Afrojack replaces CeeLo Green on MasterCard Balaton Sound

CeeLo Green cancelled all his shows in July due to professional reasons, but the organizers of MasterCard Balaton Sound quickly filled the gap in the line-up with one of the most popular Dutch DJs, Afrojack.

Now it’s official that the Gnarls Barkley duo member, CeeLo Green will be one of the judges of the American Voice talent show, for which reason he cancelled his shows in July and will fly back to the US. Therefore, he will not perform on 12 July in Zamárdi; instead, the organizers of MasterCard Balaton Sound will bring one of the most popular Dutch DJs, Nick van de Well aka Afrojack to further strengthen the line-up. Afrojack’s gig was a great success last year on Day 0 of the lakeside event, which made sure he appeared on many fans’ wishlist for this year’s festival.

May 28th, 2013 Further information on MasterCard Balaton Sound: www.balatonsound.com

Nas, Above & Beyond and more added to Balaton Sound

New acts are joining Balaton Sound next to the already confirmed all-stars. Here come New York hip-hop legend, Nas, the three trance superheroes, Above & Beyond, one of the most colorful drum’n’bass icons, DJ Friction and many more. This will all take place between 11-14 July by Lake Balaton at Zamárdi, Hungary.

Hip-hop icon from New York, Nas, has several Grammy nominations and millions of albums sold. The colorful and charismatic rapper belongs to the most influential elite of the genre. He’s been performing for twenty years now and he is considered the best MC and songwriter of our time. Among his eleven studio albums, he has released some of the best hip-hop albums of all times, like ‘Illmatic’ or ‘It was Written’ that lead the charts for weeks in the US, as well as ‘Life Is Good’ released last year, that was in the race for the Best Rap Album of the year at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

Nas

The three trance superheroes, Above & Beyond, consists of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki. They joined forces in 2000 and since then the trio have made several significant albums. Their tracks are built in by the biggest trance kings sets, while their latest album, ‘Group Therapy’, made it into the best ten on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list. Their label, Anjunabeats, released its 10th compilation album this year.

Friction is one of the most versatile and skilled DJs in the drum’n’bass world and his pioneer work and efforts were recognized by the most prestigious professional awards. He was selected into the group of the genre’s all-stars on the Drum & Bass Arena Awards in 2011.

Raffaele Manicone and Michele Colombo aka MiniCoolBoyz will definitely leave an impact by becoming the audience’s favorite with their minimal techno project, for the second time now at Balaton Sound. For their groundbreaking techno works, the Boyz use the genre’s Detroit roots and the latest results of the progressive tech house researches.

Modestep has a crushing dubstep reinforced with drums and guitar that does not leave a moment’s rest for our nerves and senses. Their tracks have reached impressive ranks on several British charts. The London-based quartet is the most ambitious and promising dubstep formation of our times.

Lead by Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle, Slam, has been an important figure of the British techno scene for two decades now. Their fast and exciting sets do not only affect the party animals of the UK, but also the audience open for innovative techno productions. Now they will hit the stage at Balaton Sound!

Besides the international stars you could listen to some good Hungarian music, as Akkezdetphiai, Andro, Brains, Budai, Carbonfools, Chriss Ronson, Coyote, Dandy, Ganxsta Zolee és a Kartel, Hot X, Irie Maffia, Jay Lumen, Muzzaik, Naga & Beta, Nora Naughty & Rocha, Palotai & MC Fedora, Poli & Polarize, Sena, Sterbinszky, Vad Fruttik, Yvel & Tristan and many more!

The Prodigy, Calvin Harris, Wu Tang Clan and more for Balaton Sound

The Prodigy is a must-have star for any festival main stage, after 25 million sold albums and an amazing popularity through the years. Probably the most successful British electronic formation has surprised the fans with a concert album two years ago. Besides their big hits, we will hear new songs from their new album ’How to Steal a Jet Fighter’.

Calvin Harris is one of the biggest names today in the mainstream electronic music scene. Last year he had a massive show in Zamárdi and this year his track ’We Found Love’, in collaboration with Rihanna, received a Grammy. The Scottish DJ makes perfect party songs with a hint of electro house sound and this year he arrives with a brand new program to the event.

One of the most important hip-hop formations, Wu Tang Clan, truly belongs to music history. The New York clan was formed in 1993, so this year they are celebrating their 20th jubilee with a gigantic tour. They are working on a new album and in Zamárdi all the eight founding members will perform, except ODB, on the biggest stage of Balaton Sound.

Armin van Buuren has closed last year’s Balaton Sound with some fireworks and an uplifting, energetic, massive set. This year he comes back with his ‘A State of Trance 2013’ collection to remind the fans of what quality trance really means. The collection is based on his radio show that is close to the 600th episode, reaching out to twenty-five million fans. Based on these numbers it is quite possible that his show will be the biggest among all.

He is easily recognizable for his unique eclectic house sets, Jamie Jones, has become a prominent icon of the industry at the late 2000s. He made the mix for the 59th album of the Fabric series and worked with the Cocoon label of Sven Väth, but based on his success for three years now he has his own label, Hot Creation. He is unstoppable, last year he has conquered the British charts with ’Benediction’ and this year Jamie can prove his talent at his European tour.

Italian music background and Swedish pop hits have influenced the songs of Alesso, a Stockholm-born Italian DJ. Accordingly, he doesn’t have close ties with the Italian, but the Swedish House Mafia and with his easy-going, monumental dance music he had several sold-out parties.

The abstract and enchanted songs of Crystal Castles are closer to the noise and art rock bands of the 80s new wave than to the parties of the 2000s. However, they made one of the most important albums of the decade in 2008. Since, they became popular on the dance floor with their song ‘Not in Love’ in 2010, a collaboration with Robert Smith from Cure, and this year the crowd can enjoy their strange music in Zamárdi.

You cannot organize an electronic music festival in 2013 without the show of one of the members of Swedish House Mafia. This year out of the trio, Axwell, is definitely coming to Lake Balaton. Moreover, he is the most influential character of the music mafia as there were hardly any electronic pop music recordings from Sweden that he did not assist to. While Swedish is usually gold and a world-success in pop music; Axwell as well plays in the biggest parties on the biggest stages with the best tracks.

Henrik Schwarz is a music gourmand, without any overstatement. One of the iconic DJs of the Berlin clubs not only makes gigantic parties in the most popular clubs in Berlin but also works together with jazz bands at jazz festivals too. His sophisticated but melodic sets will definitely make the crowd dance in Zamárdi. The fans can take it for granted that they will party to one of the most interesting music projects of the German capital by the Lake.

The name of The Advent means the arrival of another icon to Zamárdi. For a decade now the duo became a one-man project, being revolutionary in techno music. The Portuguese Cisco Ferreira is not only known as a London DJ, but for being a sound engineer as well. He is constantly working on new sounds and he is a pioneer in electronic live acts with making all of his shows a real and unique experience.

In the Anglo-Saxon world it is pretty well-known what hip-hop is all about and it’s positive that the Australian Iggy Azaela will be “Die Antwoord” of 2013. The cool blond MC is easy-going and in herself a real hip-hop production, laughing at the iconic characteristics and gestures of the genre. Born in Sydney, living in LA, the MC lady made a huge success with her video Pu$$y. Her self-confidence could not be more declared than the title of her new album ‘The New Classic’.

The name of Belzebass promises massive bass sounds and the two crazy Italians, Michele and Riccardo, won’t let the audience down. Anything that comes in their way, from metal through techno, hardcore to nu rave, they collect everything and use it for some hard-core electro trash party.

Berlin-based Swedish DJ, Jan Blomqvist, merges Swedish pop style with the German capitals minimal sets. The former bass-guitarist for Hexenhaus and songwriter DJ plays with his audience as he wants: by knowing everything needed for a good party and making it happen. So stay tuned for Jan Blomqvist live at Balaton Sound!

The Canadian Fairmont, originally Jake Fairley, is a fan of the electronic sounds and apparatus of the 70s and 80s. No surprise, he invites the two decades and modern electro and techno music to meet each other in his sets. Fairmont makes music with special atmosphere and an exciting taste.  

Steve Aoki, Justice, Dada Life and more for Balaton Sound 2013

Steve Aoki, the impulsive musician from California of Japanese descent, is sensational and unstoppable. He is the founder of today’s most dynamic record label, Dim Mak Records, which has released more than 250 productions from the best bands and formations. His latest work, “It’s The End of the World As We Know It”, was released stylishly on December 21st, 2012. The master of electro house parties will be a co-headliner on the Main Stage getting the maximum out of the fans.

Steve Aoki

For years now the crowd of Balaton Sound pushes for Justice. The number one international stars of Ed Banger Records have music without genre boundaries: from catchy tunes and cool hits they can easily switch to something more brutal and offensive. Nowadays, no one knows better what French electronic music is cool for and for sure they also know how they can mobilize the crowd in Zamárdi…

Usually at the acts of Bloody Beetroots tens of thousands of fans go crazy while the boys rock the stage wearing masks in the state of full euphoria – after a long time, this year again, in front of the Hungarian audience!

First time in Balaton Sound history Dada Life will play for the satisfaction of many. The outlandish electro house duo from Scandinavia is known for their crazy live sets, lately becoming one of the most important festival headliners all around the world.

The lakeside event will also host Hardwell, a shamelessly young and talented Dutch titan, possessing a fan base of hundreds of thousands by being a progressive and electro house musician, producer and record label owner. He smashed into the music industry, amongst the best, at the age of 23 and now he is ranked within the top 10 on DJ Mag’s top 100 DJ list for 2012.

Amon Tobin is known for his original work by having a boundless and unique sound. His newest electronic vision is hooked to the world of hip-hop, but also connected to the dark side of grime and dubstep. This year those who need a real e-music indulgence should check out the “Amon Tobin presents Two Fingers” DJ set. The mainly instrumental set is a truly creative project by being super-massive, expressive and eclectic.

In addition to the line-up, one of the most promising French DJ and producer, Brodinski, is also confirmed for the 2013 Sound. His dynamic sets are primarily based on the bass-lines of house and moving techno themes staying wide open to minimal as well.

Prominent performer of the Berlin electronic scene, DJ and producer, founder of Innervisions Record label, Dixon, is also announced among the firsts in Zamárdi. He is well-known also outside Germany for his eclectic and floating deephouse mixed with funky house.

2013 kicks off to a great start with 8 exciting reasons to buy tickets to the event. However within days there might be a lot more to be excited for!  The organizers of Balaton Sound will step on the red carpet of the European Festival Awards in Groningen, The Netherlands, to join the best of the continent. It is in itself an outstanding recognition for the Sound to be considered in the Top 10 of its European category. Fingers crossed!

 

Björk is out of the Sound

Bjork

Björk released her Biophilia album last October and started her world tour this year. The tour took off very successfully, but after many sold-out shows she had to cancel two concerts in Buenos Aires and also her Sónar São Paulo gig due to medical advice. Doctors found a polyp, affecting the singer’s vocal chords.

In April we were still hoping for good news, since on her Facebook page Björk reported getting better and better, also expressing her hope to make up for the cancelled shows” – said Zoltán Fülöp, main organizer of Heineken Balaton Sound.

But today the bad piece of news has been confirmed: Björk cancelled the Balaton gig.

„We all hope she will get better soon and then we can make up for the cancelled show. With just 10 weeks to go till the festival our colleagues are working hard to find a replacement for this year’s Sunday headliner act, so we hope to come up with good news within a few days” – said Norbert Lobenwein, co-organizer of Heineken Balaton Sound.

David Guetta returns to Heineken Balaton Sound 2012

Meet the line-up:

David GuettaThere’s no other festival in the world where David Guetta feels more at home like at Heineken Balaton Sound. No wonder, he already played stunning shows at the event for the last 4 years and is more than happy to return.

Berlin Calling star Paul Kalkbrenner is never short of creative energies – unlike the character he plays in the famous movie). He has been already headlining the biggest parties of Germany and Europe, so it’s high time for him to come and play at the lakeside event.

Sander van Doorn has always dealt with a wide range of electronic styles and already earned many awards with his powerful trance productions – clearly regarded as anthems of the scene.

You love family reunions? Not really? Just check out how the Kalkbrenners do it at this year’s Heineken Balaton Sound. You have the chance to listen to the live version of the biggest techno hit of the last few months, Sky & Sand, thanks to Paul Kalkbrenner and his younger brother. Fritz Kalkbrenner has always been involved in the German e-music scene and created his own sound, a style that’s close to his brother’s productions, but mixed with hip-hop, house and even soul elements.

Another great performer of the Balaton event will be Gareth Emery, a world famous trance DJ and producer and a regular at the biggest international e-music parties. Also in the line-up Maceo Plex, the American musician and producer, who nowadays lives in Spain and is mainly experimenting with deep house elements. You might know his earlier works as well, as he produced tech house and techno tracks under the names Meatrik and Mariel Ito.

Besides Björk we are happy to host another Icelandic super production at this year’s Sound, namely Gus Gus, playing a sophisticated and welcoming style of electronic music. And let’s not forget about Feed Me, a truly entertaining, fresh and eye-catching side project of Jon Gooch, aka Spor, representing the British drum’n’bass, dubstep and electro house scene.

Nina Kraviz is a remixer, singer-songwriter and a resident DJ of Moscow’s most popular club, the Propaganda. She is surely used to play for full houses and most probably experience the same this summer in Zamárdi. Crazy P is another great asset in the line-up, an electronic production, also using live instruments (drums, guitars) as a key part of the show. They will arrive to Lake Balaton, presenting their new album, When We On.

Tensnake, aka Marco Niemerski is a true messenger of disco’s rebirth. The Hamburg-based DJ-producer is very popular in the German underground electronic scene, inspired by house, the disco era and the 80’s electro-funk craze. Last but surely not least, we are pleased to announce Dapayk Solo, aka Niklas Worgt, representing the Berlin club scene and experimenting with many styles (like drum’n’bass, house) before arriving to the world of minimal techno in the mid-2000’s. And rightly so, as Groove magazine awarded his debut album with ‘the best of the year’ title, while Niklas became the producer of the year.

If you like what you’ve just read, please don’t forget that early bird tickets are only available until 15 April. Of course you can also buy your ticket afterwards, but it surely makes sense the think ahead.

More information and tickets: www.balatonsound.com