Festival News - Page 233 of 386 - Summer Festival Guide

James Blake added as second headliner to Jabberwocky Festival

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Last year’s Mercury Prize winner James Blake joins Jabberwocky as the second headliner of an already incredible lineup. From his roots as a club DJ, Blake’s sound progressed into a tender and melancholy mix of modern electronic music and lo-fi indie more akin to contemporaries the XX than his dubstep peers.

The fractured sounds of his self-titled debut lead into the chilling sophomore full length, ‘Overgrown’, an album that achieved widespread critical acclaim and unlikely guest spots from the likes of Wu-Tang legend the RZA. Jabberwocky are ecstatic to welcome James Blake to London for an oh too rare performance in the nation’s capital.

New York duo Darkside is comprised of Brooklyn multi-instrumentalist Dave Harrington and electronic producer Nicolas Jaar. Their 2013 debut for Matador, ‘Psychic’ fused the two musicians’ vastly different backgrounds into a wholly original mix of experimental and ambient rock and brooding, downtempo house and techno. It is an uncompromising vision and works as a whole to clearly display the progressive and incredibly talented minds at work.

With their recently announced hiatus still fresh in people’s minds John Dwyer and co softened the blow with the announcement of their upcoming Castle Face Records album ‘Drop’ and now ATP are thrilled to announced the addition of garage rock heroes Thee Oh Sees to this year’s Jabberwocky Festival! The prolific band’s live show is one of the most energetic and exciting you’re likely to see anywhere in the world and to say that their set will be one of the clear highlights of the weekend is no exaggeration.

Matthew Barnes, aka Forest Swords, debut ‘Dagger Paths’ EP catapulted him into the public consciousness with its skulking, abstract, electronic psych-pop making him stand out from other chillwave contemporaries. Four years on and with full length LP ‘Engravings’ under his belt, he has become one of the go to names in electronic music with remixes having been commissioned by the likes of These New Puritans, Wild Beasts and The Big Pink.

Fresh from the release of ‘Benji’, his sixth studio album under his Sun Kil Moon moniker, ex-Red House Painters main man Mark Kozelek’s beautiful and moving indie-folk sounds as absorbing and vital as ever. A true cult hero, Kozelek can count Will Oldham, Ben Gibbard and Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley as collaborators and as a veteran of previous ATP events he fits into this lineup perfectly.

Since the late 90s noise loving producer and musician Kevin Martin, better known by his primary recording alias The Bug, has created dancehall and hip-hop influenced music ranging from the extreme to the ambient and more dub oriented. Last summer’s Danny Brown, Flowdan and longtime collaborator Kiki Hitomi featuring ‘Filth EP’ provided a taster for The Bug’s upcoming ‘Angels & Devils’ full length which promises guest spots from the likes of Death Grips and Gonjasufi.

Having burst onto the punk scene last year with their abrasive ‘I Have Lost All Desire For Feeling’ EP, Syracuse quartet Perfect Pussy proved to be one of 2013’s boldest and most exciting new bands. With lyrical subject matter bordering on the frighteningly personal and a sound both uncompromising and effortlessly compelling they charge into 2014 with the release of their debut full length ‘Say Yes To Love’ this March.

Having been a member of short-lived Brooklyn buzz band INOUK and released solo album ‘Mansions’, Damon McMahon really hit his stride with his Amen Dunes moniker. He creates fuzzy, isolated, eerie pop with hints of the Velvet Underground, Roky Erickson and Syd Barrett that is sure to be perfectly represented on May’s upcoming Sacred Bones Records (David Lynch, Zola Jesus, The Men) full length ‘Love’.

Formed in 1993, New York four-piece indie-rock group The Van Pelt were responsible for what is arguably one of the finest American guitar records of the 90s, the seminal ‘Sultans Of Sentiment’. Having performed reunion shows in 2009 they will again be regrouping to perform at Jabberwocky Festival

Anonymous conceptual musician, producer and Warp Records signeepatten’s intricate compositions have gained him critical acclaim since becoming active in 2009. Though he remains shrouded in mystery, he has described his upcoming full length ‘ESTOILE NAIANT’ as being ‘informed equally by Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges’s evocative maze-like short stories, late nights at early FWD events and the open tunings of Sonic Youth’s chiming guitars’.

Portuguese band Paus makes bass-driven, percussion-heavy music that defies comparison or categorization. Praised for their distinctive, experimental sound and their largely improvisational, heavily energetic live shows they are an exciting addition to the Jabberwocky lineup.

Canada’s experimental music and performance art collective Yamantaka // Sonic Titan take the genres of post-punk, opera, noise, metal, folk and pop and view them through their very own psychedelic kaleidoscope creating a sound unique enough to entirely defy characterization.

Experimental and progressive Spanish group Oso Leone combine numerous folk and rock based styles to create a powerful yet delicate sound, seeped in beautiful melodies and a level of passion that has gained them a legion of faithful followers.

Hailing from Barcelona, Joana Serrat was attracted to folk and Americana from a young age. As such, her music is a sublime mixture of folk, indie, pop and country with a vocal that carries the warmth and sincerity of her songs perfectly.

Plus DJs:

Fra Soler (Primavera) +

Pitchfork DJs +

DJ Coco (Primavera)

DJ Cherrystones

Spencer Hickman (Death Waltz Recordings)

Daevid Phillips

Dave McPherson and more added to 2000trees Festival

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

The Blackout, Cerebral Ballzy, Three Trapped Tigers, Darlia, LOOM and Dancing Years have been added to the line-up for the 2000trees Festival, along with INME frontman Dave McPherson.

He will be performing a solo set and says he is looking forward to the award-winning event because it is a “10/10 every time”.

Festival headliners are yet to be revealed and organisers say excitement is building among fans, with ticket sales up on last year.

Already announced are: Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Public Service Broadcasting, Jamie Lenman, Tall Ships, Wolf Alice, Canterbury, Arcane Roots, Itch, Blitz Kids, Hawk Eyes, Gnarwolves, Johnny Foreigner, Lonely the Brave, Natives, Dad Rocks!, &U&I, Slaves, The Virginmarys, Ben Marwood, The Retrospective Soundtrack Players, Oxygen Thief, Radstewart, Winter Villains, VerseChorusVerse.

Dave McPherson said: “2000trees is more than a festival to me. Very fond personal memories aside, InMe & myself have always had the craziest fun shows there. I love the location, the interesting varied line-ups, the local produce (especially the ale) and most of all, the people that run it.

“It’s so obvious this is an extreme labour of love yet while being consummate professionals they're also a bunch of absolute welcoming sweethearts. I've played/attended most years since the debut, it is a 10/10 every time. Long live Trees!”

Organiser Andy Rea believes a shared passion for new and underground music is proving popular with fans.

“We promise to bring a depth and variety of acts together that is better than ever before, giving people the chance to discover their new favourite bands in a fun, affordable and friendly environment.

“Early ticket sales reflect our commitment so everything is shaping up to be the best year yet, especially with the likes of Dave McPherson on board again, we love him!”

The Human League to headline Galtres Parklands Festival 2014

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

The Human League, known best for their massive hits which include 'Don't You Want Me', 'Fascination' and 'Mirror Man', are credited with influencing artists ranging from Moby to the Pet Shop Boys with their unique and enduring brand of avant-garde electro-pop. The European tour arranged to mark their ninth studio album 'Credo' is described by the Daily Telegraph as "as a good a night's entertainment as you are likely to find anywhere on the planet".

In support will be contemporary electro act Public Service Broadcasting, currently away on a US tour, but bringing to Galtres their brilliantly innovative mix of archive footage and samples with live performance. “They blend the voices of the past with the music of the present to astounding effect” said the Independent on Sunday.

The Human League join Friday headliners Levellers and Bellowhead at the North Yorkshire festival's tenth birthday celebration, with Saturday's headliner's still to be announced. John Otway, Martin Stephenson,The Men They Couldn't Hang andChris Helme are among other acts playing in the spectacular North Yorkshire setting over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

"Finding the right acts for the Sunday top slots filled last year by The Stranglers and the Undertones was never going to be easy," said festival director James Houston. "But we think The Human League are an inspired choice and will be hugely popular with our audience. They stand out both for their impressive back catalogue and contemporary recordings, and are complemented wonderfully by Public Service Broadcasting who are the most exciting breakthrough electro act of 2014. It's going to be a fantastic festival finale and a stunning end to our anniversary weekend."

Midlake & Bruno Major added to British Summer Time Hyde Park lineup

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Since releasing their critically acclaimed album ‘Antiphone’ last November, Midlake have supported The Flaming Lips, Pearl Jam, and headlined their own US & European tours. Currently on a sold out UK tour, culminating at Shepherds Bush Empire this evening (26^thFeb), they take to the Barclaycard Unwind Theatre this July for what will be one of the highlights of the day.

Despite being a relative newcomer, Bruno Major has already supported London Grammar, Sam Smith, Nick Mulvey, played with The Rolling Stones at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park last year. Having recently released a live EP of his work, he’s currently recording his debut album, which he’ll be showcasing on the Village Hall stage in Hyde Park this July.

Amen announced for a UK festival exclusive at Alt-Fest, along with Paradise Lost, Finntroll and more

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Ali Ryland

Twenty years since their formation, controversial metal-punk outfit AMEN (pictured above) are coming back together for a very special set at Alt-Fest, 15^th – 17^th August 2014 at Boughton Estate, Kettering. This UK festival exclusive appearance is the first of many new additions to the event including a new headliner for the metal stage, Paradise Lost, and many more.

Fronted by the formidable Grammy award–winning Casey Chaos, AMEN’s wild live shows through the late 90s and 00s gained them a huge UK following. The band picked up further gongs along the way including the title of “Best Live Band in the World” as bestowed by Metal Hammer magazine. Fast forward to 2014 and Chaos, inspired by the fan-lead phenomenon that is Alt-Fest, is returning with his band. Ahead of Alt-Fest Chaos said:

"I'm proud to announce that AMEN will return to play an exclusive show at Alt-Fest, a festival done by the people for the people. We are looking forward to performing & transmitting the sound from the heart, from our homeland communist America and destroying ourselves for your pleasure."

Seminal doom/death metallers Paradise Lost are set to top the bill for Friday’s proceedings over at the Metal Stage. With a career spanning more than twenty years and featuring 13 albums few acts are better placed or more deserving of a headline slot.

In a UK festival exclusive, Finntroll join Alt-Fest’s line-up for a set of folklore-inspired Finnish black metal. Self-styled as ‘Germany’s most extreme electro act’ Agonoize will bring their ‘aggrotech’ sound to the event, whilst the line-up increases further with the addition of thrash metal four-piece Savage Messiah. Formed of members of the likes of Sikth, Gallows and including BBC Radio 1 Rock Show presenter, Daniel P. Carter, Krokodil promise ‘beards and riffs’ for their metal stage appearance. Last but by no means least, now confirmed are also the Brighton-based Mesh; electronic body music pioneers Parade Ground and the epic sounds of Stormbringer.

The remainder of Alt-Fest’s previously announced line-up features an all-star cast of everything alternative, stretching from the 80s right up to the present day. Forefathers of alternative sounds such as The Cult and Gary Numan will perform alongside super stars such as Marilyn Manson, and newcomers such as Fearless Vampire Killers. Super-early bird tickets are now sold out however early bird adult weekend tickets priced at £115 are available for a limited time from Alt-Fest.com.

Six more additions to the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock 2014

June 24, 2020February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

BLOODSTOCK is thrilled to reveal six more bands confirmed to play the Sophie Lancaster Big Top stage in August.

Thursday night is set to be livened up by these two! Throwing down the party gauntlet are returning favourites, the PHIL CAMPBELL ALL STARR BAND. The MOTORHEAD guitarist had such a great time at BLOODSTOCK last year, he’s coming back to do it all over again.

Nottingham thrashers INCINERY are happy to take up the challenge, stating “Things have been stepping up a gear and the unbelievable is becoming a reality, so it is with great excitement that we return to the place that started it all for us! It’ll be a real homecoming, and we’re looking forward to playing at what is the keystone of the metal scene in the UK.”

By name but not by nature, DIABOLICAL will bringing their unique brand of Swedish death metal to the Sophie Stage on Friday. They declare, “It is with great pleasure that we announce our appearance at BLOODSTOCK! Rest assured we will take equally great measures to make this a highly memorable show!” The band recently released new concept album ‘Neogenesis’ via ViciSolum Productions.

BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to add Mancunian black metallers, WINTERFYLLETH to Friday’s line-up. For a taster of their current album, ‘The Threnody of Triumph’, head over to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NEgZ5x7D-I to hear the epic ‘A Thousand Winters’.

Southwest metal band CAMBION are determined to get heads banging on Friday. Drawing their djent/tech/prog influences from the likes of Fear Factory and Meshuggah, the band commented, “We are beyond happy to be playing the best UK festival, BLOODSTOCK! CAMBION is growing into a force to be reckoned with and that’s down to hard graft and BLOODSTOCK itself for believing in and supporting the next generation of metal bands!”

Joining them on Friday are Norwegian groove metallers, ZEROZONIC. The band couldn’t be more excited to get to play at Catton Park, exclaiming “Finally, ZEROZONIC will play a big festival outside Norway for the first time. It’s about time! Ten years of existence and three albums in we are very excited to play the amazing BLOODSTOCK. Let’s get it on!” ZEROZONIC’s current album ‘Aftersane’ has just been re-released by their new label Metal Age Productions, and the band are busy working on their fourth album.

Gottwood 2014 full lineup announced

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Announcing its full lineup for 2014 in a move that pits the likes of the prolific Gerd Janson, Margaret Dygas, DJ Format, DJ Die and Appleblim, up against Calibre, Crazy P Soundsystem, Dense & Pika, Max Cooper (live), Craig Richards, Kris Wadsworth, PBR Streetgang, Maribou State, Ralph Lawson and Tale of Us plus so many more in its intimate forest setting, Gottwood’s annual celebration of the electronic underground makes an indelible impression.

A well-kept secret with a real kick, Gottwood was the smallest festival with the biggest buzz in 2013, and with tickets flying for this year’s Fifth Chapter it’s looking like another sellout success. This year, Running Back label boss Gerd Janson joins the party and Berghain’s best kept secret Margaret Dygas invites us aboard her minimal low slung rollercoaster.

Meticulous producer Max Cooper brings a live set, as does techno evolutionary Stephan Bodzin. Seminal drum’n’bass head Calibre will be joined by MC DRS, long-standing Fabric mainstay Craig Richards makes an appearance, and techno tour de force Dense & Pika play live. 2020 Vision’s own Ralph Lawson, Berlin techno nuts Tale of Us, Detroit face Kris Wadsworth and resident of Berlin’s Panorama Bar Prosumer also get in on the action.

British hip hop luminary and turntablist DJ Format makes a stand, Munich techno prodigy Marco Zenker will play an analogue live show, Avatism brings his own brand of dark moody Italian electronica, high-energy collective Crazy P Soundsystem return, and Session Victim pull together jazz, hip hop and house influences in their live set.

Gottwood welcomes back the unstoppable Maribou State and online phenomenon and respected DJ collective Eton Messy for the second year in a row. Gang Colours provides ambient electronica, Bonobo tour support act Werkha brings a discerning selection of cuts, and catch James Welsh, beat fanatic and Compost Records star Jay Shepheard, heritage act Zero 7 (Dj) and XLR8R and Rinse FM linchpin Mr Beatnick in full effect.

TOM RANKIN
| TOM SAUNDERS | TRANSMISSION COLLECTIVE | TRUTHOS MUFASA | WILL BROCKBANK

Roots Manuva to headline this years Nozstock

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival is proud to announce their first headliner for 2014 as part of three major announcements to be released over the coming weeks – the hip hop legend and ruler of rhyme, Roots Manuva. Taking place on the 1^st – 3^rd August 2014, support will come from fellow Londoners and dub rockers The Skints,as well as ‘chap-hop’ champion Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer. Prepare to go prehistoric this year, as Nozstock will also be rolling back time. The dinosaur bones will need to be dusted off and the spear heads collected as the 2014 theme is…The Land That Noz Forgot.

Entering its 16^th year this summer, Nozstock is a family-run festival on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. The three-day festival offers a broad spectrum of live music, DJs, arts, comedy, workshops, cinema and performance theatre in a sublime setting, flowing from family-friendly by day, to party by night – over various locations across the farm.

Lineup

Rodney Smith, known by most as Roots Manuva burst onto the British rap and hip hop scene with the release of his 1999 debut Brand New Second Hand. He is signed to cult label Ninja Tune and has had six successful albums, multiple sell out shows, a Mercury album prize nomination and a Best Hip Hop Act MOBO – needless to say Roots Manuva is one of the most respected figures in hip hop. Never afraid to visit dark themes or borrow from different styles, his lyrics are distinctive and his most recent album 4everrevolution is perhaps his most diverse. One of the most exciting bookings ever to grace The Orchard Stage, Nozstock is thoroughly thrilled to host the hip hop powerhouse, Roots Manuva!

The Skints, are bringing their “East London Reggae” sound to Nozstock! Formed in 2005, The Skints mix reggae, hip hop, dub, ska and punk and have a reputation for energetic and passionate live-performances. They have toured extensively on their own and as support for a wide variety of artists such as Gym Class Heroes through to Reel Big Fish. Sure to appeal to a variety of tastes down on the farm, The Skints are set to devastate the dance floor as never before.

Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer, the alter-ego of rapper Jim Burke, will be giving everyone an elocution lesson at Nozstock this year. A pioneer of “chap-hop” aka hip hop delivered Received Pronunciation (like, Queen’s English innit), Mr. B has performed at Glastonbury, Club NME in Paris and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Along with his banjolele, Mr. B will be rapping about pipe smoking, high-society, cricket and coming “Straight Out Of Surrey”.

Handmade Festival hits Leicester for the second year with Dry the River the standout act

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Conor Davies

Leicester's very own inner city festival is back for its second year, with a recent announcement for the Handmade Festival, seeing Dry The River amongst others, revealed to be playing.

Dry The River take to the stage to play on Sunday May 4, with And So I Watch You From Afar the must-see act on Friday May 2 and long-running Japanese trio Shonen Knife topping the bill on Saturday May 3.

The aim is to bring an eclectic mix of music and the arts to fill the bars, venues and cathedrals (yes you read right), full of the best musicians, comedians and pieces of art going, alongside raw local talent, with applications being accepted from around the region.

2013's edition of the festival saw Rolo Tomassi, Dutch Uncles and Nine Black Alps amongst others feature on the bill, and with more acts promised for this year, the festival is looking to surpass its debut year.

Tickets for the full weekend are currently priced at £30 or £15 for a day ticket, with the wristband gaining access to a number of venues across the East Midlands city.

It's the beginning of a good year for Leicester, with the massive homecoming gig at Victoria Park for Kasabian in June, a new music festival pencilled in for Welford Road in late July and the annual Strawberry Fields, held in rural Leicestershire to come in August.

Peace, The Midnight Beast, Real Estate and Courtney Barnett all announced for Dot to Dot Festival 2014

November 18, 2018February 27, 2014 by Conor Davies

The first wave of announcements for citywide music extravaganza Dot to Dot Festival have been made, and include inde-rock headliners Peace, parody group The Midnight Beast and Aussie singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett.

In addition are surf rockers Real Estate, Paris' very own We Were Evergreen, along with another exciting Brit group Wolf Alice. Grunge rockers Darlia will be another highlight, as will the soulful singing of Kyla La Grange,who adds yet another festival appearance to her schedule. Fyfe, Norma Jean Martine and Young Kato make up the best of the rest.

Peace's return to the festival will be of particular interest to Dot to Dot veterans, as their 2012 performance set them on the way to the stardom they're currently acheiving. Last year's debut release 'In Love', saw them garnered with praise from the likes of the NME, and they used summer festival appearances and a winter UK tour to further showcase their abilities. Now in 2014, they're back, with album number two being recorded as we speak!

With a couple of TV series' and over 64 million YouTube views under their belts, Midnight Beast will also be taking to the Dot to Dot stage, adding a bit of humour to proceedings. Look out for Courtney Barnett too, a frank and honest songwriter who isn't afraid to sing what she feels, the Australian is gaining a lot of attention.

Dot to Dot 2014 takes place over three consecutive days in Manchester on Friday, May 23, Bristol, Saturday May 24, before ending in Nottingham on Sunday, May 25, at various venues scattered throughout the city, with over 14 hours of music to keep punters entertained.

The likes of the XX, Mumford & Sons, Florence + the Machine and Foals have all featured at past festivals, which aim to showcase the talent of the future in initimate venues for bargain prices.

With tickets set at a bargain £20 (plus £2 booking fees), the Best Metropolitan Festival of 2013, as handed out by the UK Festival Awards, looks to be yet another success in its ninth year of running.

Full Line-Up:

Peace will headline, plus The Midnight Beast, Real Estate, We Were Evergreen, Wolf Alice, Courtney Barnett, Fyfe, Darlia, Kyla La Grange, Barbarossa, Betty Who, Caveman, Frank Hamilton, Norma Jean Martine, Gavin James, George Barnett, Horse Thief, Lapland, Laura Welsh, LSA, Marika Hackman, Mt Royal, Sean McGowan, Sivu, St Paul and The Broken Bones, Sundara Karma, We The Wild, Wonder Villains, and Young Kato, with more to be announced.