ADDED TO SW4 DAY ONE: SAT 25TH AUGUST
THE GALLERY PRESENTS ‘EVOLUTION’ FEAT. PAUL VAN DYK
MARKUS SCHULZ · GARETH EMERY
ALY & FILA · JOHN O’CALLAGHAN · RICHARD DURAND
CLAUDIA CAZACU · GARY PROUD
Whilst it could be said Paul van Dyk needs no introduction, the opposite is true here. Forget the coveted Grammy, consecutive DJ Mag Top 100 triumphs, his magnificent SW4 2007 headline performance and the seminal tracks that defined a generation. As ‘Evolution’ maybe perceived, this isn’t Paul exploring a new sound away from his cherished roots. In fact Evolution inconceivably enhances Paul’s trademark uplifting trance, exacerbated by raw emotion. Fuelled by an illustrious twenty year career, that has kept PvD continually inspiring and empowering the masses. With the album track ‘We Come Together’ already sending shockwaves through club land, expect a host of bespoke Evolution material, especially re-worked for this grand al fresco gathering. A resolve to embrace the latest cutting edge technology, this will be pure dancefloor theatre, symbolic of Paul’s ‘Evolution’ in the flesh.
Markus Schulz is another artist who has continually evolved, with his custom breed of atmospheric trance, plus those darker ‘Dakota’ offerings. Hence earning the landmark title of The Gallery’s international resident, his Ministry gigs always attract a clued up, capacity crowd. South West Four will be no different, enticed by the globally revered radio show ‘Global DJ Broadcast’, which attracts millions of trance enthusiasts each week. Then there’s Markus’ critically acclaimed ‘Coldharbour Recordings’ label, pivotal to Schulz’s well documented rise to fame. Named after Coldharbour Lane in nearby SW9, it’s why Londoner’s consider Markus one of their own. Making this SW4 visit even more poignant, promised magical material from the next in Schulz’s trailblazing ‘City’ series. Entitled ‘Los Angeles 12,’ it’s the kind of broody, melodic madness which ripped up The Gallery tent at SW4 2009.
Expect a host of fresh new music from Gareth Emery, the Garuda God who headlined The Gallery’s mesmeric 2012 opening party. Charting at #13, Gareth is another of the leading artists in the Top 100 and returns this year for the first time since his storming SW4 debut in 2010. Poignant new track ‘Concrete Angel’ looks set to eclipse the landmark success of the sacred ‘Sanctuary’ and will no doubt entice all arms aloft on Clapham Common. Ever since the lush chords of ‘Mistral’ announced him to the world, an unwavering passion earmarks this as a truly standout performance.
Aly & Fila’s sun kissed trance is perfect for the glowing Clapham sunshine. Long standing friends of The Gallery, ‘We Control The Sunlight’ was voted Armin’s ASOT tune of the year in 2011 – and is now an unofficial anthem of not just The Gallery, but trance lovers in general. New track ‘Coming Home’ is A&F’s latest sparkling sensation, typical of Aly & Fila’s much adored philosophy. To evoke a mass outpouring of joy, that constitutes almost a religious experience. So after helping to celebrate The Gallery’s 17th birthday in April, we lay out the Clapham red carpet four months later. Sure to be a stunning SW4 debut, Aly & Fila were tailor made for this tantalising trance occasion.
John O’Callaghan brought the tough, tearing beats of his Subculture label to The Gallery, towards the end of 2011. Uncompromising by nature, its John’s versatility as a producer that sets this Irish icon apart. His ability to refine these blistering bass lines with sincere vocals is illustrated in the hair-raising soundscapes of ‘Big Sky’ or the electrifying ‘Find Yourself’. More recently, John’s remix of the aforementioned ‘Concrete Angel’ has been embraced by lovers of all genres. A classic re-work, enhancing the lead melody with that JOC stamp of authority. Armin counts himself as a huge fan having personally approved John to mix CD3 of his forthcoming ASOT 550 compilation, one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed. Plus an anticipated Cream Ibiza residency for 2012, completing the JOC summer of love.
There’s no doubt the legendary status, which ‘In Search Of Sunrise’ has amongst trance fans – Richard Durand’s trademark beats having propelled the series into unchartered territory. Take India as the album theme for ISOS 9. Arguably the most forward thinking ever, those Indian beats not immediately synonymous with dance floor devastation. Durand’s SW4 set is sure to contain brand new material from the forthcoming ISOS 10. With Australia the inspiration, it’s a good omen for the sun to shine from Down Under!
Our penultimate powerhouse, a warm welcome for Gallery Queen Claudia Cazacu. Her ‘Haute Couture’ sound is tailor made for the South West Four sun. Finally after last weekend’s excellent set before PvD, Gary Proud returns to London. Vandit’s hottest new recruit, you know what to expect after Saturday’s sell out ‘Evolution’ album launch at Electric Brixton.
Make no mistake. Paul van Dyk’s monumental Evolution experience is sure to lure the global trance family to Clapham. With Evolution and Paul van Dyk, this will be South West Four’s biggest ever trance arena – no matter which metric is used.
First up for the Saturday is the brilliant Benny Benassi. Since he gave the world ‘Satisfaction’ with his immortal anthem, the iconic Italian has added more strings to his musical bow –moving away from the misconceptions of many. Only the most creative could transform a hip hop rite of passage, into an electro house monster. Exactly the case with Public Enemy’s ‘Bring The Noise,’ bagging a coveted Grammy award for ‘Best Dance Remix.’ A permanent fixture in the upper echelons of DJ Mag’s Top 100, Benassi’s cheeky re-work of Marshall Jefferson’s classic ‘Move Your Body’, is odds on to be the 2012 summer scorcher.
Crashing SW4 last year as the enigmatic Cirez D, Eric Prydz prides himself in all things house. His ground breaking ‘Mouseville’ imprint caters for those darker productions, such as the infectious hook from ‘On Off’, whereas the ‘Pryda’ label and namesake tracks encompass the more melodic side, but no less compelling. Hence with this wide ranging spectrum the Swede’s polished performances were always one of club land’s great wonders. Then ‘Eric Prydz In Concert’ came along, superseding all before in EPIC fashion. After selling out the mammoth Brixton Academy, Alexandra Palace and Amnesia Ibiza last year, it’s a privilege for SW4 to welcome Eric Prydz raw and in the flesh.
Zane Lowe is arguably the best specialist Radio1 DJ since the late great John Peel. His award winning Radio 1 show features the hottest new music and in the process has received numerous awards. He also heads the acclaimed MTV show ‘Gonzo’ and is heavily involved in Ibiza Rocks, the party which has ripped the White Isle rule book to shreds. Having played alongside the likes of Kasabian and Oasis at Wembley Stadium, plus The Prodigy at Milton Keynes Bowl, Zane is an outstanding DJ whose enthusiastic, fast paced and sometimes rowdy style always fires up the crowd.
A warm Clapham welcome for Skrillex, his complex bass orientated sound set to rumble the hotly anticipated UKF Bass Culture main stage. Londoners are already familiar with his mystical melange, following two recent sell-out shows at the iconic Brixton Academy. The rousing reaction of ten thousand electronic enthusiasts meant Skrillex for SW4 became an absolute necessity. Hence making this even more mouth watering, an EXCLUSIVE London festival appearance! A real musical coup for Clapham, continuing South West Four’s heritage of showcasing the most revolutionary DJs. Scheduled to close Sunday’s alfresco action, Skrillex’s set will be a frenetic homage to cutting edge dubstep, electro, glitch and grime.
For the first time in our nine year history, the Clapham carnage will cease at 10pm. That’s an extra hour to indulge in the scintillating sights and sounds of the UK’s premier inner city music event. So with an extra sixty minutes to play with, this year’s line-up will be our biggest ever, showcasing an array of prime international artists on a scale never before experienced at SW4. Inspirational talent synonymous with South West Four’s success, are joined by a host of DJ debuts and manic live acts. Furthermore with improved sound levels, a freeze on 2011 ticket prices and numerous other enhancements, SW4 2012 will bring to the English summer an even greater festival experience.
Sven Väth will bring his world famous techno imprint Cocoon to SW4 for the very first time this summer, as he celebrates his personal milestone of 30 years behind the decks. His infectious, vibrant and fun loving attitude is sure to attract the crowds to his arena, which boasts a line-up featuring some of the finest names in underground music. This includes the incredible Loco Dice who over the past few years has seen his stature rise to become one of the most devastating and respected DJs on the planet. Adding a live element to proceedings we’re delighted to welcome Tiefschwarz. Whether it’s in the studio or in the club, this duo constantly turn heads with timeless productions, remixes and live performances. Also playing live is Guy Gerber. The Israeli tech-house star is no stranger to the world’s biggest events, so the green grass of Clapham Common will suit him down to the ground. The legendary Josh Wink returns to the Common this summer after his sensational performance at last year’s SW4. He is joined by Cocoon’s very own Tobi Neumann and the UK’s hottest rising underground house star Tim Green. We can’t wait.
Global trance sensations Above & Beyond are set to take their Group Therapy album showcase across Europe this summer with festival appearances across the continent. But none get the juices flowing more than their arena at SW4 2011. The trio will be joined by fellow trance giant Ferry Corsten. A mainstay in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll over the past ten years, Ferry is a true international DJ having worked with and played with, the biggest talent on the planet. He’ll be joined by Radio 1’s Judge Jules who is no stranger to SW4 having played on numerous occasions. The Judgement Sundays head honcho remains one of the world’s most in demand DJs with bookings coming in from the world’s
Together returns to Clapham Common this August after its unforgettable arena at last year’s South West Four. Heading proceeding is a man that needs no introduction, M_Nus label boss Richie Hawtin. One of the leading pioneers of the techno scene across the world over the past twenty years, it’s no wonder that this man is recognised as one of the greatest electronic artists of all time. Modeselektor bring their widely diverse sound to the Together arena, as they wow the SW4 crowd with a number of genres all compressed into a style that is all of their own. Another leading name in the electronic world, SW4 welcomes Gaiser, one of the most revered artists in Richie Hawtin’s Minus collective. Sub Focus will bring his everything goes mantra to SW4 along with his usual blend of air-punching, dancefloor dismantling drum & bass. Andy C, another stand out performer at last year’s SW4, plays under the Together banner once again and the Ram Records boss will be joined by dubstep star Joker and the brain child of Drums of Death and Mumdance, Mums of Death.
One of the most respected and seminal record labels in the industry, it is a great honour that Adam Beyer has chosen South West Four to host the next instalment of Drumcode in the capital. The uber techno lord will be joined by VERY special guest and fellow Swede Eric Prydz, playing under his Cirez D guise for the very first time. Legendary UK techno duo Slam have travelled far and wide in the past but debut at SW4 this summer with a live performance that is sure to get the pulses racing. The techno showcase continues with the brilliant Paul Ritch. His DJ sets and production have seen his popularity rise the world over, much like Ben Sims who also plays. The ‘3 deck master’ is one of the UK’s biggest techno exports and we’re delighted to have him flying the flag. Drumcode’s very own Alan Fitzpatrick also joins the line-up with a much anticipated live performance, whilst Ida Engberg completes the bill bringing her relentless passion to South West London.
“I am very lucky to have been asked back again to play at one of the UK`s premier Festivals SW4. For me it just seems to get better and better each year, They really do deliver a fantastic day out in the centre of London featuring the world’s best DJ`s and live acts, so to be part of this again is amazing. Really looking forward to my set and also seeing who else is playing. To play to your home crowd in the centre of London is the best experience any DJ could have.” John Digweed
In addition to a London festival exclusive live performance from the undisputed kings of electronic music Underworld, SW4 welcomes a huge lineup of world class DJs to Saturday’s main stage lineup. Having graced the green grass of Clapham Common on six consecutive occasions, with hisBedrock arena one of the highlights of last year, John Digweed is back. Following his sell out Brixton Academy show back in October and an intimate Bedrock event at London’s Arcadia over Easter, expect John to end the summer in style. Laidback Luke made his very successful debut at last year’s South West Four with a performance that had the Common rocking under the August sun. Continuing to produce some of the biggest tracks to hit our airwaves, not to mention selling out clubs and events the world over, we’re delight to welcome Luke back to SW4. 2011 represents 20 years of Pete Tong hosting his BBC Radio 1 show. He has a massive summer ahead with many huge performances celebrating this milestone and a much anticipated return to Pacha Ibiza for an all new residency. Having rocked the main stage in 2010 we’re delighted to welcome Pete back to his home town for another memorable appearance.