BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Norwich Review

by
After Radio 1 announced in Febuary that the fine city of Norwich had been chosen to host it's annual Big Weekend, the
often overlooked city became abuzz with excitement of the hotly-anticipated event, Europe's largest free ticketed festival.
The local paper reguarly ran articles leading up to the weekend, transport timetables were altered, and there was a furore
on social media over gaining tickets for the most in-demand weekend of the year in Norwich. When the day came, it was a roaring 
success. 
 
Performing infront of an elaborate stage set of a dark red velvet curtain and an array of lined up lights with a harpist in tow,
you could sense that Florence and the Machine's set was going to be special, despite the usually theatrical singer's mobility being
affected by a broken foot. Singing infront of a big blue Norwich sky, Florence voiced her appreciation of doing so while singing the very
fitting new track 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.' Her crowd interaction was very personable and endearing, clearly displaying a genuine
affection to the crowd. Florence belted out hits including 'Dog Days Are Over' and 'Sweet Nothing', her incredible voice showing no signs of
slowing down during the exceptionally inpressive long notes- drifting out the the crowd and probably beyond. Her heavy band only marginally
supported the already strong and sturdy voice of Florence that showed so much stamina, even overhearing a festival-goer 'getting goosebumps'
to then doing so when being encouraged to 'jump as high as you can' by Florence because she couldn't. A mesmerizing performance by the hugely-talented and remarkably humble and grounded Florence and her very impressive Machine. 
Photo courtesy of BBC Radio 1 website
 
After her performance, the crowd had an hour wait till headliners Muse made their appearance. It was easy to pass this time
looking at the big screens beside the stage seeing music revellers reactions to being spotted, some more amusing than others.
On they came, to a rousing welcome from the 50,000 strong crowd. They created a visually spectacular performance, with thunderous 
guitar riffs and use of bolts of lighting and flames firing out of the stage. Muse are known to use their music to display political views,
and their use of stage graphics depcited this by use of an authoritive and purposeful looking US military official shouting
orders at the captivated and at times on-edge looking audience. Lead singer Matt Bellamy played his signature unmistakable opening bars
to opening news songs Psycho and Reapers, followed by classics Suppermassive Black hole, Time is Running Out and Starlight. The band's
dark undertones intensified in the highlight of the set, Knights of Cydonia. By use a harmonica, bassist Chris Wolstenholme had the whole
audience on tenderhooks, with words like 'haunting' even being heard. Suddenly, that perilous sound was cut like a knife with Matt Bellamy's
piercing rythm guitar chords and riffs, proving his hype of being considered one of the best guitarists of the 21st century. With that
magnificent ending song, it was time for the crowd to head home, some coming back for the next day and some others seemingly happy with just
the Saturday's long stretch of excellent performances.
Photo courtesy of BBC Radio 1 website

Common People – Fatboy Slim Saturday headliner Review

by

Over the almost two decades of Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook has been leader of the bucket-hatted masses, spaced out neon lovers with glowsticks and an assortment of psychotropic treats. So when Common People festival-goers were faced with a choral arrangement from a very serious looking but talented bunch of vocalists, more than a few confused looks were exchanged. However, the hums and notes gathered momentum into an absolutely brilliant (mad but brilliant) mashup of Norm’s super hits, from ‘Right Here, Right Now’ to ‘Eat Sleep Rave Repeat’.

As the choir wound up to a crescendo, the man himself hit the stage wearing a fairly creepy white mask and hood, looking a bit Detroit clown-gang, but tearing it off theatrically as the bass dropped for his own ‘Eat Sleep Rave Repeat’. Common People might be a brand new festival, but it’s clear some of it’s forefathers’ Bestival/Camp Bestival vibes are present, the glow-paint covered crowd are going absolutely mental already, and Norman throws off his hoody to reveal a loud Hawaiian shirt and some very suggestive hip wiggling.  

Throughout the set Norman mixes tracks from various artists, but it’s Zombie Nation’s ‘Kernkraft 400’ that gets the front row bouncing. The big screen shows computer generated graphics of his face with visable musculature and day of the dead style facepaint and when the well known ‘Samba De Janeiro’ is mixed in, giant acid-smiley inflata-balls are thrown out into the crowd.  

Talking Heads’ ‘Psycho Killer’ rolls into a mashup of ‘Right Here, Right Now’ and Underworld’s ‘Born Slippy’ as rippling blue lasers bathe the site in an otherworldly glow. Salt-N-Pepa ‘Push It’ has the rowdier (drunk) sorts attempting to push each other over. A clip showing Cook being slapped with a wet fish somehow leads us into what is understandably this festival’s herald – Pulp’s ‘Common People’.

Photo courtesy of Common People

For the finale, the choir, now in white gowns float back on stage to help with fan favourite ‘Praise You’ which has the entire crowd, even the guy inexplicably waving his crutches in the air – dancing in the traditional circle formation and singing along. As a massive array of fireworks light up the sky and mark the end of the night, it’s safe to say that Common People festival has picked a pretty epic first ever headliner. It’s amazing that one man behind a mixing desk can be such a presence, but that is exactly what Fatboy Slim does with an ease that says ‘I can do this in my sleep’ or maybe ‘I’d rather do this than sleep’.

Lineup completed for this years Beat Herder Festival

by
In 2015, Northern England’s most cherished festival, Beat-Herder in Lancashire will celebrate their 10th birthday – a landmark anniversary that marks their journey from humble free party origins to an annual three-day 12,000 capacity bonanza with a legion of devout fans. Described by The Guardian as ‘wonderfully barmy and typically northern’, Beat-Herder is a rare find in today’s climate: a staunchly independent festival that stays true to its roots, completely shunning all corporate sponsorship or branding.
 
Today, Beat-Herder announces the final wave of acts rounding up the bill for the special 10th anniversary edition. Closing the festival on the main stage on Sunday night is celebrated British rock band, The Levellers. The 90s favourites will end the 10th birthday festivities with their own nostalgic blend of folk-punk in a return to the big stage.
 
A dance festival at heart, with its roots firmly in electronic music old and new, Beat-Herder Festival looks set to continue its history of programming dance music’s finest, with a tour de force final wave of acts including DJ, producer, remixer, club promoter and label founder Erol Alkan and his Phantasy cohort and Fabric residentDaniel Avery. Also confirmed is 2020Vision head honcho Ralph Lawson and distinguished drum and bass stalwart turned in-demand house and techno producerTrevino.
 
Baltimore native and house / disco legend Maurice Fulton will be joining the 10th anniversary celebrations alongside more locally sourced homegrown talents including Tim Sheridan who has a long history playing at and promoting warehouse beach parties in Ibiza and his own Veryverywrongindeed parties across Europe and the UK. Disco legend Greg Wilson will headline the Trailer Trash stage on Sunday night while live disco funkers Crazy P are confirmed to play the main stage on Sunday.
Over the last decade, Beat-Herder has come to be known for its unrivalled attention to detail when building the site. Built entirely from scratch by hand, the festival houses all manner of surprises at every twist and turn. Each year unexpected new areas magically appear for festival-goers to stumble upon. Last year’s new additions included a swimming pool in the woods, housed in a Scandinavian style wooden cabin, complete with changing rooms and lifeguards and The Ring, a huge earth mound with a Stonehenge-esque entrance.
 
This year Beat-Herder was crowned winner of the Extra Festival Activity Award at the UK Festival Awards, an award that recognises events that paid that extra bit of attention to detail that creates a magical and unforgettable festival experience.

FULL LINE UP (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
 
08:58 / 2 BAD MICE / 47 SOUL / A-SKILLZ / AFRIQUOI / ANDREW WEATHERALL / ANDROID SISTERS / ANDY PYETT / ANNIE TT / ARCTIC LAKE / BASEMENT JAXX / BIG JIM / BLAENAVON / BLISS ZION / BODIE / BOE & LEE / BOMBSTRIKES / BORN IN A BARN / BOXED IN / BY THE RIVERS
CAMPO / CAPTAIN HOTKNIVES / CATZ N DOGZ / CAUSA / CHAPTER 4 / CHEZTIKOV BROS  / GOAT BOY / CHRIS HOLT / COJO / CRAZY P / DANIEL AVERY / DAVE ANGEL / DEAN MCPHEE / DJ CLUMSY / DJ FFLYFFILYFBYBL / DOHNUT / DOPE TRIK / DREADZONE / DREAM THEMES / DRUM MACHINE / DUB DADDA / DUB PISTOLS / DUB REAKTION / DUB SMUGGLERS / DUTTY MOONSHINE / EARTHDOCTOR / EATSTATIC / ED STONES & THE BD3 / EDDIE EARTHQUAKE / EROL ALKAN / FATHER FUNK / FEATURECAST / FIRE BENEATH THE SEA / FOLKESTRA / FOXES FAUX / FRASER TT / FREAKY BITCHES / FREESTYLERS LIVE / GHOST CULTURE / GOOD FOXY / GRAEME PARK / GREAT SCOTT / GREG WILSON / GRIFFS MAGIC THEATRE / GRINNY GRANDAD / HECTOR BIZERK / HENGE / HORSE PARTY / INDIANIC / INSTRUMENT OF JAH / ITAL GUIDANCE / J BEAR & THE GIANTS / JAM TIDY / JAMBEATER / JAMES ATKIN / JAMES HOLROYD / JERAMIAH FERRARI / JOHN THE BAPTIST / JOHN TREE / JOHNNY CLASH / JON DASILVA / JUSTIN ROBERTSON / K-KLASS / KARL ROSCOE / KASSASSIN STREET / KEN EVIL / KIRAN LEONARD / KRYSKO/ LORD / LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS / LAWLESS / LAZY SUSAN / LINDSAY TT / LOO & PLACIDO / LOWDOWN DJ'S / LUMBERJACKS / LUNALOOP / LYONS & LA ZEL / MAR / CONSTANTINE / MARK TURNER / MARTEN HORGER / MARTHA REEVES / MATT MONTEZ / MATT PLYFORD / MATT TDK / MATTY B / MAURICE FULTON / ME & MY FRIENDS
/MESSENGER / MIAOUX MIAOUX / MIRANDA ARIEH / MISSKITTYFLIP / MISTAJAM / MISTER TOOLEY / MISTI VALENTINE / MOFO & BOZO / MOLLY TILSTON / MOOQEE / MOOSE FUNK SQUAD / MOUSE OUTFIT / MR BENN LIVE / MR SCRUFF / MR SWITCH / NAZIM ZIRYAB / NIGHTMARES ON WAX / PADDY STEER / PALACE / PAPA SHANTI MEETS NEMA KUTA / PAPER CRANES / PAROV STELAR / PAT TRASH TT / PAUL TAYLOR / PAUL THORNTON / PAUL WOOLFORD / PBR STREETGANG / PEACH TT / PETE FOXON'S SOUL TRAIN / PHIL HARTNOLL / PIMPSOUL / PLUMP DJS / PORT ISLA / RALPH LAWSON  / RED EYE HIFI / RED J TT / RED TIN DAVE / RICHARD NORRIS / ROSS ALLEN / RUBBER KAZOO / RUM JIG / RUSS CUBAN / SACHA SCHWARTZ / SAM AND THE WOMP / SEAN P / SHIBA SAN / SIMON SCOTT DIMENSIONS / SKUTCH MANOS / SOLANA / SPAT-CHILLA / STEF M  / STEVE THORPE / SUGARBEAT RESIDENTS / SUGARHILL GANG / SWING DANCE / TANTRUM DESIRE / TELEGRAM / THE KAYANITES / THE LEVELLERS / THE PIRATONES / TIM SHERIDAN / TIRIKILATOPS / TREVINO / UNDERGROUND ROOTS / UTAH SAINTS / VANILLA ACE / VIEKA / WILL JOSEPH COOK / YOUTH CLUB / ZION TRAIN

 

Nozstock announce Fuse ODG and more

by

Nozstock The Hidden Valley has announced its next wave of names performing at the festival this July at their beautiful working farm in the Herefordshire hills, curated and managed by the father and daughter partnership of Noz and Ella.

Reaching its 17th year this summer, Nozstock is one of the UK’s longest running festivals and has already announced Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Beardyman and many more.

The festival is now very proud to announce Fuse ODG joins the bill, with further new live artists including the Neville Staple Band, Will and The People, Mouse Outfit ft Dr Syntax & Sparkz, By The Rivers, The Computers, Will Joseph Cook, Clarence Clarity and many more, with P Money, Mad Professor, Chimpo, Reggae Roast and lots more DJs and MCs, plus in Laughing Stock Seann Walsh, Mark Simmons, Andrew Maxwell, Mike Wozniack, Brett Goldstein, Spencer Jones and Pat Cahill all star.

We Are FSTVL announce BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard!

by
BBC Radio 1’s dance music maestro Danny Howard has been added to what is already an incredible line up at this year’s We Are FSTVL. The UK tastemaker will bring his own brand of high energy big room house music to Upminster’s ‘Field Of Dreams’ – joining Sunday’s main stage gathering of Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Amine Edge & DANCE, Heidi, Oliver Heldens and more – plus future talents Philip George, CamelPhat and As I Am also announced. 
 
Currently touring on behalf of his very first brand, Nothing Else Matters, and influencing the listening habits of thousands of fans worldwide across his shows for BBC Radio 1, BPM and Sirius XM, Danny Howard is a bona fide UK dance music lynchpin. Juggling a residency at Pacha, a regular column in DJ Mag and the promotion of his already #1 BBC Radio 1 Dance Anthems compilation, Howard has somehow found time in recent years to produce tracks such as ‘Spire’, ‘MUG’ and ‘Apex’ on Spinnin’ Records, as well as collaborating with the legendary Paul Oakenfold. His production talents show no signs of stopping this year, with his remix of Dr Kucho! & Gregor Salto’s ‘Can’t Stop Playing (Makes Me High)’ being released imminently on Ministry Of Sound.

Also billed on Sunday’s main stage is 21 year old newcomer Philip George – the man behind the huge record ‘Wish You Were Mine’ which peaked at number 2 in the UK chart. On the rise duo CamelPhat are also set to feature on Sunday’s Paravana stage, as well as As I Am who rounds off the latest additions.  

Keep an eye out for further news on We Are FSTVL’s 2015 after party at Studio 338 which will be revealed shortly – with plenty more surprises in store before proceedings kick off on Saturday 30th May 2015.
  

Line Up
 
Saturday 30th May
 
Main Stage: Carl Cox, Gorgon City, Hot Since 82, Monki, Nic Fanciulli, Second City, Seth Troxler, Solomun
 
Used and Abused: Loco Dice, Adam Beyer, Enzo Siragusa, Recondite (Live), Tale of Us, Yaya
 
What Hannah Wants: Hannah Wants, Redlight, Cyril Hahn, Friend Within, GotSome, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, Oneman, T Williams, Waze & Odyssey
 
Defected In The House: Masters At Work, Andrea Oliva, Oliver Dollar, Cristoph, Noir, Sam Divine, Simon Dunmore, Sonny Fodera
 
Toolroom Live: Mark Knight, Dennis Ferrer, Tensnake, Dosem, Purple Disco Machine, Shiba Shan, Tube & Berger, Wankelmut, Weiss, Mark Storie, Pete Griffiths
 
Clockwork Orange: Tall Paul, Brandon Block & Alex P, Trevor Fung, Andy Manston, Tristan Ingram, Danny Clockwork & Keith Mac, 2 Good Souls, Tony Grimley
 
 
Sunday 31st May
 
Main Stage: Steve Angello, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Amine Edge & DANCE, Heidi, Oliver Heldens, Danny Howard, One Bit, Route 94, The Martinez Brothers, Philip George
 
Cocoon: Sven Vath, Dixon, Ame, Ilario Alicante, Popof, Ricardo Villalobos, Ten Walls
 
Hospitality: Camo & Krooked, DK EZ, MJ Cole, Toyboy & Robin, Etherwood, Fred V & Grafix, Spy, Metrik, Logistivs, Nu:Tone, Lynx, Krakota
 
Paradise: Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Claude Von Stroke, Steve Lawler, Jackmaster, Richy Ahmed, Patrick Topping, wAFF, Russ Yallop, Mark Jenkyns
 
MK Area 10: MK, andhim, Anabel Englund, Ben Pearce, Beckwith, Dantiez Saunderson, DJ S.K.T, Dusky Huxley, J Phlip, Kant, Kevin Saunderson, Lee Foss, Pleasure State, Shadow Child
 
Paravana: Camelphat, Max Chapman, Senzala, Panda, Headspace, Anthony Lowther, Ollie Mundy, Melvo Baptiste, Russ Jay, Jnr Windross, Secondself, Shane Macauley, Jedd Barry
 

Calling Festival add Sunset Sons, Bleachers and many more

by

The line-up for Calling Festival 2015 heats up as Sunset Sons, Bleachers, Sundara Karma, White Room, James Veck Gilodi, VANT and Osca are confirmed, joining Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds for one of the biggest days in London’s festival calendar. Calling Festival takes place in Clapham Common on Saturday 4 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.co.uk.

Calling Festival 2015 is renowned for bringing the hottest new acts to the forefront, and this year’s line-up does not disappoint. Sunset Sons, nominees of BBC Sound of 2015, will bring their beachy, surfer rock vibes to the festival. The band have been making waves across the UK; their debut album The Fall Line has been riding high in the iTunes chart and the majority of UK dates are sold out. Bleachers, lead by Fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, are fast becoming a crowd favourite following a string of shows in the UK. Their frenetic energy and relentless explosive sound have been getting high praise on both sides of the Atlantic.  

James Veck Gilodi, front man of Deaf Havana, has been confidently striding around the UK selling out shows as he carves out his future as a singer-songwriter. Inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, his effortlessly honest folksy acoustic sound has been delighting fans and his song writing ability has been well documented.Sundara Karma, are the all driving, rousing indie quartet from Reading. Gathering the support of resident BBC Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton and Huw Stephens, their dreamy, almost psychedelic sound has been described as ‘the sound of summer’.

VANT have enjoyed an incredible start to the year on all fronts. Described as a cross between The Kinks and the Pixies, 2015 has seem the band supporting the likes of Royal Blood, The Bohicas and Hinds, and receiving extensive airplay from BBC Radio 1 and XFM.  London four-piece Osca have been hotly tipped as the next big thing by nearly every tastemaker blog, website and the likes of Zane Lowe proclaiming their last single a ‘next hype’ record. 

Finally, White Room have grabbed the attention of the music industry, including the ‘Modfather’ Paul Weller – who they have supported on several occasions. The band have drawn comparisons with the Stone Roses and The Charlatans, and will bring some Britpop vibes to the Common. 

Calling Festival takes place at one of London’s best outdoor locations, Clapham Common. The multi-stage festival is steeped in heritage, where music icons Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Paul Simon, The Who, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, The Killers, Bon Jovi and more have all previously jetted in to headline its main stage. Last year, over 80,000 people flocked to Calling to experience music from legends Stevie Wonder and Aerosmith, plus an amazing daytime lineup of top musicians. 

This year’s festival is headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with Ryan Adams and the Shining, Modest Mouse, Wolf Alice, Echo & the Bunnymen and The Hives

Ultra Europe 2015 announce the next wave of artists

by
Ultra Europe
Ready to descend upon Croatia’s Dalmatian coast this July for ULTRA Europe’s third annual gathering, Hardwell, Dash Berlin, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Paul Van Dyk andSolomun can now be added to the already huge list of Phase One headliners, includingAlesso, Armin van Buuren, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Carl Cox, The Chemical Brothers (Live), David Guetta, Knife Party, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero, Steve Angello, Tiësto andZedd. All of these global superstars and more will be bringing their talents to the colossal Poljud Stadium in Split from July 10-12 at ULTRA Europe’s flagship event.
 
In addition to the colossal Main Stage, the inimitable ‘Resistance’ stage will be making its first appearance in Croatia, following a spectacular debut at Ultra Music Festival Miami in March 2015. Once again co-produced by the UK’s award winning Arcadia Spectacular team (responsible for some of the most groundbreaking stage productions at Glastonbury) the 360-degree immersive ‘Afterburner’ production will play host to some of the most forward thinking artists in electronic music.
 
If that weren’t enough, Ultra favourite Carl Cox will once again be bringing his Carl Cox & Friends arena to the masses in Split, where he’ll be joined by a selection of superstar guests who will be revealed over the coming weeks.
 
Supporting acts announced in the Phase Two lineup include (in alphabetical order) Andrew Rayel, Apollonia, ATB+, Blau, Chaim, DVBBS, Flosstradamus, Galantis, Guy Gerber, Harvard Bass, Hot Since 82, Markus Schulz, Marlo, Nic Fanciulli, Orjan Nilsen, Sasha, The Chainsmokers, Umek and W&W. Offering a plethora of international talent, the biggest electronic music event in Croatian history is living up to its reputation for showcasing the most in-demand talent, providing party-goers with a truly unique experience.
 
Crowned the World’s No.1 DJ in the DJ Mag polls for two consecutive years (2013 & 2014), global superstar Hardwell will be gracing the ULTRA Europe main stage for a third consecutive year. Joined by fellow Dutch megastar Dash Berlin, both will look to secure their reputable legacy as heroes of the EDM scene. Seasoned-veteran and all-round ambassador for global electronic music, Paul Van Dyk will also be showcasing a master craft that he has built up for more than two decades, as he prepares to set one of Europe’s most formidable arenas alight in just two months time.
 
On the other side of the musical spectrum, global ambassador of techno and Ibiza mainstay,Marco Carola, is set to amaze the crowds in Split with his energetic, three-deck mixing, proving once again why he remains as one of the most in demand DJs on the planet. Jamie Jones and Solomun will also be bringing their talents to Croatia in July, proving the diversity of this year’s lineup and its widespread appeal.
 
‘DESTINATION ULTRA’ is a brand new concept that will see the festival expand into a phenomenal seven-day experience. ULTRA Europe’s Official Opening Party, Cocoon,  will officially kick off on Thursday, July 9, at the brand new Giraffe Palm House in Split (the official Ultra Europe After Hours club) with none other than SVEN VÄTH headlining the proceedings. The Cocoon head honcho will also be bringing fellow label mates Christian Burkhardt (LIVE), Maurizio Schmitz and Reach Visuals to a party that will have everyone in attendance whipped into a tech-filled frenzy.
 
A week on from the Opening Party with Väth and his cohorts, the DESTINATION ULTRA Closing Party, Resistance, will get underway for the first time on Wednesday, July 15, at the breathtaking Fort George venue on the picturesque island of Vis. Built in 1815, the Fort George site was originally used by the British Army to defend against opposing forces, but in 2015, it will see NIC FANCIULLI and JORIS VOORN taking to the decks in this pristine location to put a fitting end to a perfect week.
 
‘DESTINATION ULTRA’ is offering more choice than ever for its attendees this year with a wealth of other parties and events to attend across the week. With the ULTRA EuropeFestival itself being hosted on July 10-12 and featuring some of the most sought after artists in the world, more than 150,000 fans are expected to witness another slice of history.
 
Following the Festival, ULTRA Europe will launch a one-off Yacht Regatta on July 13 on Zlatni Rat Beach on the Island of Brač, Bol with world famous South African house duo, Goldfish. July 14 will then take the party across to the island of Hvar for the famed third edition of ULTRA Beach, where Fedde Le Grand, Oliver Heldens, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and more will play to over 5,000 people at the Hotel Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort.

The Prodigy headline Sea Dance Festival along with Rudimental and more

by

EXIT, TheSoundYouNeed and UKF present Sea Dance Festival, Europe's most beautiful beach festival held from 15th-18th July on Jaz Beach, Montenegro. After scooping 'Best Medium-Sized Festival' at the European Festival Awards, 2015's proceeding will be headlined by iconic dance supergroup The Prodigy in a Balkans-exclusive as well as electronica diva and former Moloko singer Roisin Murphy, plus Rudimental (DJ) who have redefined the drum n bass genre for the mainstream charts. Joining them will be British duo Sigma, genre-hopping Noisia and 'Afterglow' producer Wilkinson. Festival-goers can also expect sets from a number of underground artists including esteemed Slovenian producer Gramatik, hip hop/house fusers Bondax, Californian soul outfit Soul Clap, the master James Zabiela and over 100 more across six stages.

Serbia's legendary EXIT Festival presents their latest offering as part of their 15th Birthday celebrations – the stunning Sea Dance Festival in Montenegro. Partnering with AEI Media and their premium brands TheSoundYouNeed and UKF, Sea Dance will create the ultimate beach festival experience in Europe's hottest new party destination. With day parties at the best beach on the Adriatic, revellers can dance under the warmth of the sun with the sand in between their toes, whilst drinking cocktails at sunset and experiencing the finest purveyors in electronic music and beyond. To watch 2014's highlights visit here.

Headlining Sea Dance 2015 is The Prodigy who's rich quarter-century-long music career has made them one of the most influential bands in dance music and touts over 25 million albums sold worldwide, their most recent being their sixth studio release 'The Day Is My Enemy'. Their signature and energetic live performances are known for the mass euphoria they produce and a real coup for Sea Dance Festival who will host them for the first time in the Balkans. Joining them in a special headline slot is Roisin Murphy, one half of electronic duo Moloko and respected soloist who has been one of the key figures of the music scene since the late 90s. With unparalleled hits and music classics such as 'The Time is Now' and 'Sing it Back' and her newest EP 'Hairless Toys', Roisin has established herself as the icon of modern pop culture and her highly-anticipated premiere performance at Jaz beach will be her first in Montenegro.

Rudimental are a British drum n' bass band who's hits such as 'Waiting All Night' and 'Not Giving In' have earned them both Brit and Mercury nominations, and have made them one of the most in-demand festival acts in recent years. Joining them on the mainstage will be Sigma who have scored two number one's including 'Nobody to Love', a re-edit of Kanye West's infamous track, as well as 'Changing' with vocals from Paloma Faith. Noisia, the famous trio from Holland, are renowned for their unparalleled technical skills with their style transcending from traditional drum bass to dubstep, breakbeat and house, with releases on labels such as Jay Z's Rocnatio. Finally Wilkinson from London has been dubbed one of the most exciting young talents to come out of the genre earning a place on Andy C's prestigious Ram Records roster and not-to-mention the legendary Hospital Records. 

Representing the drum 'n bass heads are Renegade Hardware stalwarts Calyx & Teebee who will bring some serious basslines to the idyllic surroundings of Jaz Beach along with legendary three-piece Black Sun Empire and liquid dnb purveyors Fred v & Grafix. Other acts to feature at Sea Dance include the newly announced Brookes Brothers and bass-heavy Gotsome, while the young pioneer Maduk will have revellers dancing long into the night.
 
As one of the most innovative names in the game James Zabiela will bring his DJ magic to the Montenegro shores alongside New York's leading lady in house and disco Kim Ann Foxman. Bondax and alumniSnakehips will also take to the decks accompanied by the ultimate party DJ Doorly. Bringing a hip hop flavour to the Dance Paradise Stage is Brooklyn-based DJ/Producer Gramatik whose unique blend of electrothump, funk, jazz, hip hop and rnb has spawned hits such as 'Hit That Jive' whilst Seattle duo Odesza will bring some of the biggest dancefloor hits of 2014 including 'Say My Name (feat Zyra). Other acts to feature include remix king Star Slinger, French house star FKJ aka French Kiwi Juice and TCTS.
 
Known for their laid-back LA vibes Soul Clap will bring their Crew Love family to the festival providing feel-good house music ideal for the beach. The colourful Nick Monaco will join the ambassadors of Crew LovePillowtalk.

Kings of Leon and Duran Duran to headline Gibraltar Music Festival

by

Bringing some of the world’s biggest live acts to Gibraltar each year, GMF is back in 2015 with its biggest lineup to date in the picturesque and intimate surroundings of Victoria Stadium on the Rock of Gibraltar.

Headlining proceedings this year are none other than Nashville rock heroes Kings Of Leon who come to GMF as a British exclusive performance. Since bursting into the public consciousness with breakthrough album ‘Youth & Young Manhood’ back in 2003 they have spent over a decade becoming one of the greatest bands of a generation.

Also headlining will be pop icons Duran Duran. Having sold over 100 million records worldwide and with a new album set for release in mid-September of this year featuring highly anticipated collaborations with the likes of Janelle Monáe, Kiesza, Nile Rodgers and Mark Ronson, the band are as vital and festival ready as ever. Expect a career spanning set filled to the brim with the band’s huge arsenal of hits alongside new material.

Joining the headliners is a supporting cast of some of the world’s best talent including award-winning piano balladeer Tom Odell, breakthrough singer-songwriter Rae Morris, powerpop superstars The Feeling, pop-rock chart smashers Lawson and reggae veterans Third World alongside names like Reach,Strange Brew, Tim Garcia featuring Afterhours, Paddy Taylorand many more still to be announced.

Providing the perfect end to the festival season, GMF is a family-friendly festival in the sunshine. Affordable and easily accessible, Gibraltar Music Festival rolls a holiday and a festival into one incredible weekend.

Latitude Festival 2015 preview – Who to watch

by

Henham Park, Beccles, Suffolk

Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th July 2015

Now in its 10th year, Latitude has proved its point that it is far more than just a music festival. It’s an artistic, creative, inspired and imaginative goldmine, stuffed to the brim with an eclectic blend of comedy, live-art, poetry, theatre, as well as choice upon choice of world-class musicians. This is an event that can suit the most rugged of festival goers, on the hunt for a venue to head-bang and let loose, to those whose preference is to sip on a glass of chilled chardonnay, witnessing the very best in contemporary ballet. This year promises to celebrate the ten year anniversary in style, with lashings of exciting and innovative artists – in all forms – ready to entertain, intrigue and enthuse the 35,000 strong crowd.

When it comes to headline artists, Latitude have certainly pulled out the big guns to take to the stage of the Obelisk Arena – an ideal hill-top venue, overlooking the entirety of the stunning Suffolk site. It’s difficult to describe the sound of the Friday headliners, British three-piece Alt-J; they’re music is instantly recognisable, with their rustic atmospherics and melodic harmonies. This is an act with stunning crowd-unifiers such as Matilda and Hunger of the Pine under their belt, and the headline slot promises to be an enthralling affair to remember for everyone who attends. As Saturday arrives, the sounds of Portishead will be nailing the headline slot; the trio, much like Alt-J, operate in a world of their own, with a magnetic sound that seems to be unlike any other. Currently the only UK date on their tour, it can definitely be said that this is not one to be missed.

The final headliners of the weekend are Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds; yes, the rock legend himself will be gracing the stage, firing out hits from the bands’ new album ‘Chasing Yesterday’. From previous sets, it seems Noel and co aren’t shy of pulling out back catalogue Oasis classics such as Don’t look back in anger and Champagne Supernova within their set, so expect thousands of echoing voices singing in unison at the top of their lungs to top off the weekend.

                         

Away from the headliners, there’s a plethora of incredible and unique acts performing to keep every soul entertained. Welsh rock legends the Manic Street Preachers will be making their debut performance at Latitude at the Obelisk Arena on Sunday – it seems 12 albums in, the band will never fail to attract the crowds, and Latitude should be no different. Indie rock band The Vaccines – who have just finished touring the States with Mumford and Sons – will be making their way to BBC Radio 6’s Music Stage on Saturday, providing a harder alternative to main stage headliner.

With a shimmering lake as a picturesque backdrop, The Lake Stage, curated by Huw Stephens, has an array of handpicked rising stars gracing the stage; To Kill a King, Pretty Vicious and Rea Morris, to name a few, will all be performing at this fantastic open air hub, each to show off their own fresh, unique musical talent.

The special thing about Latitude is the side-splittingly fantastic array of comedy acts present each year – and this year is no different. The festival is fast becoming a well-respected portion of the comedy calendar, and 2015 brings funny man Mancunian Jason Manford, QI star Alan Davies, and the delightfully monotone Jack Dee to the stage to add a bit of light-hearted hilarity to the bill.

For theatre fans, the National Theatre Live presents Everyman will hold a special performance at Latitude’s very own theatre stage, starring BAFTA winner and Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor. Meanwhile, The Waterfront Stage welcomes Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company, bringing together some of the brightest dance talent across the UK combined with their internationally renowned associate artists. Sadler’s Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance; so whether you have a true passion for movement, or just want to witness something a bit different, this promises to be a vibrant and exciting performance for anyone who attends.

If this wasn’t enough, for the first time in the festival’s history swimming in the lake will be permitted, for those who want to take a dip as they watch the festival go by. This, combined with new hot tubs where audiences can soak up the cultural atmosphere of the site, is what makes it so much more than a festival – it’s an adventure. There’s masses to be explored; from opera, to slam poetry, to cabaret, down to a live art house, there’s simply too much to possible divulge here – you’ll have to dive in and experience it for yourself.

Tickets range from £84.50 for a day pass, to £200.50 for a full weekend with camping, with discounts available for children and teenagers.

You can check out the entire Latitude Festival line-up at the website, www.latitudefestival.com.