her first ever UK Festival appearance.

James Morrison

Here’s Cornbury 2012’s complete line-up…SO FAR.

Opening up Friday is aspiring singer Juan Zelada and rocker Beth Hart. The day unfolds with appearances from the likes of critically-acclaimed star Gretchen Peters, the awesome live act that is Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves along with starlet Pixie Lott. Friday night sees festival favourites Waterboys, 80s diva Alison Moyet and singer-song writer James Morrison.

Come Saturday and Cornbury favourite Elvis Costello will be joined on the main stage by his band The Imposters, while gracing the Songbird stage will be House TV star-turned bluesman Hugh Laurie & his Copper Bottom Band. Revellers will also be treated to the ultra-talented Police Dog Hogan along with local hero Danny & The Champions of the World on the main stage. Other artists include troubadour Newton Faulkner, the awesome Rainy Boy Sleep, the emotionally raw Tom Baxter, joined by Aloe Blacc, who brings his Motown-esque troupe for some compulsory dancing on the back of their international hit ‘I Need a Dollar’

National Treasure Jools Holland, brings his unique Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to Sunday’s proceedings with guests Marc Almond & Ruby Turner. Rhythm & blues fans are further catered for with legendary rockers 9 Below Zero and extraordinary Texan rockers Los Lonely Boys. Closing the Songbird stage is the beautiful songwriter Nerina Pallot, who makes a welcome return, and Norway’s best live band, the completely brilliant Katzenjammer will be strumming, plucking, blowing and banging their way through a huge selection of instruments.

Also at Cornbury 2012…

The Absolute Comedy Stage returns bigger and better than ever before. Expect a fun-filled Friday programme presented by local regulars Charlbury Riverside, who is set to field a two-day 3rd stage line-up joined by Balham’s infamous Kashmir Club. On top of this, a fantastic children’s zone with countless programmes will keep kids entertained all weekend long.

“Getting the artist bill together is always a nail-biting task but I think we’ve raised the bar yet again with some great exclusives and a fantastic range of artists, so there really is something for everyone –  and maybe I’ll even get to see some of it” says festival director Hugh Phillimore.  

    “2012 could be our best year yet. We’ve weathered some difficult times in previous years, successfully relocated the festival to an even better site, stayed true to our original aims in remaining a truly independent family festival, and I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the local community who’ve supported us brilliantly over the years – so all bodes well for a successful 9th Cornbury.”

As a family-orientated festival, Cornbury undoubtedly offers something for everyone. The glamour, the charm and the comfort of a VIP area have given it the status for being UK’s ‘cleanest, cosiest’ boutique festival. With a slightly eccentric atmosphere and mixture of the old and new, this quintessentially English event preserves its good natured, inclusive feel. Set in one of the most spectacular and most ancient sites in the Cotswold countryside, coupled with some truly ‘feel-good’ music, Cornbury 2012 is sure to resonate in everybody’s mind.

Download to honour Jim Marshall

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Download promoter, Andy Copping said “The music industry lost an innovator & a legend with the sad passing of Jim Marshall. We had to remember him in some way and having the main stage dedicated to his name seemed the perfect tribute.” 

Jim Marshall

With only eight weeks to go until Download Festival 2012 opens its gates, organisers have confirmed another 19 acts who’ll appear across the weekend of 8,9,10 June at Donington Park.

Leading the charge are acclaimed Swedish heavy metallers Ghost, blues rockers Saint Jude (who count Ronnie Wood and Jimmy Page as fans), American metallers Shadows Fall, whose new album isproduced by Killswitch Engage bassist Adam Dutkiewicz and Kerrang!-championed Brits My Passion.

Also announced today are Feed The Rhino, La Dispute, Lawnmother Deth, Six Hour Sundown, Silent Descent, With One Last Breath, The Union, No Americana, Royal Cartel, Tyla, The Dirty Youth, Yashin, Voodoo Johnson andSanguine.

With Download always providing an incredible amount of variety over the weekend, organizers are pleased to confirm a 5th stage with the return of the JägerRock Truck as The Jägermeister Acoustic stage. After its success over the last few years and back by popular demand, the JägerRock Truck will host exclusive acoustic sets from famous live rockbands across the weekend.

With Download fever continuing to grow in anticipation of the festival’s 10th anniversary, the first round of Download Club Nights have been announced towhet fans appetites. Across the UK on the nights of 20 / 21 April, rock clubs all over the UK will be taken over by the spirit of Download, with guest area ticket giveaways and other goodies up for grabs.

Fri 20 April London, Sin @ The Electric Ballroom (10.00pm)
Sat 21 Newcastle, Legends (from 9.00pm)
Sat 21 Birmingham, Vudu (from 9.30pm)
Sat 21 London, Decadence @ St Moritz (from 10.30pm)
Sat 21 Nottingham, Rock City (from 9.00pm)
Sat 21 Manchester, Satan’s Hollow (from 9.00pm)
Sat 21 Liverpool, Krazy House (from 9.00pm)
Sat 21 Norwich, Meltdown @ The Waterfront (10.00pm)
Sat 21 Sheffield, Reservoir Rocks @ The Corporation (from 10.00pm)
Sat 21 Glasgow, The Cathouse (from 10.30pm)
Sat 21 Cardiff, Bogiez (from 10.00pm)
Sat 21 Wolverhampton, Corrosion at The Wulfrun (from 10.00pm)

More club nights will be announced in the coming days with details published on the festival website.

Play Fest add Feeder to the bill

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FeederHeadlining the Main Stage on the Sunday night, Play Fest have just confirmed indie legends Feeder. Slotting in next to Ash on the Main Stage bill, Feeder will be bringing their much-loved, pop-meets-metal style as the final act on the Play Fest lawn for 2012. Supporting Feeder on the Sunday night slot will be Chase and Status’ vocal muse Delilah. But as we all know festivals are about so much more than just the awesome chart topping acts on the Main Stage, Play Fest has a bounty of other stages, areas and bars to discover and uncover!

Step inside the extravagant Big Top and be transported in to a world of circus, swing and a bucket load of colour, all mixed in with a grass roots vibe… The Big Top features an array of unsigned talent, the stars of the future plus some hip-shaking acts including, The Correspondents ,  Roots Manuva and new additions to the bill Sonic Boom Six.

POW! Presents: Dance Arena – Play Fest's main dance stage, curated by Norwich's leading electronic club night brand, POW! Expect the best in up front electronic music from some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside some world-famous party starters.

Full Colour Arcade – Play Fest are over the moon to welcome onboard Full Colour Arcade. Following on from the success of last year’s interactive venue at Glade festival 2011, Full Colour will be going one step further this year at Play Fest by sinking their interactive pressure pad system into a brand new raised platform to create a giant drum machine, where ‘Play Mates’ will be able to jam together and create musical masterpieces! Hold on to your hats folks, with 9 pressure pads and a Turbo Sound System this is no run of the mill festival drum workshop, it will be electric and it will be LOUD! By night the dome will turn into a fun filled intimate venue hosting the regions hottest local DJ's, producers and performers.

Rebel Lion Reggae Tent – Rebel Lion are hosting the Roots and Culture Arena featuring Free King, Foundation Sound, Instrument of Jah, MC Chanter, Principal, alongside vegetarian Caribbean food and Rasta Culture Stores.

Asylum Stage – Powered by The Festival Asylum, expect the unexpected! A great mix of solo artists and bands during daylight hours and as night falls prepare to be sent crazy in this late night ‘live music’ venue with some of the hottest music acts and cabaret performances from the UK music scene.

Tipi Tent – Hosted by some of Play Fest’s favorite house music promoters and DJ’s.  Under the cover of darkness lively tech house will be pumping and keeping the Play Mate’s jumping! During the day time, under the sun lit skies of East Anglia you will be transported to a Norfolk version of an Ibiza beach party and a Café Del Mar sunset!

The Play Area – This kids, teens & family area is dubbed as “A magical mini festival as diverse as the rest of Play Fest.” Working in collaboration with Culture Works East, Play Fest brings you The Play Area. A festival within a festival, and will provide an extra special addition to the site. An area specially dedicated to families flocking to the festival which will offer high-quality cultural experiences, activities and facilities tailored to meet the needs of children, teens and their families.

With so much to see, do and get immersed in, all this fun on offer will be thirsty work, so fear not, the Play Fest folks have thought of everything and have four very different themed bars to tend to all your beverage needs! Main Bar – “Daisy Dukes” Western Saloon, Big Top – “Cirque Du Freak” Circus/Freak Show, Dance Arena – “Full Moon” Thai Full Moon Party and VIP Bar – Top quality beers, wine and cocktails. There will also be a Play Fest Mini Mart filled with all the essentials!

Jelly Festival announce The Felice Brothers, Roni Size and more!

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Line-up: The Felice Brothers, Roni Size, Alex Metric, Jakwob, Lucy Rose, Admiral Fallow, Alister Whitehead, 14th, Gypsy Hill, Swing Zazou.

Solko, Killamonjambo, Lois and the Love, The Jar Family, B.I.D, Chasing Tigers, Tom Pearce and Red Oktober.

Music Genres: Folk, Indie, Funk, Soul, Reggae, Swing, Balkan, Disco House, Electro, DnB, Dubstep

This year we are celebrating our fifth birthday and it's with pure glee that we announce some huge players in the music scene are coming to join us. From bad boy Mercury Music prize winner to cult Americana sensation from the Catskill Mountains.

We are all in for some extra special birthday treats this year at Jelly 2012. Along side the massive acts, performance, interactive games, kids workshops, film, food and walkabouts you will find a number of other escapades at the Jelly house party to keep everyone wobbling along with a big smile. 

All spread out over 8 acres the Jelly wonderland has a living room, bedroom, playroom, rumpus room, observatory, kitchen and summer house. Each allocated to a different stage or area within the festival. Come spoon in some fun and discover this unique party for yourself. 

Soundwave announced 10 boat parties

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The Garden Tisno has its very own dock so those embarking on the boat parties can walk from Main Stage to boat in just seconds. This year’s boat parties are hosted by some of the best music collectives, dj’s, clubnights and record labels around, they are:

SOUNDWAVE CROATIA BOAT PARTY LINE UPS & CURATORS:
 
Boat Party 1: Hoya Hoya & Eglo Records
 It’s a London vs Manchester ting as two of the UK’s heaviest future Hip Hop crews go head to head. There will be Bass.
 Line Up: Alexander Nut, Johnny Dub, Illum Sphere, Jon K, Fatima, Funkineven, Olivier Daysoul Date: Thursday 19th July, 1 PM – 5 PM
 
Boat Party 2: The Hyponik Bass Party
Bass bass bass is the password!
 Line Up: KUTMAH, Throwing Snow, Pedestrian & Hypnonik DJs  Date: Thursday 19th July, 6 PM – 10 PM
 
Boat Party 3: The Doctor’s Orders
A heavy dose of Soul, Funk & Hip Hop is just what the doctor ordered.
 Line Up: Mr Thing, Spin Doctor, Cris P Cuts, Kidkanevil, Yungun, MC Prankster  Date: Friday 20th July, 1 PM – 5 PM
 
Boat Party 4: First Word Records vs. Wah Wah 45s 
Two of the finest independent record labels around take command of the Argonaughty. Expect the heaviest funk and club jazz played loud as f**k on a sunset tip.
 Line Up: Gilla, Homecut, Souleance, Part Time Heroes, Dom Servini, Scrimshire  Friday 20th July, 6 PM – 10 PM
 
Boat Party 5: Soundcrash Boat Party
 The great London promoters and Festival co-founders lay on a weighty world class line-up with two of the greatest DJs in the world at the helm.
 Line Up: DJ Yoda, DJ Kentaro, Kathrin DeBoer, Mr Thing, DJ Cheeba, MC Yungun  Saturday 21st July, 1 PM – 5 PM
 
Boat Party 6: The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Boat Party 
The legend that is Craig Charles takes his BBC Radio 6 show to the high seas. This will be a special one! Line Up: Craig Charles (2h set) + Chris Read (BBE)  Saturday 21st July, 6 PM – 10 PM
 
Boat Party 7: One Taste Collective Takeover 
The excellent London arts collective One Taste showcase their deep pool of talent. The perfect aural companion for a Sunday afternoon in the Sun! Sunday 22nd July, 1 PM – 5 PM
 
Boat Party 8: Riot Jazz Boat Party
 A Brass Band on a boat. ‘Nuff said. (limited tickets available)
 Line-up: Riot Jazz (live) Sunday 22nd July, 6 PM – 10 PM
 
Boat Party 9: Tru Thoughts vs. Departure Lounge
It’s Brighton vs Edinburgh via Japan through the medium of electronic soul and future funk.
 Line-up: Anchorsong, Rich Reason, Departure Lounge DJs  Monday 23rd July, 1 PM – 5 PM
 
Boat Party 10: Soundwave Closing Party
Join the festival crew on the farewell voyage out to sea as the curtain closes this year’s edition of Soundwave.
 Monday 23rd July, 6 PM -10 PM
 
Boat Party tickets are not included in the festival ticket price due to the limited number of places on each boat.
 
Boat party tickets available through all Soundwave Ticket Outlets.

Crowbar and more added to Bloodstock 2012 lineup

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The epitome of heavy, Kirk Windstein and co have been showing the world that speed isn't everything since their debut Thru Sufferingâ stunned the metal world in 1991 with its downtuned, slow-paced yet punishingly heavy sound. With nine studio albums under their very large belts, CROWBAR have mastered the art of the riff, continually delivering irresistible sludgey metal via a sound uniquely their own. The RONNIE JAMES DIO Stage will be put to the test at CROWBAR's only UK festival of 2012.

Over on the SOPHIE stage, additions come in the form of homegrown extreme symphonic metallers and Metal 2 The Masses winners SATURNIAN,fellow countrymen and Melo-death thrashers BLOODSHOT DAWN, as well as Finnish melodic death metallers Re-Armed.

At only £115 for a four day ticket with camping included,BLOODSTOCKoffers incredible value for money and more exclusive appearances than any other festival. With headline sets from BEHEMOTH, ALICE COOPER, plus a very very special mystery headliner – to be revealed at 6pm on the 6th June – comedy, fairground rides and a genuine real ale bar, there is no better place for the British metalhead this summer.

Tim Minchin, Frightened Rabbit and more for Truck Festival

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Of course, there have been comedians at Truck in some of the smaller tents: but this is a full main-stage showbiz show with make-up and crazy hair. Of course, Mr Minchin is no ordinary comedian: he describes his act as a "funny cabaret show"; his songs, he says, just happen to be funny. "I'm a good musician for a comedian and I'm a good comedian for a musician but if I had to do any of them in isolation I dunno." Don't be so hard on yourself, Tim! We reckon this is one of the most exciting additions to any Truck Festival bill ever!  
Tim has also been a big supporter of our friends at the (Oxford-based) Sumatran Orangutan Society, who are regularly seen in Orangutan outfits accompanying our own Truck Monster… here he is wearing one of their T Shirts! (like the shirts: you can buy one here). 

Tim Minchin

FRIGHTENED RABBIT
We are very pleased about this addition too: Frightened Rabbit have been gradually expanding from Scott Hutchison's one-man bedroom project in 2003 to their present globe-straddling epic status, clamoured over by indie enthusiasts and major labels alike. Their new album appears this summer, and this will be their long-awaited first appearance at Truck Festival: it seems like the ideal home for the band.

FUTURE OF THE LEFT
Future of the Left was formed by singer/guitarist Andy "Falco" Falkous and drummer Jack Egglestone, both previously members of Cardiff band mclusky, in 2005; both incarnations have appeared regularly at Truck Festival, often in the Barn, and that is where they will be once more this year. Apparently Future of the Left have been playing a few Mclusky songs on their set recently, though no doubt we can mostly expect material from their recent EP and the new album The Plot Against Common Sense, which comes out this summer. Welcome back, gentlemen!

Also storming the barn will be TURBOWOLF who sound "exactly how you might imagine a band with that name should " (says Kerrang), and they are charged with bringing the rock back to the barn – no doubt they will prove more than up to the task. We are pleased to announce a first tranche of acts from the Thames Valley Delta, as we call it, and a few from further afield. There will be a trickle (truckle?) more to come shortly, so don't fear if your personal favourite isn't on this list. Here goes with some micro-descriptions. Do check out all of these artists if you haven't already heard them! In no particular order at all:

MAN LIKE ME are Johnny Langer and Peter Duffy, pockets filled with underground classics London Town, Single Dad, Carny and Lovestruck.
DELTA ALASKA are a five piece from Londonwho play pop songs as loud as they can. Sounds good to us!
JOHN J PRESLEY: the fragility of Josh T Pearson, the raucousness of Tom Waits and the orchestration of the Dirty Three. Enticing!
THE BLACK HATS. If you’re all about “high energy post-punk, skewed with some dub beats and ska riffs” then you’ve come to the right place.
CO-PILGRIM, Mike Gale (once of Black Nielson) and friends concoct melodic magic; their dreamy new LP is produced by Mark Gardener of Ride.
DUBWISER, Oxford's finest, indeed legendary, reggae band will get you in the mood for fun.
SPRING OFFENSIVE are a relentlessly inventive guitar band complete with rich harmonies, pounding rhythms and dark lyrics.
DEAD JERICHOS:  this three piece New Wave / Psychedelic band are Truck regulars and will set the barn jumping once again.
CRASH OF RHINOS are five dudes from Derby in a band. OK!
FLIGHTS OF HELIOS: a drone/popular song/psychedelic ensemble from Oxford.
THE DREAMING SPIRES channel Big Star, Teenage Fanclub and the Everly Bros (via Steventon) on their new album on Clubhouse.
POLEDO, also from Steventon, wielding trashy riffs from the Dinosaur Jr playbook and big beats courtesy of Steve Jobs.
THE LAST REPUBLIC: the next big band to emerge from Wales? Soaring, bittersweet vocal melodies set against a sonic landscape of distorted grandeur!
TREVOR MOSS & HANNAH-LOU, Kent's original and best folk duo currently across the channel recording a new LP.
THE HI & LO– two musicians and a boot full of instruments from Leicestershire. They play stripped down original roots music.