Summer Festival Guide

Carl Cox, Eric Morillo and more announced for SW4 2012

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Saturday and weekend tickets on sale now:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk/sw4 / 0844 847 2467

Sunday tickets on sale soon.

SW4 SATURDAY HEADLINE DJS ANNOUNCED!
CARL COX
ERICK MORILLO
[EXCLUSIVE UK FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE 2012]
JOHN DIGWEED

“It’s amazing to be returning to Clapham this year for South West Four. It’s without a doubt a festival with one of the best atmospheres and being where it is means all my friends and family get to join me – another one of the reasons I truly love playing this festival. This year, I am back but hosting the main stage – of course a great honour and I’m seriously looking forward to rocking SW4” Carl Cox

Carl Cox

A sincere thank you to everyone who has already purchased their prized ticket to South West Four. An unprecedented demand testament to the colossal standing of Chase & Status, previously announced as Saturday’s coveted headline act.  Their influential live show has transfixed fans of electronic music worldwide, rapidly adding numbers to an ever increasing SW4 fan base.  This group of electronic music connoisseurs is set to multiply, as our Saturday headline DJs are revealed!

These are without doubt the SW4 all-stars, having buried their roots deep into Clapham Common history. However there’s more to this than just sentimental legacy. With each marking a LONDON FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE for 2012, just one of these artists would be cause for celebration. Featuring the undisputed Kings of the four by four beat, they add to what is without doubt our most sensational SW4 Saturday ever. Not forgetting that extra hour and improved sound levels to boot. The build up officially begins in earnest…

Carl Cox can lay claim to being amongst South West Four’s most inspirational DJs. Such was the rampant success of his 2006 and 2008 headline outings, Carl returned in 2010 to host our biggest indoor arena. His ability to balance deep, driving and uplifting grooves, orchestrated a frenzied atmosphere rarely witnessed. Incorporating an unrivalled crossover formula, his performances at South West Four are widely regarded as some of the best ever seen at the festival. Be prepared to have your senses pulverised, Carl Cox is coming…

Second up is the irrepressible Erick Morillo. His smooth Subliminal Sessions sound is custom built for SW4, as demonstrated in his headline performance at South West Four’s inaugural event. Erick’s devastating debut in 2004 is fondly remembered for an intricate blend of huge house sounds, snazzy acapellas and infectious vocal cuts; a mantra on which he has forged his unwavering reputation over an illustrious career. Making this year’s performance a must see, Erick’s first London performance in over seventeen months – and his ONLY UK Festival performance this year.  Following the unequivocal success of his Pacha Ibiza residency and continued success of his legendary record label, Erick is set to bring something VERY special to SW4 this summer. Sunglasses at the ready…

Finally a progressive philosophy which continually pushes the boundaries, John Digweed embodies South West Four. 2012 will be his seventh consecutive SW4 gig, more than any other artist. Hence responsible for providing a plethora of memories, with 2009 the most poignant. A back to back set with Sasha brought sumptuous sounds and a sea of smiling faces. A trait also attributed to his mighty Bedrock imprint, providing tunes that have defined a generation. Furthermore the recent return of Bedrock’s monthly club night has succeeded in rejuvenating midweek clubbing in the Capital. Increasing the magnitude of this eagerly anticipated appearance, John will also be bringing something quite special to SW4. Already in the pantheon of electronic artists, SW4 2012 will elevate John Digweed to stratospheric heights.

Just the tip of SW4’s iceberg, the following weeks will herald further awe inspiring announcements. Guaranteed to delve deeper into an immersive electronic experience, South West Four 2012 is shaping up to be an essential part of your August bank holiday weekend.

More acts announced for Wychwood Festival 2012

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The supremely intelligent Fay Hield and her Hurricane Party, Romanian gypsy band Mahala Rai Banda, ex-Beetroot Kings frontman Gary Armstrong and London-based alt. folkers Urusen have all been added to the line-up, proving Wychwood Festival to once again be a treasure trove of the ecclectic, diverse and sonically engaging. Now in its eighth year, Wychwood Festival takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse and is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Prestbury Hillsn Gliucestershire. Tickets are on sale now and available from the official festival website.

With economic and social upheaval in England during the 70s, disenfranchised youngsters stepped up to the stage and began initiating chaos. This was the birth of the infamous British punk movement. The Damned were at the forefront of this movement as one of the earliest punk bands to form. They were the first British punk band to release a single, an album, and tour America. Having formed in 1976, the band now have over 35 years of punk rock history under their belts. The Damned are incredibly ambitious and have constantly evolved, with their later albums taking influences from psychedelia, prog rock and metal genres. The Damned are generally recognised as one of the founders of goth music and have been a constant source of inspiration for many emerging hardcore bands.

Fay Hield’s earthy approach to singing and her haunting and powerful delivery uniquely appeal to both older and younger audiences and it wasn’t long before Topic Records, Europe’s oldest and most respected Independent Record Label, approached her with a view to signing her as their first new artist in 20 years. Raised in the singing community of the West Yorkshire Pennines, Fay’s childhood was as much influenced by the bare essentials of the West Yorkshire landscape as the lively, warm music scene surrounding the Famous Bacca Pipes Folk Club in Keighley. Her debut solo CD, ‘Looking Glass’ was released to a fanfare of music media praise and brought her a nomination for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2011. She has guested on the latest CDs by Martin Simpson and Spiers & Boden and has been described as “a real singer… in an age of honey throated whimpering" by fRoots and “Unadorned – and quite exquisite…Hield is a rare talent" by Uncut.

Duke Special is an artist aptly named. Dynamic, musically ambitious & bracingly eccentric, with his inimitable style and lush musicality. Hailing from Belfast with a sound that is self-confessed “hobo-chic”, Duke Special – AKA the endlessly inventive Peter Wilson – is once heard, never forgotten. Blissfully at home in his own alluring genre of beautifully bruised romanticism, Duke Special inhabits a world unlike any other – a world filled with vaudevilleesque sensibility, sing-a-longs and addictive melodies. “My sound is a bit vagabondy, but pure and soulful too,” he explains.

Mahala Rai Banda is a gypsie band with members originating from small Romanian villages and retired soldiers from Moldavia. Shaped in the Gypsy ghettos around Bucharest, Mahala Rai Banda (translated as Noble Band from the Ghetto), combine a dazzling array of styles. The band play Romanian violins & accordions with a brass section and a riotous rhythm section. They group form inventive arrangements and perform them in style to create an energetic party atmosphere at every show. Tracks by Mahala Rai Banda have been covered and sampled by Nouvelle Vague, Balkan Beat Box, Dj ClicK, Forty Thieves Orkestar and Russ Jones. Their song “Mahalageasca” makes an appearance in the Borat film and also features on the Buddha Bar Ten Years compilation.

The former front man with Mansfield-based indie rock band The Beetroot Kings Gary Armstrongbacks up his huge local following and obvious talent with some impressive guitar-driven material. Gary is no stranger to the underground or the festival circuit, with countless shows behind him. From pop tonal summer days screaming at pre-teens, to rock and blues bike fests under a rain of real ale to underground unlicensed folk punk fests, Gary has achieved something so many artists have tried to do before him and bridged the void of all the genres.

Urusen are one of the most exciting bands to emerge out of the UK alt-folk scene. The London based band have performed at festivals across the UK including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Larmer Tree and 2000 Trees, cementing themselves as a festival favourite with their musicianship, heartfelt narratives, and exhilarating dedication to performance. They recently recorded a new album at Realworld Studios with producer Steve Osborne (Elbow, Doves, KT Tunstall, PJ Harvey) which is due for release in early 2012.

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. 

TICKET INFORMATION:
                                                                                                           
Weekend Festival Tickets
Weekend Adult: £115
Weekend Disabled 2 for 1: £115
Weekend Youth/Concession: £55
Weekend 5-9 Year Old: £15
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed)
 
Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37
Friday Youth/Concession: £24
Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Friday 5 – 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed)
 
Saturday Adult: £53
Saturday Youth/Concession: £40
Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Saturday 5 – 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed)
 
Sunday Adult: £43
Sunday Youth/Concession: £30
Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Sunday 5 – 9 Year Old: £10
Under 5: FREE (but ticketed)
 
Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2             
Cheque/PO: FREE         
Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3             
 
Camping Passes (Weekend)                                                                                 
Adult Weekend: £20            
Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle: £35            
Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend: £10            
Under 16 Weekend: FREE         

Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10
Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15
Youth/Concession Day: £5
 Under 16 Day: FREE

T in the Park 2012 announces Florence + The Machine, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds and more!

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The Vaccines, The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, Frank Turner, Miles Kane, The Horrors and Maverick Sabre are also amongst the first wave of acts to be announced. Festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager will unveil the two Main Stage headline acts that will join The Stone Roses as well as other top acts on Thursday 23rd February.

Florence + The Machine
 
Having smashed the UK charts and taken the US by storm, Florence + the Machinehas had a stratospheric rise to the top since winning the Critics’ Choice Award at the BRIT Awards in 2009 and first playing T in the Park in the same year. A stunningly accomplished artist with two number 1 albums, countless more accolades and a reputation as one of music’s most exhilarating live acts, Florence Welch brings her grandiose, majestic pop anthems back to Balado, including huge hits from triumphant second album Ceremonials.
 
Soon to be crowned Godlike Genius at the forthcoming NME Awards, Noel Gallagher returns to T in the Park with his new outfit, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Noel’s previous appearances at T in the Park have gone down in history as some of the festival’s greatest moments, with Oasis playing the very first festival in 1994 before storming the Main Stage with a massive headline show in 2002. Now it’s time for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to soar centre stage, to play classic anthems and fresh material during what will undoubtedly be one of the standout sets of T in the Park2012.
 
Joining them on the bill are some of Britain’s best breakthrough bands of recent years. With a repertoire packed full of feel-good festival anthems, The Vaccines’ high octane tunes are sure to get the Balado crowd jumping.  Brighton boys The Maccabees have graduated to dizzying new heights of popularity, with their third album Given to the Wildhailed as “the first classic album of 2012” by NME.  The Horrors have embraced an ethereal, shimmering new sound, which they will showcase to the 85’000 per day crowd on T in the Park turf. Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club will make a welcome return to Balado after headlining the recent NME Awards Tour and rapidly becoming one of the biggest new success stories across the globe. 
 
Festival organisers have also secured the appearance of an array of top singer-songwriters. Captivating singer songwriter Miles Kane was part of The Last Shadow Puppets as well as now being a hugely accomplished talent in his own right with his glorious, fuzz-rock, beat-pop earning him legions of fans, including fellow T in the Parkperformer Noel Gallagher, who sang backing vocals on Kane’s My Fantasy.  Frank Turner has blossomed from an underground hero to a bona fide mainstream success story, and hits T in the Park following a massive headline gig at Wembley Arena this spring, whilst Maverick Sabre will inject a catchy social-political blend of soul, hip-hop and reggae to the proceedings. 
 
Festival organisers thrilled fans in November by announcing that The Stone Roses will headline T in the Park. The Manchester legends’ second coming is the most highly anticipated musical resurrection of recent years, and their set is sure to be a historic moment for T in the Park.
 
Music lovers will be able to guarantee their place in the 85,000 strong crowd and get their hands on the final batch of tickets, which go on general sale at 9am on Wednesday 29th February from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and by calling 08444 999 990.
 
Boutique camping options are available in The Residence at T in the Park.  The Residence offers festival goers a bespoke, luxury experience where all their accommodation needs are taken care of – www.tinthepark.com/residence

Chase & Status, Dizzee Rascal and more for Beach Break Live

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Taking place from 14th – 18th June in Pembrey Country Park the four-day extravaganza will welcome the mighty Chase and Status, who will be performing live on Friday, grime maestro Dizzee Rascal who will be topping Saturday's bill and Friendly Fires, who will raise the roof on Sunday, closing what is without doubt the most exciting festival line-up of the summer. With tickets priced from just £109, Beach Break Live will be buzzing with festival goers enjoying the epic line-up and four fun-filled days in the sun which will see everything from Roller Disco's to The Celtic Games.   

Chase & StatusAfter Beach Break Live gave Chase and Status their first ever headline show in 2010, the duo have risen to global stardom pioneering drum and bass in the UK singles chart and bringing the genre to the forefront of the music industry. They will be joined by multi-talented producer and artist in his own right Labrinth, who shot to fame in 2011 with his numerous collaborations and hugely successful singles 'Let The Sun Shine' and 'Earthquake'. BRITs Critics Choice-nominated Maverick Sabrewill stun the crowds with his beautiful voice while hotly tipped London bandClement Marfo & The Frontline will be skanking down in their uniquely urban style. The coveted Delilah will no doubt be performing her single 'GO' which has received huge critical acclaim and resonated with fans across the UK. Dubstep chart toppers Nero will bring hits such as 'Me And You' and 'Promises' to the Beach Break Live Dance Stage.

As with Chase & Status, Beach Break Live is hugely excited to be welcoming the return of another festival favourite, BRITs awards winner Dizzee Rascal who will headline The Dell Main Stage on Saturday. Having stuck with Beach Break through the infamous 2009 site move to perform his first ever headline festival show, Dizzee returns as the notorious icon of the UK grime and urban scene to blow the minds of 20,000 festival goers in Wales. Festival goers will be going 'Bonkers' for everything Beach Break this year, from Zorbing down the 8-mile beach to horseriding through the waves, this festival offers everything fun in one place. 

Dizzee RascalDJ Fresh, who has just reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart, will be showcasing his new live tour, which includes a full band and a tonne of technology as a back drop to his hard hitting bass lines. Since 2010 Wretch 32 has been steadily rising up the charts thanks to breakthrough singles from his hugely successful album 'Black and White'. 2012 is set to continue that trend, if not garner even more success for the grime MC when he performs at this year's Beach Break Live 2012. Embarking on UK tours this February, Beach Break is delighted to be welcoming both Manchester indie rockers The Whip and lyrical genius Ghostpoet to the festival for the first time while the newly appointed BBC Radio 1 contingent Benga [live] and Skream will be offering up the kind of cutting edge drum 'n' bass that has seen them become two of the most talked about DJs and producers in the business.  

The infamous Ghetto Blaster stage is returning yet again to Beach Break Live, true to form artists will be keeping festival goers up into the small hours with a mash up of unique dubstep from Toddla T, Rinse FM's very own Oneman and Glasgows champian DJ and Numbers label founder, Jackmaster, will be spinning the decks with a frenzy of electronic bass and beats. Blawan will also be joining the boys on the Ghetto Blaster stage, hotly tipped producer of 2011 will no doubt be bringing even more to the dance table in 2012. Festival circuit pros DJ Parker, DJ Cheebaand DJ Moneyshot will be spinning the decks in Chai Wallah whilst rising talentsMystery, SDM, MTD and Dutty Dan will also be performing around the site. Propaganda will be starting the post main stage party in the ActionAid tent every night, with some secret DJ sets to top it off!

With the highly anticipated second album from Friendly Fires tantalisingly close to being released, there's little doubt that the St. Albans trio will be a festival highlight for many a Beach Breaker in 2012 when the boys close proceedings on the Dell Main Stage on Sunday. They will be joined by Beach Break regular and rapidly rising singer songwriter Ben Howard while Merlin's Forest is set for the ultimate drum 'n' bass takeover when the one-and-only Hospitality unleash their collective on Sunday.  High Contrast, Netsky, Camo & Krooked, Danny Byrd and more will take to the decks for what promises to be a unforgettable show.

Queen and Kiss to headline Sonisphere 2012

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KISS EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE, 
QUEEN  EXCLUSIVE & 
FAITH NO MORE 
UK EXCLUSIVE HEADLINE SETS 
FOR SONISPHERE 2012

ONLY UK SHOWS OF 2012 FROM EVANESCENCE, MARILYN MANSON, INCUBUS, 
WITHIN TEMPTATION & WOLFMOTHER

EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL APPEARANCES FROM MASTODON, ANDREW W.K., FLOGGING MOLLY, LACUNA COIL, GOJIRA, SWITCHFOOT, 
GHOST & KATATONIA

REFUSED TO PERFORM FIRST UK SHOW SINCE 1998 EXCLUSIVELY AT SONISPHERE

APPEARANCES FROM, THE DARKNESS, CYPRESS HILL, THE BLACKOUT, FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, & I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN CONFIRMED

TIM MINCHIN LEADS COMEDY ELEMENT WITH HEADLINE SLOT ON SATURN STAGE

Queen’ Brian May and Roger Taylor today confirmed the band will headline the second day of this year’s Sonisphere Festival appearing at the festival home ground Knebworth Park, Stevenage, on Saturday July 7.
 
Knebworth was the setting for Queen’s final concert with Freddie Mercury in August 1986.
 
May and Taylor also confirmed that for this special one-off concert they will be joined by US singer-songwriter Adam Lambert.
 
Since first encountering each other during American Idol Season 8 in May 2009 where Lambert joined the band to perform We Are the Champions the two have repeatedly hinted at a future collaboration, most recently with Taylor telling Billboard Magazine "He (Adam) has grown into a really great performer with an astonishing voice with a range that's great. We would like to work with him again. There's nothing signed just yet but …it could be very exciting."

 Queen

After their brief meeting on American Idol, the potent chemistry between Queen and Lambert finally broke the surface when at the invitation of Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor Lambert joined them for the closing showcase at the recent MTV Europe Awards where Queen were present to collect their Global Icon award. 
 
Their eight minute MTVE set ignited an immediate reaction across the internet with social network sites buzzing with excitement and campaigning for a more formal union between Queen and Lambert. The Sonisphere 2012 Knebworth stage will at last provide an eager public the opportunity to see May, Taylor and Lambert delve deeper into exploring their very evident artistic appreciation of one another.
 
Says Brian May: “Judging by my incoming mail, this decision will make a lot of people very happy. It's a worthy challenge for us, and I'm sure Adam would meet with Freddie's approval! And what better place to revisit, and walk those emotional paths than Knebworth? It will be a rush.” 
 
Lambert adds: “I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon. The thought of sharing the stage for a full set is so beautifully surreal. I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know the evening will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band I know magic will be on display.”
 
Queen’s previous performance at Knebworth Park, close on twenty-six years ago ,  August 9, 1986, was set up to be the glorious last stop for the band’s monstrously successful Magic Tour which had spread out across Europe over eight weeks of that summer.  Over a million people had already paid to see them.
 
Now riding one of the highest crests in their career, Queen drew a record crowd of 120,000, their biggest ever UK audience.  Coming on the back of two stunning shows at Wembley Stadium – to this day regarded as among their finest performances – anticipation was high.
 
Queen delivered the goods, winding up the crowd by arriving above their heads in a custom decorated helicopter, and then going on to perform a Queen textbook set to a deliriously enthusiastic audience, winding up with an emotional ‘God Save the Queen’ and Freddie wishing his audience ‘sweet dreams’. 
 
What no-one in that Knebworth Park audience, and as far as we know, not even the band could anticipate that day, was that a new chapter in Queen’s history was being written: after more than 700 concerts together, what was taking place was the very last live concert of Freddie Mercury with Queen.  
 
With the exception of an appearance in 1988 with Spanish operatic soprano Montserrat Caballe to launch Barcelona’s successful bid for the 1992 Olympic Games performing their duet ‘Barcelona’, Mercury would never again be seen performing to a public audience.
 
On what will undoubtedly rate as one of this summer’s most highly anticipated and emotionally charged concerts Queen’s Roger Taylor says: "I remember Knebworth as being the most incredible gig, with the most amazing audience and the sound on stage was utterly perfect. It was a fitting last stand before a live audience for Freddie. It will be a real challenge to complete the circle by returning with Adam."
 
Shooting rockets. Blood spitting. Face Paint. Shiny Boots and utterly jaw dropping triumphant live shows: SONISPHERE is proud to announce KISS as Friday's headliner. With a reputation for being perhaps the most flamboyant and entertaining band on the planet, the American Kings will bring their stage extravaganza to SONISPHERE as their only European performance of 2012. 
 
For the final, Sunday night, SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH is proud to announce the legendary FAITH NO MORE as the headline act on the APOLLO stage. Mike Bordin, Roddy Bottum, Bill Gould, Jon Hudson and Mike Patton are poised to set KNEBWORTH on fire when they close the last night at SONISPHERE with their only UK appearance in 2012. Of their set Gould comments:"It was over 2 years ago when we decided to reform and play those amazing UK shows. The good news is, we've had a couple of years to improve our skills; moving our song to error ratio down 3.5 full percentage points. Watch out UK, we're going to do it right this time!!"  

Joining the three superb headliners are some of the biggest names from the world of rock and metal including:
 
WITHIN TEMPTATION – only UK show of 2012, EVANESCENCE – only UK show of 2012,THE DARKNESS,INCUBUS – only UK show of 2012, MARILYN MANSON – only UK show of 2012, ANDREW WK – only UK festival show of 2012, REFUSED – only UK show of 2012,MASTODON – only UK festival show of 2012, THE BLACKOUT and more.
 
As well as the exciting names from the world of rock, SONISPHERE once again shows it’s forward thinking nature, and invites musician/comedian TIM MINCHIN to headline the Saturday night on SATURN. Since his first appearance at SONISPHERE back in 2010 theTIM’s success has gone from strength to strength, resulting in his first UK arena tour, his first West End Musical (Matilda The Musical) and numerous high profile TV appearances. After the astounding success of Bill Bailey’s SATURN slot last year, TIM – with full backing band in tow – is bound to deliver a much talked about and highly memorable show atSONISPHERE.
 
Tickets on sale to the public from 9:00am Thursday 23rd February fromwww.sonisphere.co.uk / 0844 871 8803priced at £145 for a weekend ticket (£180 with 4-day camping, £170 with 3-day camping), with a very limited number of day tickets available for £75. Rock Royalty and Day VIP packages will also be available from www.sonispherefestivals.com.
 
To spread the cost of the festival customers can pay a non-refundable deposit of £50 to secure their weekend tickets and then pay the balance off anytime before 30th April 2012.
 
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTHtakes place July 6th – 8th at KNEBWORTH HOUSE.

Korn, The Vaccines and more for Sziget 2012

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It’s been 20 years since Korn rocketed on top of the metal world and the guys from California stayed there ever since. They already sold tens of millions of albums, won two Grammy awards and are generally considered as universal points of reference in the contemporary culture of rock/metal music. During their Sziget gig they plan to present the new LP, also considered as a dupstep-based metal craze, with the title ‘The Path of Totality’.

The Vaccines were reviewed by BBC as one of the biggest prospects of 2011 and the band lived up to expectations with their first album, ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’ The London-based indie rock guitar combo was already nominated for some of the biggest music awards of the continent and plan to start working on their new LP this March.

Magnetic ManDupstep heroes Artwork, Benga and Skream joined forces to create the legendary Magnetic Man formation and released their self-titled studio album in 2010, reaching instant success. 3 in 1 is always a good offer, so be prepared for another gigantic gig on Sziget.

Steve Aoki has Japanese roots, lives in California and by now he is regarded as a grand master of the electro house scene. ‘Wonderland’, his debut album was released this January, but he also made remixes for bands like Justice or Franz Ferdinand. The DJ and producer is the founder of the world famous Dim Mak Records.

For long years now it’s impossible to imagine DJ Magazine’s top DJ listings without finding Axwell’s name on them. He’s a member of the world famous Swedish House Mafia and counts as one of the most active contributors to the Scandinavian e-music scene.

Two Door Cinema ClubTwo Door Cinema Club is maybe the most lovable UK indie band these days. Easy going and guitar-centric, although not reluctant to some electronic sounds either. They’ve already played the biggest festivals and are currently working on their second studio album.

When it comes to combining fun and punk-rock, short but out-of-control kind of songs, you might wanna turn your heads towards Germany. Really! Beatsteaks has been existing for over 15 years, recorded 7 LPs and the ‘House of Fire’ track from their new album was even selected for the soundtrack of the third Transformers movie.

Antwerp-based immortal cult-rock act, dEUS is an all-time favorite for big festivals. One of the few bands who can perfectly evoke the anger and melancholy that is flooding from their studio recordings, also while playing live.

Synthesizers and machine-like guitar riffs, unbelievable pace and an industrial metal show that will simply blow your mind. That’s what you need to know about Ministry, announcing that after 3 years of silence they have recorded a new album and are ready to blitz the world once again.

Caro Emerald is the favorite singer and nr. 1. music export item of The Netherlands. The nu-jazz sensation has already won several big awards, combining groovin’ jazz with swing and tango, but doing so in a way that you will love her music even if you’re far from being a jazz fan.

Great voice, wonderful charisma and already a Grammy nomination to her name, these are the obvious words to describe Bebel Gilberto, also regarded as the ambassador of modern bossa nova. The Brazilian singer is mixing the Bahia region music with electronic patterns, while her latest LP, ‘All in One’ was nominated in ‘the best contemporary world music album’ category during the 2009 Grammys.

Otis Lee Crenshaw to return to Maverick Festival 2012

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Already established as the UK’s premier venue for American roots music, and featured in The Guardian’s Top Ten Small Festivals 2010, other artists set to appear include festival favourites OTIS GIBBS (Billy Bragg’s favourite protest singer), Downton Abbey’s ELIZABETH MCGOVERN and her band EVE SELIS, as well as international roots stars CORB LUND and EMILY BARKER.

Running between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, Maverick is set on a restored Victorian farm which boasts a spacious, pastoral campsite and tipi village, and a recognised family-friendly atmosphere.

As well as music, the festival also showcases film, dance and workshops. Add in award-winning local ales, lager and cider and a range of regional food and you have a “master class in how to put on a friendly, well organised, perfectly-sized festival where music is still the main attraction.” [Shades of Blue]

Visit maverickfestival.co.uk for the latest line-up and ticket offers.

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5 and more set for Evolution Festival 2012!

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Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend
Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th June
NewcastleGateshead Quayside
 

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5, Maximo Park, Noah & The Whale plus many more confirmed for the North East music spectacular

Dizzee RascalEvolution Festival returns to the North East on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend with a stellar line up of the most influential and exciting names in popular music.  Evolution attracts 28,000 people per day to the Quayside, delivering an outstanding bill of contemporary live acts and dj’s at an unbeatable price.  And the 2012 line up is the best one yet!

2012 is the ‘Return Of The Rascal” headlining the main stage on Sunday is the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal.  The ultimate showman whose pop sensibilities seamlessly fuse Grime, House and Hip-hop Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audience and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco.

Not the first dead rodent to be found on the Quayside but certainly the biggest, famed for his notorious live shows, the mighty Deadmau5 brings the biggest production ever to Evolution with his jaw dropping audio visual spectacular. His set up will no doubt light up the Quayside for a perfect finale to the weekend. With an epic mix of EDM Deadmau5 is a genuine global star and this is his only North of England show this year.

The North East’s favourite sons Maximo Park will grace the stage as very special guests in support of Dizzee. Having blazed a trail around the Globe representing all that is good and infectious about the North East we are stoked to have them at Evolution and with the band currently ensconced in the Studio working on their new album we look forward to giving the boys a HUGE hometown welcome as they hit the stage for one of their legendary, incendiary live shows.

Noah & The Whale delivered the hugely critically and commercially successful ‘Last Night On Earth’ album last year and are undoubtedly one of the best live bands in the country as their recent sell out UK tour demonstrated. Variously described as anti-folk, nu-folk and folk-pop (a confusing multitude of pigeonholes) alongside like-minded souls such as Laura Marling and Emmy the Great. Both of whom were part-time members of the band at various points.

Rizzle Kicks have been the undisputed breakout act of the past 6 months seemingly coming from nowhere to top radio playlist and the charts and injecting some fun into proceedings wherever they perform.  Rizzle Kicks are destined for superstardom in 2012 and their set will be one of the feel good moments of the festival.

Deadmau5

Whilst touring with the Arctic Monkeys with The Rascals, Miles Kane developed 

a strong friendship with front man Alex Turner. They shared a love of the same musical influences, such as Nick Cave. The pair began to play together backstage, and soon began writing new tracks. They realized that there was a future in their songwriting partnership, and the Last Shadow Puppets were born. Since his work with Turner Kane has shone with his solo material and his debut album has won millions of plaudits.

With artist such as Devlin, Benjamin Francis Letfwich, Band Of Skulls, Spector and Jessie Ware amongst other confirmations on the main stage, Evolution 2012’s line up takes on monstrous proportions.

The Ballast Hills this year will be home of some of the most pioneering electronic music and all tastes are catered for with a truly amazing and eclectic bill across both days.  DJ sets from DJ Fresh, SBTRKT, Jack Beats, Toddla T, Maya Jane Coles and a live set from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are certain to have the Evolution crowd partying into the night.

Evolution promoter Jim Mawdsley comments ‘We are very proud to bring such a strong and progressive line up to NewcastleGateshead for this years Evolution Festival. We look forward to partying with you all in June’.            

Evolution festival continues to bring the best artists to the North East to perform in front of the UK’s most rapturous festival audience.  At £25 for a day ticket or £35 for the weekend, Evolution continues its tradition of providing an amazing show for an unbeatable price.

Alongside hosting some of the biggest acts on the planet Evolution will once again introduce the crowd to a wealth of emerging local talent on the third stage – partnered with Generator the UK’s leading Music Development Agency this stage gives local talent a chance to get their foot on the ladder and play to the biggest crowd of their careers to date

For Hi Res Artist Pics / Biogs / Logos please visit: http://www.wearesoundproof.com/press.html

FULL LINE UP

Sunday 3 June

Spillers Wharf 
Dizzee Rascal
Plus very special guests
Maximo Park
Miles Kane
Devlin
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Dog Is Dead
Lulu James
Theme Park
The Lake Poets

Ballast Hills

Turbulence & Metropolis present

DJ sets from…
DJ Fresh
Jack Beats
Shy FX
Friction
Toddla T
Dot Rotten
Citizen
Codename:Tyrone

Monday 4 June

Spillers Wharf

Deadmau5
Noah & The Whale
Rizzle Kicks
Band Of Skulls
Here We Go Magic
Spector
Jessie Ware
The Milk
Mausi

Ballast Hills

Wax:On presents

DJ sets from…
SBTRKT
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (live)
Maya Jane Coles
Eats Everything
Jackmaster
People Get Real
Mike Jones 

Whilst the outdoor Bank Holiday Weekend extravaganza is the pinnacle of the Evolution programme we still have much more to announce – including the Evolution Emerging programme, Music Futures and the Jumpin Hot Club programme of shows that will be wrapped around Gateshead venues.

Download Festival 2012 tickets on sale tomorrow 9am

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Biffy ClyroWith a spectacular line up including headliners The Prodigy (Friday 8 June), Metallica (Saturday 9 June) and Black Sabbath (Sunday 10 June), plus an array of exciting acts such as Slash, Biffy Clyro, Steel Panther, Soundgarden, Lamb of God and You Me At Six, this year’s event at Donington Park is set to blow the top right off the roof!

Download promoter Andy Copping says “This year’s Download is going from strength to strength and the line up is shaping up nicely. We’ve had a phenomenal reaction to weekend tickets, and have decided to go on sale with day tickets early. Happy days!”

A further 60 + acts will be announced between now and June, and organisers continue to hit a home run by confirming American metalcore band KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, the multi-million selling SHINEDOWN, last year’s biggest rock newcomers BLACK VEIL BRIDES, DIY punk masters NOFX, epic progressive metallers OPETH and symphonic Scandinavians NIGHTWISH for thisyear’s Download.

Weekend with camping tickets are also available to purchase along with limited RIP packages – go to www.downloadfestival.co.uk for all ticket options.

This year’s Download will also see the debut of the RIP METAL HOTEL, the first of its kind indoor ‘pop up’ hotel located on the festival site, a mere hop skip and a jump to the main arena. Each room will have two beds, thermostatic climate control, an en-suite wet room with toilet, basin and shower, storage space, a flat screen TV, and secure card entry. Not only that, all rooms will be serviced with with quality linen, towels and toiletries by dedicated Metal Hotel personnel, as well as offering continental breakfast, providing a truly luxury experience to coincide with the festival’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Rooms will be available from the Download website.

 

Summer Break 2012 details

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Week One – 10th-14th June 2012

Week Two – 17th-21st June 2012

The event began its glorious life as the UK’s answer to Spring Break when we thought: ‘Why should Americans have all the fun?!’

The Summer Break recipe is a top secret highly complex blend of day time fun and night time hilarity… Take 6000 of the finest party students, place them in an exclusive student village with access to their very own private beach, let them simmer for four days and nights regularly sprinkling with world class DJs, crazy parties, access to all clubs, beach raves and extreme sports and what do you get? The best party of your life!

Event information

Tickets:

Festival ticket with Camping from £54

Festival ticket with Caravan from £79

What does my ticket include – 3000 party people, 4 days and 4 nights of epic end of year parties, crazy beach games, beach parties and BBQ’s. Exclusive accommodation in the Student Village, access to all the SB clubs, fancy dress shenanigans and world famous DJs every night – the perfect blowout to the end the student year!

The resort facilities – Luxury caravans // Outdoor swimming pool // 2 Bars // Huge Nightclub // Village Store // Cafes & Restaurant // Bonfires // Private Beach// Outdoor Stage

How do I get there – Transport is available from all UK Campuses to the beautiful Cornish coast from only £39!

For more info goto the website http://www.summerbreak.co.uk/