Festivals

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Boomtown Fair announce the Old District lineup for 2016

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Following BoomTown’s massive first major line-up release, the festival kicks off five weeks of artist announcements for the nine districts that make up the weird, wild and wonderful fabric of the city. First up it’s the ancient pirate port of OldTown, the festival’s longest standing district that plays host to The Jolly Dodger, a 90-ft pirate ship and the OldTown main stage.

Shivering the timbers of The Jolly Dodger is a collection of some of the world’s finest exponents of gypsy, Balkan beats, Klezmer and pirate music. In addition to the already announced Babylon Circus and Los de Abajo, prepare for the Hungarian ‘speed folk freak punk’ of Bohemian Betyars, the turbo-charged Czech-American world-fusion of N.O.H.A and arriving from France, jazz-metal trio Les Yeux d'la Tête and Balkan electro-punk pioneers Fat Bastard Gang Bastard Gang Band, plus many more…

Full OldTown Line-up

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

Away from the many artists gracing the OldTown main stage, the district comes alive in its magical, meandering back streets and rum-soaked taverns, where salty sea dogs and land lubbers alike revel to a soundtrack of sea shanties and pirate folktales. An unmissable theatrical spectacle comes courtesy of The Invisible Circus in their Battle for BoomTown show.

Join the OldTown online community here and keep up-to-date with all BoomTown news via Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to the BoomTown Chronicles via the website. 

LINE UP SO FAR:

Town Centre

Asian Dub Foundation, Babylon Circus, Bad Manners, Beardyman, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Leftfield, Levellers, Mad Caddies, Madness, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Molotov Jukebox, Parov Stelar, The Correspondents (Live Band), The Selecter, The Slackers

Lion’s Den

Benny Page vs Ed Solo feat. Darrison, Channel One meets Mad Professor, Congo Natty feat. Congo Dubz, Tenor Fly and Iron Dread, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Heatwave presents Showtime, Inner Circle, Junior Kelly, Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers, Little Roy, Morgan Heritage, Mungo’s Hi-Fi (Live), Solo Banton, Soom T, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, The Skints, Zion Train

Old Mines

Beans On Toast, Dhol Foundation, Imelda May, Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Lau, Los De Abajo, Mokoomba, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Ojos De Brujo, Seth Lakeman, Shooglenifty, Skinny Lister, Steve ‘N’ Seagulls

The Jolly Dodger

Babylon Circus / Los de Abajo /Bohemian Betyars / Les Yeux d'la Tête /Fat Bastard Gang Band / N.O.H.A. / Projekt Rakija / The Destroyers / Days N Daze / Mischief Brew / The Turbans / The Baghdaddies / Veeblefetzer / Balkan Hotsteppers / Mondo Cane / The Zen Hussies / Zorita  / Transylvania / Gypsy Unit / Ushti Baba / Tantz / The Great Malarkey / Wombo Orchestra / Gypsies Of Bohemia / Hallouminati / Barbarella's Bang Bang / Poor Old Dogs / Mr Tea & The Minions / Gadje Scum / Manushka / Biere de Luxe / Klonk

The Windmill

Craig Charles, Prince Fatty feat. Horseman

Psychedelic Forest

Gaudi, GMS, Hallucinogen, Highlight Tribe, Neelix, Ozric Tentacles, Shpongle, Skazi

Hidden Woods

Manudigital

Devil Kicks Dancehall

Big D & The Kids Table, Leftover Crack, Sonic Boom 6, Talco, The Dickies

Poco Loco

Foreign Beggars, Pharaoh Monche, Submotion Orchestra, Swindle Live

Mi Casa

B Traits, Derrick May, Friend Within, Jackmaster, Octave One (Live), Shadow Child, Skream

DSTRKT 5:

Bang Hai Palace

Audio, Calibre, Calyx & Teebee, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Dynamite MC, Hype b2b Hazard, Krust, Mefjus b2b Emperor, My Nu Leng & Dread MC, Roni Size, Teddy Killaz, TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D)

Sector 6

DJ Craze, Deep Medi Takeover, Derrick Carter, Diemantle, DJ Zinc, Melé, MJ Cole, So Solid Crew, Zed Bias Soundsystem and MC Trigga, Om Unit

Robotica

Koan Sound, Shades of Rhythm, The Upbeats

Muuti’s Scrapyard

Angerfist, Cause4Concern, Chris Liberator b2b D.A.V.E The Drummer, Dr. Peacock, Guigoo, The Outside Agency, Radium, The Speed freak

Jungle Syndicate

Bong-Ra, IGORRR

The first Soundcrash Funk & Soul Weekender line-up announced

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Soundcrash presents… The Funk & Soul Weekender Camber Sands Holiday Camp – East Sussex, England 13-15 MAY 2016

FULL LINE UP ANNOUNCED: QUANTIC (LIVE), AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, CRAIG CHARLES, GENTLEMAN'S DUB CLUB, ROY AYERS, TONY ALLEN, MR SCRUFF, NORMAN JAY, FATIMA & THE EGLO BAND, THE MOUSE OUTFIT, RENEGADE BRASS BAND, DJ YODARUSS RYAN + MANY MORE, 30 bands and 40 + DJ's

Respected London event promoters Soundcrash are proud to announce the full line up for their very first UK festival The Funk & Soul Weekender, to take place at Camber Sands Holiday Camp Legendary funk, soul and jazz composer Roy Ayers headlines, joining 9-piece dub band Gentleman's Dub Club, American genre-defying electro DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Eglo Records' Fatima (plus Eglo Band),Tru Thoughts' Quantic, and carnival legend Norman Jay. Completing the line up, names added today include: the 23-year-old musician, DJ and record producer Catching Flies, hip-hop live band The Mouse Outfit, and the beats, rhymes and brass

From Funk to Soul, to Latin and Afrobeat to Northern Soul, Ska and Swing a touch of the right Hip Hop & House and everything in between, this new event on the festival calendar is an intimate affair, with a capacity of 3000, created for an audience that truly loves its music. Soundcrash programmer and founding director Rob Waller explains the event is in response to a renewed public interest in the funk and soul genres, with record numbers of fans attending shows for established legends such as George Clinton, Quantic, Tony Allen and Tinariwen. There's also strong and growing interest in a very vibrant new soul scene with artists such as Taylor McFerrin, Andrew Ashong, Haitus Kaiyote and Andreya Triana at the helm.

"Soul, funk, jazz, afrobeat and latin has all been at the heart of my booking for almost 2 decades; and although Soundcrash Productions – itself in its 10th year, is equally well known for itinnovative electronic, bass music and hip hop output (which crosses very well into these genres), I thought is was time to make a special event specifically within the world of funk and soul for 2016.”

Soundcrash has also announced some fun and unique experiences as part of the event, including Live Band Karaoke, DJs, Brass Bands, Music Quizzes, Northern Soul Dance Classes, South London Soul Train Stage, and Live Brass Band Soundtracked Crazy Golf Tournaments. Warming up for the festival, associated club nights and DJ’s from the country's finest Soul nights, including Move On Up and Soul 45, will be promoting parties in the lead up to the big event. This is set in the picturesque Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex, a mere hour's train journey from London. Chalet accommodation (catering for 4-6 people) is included in the price of Get your dancing shoes packed and we hope to see you in Camber!

Tickets available now: http://www.funkandsoulweekender.com

 

Soundwave Croatia – First wave line up announced

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Sound-tracked by the some of the world’s finest exponents of broken beat, reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, drum and bass, vocalists, rappers and more, the festival is a harmonious and beatific odyssey which seamlessly merges a sublime holiday and musical escape like no other. Soundwave is revered for its eclectic range of bookings and its laid back attitude, which come together in an enchanting adventure by the sea, exploring a range of music seldom heard in the Adriatic region. It’s a journey which explores a different path to many of the region’s other festivals, a little more edifying and spiritually enriching, set under the sizzling Croatian sun and star-lit skies.

The headliners for Soundwave have now been revealed. While a member of the New York City duo Organized Konfusion, Pharoahe Monch developed a reputation as one of underground hip-hop's preeminent lyricists, crafting intricate and intelligent raps with partner Prince Poetry. He is also an incisive political and social commentator, using hip-hop as a platform for political engagement. Calibre is responsible for some of the most beautiful and sublime tracks in drum and bass. Releasing on only the most distinguished labels, including his own Signature Recordings, Calibre’s distinctive sound has progressed taking on elements of jazz, funk, dub and techno whilst losing none of its esteemed soul.

 

Many more great artists join the festival. Digital Mystikz’s Mala returns with a heavy dose of bass-shaking dubstep, whilst one of 6 Music’s lead presenters Craig Charles, a funk and soul DJ and prime instigator of good times, makes a very welcome return. Fatima & The Eglo Band perform live; soul star Fatima has worked with everyone from Floatings Points, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra) and Dam Funk, and the band are drawn from performers from the famed Eglo label. Still on the live side, Gentleman’s Dub Club will deliver their energetic and exhilarating live show, emerging from the UK reggae and bass music scene as its prime exponents. Channel One Sound System have been at the Notting Hill Carnival for over 30 years and are the UK’s most prominent and respected reggae crew; the Red Bull Culture Clash winners are set to bring ground-shaking bass to Tisno.

Back to genre-skipping delights, the Riot Jazz Brass Band bring peace-lovin’ aggro jazz, hip-hop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dubstep too, dropping drum and bass and dancefloor bangers that always have everyone dancing. Romare sublime cut ’n’ paste style blends Afrocentric beats and global inspirations, encapsulated in his brilliant Projections album; this also translates into bouncing party sets of the highest order. And the incredible voice of Harleighblu is set to enchant, the young singer and songwriter one of the UK’s brightest new names. Clap! Clap! is the project by the Italian producer C. Crisci. His focus is around sampling African tribes, bands and singers, creating tribal rhythms through drum machines and synths. And BAFTA and MOBO award winning artist Akala is a rapper with heart, soul and steel, a historian who brings a touch of lyrical grace and edge to Soundwave.

Rinse FM presenter and DJ Josey Rebelle’s house and techno spans across time and space, venturing into rare groove, soul and garage, and Eglo Record’s boss Alexander Nut brings his richly varied sounds to the festival. Henry Wu hails from 22a Records, a young label which has been causing a real stir. Their beautiful tracks are inspired by luminaries including Roy Ayers and John Coltrane to form jazzy, dubby soulful beats. Further names announced for Soundwave include Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, Flo Real (Mahogani Music), Chunky, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams White, Bobbafat, Gilla, DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, CC Disco, Taste The Difference, So Fresh So Clean, Plates and Tuckshop.

The Garden Resort is a true slice of paradise nestled on the Dalmatian coastline. Blessed with crystal clear azure Adriatic waters, sizzling sunshine and star-lit night skies, the idyllic and intimate setting welcomes a global crowd of music lovers and adventure seekers to Tisno. The site has the incredible water-side beach bar, where you are so close to the sea you are almost dancing in it, and cosy curl of beach which looks out over the bay. The site’s main stage is a little way behind, perfect for headline acts, and nearby nestled under the canopy of trees is the Olive Grove stage. It’s a beautiful location, everything built around nature, growing like the environment around it, rich with intimacy and a sense of wonder. And a short drive away is the incredible Barbarella’s club, a fully open air space, powered by Funkion One, redolent of Ibiza’s formative early days. As dawn breaks and the sun slowly comes up, there is no place else like it. 

Fatima

Pharoahe Monch, Calibre, Mala, Craig Charles, Fatima & The Eglo Band live, Gentleman’s Dub 

Club, Channel One Sound System, Riot Jazz, Romare, Harleighblu, Clap Clap, Akala, Josey 

Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Henry Wu, Dan Shake, Jordan Rakei, Harvey Sutherland, Flo Real 

(Mahogani Music), Chunky, Werkha, Eva Lazarus, Bambooman, Sarah Williams White,

Bobbafat, Gilla, DJ Mylz, Tehbis, Normanton Street, Chiminyo, CC Disco, Taste The 

Difference, So Fresh So Clean, Plates and Tuckshop

Soundwave
Thursday 4th – Monday 8th August 2016
@ The Garden Resort, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia
£125 for 5 days (club and boat parties extra)
www.soundwavecroatia.com / @soundwavecro

Headliners announced for Kendal Calling 2016

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Having sold out their 10th birthday edition a whopping 19 weeks in advance last year, Kendal Calling returns to the beautiful Lake District in 2016 with huge headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Rudimental, Madness and The Charlatans.           

One of Manchester’s finest musical sons Noel Gallagher will be bringing a catalogue of festival-ready anthems to the fields with his High Flying Birds. Exactly 20 years to the week since Oasis’s seminal Knebworth and Loch Lomand shows, Noel will take to the stage at Kendal Calling for what is sure to be one of the festivals defining moments. Expect cuts from his two hugely acclaimed solo records plus some old favourites as a genuine musical icon graces the Lake District with his mighty anthems.

Chart-topping drum and bass crossover kings Rudimental’s high octane, party sets have cemented their reputation as one of the best live acts around.  Last year’s sophomore album ‘We The Generation’ featuring huge collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Dizzee Rascal whilst debut album ‘Home’ catapulted the band into the mainstream and captured the hearts of the nation’s youth.

Celebrating 40 years since their formation, London legends Madness are the ultimate sing along band and their hit laden set is sure to include the likes of ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and ‘Our House’.  Suggs, Carl and the Madness boys know how to work the crowd and these consummate showmen’s career spanning set will be a summer festival highlight.

A year on from their triumphant return with landmark album ‘Modern Nature’ and five years on from the founding of singer Tim Burgess’ festival favourite Tim Peaks Diner, The Charlatans return to Kendal Calling as special guest Thursday headliners. Expect hits galore as these North West heroes grace the stage and Tim pops up over the weekend to deliver dj sets and the finest cherry pie and coffee at Tim Peaks Diner.

Tim Burgess, Charlatans singer and founder of Tim Peaks Diner comments:

"As ever, I'm really looking forward to Kendal Calling. The sixth year in a row for me, the second time The Charlatans will have headlined and this year is the fifth year for Tim Peaks. It's going to be an extra special four days. See you there!"

Joining the headliners are indie rock sensation Catfish and the Bottlemen, quirky indie quartet Everything Everything, gritty three piece Band Of Skulls, power pop iconsAsh, incendiary Swedish rock and rollers The Hives, bombastic classic rockers The Darkness, enduring New Yorkers We Are Scientists, BBC Sound Of stars Blossoms, riotous punk upstart Ratboy, Merseyside slacker champs Hooton Tennis Club, the smoky blues of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, fresh faced garage punkers Pretty Vicious and filling the now customary hip hop legends slot the mighty Sugarhill Gang and many more. 

Over on the dance stage will be none other than returning man of the moment Craig David’s TS5, living legend David Rodigan MBE and Radio 1 and XOYO resident Toddla T.

Full Lineup To Date:

Noel Gallagher / Rudimental / Madness / The Charlatans

Catfish & Bottlemen / Ash / Everything Everything / Band of Skulls / The Hives / We are Scientists / The Darkness / Blossoms / Ratboy / Craig David’s TS5 / Sugarhill Gang / Toddla T / David Rodigan MBE / Pretty Vicious / Hooton Tennis Club / Sundara Karma / Rag 'n' Bone / Lightning Seeds / Age of Glass / Alice Gasson / Auction For The Promise Club / Beds in Parks / Blueprint Blue / BMX Bandits / Bridges / Britpoporama Indie Disco / Buffalo Brothers / Camp Stag / Colour / Dave Rybka / Ded Rabbit / Documenta / Dorey The Wise / Dust Junkys / Fours / Gideon Conn / Grumbling Fur / Hatcham Social / Haus / Henge / Horsebeach / IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE / Kelvin / Kid Kapichi / Kismet Ryding / Liberty Ship / Marsicans / Modern Minds / Molotov Jukebox / New York Tourists / Omit Sleep / Plastic Mermaids / Publik Sektor / Puppet Rebellion / Riot Jazz Brass Band / Rosie Lowe / Shunya / Signals / Stay Beautiful Bowie Disco / Teen Canteen / The Bear Around Your Neck / The Big Moon / The Crookes / The Floodgates / The Galivantes / The Hidden Revolution / The Lottery Winners / The Mexanines / The Soul Rays / The Templebys / Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs / Thomas Turgoose (DJ set) / Tim Book Two with Tim Burgess / Too Many T’s / Too Much Love / Turrentine Jones / Viola Beach / Where Fires Are

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Madness to headline Y Not 2016

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Winner of ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the recent Festival Awards, Y Not today reveals the legendary Noel Gallagher appearing, as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, as the first headliner for 2016’s event taking place 29th – 31st July in Derbyshire. Also topping the bill are 2 Tone heroes Madness whilst elsewhere on the line-up indie favourites Catfish And The Bottlemen, The Hives, The Cribs and many more will be taking to the stage.
 
After its 10th anniversary, sell out success and bagging ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the Festival Awards in 2015, Y Not had a tough act to follow. However, pulling out all the stops Y Not shows its worth once again with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as grand headliners of the 2016 festival.  Gallagher is very rightly held in high regard as one of the greats of British performing and songwriting. In more recent years as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the band have scored two number one albums, the later ‘Chasing Yesterday’ crowned as ‘Best Album’ by the 2015 Q Awards, whilst also bagging nominations for NME and BRIT Awards. This set will without doubt be a highlight of Y Not 2016.

Also topping the bill this summer will be great British pop band Madness. Camden Town’s finest head to the Peak District armed with 2 Tone guitars, keys, brass and sax sure to have festival-goers up on their feet and dancing. With 11 studio albums under their belts it’s hard to predict what may feature in a set list but it’d be a safe bet that hits such as ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’ and ‘It Must Me Love’ may very well feature.
 
Elsewhere on the line up are Catfish And The Bottlemen, the four piece have shot to success since their 2014 debut album ‘The Balcony’, the same year in which they scooped the BBC Introducing Award at the first BBC Music Awards. Next to step up to the mic will be garage rock Swedes The Hives, best known for their suave dress sense and the punk howls of hit record ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’. The Cribs, once dubbed ‘the biggest cult band in the UK’ by Q Magazine, make a welcome return to Y Not following an appearing at 2013’s festival. Further additions come in the form of Mercury Prize nominees Everything Everything and Liverpool’s indie rock outfit Circa Waves.
 
Taste maker’s favourite Rat Boy, teen punks Pretty Vicious, folk band Ferocious Dog and emo upstarts Moose Blood add further weight to Y Not’s first announcement.
 
Last but by no means least Y Not welcomes hardcore trio Gnarwolves, Sheffield’s The Sherlocks, the anthemic Sundara Karma plus The Magic Gang, Louis Berry, Cassels, New Desert Blues, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and The Decoy.

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 36 MORE BANDS

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JANE’S ADDICTION, NOFX, SIXX:A.M., BURY TOMORROW,

PERIPHERY, ALIEN ANT FARM, AMON AMARTH AND MORE

 

MAIN STAGE NAMED ‘THE LEMMY STAGE’ IN HONOUR OF

LEMMY KILMISTER

 

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal event, adds 36 new acts to an already meaty bill, including Jane’s Addiction, NOFX, Sixx:A.M., Alien Ant Farm and Amon Amarth. Download Festival takes place on 10-12 June 2016 in Donington Park. Tickets are on sale now; a special early bird ticket rate is available until 12 February.

Joining headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for three days of unmissable rock are the mighty Jane’s Addiction – Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins and Chris Chaney – ready to bring their dizzying blend of funk-infused rock to Donington. The band are one of the most exciting and frenetic live acts in the game, fronted by the legendary Farrell whose spellbinding power onstage is sure to transfix the masses this summer.

Whilst we’re saddened to say Motörhead will no longer be performing at this year’s Download Festival, we will honour a true rock ‘n’ roll icon who inspired so many others on the bill, Lemmy Kilmister. This year, Download Festival’s Main Stage will be named ‘The Lemmy Stage’ in tribute to a much loved and missed legend. We are working with Motörhead’s management on a tribute to the great man during the slot he would have performed on, more information to follow.

SoCal pioneers NOFX are coming to stir a hurricane-like frenzy with their politically charged punk with its tongue firmly in its cheek. Sixx:A.M., featuring former Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, will inject their brand of old school-style, high-octane rock into the hallowed grounds of Donington.  Anti-Flag will bring a blast of white hot three-chord punk this summer. The band are about to tour the US with their new album, American Spring, and Download is currently their only UK show.

South coast metalcore mob Bury Tomorrow have been busy packing out increasingly large venues across the country over the past few years, installing themselves as one of the most exciting homegrown acts to emerge in the genre. Swaggering US rock gang Escape The Fate will come to rage with their energetic, visceral live shows that are the stuff of legend. Prepare for some nu mental antics when Cally foursome Alien Ant Farm takes to the stage at Donington. Their album ANThology featuring singles ‘Movies’ and their cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ turns 15 this year.

Next up, Amon Amarth; get ready to be at the mercy of these monolithic Swedish warriors whose fist-pounding take on Viking metal is not to be missed. Periphery are also confirmed and are one of the most revered acts in the progressive metal scene. Electric Wizard, the reigning kings of doom, return with their relentless, ritualistic blackness. Rightfully regarded as one of the heaviest bands in the world, expect some hefty, deep and crushing riffs that build, consume and destroy.

Monster Truck will provide an amped-up, modern take on good old fashioned bluesy rock. The Canadian rockers pack searing guitar riffs, intense vocals and just the right amount of vintage appeal. Graveyard have been capturing the hearts and minds of the rock world over the last few years, establishing themselves as one of the best live acts on the scene. The Swedish three-piece will also bring a blast of retro-cool to Donington.

Municipal Waste will lead the thrash metal party charge. The band plays with expert precision and intensity, embracing and feeding off the crowds’ constant chaos. Japanese phenomenon, One OK Rock have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. The enigmatic four-piece have been on tour with All Time Low and have just been announced to support Issues later this year. Nottingham’s Heck, formerly Baby Godzilla, will also bring the carnage to Donington.

Pop-punk upstarts Hill Valley High are ready to rock with their energetic and infectious party vibes; Turbowolf, renowned for their debaucherous live shows, will bring some of the chaos to Donington; Grand Magus are set for one hell of an exciting live show with bulldozer riffs and powerful vocals courtesy of frontman JB Christoffersson. Southern rockers Whiskey Myers provide some straight up, booze swilling, highway-driving, great country music.

Cane Hill have been pounding the pavements since their inception a few years ago and will bring their fresh interpretation on nu metal. With a set list guaranteed to be full of huge moments, London rockers Zoax are also confirmed. Canadian three-piece Danko Jones will have crowds in the palm of their hands with a smart mix of hits, fan favourites and cuts from their latest album, Fire Music; and Shvpes, formerly Cytota, are ready for a lethal concoction of aggressive hardcore and hard-edged metal.

With a raucous mix of death and doom backed with atmospheric black metal, The King Is Blind will blow the lid off Download Festival. Buckle in for one full on live set of head bangers from these metal behemoths. Berlin trio Kadavar have quickly become one of the most prominent acts in the European heavy underground, bringing retro, blues-fuelled psychedelic grooves to the masses at this year’s festival. As Lions, the new band from former Rise To Remain members Austin Dickinson, Will Homer and Conor O’Keefe, also join the bill.

Slaves (US), featuring the show-stopping vocals of Jonny Craig, will add drama and rock dynamism to the bill. Wage War will bring their heavy hitting sound, ready for an all-out energetic, circle pit inducing set, while Palisades provide their swirling concoction of hook-laden metal for the dance club masses.

Bristol crew Ashestoangels will add to their growing legions of fans with a hearty, gothic rock-tinged masterclass; London up and comers The Kenneths will perform some unapologetic, brash and bouncy punk, and indie-rockers Muncie Girls will make a splash with their unique injection of book-smart lyrics and streetwise musical sass.

Last but by no means least, Download also welcomes newcomers Reigning Days, who have hit their thunderous musical stride with latest single ‘Friendly Fires’, released last month. Brighton born quartet Black Peaks will pack a punch with their mix of hardcore and progressive rock. Strange Bones will bring unashamedly loud guitars and a real raw edge. The Blackpool trio are turning the heads of the rock scene off the back of their debut single, ‘Sick Of It All.’ Finally Transatlantic tech-heads Good Tiger will bring their fusion of metal, prog riffs and hardcore energy. 

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

  

Tickets for Download Festival are on sale now. A special early bird ticket rate is available until 12 February. For further information, please visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Truck Festival 2016 headliners revealed

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Manic Street Preachers and Catfish And The Bottlemen confirmed to headline Truck Festival 2016.  Oxford’s original independent music festival also welcomes Everything Everything, Circa Waves and Young Fathers.

Iconic rock trio Manic Street Preachers and fellow Welshmen Catfish and the Bottlemen are to headline Truck Festival, 15th – 17th July at Hill Farm, Oxford. The impressive line up also includes Everything Everything and Circa Waves who are set to rub shoulders with the awesome We Are The Ocean, Gnarwolves and Pretty Vicious, just some of the names unveiled today for the 2016 line-up. Truck Festival pulled out all the stops for the event’s 19th year promising devoted festival-goers another mind-blowing year of music. Standard weekend tickets are priced at only £86.50 and are available via truckfestival.com.

Manic Street Preachers – James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore – are to  perform on Saturday 16th of July at Truck Festival as main stage headliners. Undisputed classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘Your Love Alone’ and ‘Design for Life’ alongside more recent hits from ‘Rewind The Film’ and ‘Futurology’ will no doubt see festival-goers celebrating one of the biggest and best UK groups of the last 30 years.

Avid festival performers Catfish and the Bottlemen join Truck as headliners for Friday 15th of July. The four-piece scooped the BBC Introducing award at the first BBC Music Awards in 2014 and have been a firm fixture on the live music scene ever since. 

With their most recent album being named ‘Hottest record in the world’ by BBC Radio 1, Mercury prize nominees Everything Everything are not to be missed this year at Truck Festival. Circa Waves, Young Fathers, Jack  Savoretti and the hotly tipped Rat Boy are also joining proceedings in an indie-lovers dream lineup.

Truck is also catering to the hardcore fans out there with bands such as We Are The Ocean, Gnarwolves and Creeper providing everyone with a metal and punk injection. Truck 2016 will also bring to the table music from The Magic Gang, Formation and Hooton Tennis Club.

Completing the additions for Truck’s first announcement of 2016 are Creeper, Pixel Fix, Louis Berry alongside local favourites Willie J Healey and Esther Joy Lane. 
 
Truck also recently confirmed that for 2016 the event will expand to three days across the weekend of Friday 15th until Sunday 17th July at the Hill Farm site. A whole extra 24 hours will be on offer packed, once again, with the best indie, rock, pop and electronic acts. 

Truck Festival’s 18-year history has seen sets from the likes of Foals, The XX, Two Door Cinema Club, Biffy Clyro and Peace. Oxford’s original is the discerning go-to for credible and quality acts and 2016 is shaping up to be no less than another prime year.

Madness, Damien Marley, Fat Freddys Drop and more added to Boomtown 2016 lineup

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BoomTown Fair has announced the first batch of headline artists for Chapter 8 of the fully immersive, genre-spanning festival. The headliners include three acts who have been at the top of the BoomTown wish list since day one and represent the musical foundations of the trailblazing independent festival: UK ska powerhouse MADNESS, reggae royalty DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY and New Zealand 7-piece dub specialistsFAT FREDDY’S DROP.

Over the 11-14th August, 50,000 citizens will descend on the Matterley Estate, Winchester amid a theatrical narrative of revolution, across nine individually themed city districts with a soundtrack covering all bases of the musical spectrum. Joining Madness in the Town Centre, prepare forFun Lovin’ Criminals’ block-rocking fusion of hip-hop, funk and punk, British electronic luminaries Leftfield and festival outlaws the Levellersdelivering their political brand of folk-rock. Back by popular demand are 2-tone ska heroes Bad Manners and California ska-punk legends Mad Caddies, keeping energy levels high alongside 10-piece French ska rockers Babylon Circus, Austrian electro-swing pioneer Parov Stelar and the superhuman mouth-driven music of Beardyman.

The Lion’s Den has cemented its reputation as the UK’s biggest reggae stage, and its Chapter 8 lineup features a suitably all-star cast of reggae, dub and dancehall VIPs. Entering the Den alongside Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Fat Freddy’s Drop is another of BoomTown’s most requested acts and one of the first ladies of dancehall; welcomed back to the festival with arms wide open, Tanya Stephens. Straight out of Jamaica, we proudly host prominent reggae artists and committed Rastafarian vocalists Junior Kelly and Tarrus Riley, plus Inner Circle andMorgan Heritage, iconic bands whose sounds resonate as strongly in 2016 as they have throughout their extensive careers.

Now firmly settled in its new location, The Old Mines stage will be showcasing the best in folk, world and roots music, headed up by the unique rockabilly-blues sounds of Irish vocalist Imelda May, UK folk favourite and 2005 Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman and one of the most respected world fusion bands on the planet, Afro Celt Soundsystem. Reunited nine-piece Catalan collective Ojos de Brujo are guaranteed to turn the Mines inside out with their hip-hop tinged take on flamenco, and off the back of a number of sold out shows across the UK and Europe, US group Nahko And Medicine For The People bring their alchemy of folk, reggae and hip-hop. 

BoomTown’s Latin district Barrio Loco will be in full-on carnival mode as ever, with the Poco Loco stage rocking to the sounds of New York hip-hop giant Pharaoh Monche and British genre-benders Foreign Beggars, back after smashing the BoomTown Winter Gathering to bits. The all-new Mi Casa stage caters for the house and techno heads, welcoming Detroit pioneers Derrick May and Octave One (live) and UK DJs du jourJackmaster, Skream and Shadow Child.

With the towering Bang Hai Palace on its frontline, DSTRKT 5 will blow minds even further in 2016. Causing mayhem on the Bang Hai stage are takeovers from some of the biggest brands in drum and bass; Critical Music and Ram Records, plus Full Cycle celebrating 20 years in the game with Roni Size and DJ Krust reuniting on the decks. More drum and bass legends feature in the form of DJ Hype b2b DJ Hazard, withCalyx and Teebee bringing their brain-melting six deck show.  Representing the cream of the bass music crop on Bang Hai is Bristol boys-done-good My Nu Leng & Dread MC, and garage super-group TQD (Royal T, DJ Q and Flava D).

Elsewhere in DSTRKT 5, three brand new stages will be firing out signals from across the electronic music continuum. The dystopian android vibes of the Robotica stage will be soundtracked by supersonic beats and bass from Koan Sound and Nightmares on Wax, while the revolution HQ stage Sector 6, hosts innovators from both sides of the pond; DJ Craze and Derrick Carter fly in from the USA, and So Solid Crew,Newham Generals and a Deep Medi takeover fly the flag for UK homegrown sounds. Those craving harder and faster BPMs will find sanctuary in Muuti’s Scrapyard, where the likes of Angerfist, Dr. Peacock and Radium will unleash hardcore rave carnage.

After the huge success of the Psychedelic Forest in Chapter 7, the area returns with a lineup of scene-leading artists, with the likes of Gaudi,Neelix, Shpongle, Skazi and Hallucinogen showcasing the finest in psychedelic trance, techno, breakbeat and ambient.

Primal Scream set to headline Electric Fields Festival

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Electric Fields, Scotland’s most exciting new music festival, is proud to announce PRIMAL SCREAM as the first headliner for 2016, with Everything Everything, The Twilight Sad, Public Service Broadcasting, Erol Alkan and Model Aeroplanes and Joy Orbison also revealed.
 
Returning to the stunning grounds of the 17th Century Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th August, Electric Fields expands to two full days for the first time in 2016, offering festival goers even more incredible music and time to enjoy the intimate, community atmosphere that has made it such a hit with fans during its first two outings.
 
Primal Scream continue to be one of the most exciting bands on the planet, with a hugely successful and influential career spanning almost three decades and a catalogue of genre-defying hits, united by the groove. Loaded, Movin’ On Up, Rocks, Jailbird, Kowalski and Country Girl are just some of the highlights and, with the bands’ 11th album Chaosmosis due for release in March 2016, this homecoming show will be an unmissable festival experience.
 
Electric Fields co-founder Nick Roberts said: 
 
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Primal Scream to Electric Fields this August. They have created some of the greatest music these islands have produced and are right at the top of their game. The rest of the line-up compliments the whole nature of the festival brilliantly and we’re delighted to have this legendary band spearheading it for us. With our new two-day format, we’re able to bring even more incredible acts to the beautiful estate at Drumlanrig Castle and we can’t wait to welcome everyone come August.”
 
Standing as the mad scientists of indietronica, Everything Everything have garnered acclaim and awe with their constantly evolving soundscapes on modern life. Since emerging onto the alternative scene with their Mercury Prize nominated debut “Man Alive”, the Manchester quartet have grown from strength to strength, characterised by the multi-faceted vocals of frontman Jonathan Higgs. Dominating airwaves and stages around the world, these time-travelling explorers will be touching down at Electric Fields fresh from their widely acclaimed latest LP “Get To Heaven” for a set that’s sure to live-long in the memory.
 
National treasures don’t come much bigger than The Twilight Sad whose melancholic tales of heartbreak and life have soundtracked the emotional heartstrings of their homeland for nearly a decade. Their 2014 album “Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave” was met with universal acclaim, breathing new life into the post-punk world. With a new release on the horizon, their performance at Electric Fields is set to captivate the masses, and cement their place as one of the most important acts of a generation.
 
Public Service Broadcasting stand in a world of their own, creating unique and challenging soundtracks to the pivotal moments in human history. Their most recent LP, “The Race For Space,” transported listeners back to the heady days of the space race, combing historical clippings of the time with their epic instrumental soundscapes. Their immersive, cinematic show is set to be a stand-out at Electric Fields this summer.
 
Scotland’s very own Model Aeroplanes stand as one of the most exciting new bands in the UK, and their dazzling blend of indie-pop shows exactly why major labels were scrambling to sign the Dundee natives. Expect a mesmerising performance from a band destined to fill arenas. 
 
Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s will bring some of the most exciting names in electronic music to their own stage at Electric Fields this year. Erol Alkan, seminal electro pioneer, revered producer, remixer, DJ and head honcho of independent label Phantasy Records will be dropping tectonic vibrations throughout the fields, as he makes himself at home for an unrelenting showcase of the best in underground dance. Joining him on the Sneaky’s lineup will be renowned boundary-morpher Joy Orbison whose infectious beats will make for a celebration of groove and funky house. Drawing inspiration from a plethora of genres, the maverick Londoner has lead the way for electronic music, establishing a style that has soundtracked dark basement dens and festival stages worldwide. 
 
Electric Fields is delighted to announce that the Tim Burgess-curated Tim Peaks stage, famous for secret sets and an eclectic variety of artists, will be part of the 2016 family. The first artist to be revealed is actor Paddy Considine’s Riding The Low. So much more than a side project, the band’s infectious Suede-like melodies have seen them captivate crowds at festivals around the country.

James Bay set to headline Boardmasters 2016

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Boardmasters, Cornwall’s own surf and music festival, has today announced its first headline act set to take to the main stage this summer will be UK singer-songwriter of the moment, James Bay. Boardmasters returns to the stunning sun-drenched Cornish coastline for another year, giving festivalgoers the best in surf and music. The festival runs from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 August 2016.

British homegrown talent, James Bay is riding the wave of platinum-selling success, with his No.1 debut album, ‘Chaos and the Calm’, featuring one of the biggest hits of the year ‘Hold Back The River’ and his current worldwide tour is selling fast. Having been honoured with the Critic’s Choice award at last year’s BRIT’s, he’s been nominated for a massive four awards at the 2016 ceremony and is also in the running for three Grammys. Continuing its role in bringing the hottest new acts to the South West, Boardmasters is stoked to welcome James Bay as he continues to dominate the UK and global music scene.  Fans are in for a treat, with James Bay set to put on a spellbinding performance when he takes to the main stage for his first headline appearance.

Boardmasters has also announced further acts to perform at this year’s festival. First up is the undisputed king of the UK garage sceneCraig David, tipped as one of the most hotly-anticipated comeback acts of 2016, with his latest hit ‘When The Bassline Drops’ currently storming the charts. Also announced are some of the UK’s hottest music acts – Kaiser Chiefs, Jamie Lawson who signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label last year, Example, Sigma, Wilkinson, BRITs British Breakthrough Act nominee Wolf Alice, Jack Savoretti, Gabrielle Aplin, MNEK, Nahko and Medicine for the People who will join James Bay and Craig David for what’s sure to be a weekend of high-octane performances from the biggest names in music.