As always, the Thursday night kicks off the BLOODSTOCK party on the SOPHIE stage. Symphonic extreme metallers SATURNIAN open proceedings with BLOODSHOT DAWN and MARIONETTE warming the crowd up for headliners VIKING SKULL, before metal funnyman Steve Hughes takes to the stage to split sides. Of course, it wouldn’t be BLOODSTOCK without the infamous metal Karaoke, and once you’ve sung your tonsils raw the 4 DJS Of The Apocalypse take over til the early hours of Friday morning.
The gates to the main arena open on the Friday as the festival proper swings into action with over one hundred bands spread across four stages with all manner of mighty metal majesty on offer. Dozens of exclusive appearances from some of metals heaviest hitters, hilarious comedic offerings from top alternative comedians and white knuckle rides are all on offer across the weekend. If that’s not enough, the metal market offers stalls from across the world bringing their wares to the UK for one weekend, and there is an acoustic stage still to be announced with performances from bands on the line up courtesy of Jagermeister.
The day splits for what is set to be BLOODSTOCK’s biggest year is as follows:
Thursday 9th August
Sophie Stage
Saturnian
Bloodshot Dawn
Marionette
Viking Skull
Steve Hughes
Metal Karaoke
4 Dj's
Friday 10th August
Ronnie James Dio Stage
Freedom Call
Grand Magus
Moonsorrow
Iced Earth
Sepultura
Watain
Dio Disciples
Behemoth
Sophie Stage
Commander In Chief
Gonoreas
Primitai
Sweet Savage
Derision
Death Valley Knights
Pythia
Eastern Front
Alcest
Dirty Sanchez
Newblood Stage
Warhorse
Cambion
Infernal Creation
Fallen Fate
Saturday 11th August
Ronnie James Dio Stage
Benediction
I Am I
Cthonic
Crowbar
Mayhem
Sanctuary
Hatebreed
Testament
Machine Head
Sophie Stage
Savage Messiah
Dripback
Infernal Tenebra
Rising Dream
Furyon
Winterfylleth
Witchsorrow
Sight Of Emptiness
Orange Goblin
Newblood
Merciless Fail
Stormborn
Wretched Soul
Tempus Fusion
Reflections In Exile
Doomed (Slov)
Gone Til Winter
Sunday 12th August
Ronnie James Dio Stage
Kobra And The Lotus
Corrosion Of Conformity
Nile
Black Dahlia Murder
Evile
Paradise Lost
Dimmu Borgir
Alice Cooper
Sun – Sophie Stage
Re Armed
Flayed Disciple
Battalion
Crimes Of Passion
Ancient Ascendent
Noctiferia
Demonic Ressurection
Headcharger
Anaal Nathrakh
Newblood – Sunday
Dream Catcher
Reign Of Fury
Huron
A Thousand Enemies
Shattered Skies
In other news, DEICIDE have been forced to cancel their scheduled appearance, and after heeding the call of the fans, EVILE will be bumped up to the main stage, with a new act to be revealed for the SOPHIE stage shortly.
We’re very excited indeed to announce that recent UK singles chart toppers Rudimental will be making their Bestival debut this September. Hailing from London’s east end, the four-piece are going to be smashing out the certified drum and bass bangers for the mainstage crowd, including ‘Feel The Love’ which has propelled them into the heart of the big league. Prepare to bounce when the beats drops.
Fresh from her recent trip to Los Angeles, where she’s been writing and recording songs for her forthcoming third album, Kate Nash who has caused a stir with her latest offering, ‘Underestimate The Girl’, a no-holds-barred dive into punk spirit will also be making her way across the Solent to join us once again.
dan le sac, whose much anticipated debut solo album ‘Space Between The Words’ is set to be released imminently, will be making a very welcome Bestival solo appearance to showcase his musical psyche, embracing everything from electro-pop to psychedelia, all accompanied by an impressive array of vocal talent. Also revelling in his solo ambitions dan le sac’s regular sparring partner Scroobius Pip will offer up a slice of his acclaimed ‘Distraction Pieces’ long-player that has seen him smash his punk, rock and hip-hop influences into a pleasing new whole.
Plus there will be sleek modern action with soulful vocals and garage stylings from criminally young sibling duo Disclosure. Supporting the release of their eponymous debut album that’s due to drop the week they play Bestival, Stooshe will be cranking up the in your face R&B factor. Clement Marfo & The Frontline will add gargantuan pop hooks, sweet neo-soul vocals and a rush of energised rock dynamics to their grime and hip-hop core. And Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey AKA Summer Camp are set to demonstrate their 80s inspired synthpop sunshine, delivering what can only be described as bliss drenched moments of pure pop joy.
A perennial Bestival favourite, The Correspondents will be mixing up the heady flavours of dance music, all sensationally seasoned with frenetic frontman Mr Bruce’s unique vocals. But wait! If you can’t hold on until September to experience The Correspondents, then you’re in for a treat as we have a brilliant free track from them for your delectation that you can download here.
And that’s not all, as there’s lots more live action with critically acclaimed, Americana tinged pop from multi-instrumentalist James McCartney, melodic guitar based behaviour from Meteor-winning Irish rockers The Coronas, off beam folk from Beans on Toast, dark melodies from the very hotly-tipped Brightonian quartet Two Jackals, warm, inviting, melodic vintage synth-driven loveliness from Lucky Elephant, Californian Psych-pop from Sleepy Sun and four-headed multi-instrumental mayhem from Gush.
An undisputed legend of reggae, we’re over the moon that on Friday evening Bollywood will play host to David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam. With sets from the master himself and Shy FX & Stamina MC, Top Cat feat Sir Coxsone Outernational, B Traits, The Nextmen & MC Wrec, General Levy and Congo Natty in what is destined to be a heavyweight session featuring the best of classic and brand new music spanning the worlds of reggae, dub, D&B and dubstep.
David is also very pleased to announce the addition of his Ram Jam Chicken Shack at this year’s festival, located near the Bollywood tent, selling the very best in Caribbean food with a twist!
Says David Rodigan MBE – “Delighted to be returning to Bestival, but this year with my own Ram Jam tent and special guests. Plus we’re bringing our Ram Jam Chicken Shack, so its music for your mind and food for your soul, Rodigan style and fashion! Time to bring the signal!”
We’re ecstatic to be able to unveil the full line-up for Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends , as he takes over Bollywood on Sunday night with glitchy electro dubstep from Zomboy, part rap, part punk, part rave-up rawness from Murkage, who will be playing live, bass heavy brilliance from three times DMC champion DJ Cable and electro and house bangers aplenty from DJ@War.
Says Jaguar Skills – “Ninja’s…everybody knows I love playing Bestival…and this year is set to become my favourite year ever. Rob da Bank and his team have kindly given me full control of the line-up on the Sunday for the Bollywood tent. So join me, Murkage (Live), Zomboy, DJ Cable and DJ@War’ as we bring an aural assault of every tempo to your eardrums. HoooOOOO!”
And, charged with keeping the dancelfoors bouncing day and night at Robin Hill, we have even more superfly selectors coming to the party including the expansive breaks, dub and glitch sounds of San Francisco’s Bassnectar, grime, house and soul styles from Alexander Nut, reggae greats played correctly by the incomparable DJ Derek, sing-along sickness from the Hip Hop Karaoke crew, hip shaking house from The Good Guys, fist pumping goodness from Soft Rocks who will be taking things beyond the guiltiest of pleasures and atmospheric techno from Ben Hoo. Plus there will be Continental Drifts’ main man Chris Tofu, UK Bass action courtesy of Low Fro, legendarily eclecticism from Michael Cook, non-stop party flavours from Bestival heroes Sombrero Sound System and crazy funsters Dick and Dom will be dropping their ‘Rip It Up’ DJ set. No, really! We also advise you to keep an eye out for the Police Rave Unit dropping classic cuts across a spectrum of dance music, whilst keeping it legal on the mic!
Finally, we’re very pleased indeed to be able to announce that controversial author and public speaker, David Icke will be conducting one of his world-famous talks in the Ambient Forest. Notorious for his contentious views and conspiracy theories, his vast array of hypothesis and philosophies aren’t always as outlandish as you might think and we heartily recommend keeping an open mind and checking out what he’s got to say.
Tickets are selling like hotcakes, so if you want to guarantee yourself a slice of the greatest show on earth you need to get your skates on! And do keep on checking in at www.bestival.net, and our Facebook page and Rob da Bank’s Twitter for loads more info and cool stuff!
All The Acts Announced So far:
Live Performances From: Stevie Wonder / Florence + The Machine / New Order / Sigur Rós / The Xx / Friendly Fires / Nero / 2manydjs – Live / Soulwax / Justice Live / Two Door Cinema Club / Hot Chip / Miike Snow / Bat For Lashes / Emeli Sandé / Orbital / Frank Ocean / SBTRKT / Warpaint / De La Soul / Roots Manuva / Major Lazer / Sister Sledge / Gary Numan / The Horrors / Spiritualized / Death In Vegas / Doom / Ben Howard / Michael Kiwanuka / Sub Focus / Azealia Banks / Alabama Shakes / Dan Le Sac / Scroobius Pip / Saunderson Feat. Inner City Live / Gallows / Kate Nash / Rizzle Kicks / Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs / Earth Wind & Fire Experience Feat Al Mckay / Buraka Som Sistema / Sage Francis / Grimes / Bellowhead / Django Django / Little Dragon / Gold Panda / Adam Ant & The Good, The Mad And The Lovely Posse / The Cuban Brothers / Top Cat Featuring Sir Coxsone Outernational / Chairlift / Disclosure / John Foxx And The Maths / Summer Camp / Iceage / Ren Harvieu / John Talabot / Lianne La Havas / Delilah / Alunageorge / First Aid Kit / Gesaffelstein / The Correspondents / Daughter / Zulu Winter / Ane Brun / Friends / King Khan And The Shrines / The Japanese Popstars / Chas & Dave / Dub Pistols / Kindness / Factory Floor / Charli XCX / Errors / Lucy Rose / Skepta / Sunless 97 / Sleepy Sun / Congo Natty / King Krule / Toy / Dirty Beaches / Drums Of Death /Jessie Ware / Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard / General Levy / Lucky Elephant / Slagsmålsklubben/ Jaipur Kawa Brass Band / Field Music / Jinja Safari / Kawa Circus / B.Dolan's Church Of Love & Ruin / James Mccartney / The Coronas / 02:54 Porcelain Raft / Milagres / Three Bonzos And A Piano / Prince Fatty / Liz Green / Forest Swords / Willis Earl Beal / Murkage / Alt-J / The Staves / Jake Bugg / Skinny Lister / Josh Kumra / Ryan Keen / Stay+ / Jamie N Commons / Nina Nesbitt / Bigkids / Gabrielle Aplin / Kwes / Gush / Diagrams / Fiction / Turbowolf /Mary Epworth / Wet Nuns / The Other Tribe / Beans On Toast / Misty's Big Adventure / This Is The Kit / Stealing Sheep / Clock Opera / Young British Artists / Patterns / Ghost Outfit / L.A. Salami / To Kill A King / Dingus Khan / Crowns / Killaflaw / Barker & The Red Clay Halo / Parma Violets / Gorgeous George / Subgiant /Heath:Ward /Laurel Collective / Ahab /Gecko /Model Society / Tom Williams And The Boat / Daytona Lights / Two Jackals / Biederbeck / Valentine Gray / Charley Macaulay / Sky Sphere / Blackhouse Crow / The Lovely Eggs / St Spirit / Charming / Alonestar / Shepherds / Cherishport / Seán Mcgowan / A Way Of Life / This Way Up / The Widowmaker/
DJs Sets From Rob da Bank and Friends: Annie Mac Presents / Four Tet B2B Caribou / The 2 Bears / David Rodigan MBE Presents Ram Jam / Jamie xx / Skream And Benga Feat Sgt Pokes And Youngman / Dirtybird Showcase Feat. Claude Vonstroke, Justin Martin & Eats Everything / François K / Brodinski / Moodymann / Gilles Peterson / Redlight / DJ Yoda / DJ Derek / Bassnectar / Maya Jane Coles / Scuba / Kavinsky / Julio Bashmore / LTJ Bukem / / Shy FX And Stamina Mc / Plastician / Matador / Greg Wilson / Doctor P / The Nextmen / Hip Hop Karaoke / MC Wrec / Pearson Sound / Adamski / Borgore / Flux Pavilion / Max Cooper / Gemini / Krystal Klear / Pangaea / Reggae Roast / Billy Daniel Bunter / Pariah / Trolley Snatcha / Krafty Kuts / Warm & Electric Minds / Scratch Perverts / Koan Sound / Camo & Krooked / Giles Smith & James Priestley (Secretsundaze) / Mosca / Numbers Showcase: Oneman B2B Jackmaster, Deadboy, Spencer, Redinho / B Traits / Ben Ufo / PBR Streetgang / Jaguar Skills & His Amazing Friends / Drums Of Death / Blawan / Frank Tope / Leo Zero / Dismantle / Gutterslut / Melé / Girl Unit / Zomboy / The Good Guys / Luv*Jam / Dr Alex Paterson / Chris Coco / Pete Gooding / Phil Mison / Mark Jones / Duff Disco / Sonnyji Presents Bang Bhang / Danny Whitehead / Mixmaster Morris / Police Rave Unit / Sombrero Sound System / Rev Milo Speedwagon / Graeme Fisher (Balearic) / DJ Cable / Foamo / Shepdog / The Shellac Collective /Flying White Dots / DJ Charge / Pathaan / Mojo Filter / Fear Of Theydon / Tythe / Sink The Pink / George B / Kaf-Tan / Soft Rocks / Michael Cook / Chris Tofu / Ben Hoo / DJ@War / Low-Fro
Mr Motivator
Brainfeeder Presents Thundercat, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Lapalux, Jeremiah Jae, DJ Kutmah
This year, the event’s gates will be opened to ‘Weekenders’ on Friday 31 August to pitch tents ahead of the Main Stage festivities and enjoy a pre-event party with an exclusive, intimate set by renowned DJ, Jaguar Skills, later that night in the Warehouse
‘Weekenders’ will then be able to join the masses for the star-studded line-up on the Main Stage and Stage 2 on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September, before being treated to further exclusive after-show parties in the Warehouse, performed by B Traits and Breakage on the Saturday night, and RATPACK on the Sunday night
Jaguar Skills’ identity is one of the best kept secrets in clubland – opting to wear a ninja-mask at every performance – but his stock and profile have risen dramatically over the past 10 years. Revered for having entirely produced and edited a mix-CD on two mini-disk Walkmen back in 2002, Jag Skills went on to a residency at Jade Jagger’s Jezebel nights at Pacha in Ibiza and quickly progressed to DJ other Jezebel events across the globe. He now has a 10-minute mix slot on Trevor Nelson’s Saturday evening BBC Radio 1 show, having been a part of Radio 1’s ‘In New DJs We Trust’.
B Traits and Breakage are hard to categorise with a specific definition of their sound, both busting genres wide-open, with B Traits clearly influenced by old school rave, Jungle, hip hop, 90s house and UK Funky, with her recent UK Chart Single, Fever, also featuring garage vocals by Elisabeth Troy, whereas Breakage is a drum and bass/dubstep producer and DJ, evidently inspired by the original 90s Jungle Sound, Reggae and Dancehall. Both are highly respected on the club scene and both will be performing for ‘Weekenders’ only, on the Saturday night of the Sundown Festival
RATPACK are DJ Lipmaster Mark & MC Evenson Allen who joined forces back in 1985 at the birth of the warehouse/rave scene and are still standing strong 25 years later. Having worked together, with Mark doing beats over Evenson's sets, they quickly moved into the Acid House craze in 1989 which saw the Pack take a new direction
First by running their own local warehouse parties and then, when a DJ didn't turn up for his set Mark got on the decks and Evenson started to hype the crowd by singing and MCing – something which was a Taboo in those days- they unknowingly became the UK Rave Scene's first DJ/MC team, a combination which has taken them all over the World to tear up many a Dance Floor, bringing a collection of styles including House, Break-beat, Drum&Bass and Dub-step
With Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Stan, Stooshe, Katy B, Zane Lowe, Ms Dynamite, Sub Focus, Dot Rotten, Labrinth and headliners Chase & Status Live rocking the Main Stage over the two-day festival and with Stage 2 playing host to the likes of Feed Me Live, Radio 1/1Xtra’s Mista Jam, Funtcase, Zinc, Wilkinson and 16 Bit, presented by UKF on Saturday 1 September, it has now been announced that dance brand KISS will present headliner David Rodigan MBE, Sway Live, EZ, Shortee Blitz, MJ Cole and Charlie Hedges on Stage 2 for the Sunday night
Sundown Festival spokesman, Dion Clements comments: “For this year’s Sundown Festival we wanted to add extra incentive for people to come to Norfolk, spend the whole weekend and enjoy the full package of music on offer. I think we’ve over-achieved in that goal, with the After-Show Warehouse parties being more than just an incentive; they are events in their own rights. Jag Skills performs at almost every major festival in the UK, and now tours the global circuit… he’s club royalty! We’re also honoured to have B Traits, Breakage and RATPACK performing sets on subsequent nights. I would expect Weekenders to be prepared for very little sleep and some hardcore partying over the three days”
The addition of Andy Bell to the Poptronik Festival will be a surefire hit with festival goers as he performs a plethora of classic Erasure hits along with material from his acclaimed solo albums “Electric Blue” and “Non-Stop” on the main stage. Andy Bell will also be spinning a surprise DJ set at one of the many after-parties scheduled around the festival.
Tickets for the Poptronik Festival are available now on Club Tickets and Ticketmaster Spain, priced from € 35 per day.
Poptronik Festival Lineup – 1st September 2012
Andy Bell of Erasure | Kazaky | Fernando Garibay (DJ / Lady Gaga) | Cazwell | Phil Marriott (Gaydar Radio DJ)
Soraya | I Am A Camera | Sugasmak! | Woman E | Garçon Garçon | Terry Vietheer (DJ) | Sam Lemans (DJ)
Adam Tyler | Nina | Rodrigo Moratto |Maighréad | Prince Persona (DJ)
Poptronik Festival Lineup – 2nd September 2012
Martika | Bright Light Bright Light | Sammy Jo (Scissor Sisters Tour DJ) | Monarchy | Yall DJs
Disco Damage (DJs) | Monti Montanez (Menudo) | Electrovamp | Parralox | Mickey Cupid | Johnny Lazer | SIRPAUL | Barb@zul | Carlos Nóbrega | Lady Joker | Raff | DJ Adamix
The Poptronik Festival is also extremely proud to be teaming up with Beatbullying to raise awareness around the problematic issue of youth bullying. The partnership of Poptronik and Beatbullying is especially important to the organizers of Poptronik who believe that bullying is a major problem that has affected them and continues to effect the youth of today.
Beatbullying works with children and young people to stop bullying. They empower young people so deeply affected by bullying that they can barely face going to school every day. Beatbullying helps young people to support each other and help young people that bully to change their attitudes and behaviour.
For more information on Beatbullying, visit their website on www.beatbullying.org
One Of These Days will be two days like no other in the international festival calendar. Never have so many of the world’s best events come together to create a one-off spectacular and the look and feel of each event will be distilled and brought to Blackpool and allowed to explode aurally and visually into the many rooms of the Winter Gardens. Each festival will bring their unique ethos and style to their own individually designed space at the legendary multi-venue indoor complex, curating a line-up that reflects their own celebrated events. From the spectacular Cubehenge light installation of Glastonbury to the indoor forests of End of the Road and the Croatian beaches of Electric Elephant, each festival will bring a taste of the place they call home to Blackpool.
From the big stage draws of Melt! Festival and Eden Sessions to the electronic innovation of The Warehouse Project, Glastonbury Dance Village and DFA and the folk inclinations of End of the Road and SWN Festival, you’re sure to find plenty to explore. With over 150 bands, artists and DJs, not to mention interactive art and film installations, an emerging talent strand and our exclusive Winter Market, One Of These Days promises to end the year in spectacular fashion.
One of These Days will help kick start the cultural redevelopment of Blackpool, it aims to bring this world first event to the seaside town and utilise Blackpool's existing infrastructure of beautiful Victorian theatres and bars that stretch the coastline.
“We were going around the world to many different festivals seeing really unique ways of doing things. We decided to invite these wonderful festivals to the party. Our vision is to have one site where each space within it is filled by a micro-version of each festival, not just musically, but visually – capturing the essence of each festival. We aimed high and asked the festivals we love to come to Blackpool. They said yes…”– Ruth Daniel, Promoter, One Of These Days
Weekend tickets from £59 now at www.ticketline.co.uk 0161 832 1111
Buy tickets or register for line-up info here: www.oneofthesedaysfestival.com
We arrived on the Isle of Wight fearing the worst, news of the chaos, mud and traffic nightmares had bombarded us from every side. When we finally arrived at the festival we began to see what all the fuss was about, every path was ankle deep in mud for miles. After a mild disagreement with a gust of wind, we managed to put up our tent successfully then, with some well earned food and a drink in us, we headed down to explore the main festival grounds. On our way we saw the wreckage that the mud had caused already; tents had been abandoned, covered in mud and the festival area itself wasn't looking any better. But drawn to the sound of Noah and the Whale we caught the last two songs of their set, and that put us right back in the mood for a great weekend. Fridays highlights for us were surprisingly Elbow; the four piece band from Manchester who drew us in with the beautiful sweeping melodies from their latest album 'Build a rocket boys', and old time rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who were just great fun to watch.
Saturday started off slow, Signals a new band from Southampton played the main stage in the morning to an enthusiastic audience, and as the afternoon rolled in excitement began to grow for performances from Jessie J and Tinie Tempah. Then a complete crowd switch before Biffy Clyro pulled out an amazing set, which not only sounded great but was visually stunning too and after Pearl Jam, we headed down to the very crammed venue Hipshakers to end the night as it always should, with a bit of funk.
We didn’t think it was possible but, the last day brought with it even more mud, nevertheless we set out to explore the smaller venues on site such as Kashmir Café where we found a ukulele orchestra, performing renditions of Amy Winehouse songs and Life's a Beach where a limbo competition was taking place. We caught Switchfoot play a solid set in the Big Top and then waded to the Main Stage to catch Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds finish their set with some old school Oasis songs. Someone didn’t seem to enjoy that as much we did though, because they tried to throw a flare and Noel's head, thankfully it missed. Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band closed the night with an outstanding three hour long set, which we did not expect to enjoy as much as we did. His fourteen piece band engaged the crowd like no one else had and left everyone wanting more as they performed their version of, 'Twist and Shout' and fireworks marked the end of yet another successful Isle of Wight Festival.
Overall the weekend had a good atmosphere, some great acts and a few quirky venues. The mud and the transport issues were unfortunate and more could have been done to resolve the issues quicker but it didn’t stop anyone at the festival from enjoying themselves. We thought that the main venues were great, but the smaller venues were too few and lacked a little bit of imagination. If you're looking to discover new bands in quirky venues with a handmade feel, you might leave the island a little let down, but if you're looking to go to a festival with established headliners, and main stream acts, with a relatively chilled out atmosphere then your bound to have a great time at Isle of Wight Festival, but don't forget to bring your wellies…just in case.
Please submit your best track (no covers please) via our SoundCloud DropBox nozstock/dropbox> by midnight 8th July 2012.
Voting will be open Monday 9th July – Monday 16th July by way of Soundcloud 'favourites'/'likes' The Nozstock team will pick one of the most favourited tracks from among the Soundcloud submissions to perform at the festival (27-29th July).
Your track should be labelled in this format: "PlayNoz – ARTIST NAME – Track Name". Make sure the track can be downloaded, as we will be re-uploading it to the Nozstock Soundcloud page. We will not make your track available for download, and will delete it after the competition closes.
Once you have submitted your track, please let us know your contact details via the "Write a personal note for nozstock" box in the upload process OR email promotions[at] nozstock.com, with the subject line **PlayNoz – ARTIST NAME, TRACK NAME** so that we can contact the winner. All entrants/band members must be from the UK and available 27th – 29th July 2012. Nozstock will cover transport costs and provide refreshments on the day.
Headlined this year by The Stranglers, Levellers, The Skints and Simon Townshend with a strong supporting line up of almost 60 fantastic bands, the winner of the Acoustic Category in the Live and Unsigned National Grand Final will go on to be a part of this fantastic festival!
Looe Music
Taking place between the 21st and the 23rd September, Looe Music Festival boasts low ticket prices for only £40 for an adult weekend, and £10 for Under 18’s. The festival features two stages smack-bang in the centre of Looe, a lovely little Cornish town and the main stage being situated on the beach.
Now in its second year, the festival was set up with the mission of bringing the best live bands to a sunny little Cornish fishing port in Looe. Having recently earned charitable status, any profits from the Looe Music Festival will go back into the festival as well as local community projects promoting musical talent and understanding.
Looe Music Festival is an expanding event and each year brings in bigger and better bands, it is catered to a wide variety of tastes in music from hip-hop and rock to 1940s swing and blues. So for 2012 Looe Music Festival is working in conjunction with Live and Unsigned to offer one act the opportunity to play in front of thousands of music lovers.
Live and Unsigned Festival Opportunities
Looe Music Festival is just one example of the festival opportunities up for grabs at the Live and Unsigned Grand Final which will be taking at The O2. Those who make it to the Grand Final will be competing for £10,000 cash and slots at up to 12 festivals!! The winner of Live and Unsigned 2012 is so far scheduled to play at the following festivals; Glass Butter Beach, Bingley Music Live, Sundown, Relentless Energy Drink Boardmasters, Strawberry Fields Festival, Brownstock, Stockton Weekender, Just So Festival, Cockermouth Rock Festival, London Summer Jam, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Lancaster Music Festival. These festival slots are subject to genre suitability and dates.
This year’s celebrity judges for the final so far include BBC Radio 1’s Ras Kwame, Kerrang Radio’s Unsigned Expert Alex Baker and Mark Hill – also known as one half of the urban duo Artful Dodger.
To get the chance to play festival slots such as Guernsey Festival, enter Live and Unsigned. For more information on Looe Music Festival, check out the festival website.
Described by The Guardian’s Paul Lester as a ‘a grittier John Lennon’, South London singer/songwriterJosh Osho comes to T in the Park fresh from the release of his hotly anticipated first album L.I.F.E (Learning Is For Ever).Osho’s first single Redemption Days enjoyed huge critical acclaim last year, becoming record of the week on Radio 1, Radio 2 and 1 Xtra, all of whom have consistently championed this rising star ever since.
Also added to this year’s line-up is 18-year-old acoustic folk artist Jake Bugg. His beautiful melodies have already earned him accolades such as Zane Lowes ‘Hottest Record in the World’ for singleLightning Bolt and a spot supporting fellow T in the Park artist Michael Kiwanuka on tour. Inspired by folk legends such as Donovan, Don McLean and Bob Dylan Jake Bugg’s mix of soft acoustic melodies and honest, gentle lyrics make for the perfect folk ballad. This summer’s appearance at T in the Parkis just the start of many great things to come for this extremely talented young songwriter.
American born but UK based stand-up REGINALD D HUNTER has seen his career trajectory soar since his arrival on the circuit back in the early noughties. Subsequently picking up Edinburgh Festival nominations and garnering plaudits for his candid observational comic genius The Sunday Times hailed him as such, “his presence and intelligence make him one of the most brilliantly unpredictable comics in the country”. Brought to a wider audience following regular appearances on the small screen whilst guesting on the likes of ‘Have I Got News For You’ , ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ and ‘Would I Lie To You?’, Hunter makes his headline debut this year, miss at your peril.
Delve into the world of LEE NELSON’s outrageous, hilarious mayhem which is witness to his anarchic brand of good natured ribbing, somewhat dubious life lessons and general mischief as he brings a show especially created for Reading & Leeds to the festival this summer. LEE NELSON’S WELL GOOD PARTY features THE PETEBOX which sees an entirely new approach to using beatbox skills to create music, the live show is akin to that of a full band with fully crafted songs as well as demonstrating his world class beatbox skills and featuring graffiti artists.
JASON BYRNE’s inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him. With accolades including the Chortle Award for ‘Best Headliner’ in 2007, Byrne has a growing international profile which has seen him perform in New York, Boston, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brussels, Milan, Paris and Australia. After recently finishing his sell out ‘Cirque Du Byrne’ tour, he now has plans to bring a brand new show to the UK for his second major nationwide tour in Autumn 2012.
STEPHEN K AMOS has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with his natural, assured delivery. His performances are filled with an almost child-like joy and exuberance and can find the funny in some of the most unexpected places. Comfortable as a performer, presenter, actor and guest there is no doubt that Amos will retain his position as one of the nation’s favourite comedians for a long time to come.
Charming and charismatic, a natural motor-mouth, Brighton's SEANN WALSH is the most frighteningly precocious talent to emerge from the UK comedy circuit in ages. Within two years of his first comedy performance in 2007, Seann became the winner of the Leicester ‘Mercury Comedian of the Year’. Shortly after, other accolades included Chortle ‘Best Breakthrough Act Nominee 2010’ and Chortle ‘Best Compere Nominee 2011’. As team captain on ‘Argumental’ and many other TV appearances, Seann is fast becoming one of the UK’s best new funnymen.
AL MURRAY aka The Pub Landlord has become a national institution over the years, his hilarious character has continued to win over audiences with his original and downright funny shows. His countless TV series’ and appearances have made him a household name, and no doubt the summer of the Jubilee and Olympics has given him plenty of new material for this proud Englishman. A comedy superstar who will pack this stage out, get in early.
Having moved to the UK from his native Vancouver, GLENN WOOL rapidly became one of the rising stars of the comedy circuit in both London and internationally. With an armoury of jokes that are set up and knocked over with startling precision his material veers between sagely political and gleefully silly, a cleverly subversive comedian with a sharp intelligence that quietly hits the mark, effortlessly but effectively.
As seen on ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, ‘Argumental’ and ‘Russell Howard’s Good News’, CHRIS RAMSEY is enjoying a breakthrough year. Nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award at last year’s festival and with a recently completed sell-out Spring tour he is now an established circuit act and manages to convey comic observation with passion and infectious, bubbly likeability that’s breathlessly entertaining and one that will appeal to many.
Both a writer and stand-up HOLLY WALSH was Chortle’s ‘Best Newcomer of The Year’ in 2006 and has since appeared on numerous TV shows as well as writing for both TV and radio. Last year saw her nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy ‘Best Newcomer Award’ in recognition of her first full show, whilst a new six-part sitcom ‘Life Story’ set in a prison and written along with Sharon Horgan – featuring Horgan and Jennifer Saunders, has recently been aired on BBC Three.
Canadian-born KATHERINE RYAN brings to the stage a range of topics that includes relationships, bringing up children and her own childhood experiences including beauty pageants. Truly an irreverent treat for all, she manages to retain your attention, ripping into exploitative TV and small-town expectations amongst others with a dark, savage wit whilst exuding a wholesome sweetness, making her edgy in-your-face material even more sobering.
www.katherineryan.co.uk
(Reading Sunday 26)
DOC BROWN emerged from a musical background as a battle rapper at the onset of the noughties and it was a chance opportunity that led to him launching the comedy arm of his multi-facetted career which has seen Brown take on various film and TV roles. A relative newcomer to the circuit he has performed both here in the UK at Edinburgh and further afield at the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Comedian, rapper and self-proclaimed bloody good entertainer, this summer marks his debut at the festival and it will be special show for the Reading and Leeds audience, featuring a full rap set.
The mind reader who can’t read minds, CHRIS COX is an accomplished and much loved performer, using a mongrel hybrid mix of witty chit chat, magic, psychology, body language, influence, devilish good looks… and lies, to make you think he knows what you’re thinking, despite never knowing what you are thinking, or being able to really do anything he says. This New Zealand talent has been described as one of the most entertaining performers in the UK.
Emergent in 2005, having reached the finals of the prestigious ‘BBC New Talent’, JIMMY MCGHIE has become a highly regarded and much sought after stand-up. Having served his time performing on the comedy ladder in theatres, clubs and universities countrywide he has garnered high praise as an acclaimed young comedian and TV warm-up and has recently been nominated for Chortle’s Compere Of the Year.
Winner of the ‘Amused Moose Laugh-Off’, runner-up in ‘So You Think You’re Funny’, and member of sketch trio WitTank, behold, His Imperial Highness Prince Nazim Ziaeddin Nazim Osmanoglu. Half English posh-boy, half Turkish warlord, NAZ OSMANOGLU wields the only scimitar he’s got – a sharp sense of humour and a claim to the Turkish throne. Beware: this man is sweaty, but very charismatic.
www.nazosmanoglu.com
(Leeds Saturday 25)
NATHAN CATON has been active on the UK comedy circuit since the tender age of 19. He excels in combining both personal, confessional material with up-to-date social and political anecdotes. This has won him numerous credits and plaudits over the years and has made him one of the hottest rising young stars on the circuit.
A little known fact about MARTIN BIGPIG is that he appears on the board of Trivial Pursuit (The Genius Edition) – on an arts/entertainment square where he can be seen wearing a leotard. That is not something many people can say. Nor can they have celebrated over 25 years as a professional performer, initially in the circus before moving into the comedy circuit. Very much the comedian’s comedian, Martin has been the support act of choice for; Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jasper Carrot, Patrick Kielty, Johnny Vegas, Steve Coogan, and once Tina Turner. Don’t miss this in demand popular funnyman.
The hilarious DAMO CLARK is Ireland’s favourite Australian. He moved over to Dublin in 2005 after collecting a set of awards at home and proceeded to win over fans in his new home and all over the UK. The hugely influential Chortle website said "There is barely a bad word to say about Clark: distinctive and possessing a comic talent beyond his years, both biological and mental." Sample one-liner – “What's orange and looks good on a hippie? Fire”. Oh yes, you’ll enjoy this.
After winning the Chortle ‘Student Comedian Award’ in 2007, TOM DEACON took part in Edinburgh Festival’s longest running group comedy show, The Comedy Zone in 2008, which previously launched the careers of Russell Howard, Harry Hill and Al Murray. Having his own Radio 1 show and making regular appearances previously on the BBC’s ‘5.19’ show have only sealed his reputation as one of the UK’s brightest up and coming stand-ups.
Hailing from Rockhampton near Bristol, JOEL DOMMET did his first show in Los Angeles as he thought “shame can’t swim so it wouldn’t follow me home” – luckily for us he made it back over the Atlantic and has been making audiences laugh ever since. Roles in ‘Skins’, BBC2′s ‘Popatron’ and stand up on ‘Russell Howards Good News’ followed and he can be seen presenting the news everyday on MTV. A welcome new face on the scene.
Winners of both Hackney Empire ‘New Act of the Year 2012’ and ‘The Musical Comedy Awards 2010’, ABANDOMAN create hilarious musical sketches at lightning speed live in front of their audience and no two gigs are ever the same. The project sees Rob Broderick and multi-instrumentalist James Hancox reinventing hip-hop in a way that appeals to all age groups. The group sold out their entire 28-day run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they were also invited to perform alongside the likes of Jimmy Carr and John Bishop.
POPCORN COMEDY presents some of the strongest, sharpest and funniest videos found online. The show also features the country’s best comedians as they showcase their own short comedy films. Previous live performers have included Peter Serafinowicz,Tim Key, Adam Buxton, Josie Long, Robert Popper, David Cross and Graham Linehan. Popcorn Comedy is a Time Out ‘Critic’s Choice’ and has featured on the ‘Culture Show’ (BBC2). “The first truly successful interactive live stand-up show" BBC.
LATE NIGHT GIMP FIGHT formed in November 2008 and have been nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2010 and won a 2011 Chortle Award for ‘Best Sketch or Character Act’. Directed by Soho Theatre’s Artistic Director Steve Marmion, the collective consists of Paul Biggin, Richard Campbell, Lee Griffiths, David Moon and Matt Ralph. Plus one other, who is described in their own words as, “a technical gimp called Matt whose wedding list included two colanders and some onion goggles”.
Stand up comedian and compere DAVE TWENTYMAN will be your host for the Friday of the Alternative Stage at Leeds, effortlessly funny and quick on his feet, Dave endears himself to the toughest of audiences and he is a regular favourite to warm up the crowds at Leeds. Described by XFM as a, “Very funny, lovely young man” be sure to take time out to catch Dave and get in the mood for plenty of laughs. M
http://dave-twentyman.co.uk
(Leeds Friday 24)
Actor and comedian JEFF LEACH is a young man hell bent on world domination. He performs his own opulent and revealing brand of stand up comedy whilst acting in feature films, writing sketch and sitcom pieces and also developing and presenting immersive documentaries. He has been a finalist in the London New Comedian Awards and Amused Moose Laughter Awards and last year performed a sold out solo one hour show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Catch this multi-talented young man at Reading this year before he achieves his world domination!
World-renowned scratch DJ, KID KOALA, has made a name for himself with his three solo albums on Ninja Tune; ‘Carpal Tunnel Syndrome’, ‘Some of My Best Friends Are DJs’ and ‘Your Mom’s Favourite DJ’. He has also been involved in collaborations with the likes of Gorillaz, The Slew and Deltron 3030, with the latter hip-hop supergroup featuring Dan The Automator and Del The Funky Homosapien gearing up for the release of their much anticipated second album later this year. Be sure to check out one of the best turntabalists around at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.
Distinctively attired in a trucker cap, charity shop suit and beard, SCROOBIUS PIP has been an unmistakable face in the UK’s music scene in recent years. Best known as one half of the unlikely chart bothering duo dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, he released his solo album ‘Distraction Pieces at the latter end of 2011. The record features a roll call of collaborators from the worlds of rock and leftfield hip-hop, including the likes of Renholder, Richard Russell (XL) and Steve Mason. Be sure to get down the front early for this very special full band set.
It’s impossible to categorise the legendary BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH. Dub poet, political performer, a musician who encompasses jazz, reggae, hip hop, folk, rock and house music, author, playwright … we could go on but it just goes to say he is one of the most recognisable and influential poets in the UK. Any show from this Birmingham superstar is a life-enhancing experience. Enjoy.
Presented by the irresistible SECRET CINEMA, Matthew Kassovitz’s seminal work ‘LA HAINE’ is heading to Leeds Festival. With Asian Dub Foundation performing a live re-score to the film, this promises to kick start things in truly mesmerising fashion. The film, labelled French cinema’s answer to ‘Boyz N The Hood’, sees kids clash with cops in suburban Paris and the result is an explosion of scathing social commentary and dynamic storytelling.
CHRIS SHEPHERD is a BAFTA nominated director who blends live action with animation to examine the humorously dark side of life. He's worked on funny shows such as ‘Big Train’ and ‘Nathan Barley’ while directing award winners such as ‘Dad's Dead’, ‘Bad Night For The Blues’ and his collaboration with David Shrigley ‘Who I Am And What I Want’. More recently he's been directing a film for, as well as curating for Channel 4's art strand ‘Random Acts’.
The UK’s biggest indie night, PROPAGANDA, takes over the Alternative Stage on Friday night for an incredible audio-visual extravaganza. Regularly playing to 25,000 people per week in 22 cities across the UK, Ireland and Australia, Propaganda are experts in keeping the party alive into the early hours. With a little help from local boys The Pigeon Detectives, the Propaganda residents will bring you music from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, The Vaccines, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons, The Stokes, Bombay Bicycle Club and much more.If you’ve been to Propaganda before, you know this will be unmissable. If you haven’t, now is your chance.
LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR THE ENERGY SESSIONS ARENA, SPONSORED BY RELENTLESS ENERGY DRINK, AT THIS YEAR’S LEEDS FESTIVAL
Relentless Energy Drink is excited to announce the DJ line-up for the Energy Sessions Arena, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink, which will take pride of place in the campsite at this year’s Leeds Festival, providing banging tunes late into the night.
The Energy Sessions Arena, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink will get going from 10pm to 3am each night of the festival, including Thursday night when this stage will be getting the party started for the early arrivals before the music stages start on the Friday.
Rudimental are currently on a mission to bring soul to electronic music, with the east London quartet winning support from Zane Lowe, The xx, Mistajam and Fearne Cotton. With them set to dominate dance floors in the coming months, their headline DJ set will kick-start the weekend in fine style.
Purveyors of high quality D&B, and Hospital records favourites, fast-rising producers Fred V & Grafix will also be lighting up the stage over the weekend. These two West Country natives have been making a lot of impact with their scorching sounds and are one of the DJ acts of 2012 to keep a firm eye on.
Electro-pop/R&B superstar Mr Hudson will be bringing some magic to Leeds via his headline DJ set. Known for his exciting collaborations and tours with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Amy Winehouse, Mr Hudson has also DJed all over the world and played for Louis Vuitton, Formula 1, Elton John and former US President Bill Clinton. Expect him to bring an incredibly broad collection of music to the decks for a set you won’t want to miss.
Best known for melding politically-charged dubstep and post-hardcore rock Rout & Sgt. Rolfy – AKA Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds and drummer Rob Rolfe, who are playing on the main stages at Reading and Leeds with their bandmates over the weekend – will be closing the festivities at the Leeds Festival on the Energy Sessions Arena, sponsored By Relentless Energy Drink.
"We shall be busting out the re-energising tunes for a long night of partying,” explains Rou. “Expect enough bass to rupture stomachs and invert ear drums; from the darkest drum & bass, to the biggest booty shaking dubstep, plus plenty of surprising remixes!"
It’s set to be a banging weekend with the Relentless Energy Drink flowing at the Arena bar and all bars across Leeds Festival.
