Festivals

Looking for the latest lineup, date, ticket information or latest news about your favourite festivals, look no further.  Summer Festival Guide’s Festival News section covers all your needs!

The Kooks and Jake Bugg to hit Mallorca & Ibiza Rocks

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Known for nurturing the best new bands, Ibiza Rocks first booked The Kooks in 2005, unsigned and unknown.  They returned as one of Britain’s biggest bands in 2009 and then made history as the first band to ever play Mallorca Rocks, opening the summer of live gigs under the stars in 2010. With consistent mass international appeal and a huge Spanish contingent, The Kooks are back with a new sound and new single ‘Down’ which just premiered as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record in the World and went straight on the Radio 1 playlist.  Baleaeric bound once more, this will be a returning highlight of the summer as The Kooks take to the famous open-air Rocks stage in September.

The Kooks said: ‘We're well excited to be dropping into the magic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca this summer – definitely rocks.’

Jake Bugg is another huge talent that came up through the ranks at Rocks.  Having supported Ben Howard in 2012, Jake released his eponymous debut album later that year and a mass of praise, sales and award nominations followed.  As a bonafide solo star, Jake returned in 2013 to headline the coveted Rocks opening party slot and is now back for peak season shows at Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks in July.  With top billing at an array of summers biggest festivals and with his third album in the making, this will be a chance for fans to get up close to Jake Bugg in the much more intimate poolside setting of the Rocks Hotels for a sun-soaked preview of what’s to come from one of the UK’s biggest music stars in 2014.  

Jake Bugg said: ‘Looking forward to playing Ibiza Rocks for the third year running. It's always a good crowd and a great atmosphere.’

Jake Bugg and The Kooks add to a scorching summer line up that also includes Haim, The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, Bastille, Skrillex, Tinie Tempah, John Newman, Clean Bandit, Lily Allen, Madness, Bombay Bicycle Club, Wolf Alice, Breton, Chloe Howl, Ella Eyre, Dan Croll and Krept and Konan, with even more to come.

The Ibiza Rocks brand consistently boasts a bill crammed with the biggest international artists, best breakthrough talent and cutting edge DJs.  Summer 2014 will see the celebration of Ibiza Rocks 9th Birthday and Mallorca Rocks 4th Birthday during the 16 week season of spectacular outdoor gigs under the stars.  More Rocks headline acts and W.A.R! line up announcements will follow soon.

 

MALLORCA ROCKS 

03/06 OPENING PARTY WITH HAIM | BRETON

10/06 THE 1975 | WOLF ALICE

17/06 JOHN NEWMAN | CHLOE HOWL

24/06 LILY ALLEN 

01/07 TINIE TEMPAH | KREPT AND KONAN

15/07 JAKE BUGG 

22/07 4TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH ED SHEERAN

29/07 RUDIMENTAL (LIVE)

05/08 BASTILLE

12/08 MADNESS

19/08 SKRILLEX

26/08 CLEAN BANDIT | ELLA EYRE 

09/09 THE KOOKS 

 

IBIZA ROCKS

04/06 OPENING PARTY WITH HAIM | BRETON

11/06 THE 1975 | WOLF ALICE

18/06 JOHN NEWMAN | CHLOE HOWL

25/06 LILY ALLEN 

02/07 TINIE TEMPAH | KREPT AND KONAN 

16/07 JAKE BUGG 

23/07 9TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH ED SHEERAN

30/07 RUDIMENTAL (LIVE)

06/08 BASTILLE

13/08 MADNESS 

27/08 CLEAN BANDIT | ELLA EYRE 

10/09 THE KOOKS 

17/09 CLOSING PARTY – BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB | DAN CROLL 

Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and more set for BluesFest 2014

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The Summer Festival Guide is excited to reveal the first lineup announces for this years BluesFest which includes some of the biggest names in Blues, Jazz, Soul and RnB.

Now in its fourth year, and widely regarded as one of the highlights of the live music calendar, BluesFest made history in 2013 when it relocated to the Royal Albert Hall and became the iconic building’s first ever full-scale music festival. The four day event was a resounding success, with over 40,000 music fans enjoying an incredible run of shows from the likes of Robert Plant, Ronnie Wood, Bobby Womack, Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mavis Staples, Chris Rea and many more. This year’s festival will feature a similarly world class line-up as evidenced by the first batch of headliners which includes the return of one of the most indelible artists of the 20th century, the legendary Van Morrison (Oct 28th), songwriting icon Elvis Costello (Oct 29th), the inimitable Georgie Fame (who opens for Costello on Oct 29th), multi-Grammy-winning Sheryl Crow (Oct 31st) and chart-topping jazz funk outfit Level 42 (Oct 26th). Although all these artists are now celebrated for their own distinctive sounds and styles, they all credit the blues as the start of their musical journeys.

Elvis Costello: "I've waited a, long, long time to share a bill with Georgie Fame. There is no better address to do it than Albert's Royal Hall. Fame at last!"

As was the case with last year’s festival, BluesFest 2014 will be hosted exclusively at the Royal Albert Hall, with performances taking place not just in the main auditorium, but also in other rooms around the building during the daytime, utilising the Grade 1 listed venue’s varied selection of performance spaces. Alongside the headline concerts in the main auditorium each evening, some of the additional daytime activity introduced in 2013 will return including intimate sessions from festival artists, exclusive exhibitions, showcases, and an ‘In Conversation With’ series.

Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night latest additions

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The Summer Festival Guide has the latest additions to this years Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night lineups including Nils Frahm, James Holden, Simian Mobile Disco and more!
 
These are the artists that complete the program for Sonar 2014:
 
Nils Frahm, Buraka Som Sistema, Chris & Cosey, MØ, Daphni b2b James Holden, Simian Mobile Disco “Whorl”, Tokimonsta, Ryan Hemsworth, Dj2D2, Monki, Debruit & Alsarah, Uner presented by Pioneer dj, Stwo, Dengue Dengue Dengue, Elijah & Skilliam feat. Flava D, Sau Poler, Jameszoo, Simmone Jones, Arufe, Pick A Piper, Octo Octa, Mwëslee, Shelby Grey, Kresy, Nev.Era, Pina, Mr. k!, Territoire, Eme Dj, Sunny Graves, Rayo 60, Xavi Mateu & Carlos Bayona, Sonia Gómez & Lucy Suggate & James Holden, Discos Paradiso Crew, Glue Kids, BSN Posse, Mario Nieto, 3QUINOX, Dj Enpunto, Dj Der, Ordre Etern, Sanatruja, Vallès.
 
Top international names
 
The popular young German pianist Nils Frahm will perform on the SonarHall stage, and will demonstrate why he is one of the most revered new school representatives, combining acoustic with electronic.
 
Meanwhile, British duo Simian Mobile Disco present their new project 'Whorl' at SonarComplex, in which bpms will be replaced by a primal ambient approach akin to Tangerine Dream.
 
Rounding off the new additions to Sonar by Day are new Nordic pop star MØ and two pulsating sets at SonarVillage from Canadian beat makers Ryan Hemsworth and Frenchman Stwo.
 
Sonar by Night highlights will include: the collaboration betweenDaphni (Dan Snaith, Caribou) and James Holden, who will join forces to offer an unprecedented and electrifying four handed dj set on Saturday night at SonarLab; a set by the BBC Radio1 DJ & presenter Monki who will close the SonarCar stage with UK house and bass music of the highest order.
 
Red Bull Music Academy at SonarDôme
 
The infallible Buraka Som Sistema head the newly confirmed acts on the SonarDôme stage, curated by Red Bull Music Academy. The Portuguese group is famous for the assimilation of the most exciting in African and South American dance rhythms in a spectacular live show.
 
Joining them will be the mythical Chris & Cosey, founders of Throbbing Gristle, interminably investigating and advancing in the field of cutting-edge electronica; the exceptional LA producer Tokimonstafrom the Brainfeeder family; American housemaster Octo Octa; the fruitful alliance between Frenchman Débruit and Sudanese vocalistAlsarah; the UK garage and grime trio consisting of Elija & Skilliam(Butterz label chiefs) together with Flava D; Spanish nationals Sau Poler and Arufe, both of whose careers are about to take off; Peruvian cumbia-step duo Dengue Dengue Dengue; the contemporary electronica of Dutchman Jameszoo; charismatic electro-rock from American and Berlin resident Simonne Jones; and psychedelic groove from Canadian and ex Caribou drummer, Pick a Piper.
 
 
Today’s excellent Spanish scene
 
Sonar completes one of its most exciting Spanish line-ups ever, drawing from the national scene’s strength and depth in recent years.
 
New additions include the hypnotic electronica of Nev.Era, the industrial techno of Pina, the dream-noise of Sunny Graves, environmental drones from Rayo-60, Galician beatmaker Mwësleewho will close one of the nights at SonarCar, the cinematic hip-hop ofGlue Kids, bass music from BSN Posse, garage-house from Kresy, pictorial post rock from Territoire, the 3QUINOX audiovisual collision, the versatility and knowledge of Discos Paradiso Crew, supreme skills on the decks from DJ2D2, Dj Der, Enpunto and Shelby Grey, open-minded electropop from Xavi Mateu & Carlos Bayona, post-dubstep from Mario Nieto, the dance power of Uner (presented by Pioneer DJ), the noise experimentation of Ordre Etern, dance movement from Sonia Gomez and Lucy Suggate to the music of James Holden, the pop vocation of Eme DJ, the groovy house ofVallès, the future beats from Sanatruja and the dance floor versatility of Mr.k!.
This year, for the first time, Sonar will collaborate with the Mercat de les Flors venue, central reference for contemporary dance and performing arts in Barcelona. They will host the show  "The Inquisitive Middle" at Sonar by Day, a dance piece created by choreographer and performer Sonia Gomez and dancer and performer Lucy Suggate, inspired by the music from "The Inheritors"  James Holdenwho will be performing live.
 
Beside the main sponsor Estrella Damm and the further confirmed sponsors Red Bull Music Academy and adidas, Sonar will also be supported by Bershka, Ron Brugal, Pioneer Dj and illycaffè.

deadmau5, Axwell, The Kooks and more added to Sziget lineup

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New names were added to the always colorful line-up of Sziget Festival. All genres will be covered this year as well, so Deadmau5, Axwell, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Kooks, Crystal Fighters, Anti-Flag will be great add-ins to the previously announced acts like Queens of the Stone Age, The Prodigy, Placebo, Imagine Dragons and many more. The Island of Freedom is held between 11-18 August in Budapest. Tickets for discounted ‘Advance round 1’ prices are available till 30 April.

Sziget is known for its diverse musical world and 2014 will also be dedicated to this open-minded tradition. To the already announced names, organizers added many exciting new performers, who will definitely keep the audience moving both in front of the stages and also wandering from one venue to the other.

This year Day 0, 12th August, is also very special as not only Queens of the Stone Age will perform, but fans can check out the opening show of Deadmau5 as well. The Canadian EDM superstar, a groundbreaking electronic artist, is an emblematic figure of the biggest festivals. He makes music that changed pop culture as we know it. Up to this point, his career stands earmarked by a series of firsts and shattered records. Also playing on Day 0, Anti-Flag, an ultra provocative punk rock band from Pittsburgh, are known for their tight paced music and sharp lyrics. Their music and message is a call to action for people of all backgrounds and beliefs to focus on making tomorrow a better place for all.

The global dance icon, five-time Grammy nominated Axwell has had little time to rest upon his laurels over the past decade. In a career that has taken him from the Swedish underground to the top of the charts, he has risen as an idol of modern house music. He will also make a frenetic gig at Sziget this year. 

In addition, The Kooks will also play their characteristic and stylish British post-punk music, reminding us a little bit of the 60s. The band of Luke Pritchard comes all the way from Brighton to Sziget with their new album, so old fans will also have some surprises.

Bombay Bicycle Club will also bring their guitar-driven music to the Sziget audience this year. Their newest album is innovative, a beautiful collection of songs that will stand the test of time from a band at the top of its game. The songs are built around ethereal loops that owe more to experimental electronica than to the kind of indie-rock the band was initially known for. 

The music of Crystal Fighters merges traditional-acoustic Basque music elements with slushy bass and euphoric electronic sounds mixing altogether an atmosphere of loose chillwave and speedy dubstep-electro. The London-based band makes such a complex music and merges so many genres that currently there is no one else in the alternative dance universe like them.

With a successful music career spanning over the course of two decades, Macedonian born Kiril Dzajkovski is without a doubt one of the most respected and critically acclaimed electronic artists from the Balkans. He is regarded as one of the pioneer producers to introduce Balkan sounds to the modern dance production – globally known as the "Balkan Beat phenomenon". At Sziget we can see Djaikovski ft. TK Wonder & MC Wasp.

Tasteful, stylish, mostly moderate tempo, essentially melancholic, but uplifting music is what Girls in Hawaiido. They create some kind of magical atmosphere with their indie pop. They come to Sziget from Belgium and they will present their unique miracles, showing us their most recent album, Everest. 

Mount Kimbie have played a central role in forging a new form for electronic music. Their influence stretches far beyond the tiny corner of the dance music underground that birthed them and, with the duo now signed to the legendary Warp label, it looks set to stretch further still in the coming years.

Wild Beasts play a sophisticated and elegant guitar-music in which we can barely hear a little folk rock sound. Their music is lacking any kind of monumental character rather their trade-mark is the beautiful voice of singer-guitarist Hayden Thorpe. They were nominated for the Mercury Prize two years ago for their album 'Two Dancers' and now they are arriving to Sziget with their recent album 'Present Tense' released this February and navigating us to the maze of synthpop.

Full Line Up so far: Queens of the Stone Age, The Prodigy, Placebo, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Lily Allen, Deadmau5, Bastille, Imagine Dragons The Kooks, Jake Bugg, Stromae, Axwell, Die Fantastischen Vier, London Grammar, La Roux, Ska P, Bombay Bicycle Club, Tom Odell, Miles Kane,, Crystal Fighters, Klaxons, Michael Kiwanuka, Laidback Luke, Darkside, Bonobo, Anti Flag, Palma Violets, Wild Beasts, The Big Pink, Kavinsky, Outrun Live, Fink, Borgore, Mount Kimbie, Jagwar Ma, Djaikovski ft. TK, Wonder, Brody Dalle, Girls in Hawai, Starlight Girls.

The Horrors, Real Estate and more join Flow Festival lineup

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Flow Festival’s stellar line-up continues to grow, with the likes of The Horrors, Real Estate and FKA Twigs joining the plethora of legendary artists already confirmed.
 
Following the success of their 2011 release ‘Skying’, British garage rockers The Horrors are set to release their highly anticipated fourth album ‘Luminous’ in May before taking their live energy to the people of Flow in August. Already praised as the year's most expected album by NME, who also featured the band on its latest cover, The Horrors recently revealed the first taste of their forthcoming album by sharing the lilting Brit-pop number 'I See You'.
 
Other additions announced today include Brooklyn-based indie rockers Real Estate, who recently released their new album ‘Atlas’, along with hot British electronic talent FKA Twigs, whose critically acclaimed ‘EP2’, released on influential indie label Young Turks (The xx, Jack Penate), has scored radio support from the likes of Huw Stephens and Gilles Peterson.
 
Also included in today’s announcement are Boston-based folk singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler, and American synth-pop outfit Poliça, who have garnered praise from the likes of Rolling Stone and Pitchfork as well as procured a host of A-list fans including Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon and hip-hop giantJay-Z.
 
Local additions come in the form of Phantom, who have been noted internationally for their distinctive electro sound, the folksy and poetic singer-songwriterJoose Keskitalo, rap outfit Aivovuoto, and Pietarin Spektaakkeli, who will bring their brand of rootsy pop to the stage.
 
Artists earlier confirmed for this year’s Flow include OutKast, The National, Janelle Monáe, Die Antwoord, Paul Kalkbrenner, Slowdive and Bill Callahan, with more additions expected to be announced shortly

Nas to perform Illmatic at Lovebox 2014

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We’re hugely excited to announce a UK exclusive performance for Lovebox this year: seminal hip-hop figure Nas will be joining M.I.A. to co-headline Saturday’s proceedings. With a career spanning over twenty years, he’ll be performing iconic debut album ‘Illmatic’ which celebrates its 20th Anniversary and re-release this year.

We welcome London-institution Norman Jay MBE to this year’s festival, who helped redefine the boundaries of partying in the 90s, appealing to the very essence of Lovebox. Another crucial piece of British musical history, Jazzie B and his renowned nineties band Soul II Soul will be playing. Speaking about Lovebox Jazzie says, “Lovebox always has such a great vibe. Looking forward to it, happy faces and thumping bass!”

We’re also proud to announce that filmmaker turned songwriter Yoann Lemoine, also known as Woodkid, will be headlining Saturday’s Noisey Presents stage, and unveiling intensely gripping offerings from his debut album 'The Golden Age’.

Lovebox 2014’s DJ line-up is stronger and more eclectic than ever before, and those with an appetite for house, techno and everything in between are going to be well fed beyond belief. Swedish techno don and Drumcode head-honcho Adam Beyer will be headlining the Crack Magazine and Krankbrother Stage, and we welcome London’s finest living garage legend DJ EZ for some true London flavours. Disco purveyors Maxxi Soundsystem and PBR Streetgang will be enticing the masses with their warming house and nu-disco grooves.

Fast-rising producer Adesse Versions hot off the success of his ‘Pressured’ EP will be mixing it up for crowds, as will Citizen, Melbourne’s Mic Newman and London boy Dolan Bergin. Amsterdam’s freshest face of future house Tom Trago will be tearing up the dancefloor, as will Radio 1 and Rinse golden girl Monki, and Kid Fiesta. We also have a performance from songstress of the moment Jess Glynne to look forward to.

Back for another year at Lovebox is Red Bull Music Academy. A world-travelling series of music workshops and festivals, RBMA is a platform for those who make a difference in today’s musical landscape. Over the course of the weekend the Red Bull Music Academy Stage will house a non-stop party hosted by some of the biggest names in electronic music. Expect historic sets from Deviation top dog Benji B and veteran junglist Randall, and unmissable energy from The Gaslamp Killer. Kenny Dope will unleash his renowned Disco Fever set and there’ll be magic from nu-disco maestro Tensnake, Horse Meat Disco and eclectic Boston boys Soul Clap. Expect the unexpected from London producer Throwing Snow along with house grooves courtesy of rising star Doc Daneeka.

This year everyone is invited to come and share a glass of Italy's favourite libation at the Aperol Spritz Social with the likes of Craig Charles and The Reflex on the decks Friday, whilst Norman Jay and sassy lady DJ, Monki head up the Saturday. There will be dancing on the decking, relaxing and taking in the views from the balcony and of course sipping on the iconic Aperol Spritz. The Social will be playing host to top DJs all day long, creating an intimate party atmosphere to dance with old friends and meet new ones with soulful grooves, rare disco cuts and bumpin' house all weekend long.

Lovebox’s VIP area, The Pavilion Gardens, will transport VIP’s into an opulent world of Regency-era Brighton. Adorned with vibrant dome-roofed tents and exquisite furnishings, head to the Pavilion Gardens to catch sets from 2020Vision busman Ralph Lawson, Ben Pearce, Son of Sun (Live), Pete Herbert, Normski, and many more throughout the weekend.

Be sure not to miss tickets for what is shaping up to be biggest two-day celebration of dance music and international talent in London, let alone the UK.

FRIDAY ARENA BREAKDOWNS

ANNIE MAC PRESENTS
Annie Mac
Duke Dumont, Joey Bada$$
Route 94, Kiesza, Cyril Hahn
MNEK, Elli Ingram

FACT PRESENTS THE HYDRA
Moderat (LIVE)

Joy Orbison, Paul Woolford
Madlib (DJ SET)
Dolan Bergin

RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY PRESENTS
Special Guest TBA
Benji B, Gaslamp Killer
Randall
Doc Daneeka

BASSLACED
Sub Focus (LIVE)
DJ EZ, Shy FX & Stamina MC
Hannah Wants, Kove
Special Request, Tom Edgar

THE APEROL SPRITZ SOCIAL
Craig Charles
The Reflex, Fort Romeau
Guy Williams, Kid Fiesta
Nihilismus

VIP HOSTED BY LOVE FEVER PRESENTED BY BEAT
Ralph Lawson, Citizen, Tom Trago, Mic Newman, Adesse Versions
Son of Sun (LIVE)

SATURDAY ARENA BREAKDOWNS

NOISEY PRESENTS
Crystal Fighters
Woodkid
The Horrors
Hercules & Love Affair
Submotion Orchestra
Roosevelt

SOUNDCRASH PRESENTS
Bonobo (LIVE)
BANKS, Mount Kimbie
Bondax (LIVE), Klangkarussel (LIVE)
Kaleida

RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY PRESENTS
Kenny Dope (Disco Fever Set)
Tensnake
Soul Clap, Horse Meat Disco
Throwing Snow

CRACK MAGAZINE & KRANKBROTHER
Adam Beyer, The Martinez Brothers
SPECIAL GUEST Visionquest, Ben Pearce
Dense & Pika, Scuba
Krankbrother

THE APEROL SPRITZ SOCIAL
Norman Jay
Monki, Cottam, Tayo & Tope, Duff Disco, Timanti

VIP HOSTED BY PBR STREETGANG PRESENTED BY NOTION
Ben Pearce, Maxxi Soundsystem, PBR Streetgang, Pete Herbert Futureboogie, House of Disco, Normski

Eats Everything confirmed for SW4 Sunday

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Since 2011 Bristolian Daniel Pearce aka Eats Everything has stood at the forefront of a new genre of forward-thinking underground music. His debut track fittingly titled ‘Entrance Song’ shook the electronic world from its very foundations, whilst his next two bass-laden house jams, ‘The Size’ and ‘Tric Trac’were picked up by Claude Von Stroke for his flagship Dirtybird label. From here the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward to 2014 and there is not a more in demand DJ in British house music. His XOYO residency fully illustrated this, with around-the-block queues and guests of the calibre of Disclosure, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Catz ‘N’ Dogz falling over themselves to be a part of the fun. This high profile residency resulted in interest from all London festivals but we are delighted to announce that Eats has chosen South West Four for his only London festival performance this summer. Taking control of one of our mammoth indoor arenas, Eats Everything will bring Edible to Clapham Common for thevery first time. He will be joined by an outstanding selection of handpicked guests as Edible consolidates the many different facets of his buoyant personality and eclectic taste in music.

This summer will witness Eats continue to gobble his way across club land with the momentum of a runaway freight train. A residency for Together at Amnesia Ibiza is another example of the excitement surrounding the big man and how this year will witness his status reach even loftier heights. However it isSW4 that will provide the main course for his 2014 movements and which will welcome ‘Eaters’ from far and wide for this pinnacle moment in his career so far.

Youssou NDour, Bobby Womack and more for WOMAD

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Importing music from the four corners of the globe, and all points in between, WOMAD Charlton Park is how UK festival-goers get to hear the widest selection of music on the planet. And, with the announcement of more artists appearing at its 2014 gathering, it just got a little louder.

The latest crop of performers heading to this particular country park in Wiltshire in late July represents another mixture of both 24-carat, A-grade artists and those performers whose music you’ve yet to hear and fall in love with.Youssou NDour falls into the former camp, a global superstar who first climbed onto a WOMAD stage almost 30 years ago. The Senegalese singer has dominated West African music throughout the intervening decades, and rekindling his special relationship with WOMAD offers another opportunity to treat those ears to one of the planet’s most exhilarating voices.

Another exhilarating voice belongs to Bobby Womack, the soul survivor currently enjoying a fabulous, long-overdue renaissance. His most recent record, the Damon Albarn-produced The Bravest Man In The Universe, was an extraordinary return to form, confirming the strength of his powers after all these years, as well as introducing him to a whole new eager generation of acolytes.

One more veteran showing that advancing years offer no barrier to an ongoing music-dominated existence is Manu Dibango. Now a scarcely credible 80 summers young, the Cameroonian saxophonist continues to blow long, hard and funky. Presenting his 8 Decades show that recalls the high spots of his career, expect the roof to raise several inches when he kicks into his biggest hit Soul Makossa.

Another man bringing his horn to Charlton Park is Trombone Shorty. Born into the New Orleans brass band tradition – and playing his instrument on the city’s streets at an impossibly early age – Shorty has, with his band Orleans Avenue, developed his sound into an attractive funk/pop/hip-hop hybrid  – when he’s not in the recording studio with U2, Eric Clapton or Lenny Kravitz, that is.

The 12-month period between WOMAD’s Charlton Park festivals doesn’t find the team snoozing the days away in hibernation. This time is spent wisely, scouting across the globe for fresh sonic enlightenment, seeking out the music that you otherwise would never get to hear. We can now reveal that the fruits of those travels will include…

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita (Wales/Senegal)
Impossibly elegant project that teams the eminent Welsh harpist with this extraordinary kora player from West Africa. Their album Clychau Dibon won fRoots’ critics’ poll for 2013.

Tunng (UK) 
Deftly combining eerie folk with bleeping electronica, Tunng became the quintessential ‘folktronica’ outfit before stretching their musical wings and collaborating with everyone’s favourite desert rockers Tinariwen.

Justin Vali & Ny Malagasy Orkestra (Madagascar) 
All-star musical gathering from the Indian Ocean island, led by the legendary player of the valiha (bamboo lute) Justin Vali, a man whose association with WOMAD extends back to the days when he was signed to sister organisation Real World Records.

9Bach (Wales) 
Recently signed to Real World (and co-led by frequent Gruff Rhys collaborator Lisa Jen), 9Bach’s ghostly folk-rock attractively places them midway between Portishead and Pentangle.

Snarky Puppy (USA) 
Outstanding Brooklyn-based collective effortlessly (and joyously) fusing jazz, soul, funk and world to universally pleasing effect.

Debademba (Burkina Faso/Mali) 
Young Malian five-piece whose silken-voiced singer instantly recalls the great Salif Keita.

Aar Maanta (Somalia/UK)
Regarded as the voice of a generation of young British Somalis, Aar Maanta’s music shifts between alluring slinkiness and show-stopping funk workouts.

Jus Now (Trinidad/UK) 
The musical missing link between Bristol and Port of Spain pairs two producers united by bass, despite the thousands of miles between them.

Chloe Charles (Canada) 
Toronto singer-songwriter (and, by the way, Julian Lennon’s step-sister) who sings, says Rolling Stone, “pop songs with an introverted beauty of surprising clarity”.

Orange Hill (Colombia) 
Delightful acoustic troupe who play calypso and mento, but who don’t hail from Trinidad or Jamaica, but Colombia. An intriguing – and terrific-sounding – cultural anomaly.

숨[su:m] (South Korea) 
Curiously monikered female South Korean duo whose multi-instrumentalism calmly masters the transcendental, contemplative folk traditions of their native land.

Vinicio Capossela presenta Banda Della Posta (Italy)
Maverick Italian troubadour fronts this charming collection of veteran musicians. They got their name (which translates as the Post Office Band) on account of turning up to draw their pensions while carrying their instruments.

Imed Alibi (Tunisia/France) 
Percussionist and Rachid Taha collaborator whose band’s new record (co-produced by Justin Adams) was described by The Guardian as “an exuberant set [that] sounds like the soundtrack for a film about the early hopes of the Arab Spring”.

DakhaBrakha (Ukraine)

Self-proclaimed 'ethno-chaos' folk quartet whose performance may well take on extra edge as a response to the political turmoil back home in Ukraine.

Ethno Trio Troitsa (Belarus) 
Engaging trio who, in playing around 50 different instruments between them, deftly excavate the rich – but little-heard – folk music riches of their homeland.

Madeeh (Malaysia) – acoustic ensemble present the traditional Bidayuh roots music of Borneo, styles that are centred around a bamboo zither known as a pratuokng.

This handsome selection joins an already stellar line-up that’s already been announced and that includes…

Alice Russell (UK)  Nitin Sawhney ONEZERO (UK/India)  Fat Freddy’s Drop (New Zealand)  Goran Bregovic and His Wedding & Funeral Band (Serbia/Bulgaria)  Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba (Mali)  Mulatu Astatke (Ethiopia) Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits (Zimbabwe)  Marie Boine (Norway)  The Gloaming (Ireland/USA)  Salim-Sulaiman (India)  Roberto Fonseca & Fatoumata Diawara (Cuba/Mali)  Martin Simpson & Dom Flemons (UK/USA) Kobo Town (Trinidad/Canada)  Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat (Iran)  Anna Cinzia Villani & MacuranOrchestra (Italy)  Ibibio Sound Machine (Nigeria/UK)  Nuru Kane (Senegal)  Magic Drum Orchestra (UK)  The Good Ones (Rwanda) Salim-Sulaiman with Karsh Kale (India)

 

Latitude Festival announes film making competition

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Latitude Festival is running a competition this year for film makes to create a documentary based on this years theme Secrets and Lies, check out the details of the competition below:

This year, Latitude Festival will be focusing its attentions on some vital political and societal issues that are both timely and timeless.

Living in Britain as we learn of the unprecedented mass surveillance being undertaken by the US and UK – learning vital truths, unravelling secrets and questioning what these mean for us, for society and for the future.

As part of this wide, creative exploration, Latitude Festival – in partnership with film Production Company Brass Moustache – will commission two short documentaries (maximum 10 minutes length) to premiere in the Film & Music Arena of the festival.

Film-makers, especially young or emerging film-makers, will be invited to submit 2 page treatments to the jury, comprised of multi-award winning film-makers Callum McCrae, Director of "No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka"; Sarah McCarthy, Director of "The Dark Matter of Love" and Mark Donne, Director of "The UK Gold" – who will shortlist & commission two short documentaries.

The two winning film-makers will each receive a production grant of £2.5k each and both receive on-going support & workshop assistance via the Brass Moustache studio in Central London.

The jury and winning film-makers will be joined at the festival by Catherine Bray of Film 4, who will introduce the premiere screenings of the two shorts and then host a debate and audience discussion on the themes connected to them.

BRIEF>

“I don’t want to live in a world where everything that I say, everything I do, everyone I speak to,

every expression of creativity or love or friendship, is recorded” … 

So said Edward Snowden.

In the modern era of Facebook, twitter, tumblr, online stalking; state & corporate surveillance; the silent capture of colossal levels of personal and private data, the surreptitious analysis and sale of our private thoughts, emotions, habits, pleasures, dislikes and political leanings, we call on film-makers to respond to one question: “What is Your Truth?”

We ask film-makers to meditate on themes such as: surveillance, underworld, personal, double lives, masks, brain/body, confession, social media, privacy, conspiracy theories, whistleblowing and individual perspective; and upon our own relationships with the truth and how the allure of secrecy could become embedded into our lives.

Short documentaries can be in any form: animated, docu-drama, investigative documentary, participative or observational documentary, but they must clearly respond to the brief as outlined. 

SUBMISSIONS>

Please send treatments (maximum 2 pages in length) to: [email protected]

Submissions must include:

·         Name, age and date of birth of Director.

·         Full contact details

·         A comprehensive outline (including narrative and style)of the short documentary you’d like to make

·         One paragraph on how you will technically realise the project (equipment, etc.)

·         One (final) paragraph on why you wish to make it

DEADLINES>

28th April – submissions closed.

9th May – winning treatments announced & commissioned.

2nd June – commissioned film-maker workshop/rushes review in Central London.

27th June – deadline for delivery of completed short documentaries.

18th July – premiere screenings and audience discussion in Film & Music Arena of Latitude Festival.

TERMS & CONDIITONS>

·         The competition jury will independently shortlist and select the winning short documentaries based on the merit and originality of the treatment and the judged capacity of the film-maker(s) to deliver to the brief.

·         Competition winners agree to attend the premiere screenings at the Festival on 18th July 2014. Guest passes to the festival will be made available to the winning film-makers.

·         Competition winners agree to attend a technical production workshop in Central London on 2nd June to review rushes and overall production progress.

·         Competition winners agree to their short documentaries (non-exclusively) being shown on the Latitude Festival website and all online platforms (including social networks, you-tube etc.)Competition winners will retain all rights to their short documentaries.

 

Black Sabbath will rock British Summer Time Hyde Park 2014

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The legendary Ozzy Osbourne and his band mates Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi will be headlining the same stage that fellow rock legends The Rolling Stones presided over for two historic gigs last year. 

Not content with just playing the park, British Summer Time becomes Black Sabbath Time! Announcing their show with an impressive takeover of the Royal Park, the band will blaze onto the Great Oak Stage in Hyde Park for their first ever performance at the venue later this year.

Hailing from Birmingham in the late '60s, Black Sabbath are the undisputed founders of British heavy rock. They have always undoubtedly been one of the best live bands in the world. In 2013, the band returned in the most triumphant style with a global number one album, sell out tours and a prestigious Classic Rock Living Legends award. From their first visit to London to record their debut album to selling out the O2 last year, the band have one ambition left, to melt the faces off the Hyde Park crowd.

As Ozzy says: "The first time I came to London I didn't have a pot to piss in and I spent the advance I got for the first album on a new pair of shoes and some Brut aftershave. Returning almost 50 years on, we are doing a bit better for ourselves so I may even splash out on some new aftershave before taking to the stage at Hyde Park, the most beautiful park in London that has opened its gates to so many legends in the past. We are beyond honoured to be allowed to put on a show and hope that the Royals will enjoy it!"

Support for the show will come from Soundgarden and special guests Faith No More.

Emerging from the alternative scene of Seattle in the early 90’s,Soundgarden are widely regarded as one of the originators of grunge, alongside Nirvana and Pearl Jam. They have since gone on to sell 22 Million records worldwide and received 2 Grammy Awards, for ‘Spoonman’ and ‘Black Hole Sun’, both taken from their album ‘Superunknown’. Following their split in 1997, they reformed in 2010 and they released their last album ‘King Animal’in 2012 to critical acclaim. Get ready to welcome Soundgarden back to the stage at London’s Hyde Park!

Faith No More have earned a huge cult following since releasing their debut album ‘We Care A Lot’ in 1985. Instrumental in the alternative metal genre, Metallica, Nirvana and Guns ‘N’ Roses have all cited them as influencing their sound. A fearsome reputation as a live act, they have released five albums, winning 3 Grammy Awards, and 5 MTV Awards, until they dissolved the band in 1998. In 2009, following an eleven year hiatus, Faith No More reformed, touring Europe and USA, playing their own dates, alongside numerous festivals, reminding fans and critics alike what an amazing live act they are. It’s time to bring Faith No More back to London, to storm the stage at BST Hyde Park.

Other artists to entertain throughout the afternoon include: Motorhead,Soulfly, Wolfmother Gallows, Hell, Kobra and the Lotus, Bo Ningen, Rise To Remain and Broken Hands… to name a few.

Black Sabbath headline 4th July and join the already announced Neil Youngand McBusted nights (12th and 6th July respectively). Other artists to be announced…

Line Up on July 4th: 

Great Oak Stage
Black Sabbath
Soundgarden
Faith No More
Motorhead
Soulfly

The Barclaycard Theatre
Wolfmother
Hell
Kobra and The Lotus
Broken Hands
The Bots

Village Hall
Gallows
Bo Ningen
The Gravel Tones
Hang The Bastard
A Plastic Rose

Summer Stage
Rise To Remain
Blitz Kids
The Struts
The First