Chase & Status, Skrillex, Carl Cox, Skream & Benga. Not only a dream for talent train spotters, but just some of the revered names providing August’s aural assault on Clapham Common. Earmarking this year as our most eclectic and engaging, an unprecedented early interest has sent ticket sales soaring. With fervent enthusiasm from all involved, this quality quintuple is most qualified to engage your senses. However that is the just the tip of the iceberg. A warm SW4 welcome to Saturday stars Knife Party and Zane Lowe. Then last but not least, Sunday’s surreptitious ambassadors of Clapham carnage; Jack Beats, Foreign Beggars, Rudimental and Dread MC.
The cutting edge Knife Party duo consists of powerhouses Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, from last year’s headliners Pendulum. A privilege to welcome their sharp, succinct sound to SW4, following a musical direction away from Pendulum’s D&B mould. Their huge collaborative effort with Swedish House Mafia titled ‘Antidote’ debuted at number four in the UK Singles Chart, whilst their appearances at Space Ibiza and for UKF Bass Culture at Alexandra Palace have quickly proved what a sure fire hit Knife Party has become. Hinging primarily on an electronic house sound, it’s guaranteed to hit SW4 for six.
Zane Lowe is arguably the best specialist Radio1 DJ since the late great John Peel. His award winning Radio 1 show features the hottest new music and in the process has received numerous awards. He also heads the acclaimed MTV show ‘Gonzo’ and is heavily involved in Ibiza Rocks, the party which has ripped the White Isle rule book to shreds. Having played alongside the likes of Kasabian and Oasis at Wembley Stadium, plus The Prodigy at Milton Keynes Bowl, Zane is an outstanding DJ whose enthusiastic, fast paced and sometimes rowdy style always fires up the crowd.
Then the multiple DMC Award winning DJ duo, made up of Niall Dailly (DJ Plus One of Scratch Perverts fame) and Ben Geffin (The Mixologists). Jack Beats have had an immediate and profound effect on the club scene since teaming up in 2007, producing transcendent remixes for La Roux and Florence & The Machine amongst others. Citing influences as diverse as Timbaland and A Guy Called Gerald, the two began to hone a style fusing House, Hip Hop, Drum & Bass and Dubstep with Electro and Baltimore Club. The ensuing support from major industry players like Zane Lowe and Annie Mac, has accelerated them to stardom as evident in their latest red hot production ‘All Night’.
The Foreign Beggars don’t need begging, to showcase their underground repertoire of rousing rap, dubstep and grime. The beggars’ own ‘Dented Records’ has become the cornerstone of a meteoric rise to fame, combining these urban sounds with dance music cuts. This underpins a packed itinerary of energetic live shows, widely regarded as changing the face of UK hip hop in the last decade. So no surprise the Foreign Beggars, orchestrated one of the highlights at the recent UKF Bass Culture show. Recent collaborations with trendsetters Skrillex and Flux Pavilion is further proof of a raw unrivalled talent.
We’re not finished yet, all hail rising stars Rudimental! This North London collective have given the ever changing electronic music scene a rude awakening of late. Melding soulful house with acid, disco and deeper influences, results in a rudimentary sound for rocking any festival. New track ‘Spoons’ has been serving up just this, its blissful vocals having seduced BBC Radio One stalwarts Pete Tong, Annie Mac and the aforementioned Zane Lowe. Also proving Rudimental’s unique production versatility, a hot remix of ‘Drunk’ by Ed Sheeran. An addictive drum and bass lead is exacerbated by a vivacious melody – intoxicating all by itself!
Finally to complement a bulging bill Dread MC. Cranking up the atmosphere to dangerous levels this homegrown MC has perfected his trade performing alongside the biggest names in bass music. A talent which is effortlessly adapted to any genre, he will be performing exclusively alongside the brilliant Redlight. Makes us dread if SW4 can contain his madness!
So there you have it. Six further SW4 artists that encapsulate all genres – defying known definitions for every sonic style. Guaranteed to bring dancing delight to the Clapham faithful, there really is something for all tastes.