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!

New Audio Arena coming to Shakedown Festival

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Shakedown is thrilled to confirm the line up for the brand new Audio Arena at this summer’s festival in association with Brighton’s leading club, Audio.  Shakedown is firmly established as the final festival of the year, bringing the biggest names and electronic and urban music to the UK’s party capital and the 2013 edition will include the brand new Audio Arena immersing festival goers in the very best house and future bass. 
 
Headlining the Audio Arena will be Radio 1’s Queen of Friday Night, Annie Mac.  Annie Mac’s show is a feast of upcoming, underground and exclusive new dance tunes and she has rapidly made her mark on the party circuit with regular high profile sets at venues such as Fabric London and Digital Brighton.  Her DJ sets are famously unpredictable and addictive, jumping from genre to genre with ease. Known for her support and enthusiasm for underground dance music, Annie has been a true flame holder for the rapidly growing underground house music scene, being one of the first DJs to get behind now huge acts like Disclosure.  Expect her Audio Arena headline set to be a crowd-pleasing house-heavy set of club classics and the biggest house anthems of the moment, with a few surprises chucked in along the way.
 
Shakedown is psyched to have deep house guru Kerri Chandler join the Audio Arena for 2013. Producing and DJ'ing house music as far back as the genre's early 90s heyday, Kerri has been going strong from the genre's origins right up to its recent massive revival.  Coming from a background of soul, jazz and disco, expect a set of infectious, soulful and funky house from Kerri's Audio Arena set.
 
A widely respected DJ and producer Toddla T has officially released his brand new concept bridging the gap between his infamous DJ sets and a full out live show. Already road tested at Love Box, Roskilde, Bestival and on the Major Lazer UK tour to name just a few key hosts, the response has been resounding!  The Toddla T Sound features both elements of live performance and DJ'ing with live vocalists, including Shola Ama, Serocee and MC DRS. For the first time, all material used in the set will come from the man himself, drawing upon his two albums to date, Skanky Skanky and Watch Me Dance and a heap of custom edits and refixes especially for the project. The show will also be augmented with the bespoke visuals of Sheffield designers, Peter and Paul. Add all these elements together and you have something really special on your hands.
 
American house producer Marc "MK" Kinchen is known for his string of underground hits in the mid 90s, such as "Always", "Burning" and his iconic remix of Nightcrawlers "Push The Feeling On", which would later be used as the basis for Latino superstar Pitbull's international hit record "Hotel Room".  Nowadays MK is responsible for his high profile remixes, which include his classic house takes on hits by Lana Del Rey, Sky Ferreira and Chris Malinchak. Catch him on the Audio Arena decks for a ravey, old school-tinged house set.
 
Leeds producer Hot Since 82 is fast becoming a frontrunner of the deep house scene, with his hypnotic beats and monumental basslines being championed by Radio 1 DJs Pete Tong and Annie Mac. A real treat for house fans, catch his set in the Audio Arena.
 
DEVolution have more mileage on their meter than your average 2013 house duo. Pete Devereux brought garage to the mainstream as one half of Artful Dodger, and his fellow accomplice is former Size Records artist Tom Devos.  After a string of high profile remixes, including Wiley's "Heatwave", DEVolution have established themselves as frontrunners of the UK bass scene. Expect a bass-heavy mix of old school and new school house and garage during their Audio Arena set.
 
The main stage will be hosted by drinkinbrighton.co.uk and will be headlined by local boys Rizzle Kicks.  Rizzle Kicks are one of the biggest names in urban music having sold over a million singles in the UK and released their debut album Stereo Typical, a mixture of pop and hip hop incorporating elements of the old skool hip-hop era circa 1988 – 92.  Their eagerly anticipated new album is set for release this summer and the boys will have festival goers partying along to the anthemic pop ofWhen I Was A Youngster, Mama Do The Hump and Down With Trumpets at what will be a massive homecoming show.
 
Britain’s urban pop superstar Labrinth will be performing his enormous hits Pass Out, Let The Sun Shine, Earthquake, Last Time, Beneath Your Beautiful and more whilst DJ Fresh  will be playing with a full live band, a real coup for Shakedownas he delivers a monstrous set of drum & bass, dubstep and electro house.
 
Maverick Sabre, Jacob Plant, Delilah, Jaguar Skills and Mikill Pane are also appearing on the main stage.
 
The colossal Supercharged Arena features a plethora of heavyweight DJ’s and is headlined by bass music superstar, Sub Focus.  Radio 1’s Zane Lowe returns by popular demand for a third successive year and legendary drum & bass label RAM Records will host a mammoth, 4 hour takeover in the Supercharged Arena. Krafty Kuts and A Skillz will also take to the decks.
 
With more acts to be added Shakedown is set to be a fitting end to the summer festival season.

SD2 – Brighton’s brand new festival

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Brighton, get ready!  Here comes SD2, a brand new one day festival taking place by the seaside featuring the biggest names in pop music.  SD2 is a great day out for all ages taking place in the picturesque setting of Stanmer Park, one of the most beautiful locations along the south coast.  The first acts are confirmed today with many more to be announced over the forthcoming weeks for what is set to be the pop spectacle of 2013.
 
Headlining SD2 are The Wanted, one of the biggest and best boy bands in the world.  The Wanted have two huge albums, Battleground and The Wanted under their belts and a string of huge, hit singles such as All Time Low, Glad You Came,Heart Vacancy, Lose My Mind, Gold Forever and Lightning.  The band have over 4 million fans on Facebook and their ferociously infectious tunes, rock solid friendship and laddish charms have stamped all over the typical boy band mould and brought a blast of much needed fresh air to British pop music. The Wanted have a new album out soon.  Their set is guaranteed to be a euphoric affair and this is their only appearance in Sussex in 2013.
 
The Wanted
 
Since The Saturdays formed in 2007, the multi-platinum-selling band has become a household name in the UK.  They’ve scored 11 Top 10 singles including signature hits like All Fired Up and Higher and three Top 10 albums Chasing Lights,Wordshaker and Headlines. Renowned for their energetic live performances, The Saturdays have sold out arena tours across the country and have become unavoidable on screens across the nation, not least as part of their own fly-on-the-wall TV shows The Saturdays 24/7 and What Goes On Tour. Add to this a loyal following of over 1 million fans on Facebook, over 3 million combined followers on Twitter and over 67 million video views on YouTube, and it’s clear that The Saturdays have become the UK’s foremost girl group.  They will take the stage and Brighton by storm at SD2.
 
SD2 promoter Matt Priest comments “We're delighted to launch SD2 to Brighton & Sussex. We have assembled some of the best pop acts the UK has to offer; The Wanted are a global phenomenon and The Saturdays have established themselves as the country's biggest girl band." 
 
Another huge pop act will be announced on Friday morning when tickets go on sale with more acts to be announced imminently.  Don’t miss out on the pop extravaganza of 2013.
 
A free bus back service back to Brighton or park and ride is available for SD2.

Tribfest lineup and ticket details

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Tribfest one of the biggest tribute act festivals in the UK is now in its 7th year.  The weekend long festival taking place in between the 15th-18th of August will take place in Driffield, East Yorkshire with live music starting on the 16th. Tribfest has a lot to offer for a variety of age ranges, and is a family friendly festival.

With 20 tribute acts playing the main stage there is a lot to offerfrom the likes of a Pink Floyd tribute act (The Floyd Effect) to Green Date (A tribute to Green Day), Badness (A tribute to Madness), The Bohemians (A tribute to Queen), Oaces (A tribute to Oasis) and many more there is something for everyone with acts starting at 12pm through til the evening. For guests that want a little extra from their experience you can purchase a VIP ticket ranging from £50-£130 offering access to the VIP marquee which hosts an extra 22 tribute acts and bands including tributes to bands such as; UK Foo Fighters (tribute to the Foo Fighters), Brand New Eyes (A tribute to Paramore), Gracy Gaga (A tribute to Lady Gaga) and many more exciting acts.

The Floyd Effect

Not only does Tribfest offer entertainment from Tribute bands but also has a lot more to offer such as the kidzone and a silent disco and a comedy marquee. As well as this Tribfest features local and unsigned bands on a few of their 9 stages boasting the talent of local bands and artists such as The Shed Club, We Are Carnivores, The Debutants and Beneath theDarkness all from Hull. Along with other local bands such as We Like Humans (Preston), Byron Street Social (West Yorkshire) and many more unmissable acts playing stages such as the unsigned marquee and freedom road under 20's marquee boasting young local talent.

Standard tickets for Tribfest range from £45-£85 for the weekend, which seems reasonably well priced and affordable and includes camping in the price. Tribfest has a small capacity of 5,000 people which avoids it from being over crowded, tickets available at http://www.tribfest.co.uk/tickets

Example, Basement Jaxx and more lead Rockness 2013 lineup announcement

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RockNess 2013 launches today with an announcement of quality and depth, and in keeping with the eclectic signature synonymous with the festival, a tantalising flavour of 2013’s hottest rising stars.

First up, with a knack for dispensing ridiculously catchy chart toppers, EXAMPLE’s live shows, complete Examplewith full band, are back-to-back, energy packed affairs. Drawing on a four album strong catalogue, including multiple number one successes, it’ll be a hits-a-thon come June with the likes of ‘Kickstarts,‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’, ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ and ’Stay Awake’.  EXAMPLE’s brand of dance-rap, flavoured with input from the likes of Benga, Calvin, Skream, Zane Lowe and Blur’s Graham Coxon, will be the RockNess soundtrack impossible not to bounce to with reckless abandon.

Few live acts shout “party” more than chief shindig instigators BASEMENT JAXX, and we are delighted to announce the ringleaders are back and heading to Dores this June. Last time the unstoppable duo and their merry band of singers, dancers and MCs landed at Dores, the brilliantly wild, main stage pandemonium never moved below fourth gear. Now the JAXX experience is returning, and with new material recently being teased across airwaves, igniting strong rumours of a new album, it’ll soon be party time again.

Having now attained national treasure status, MADNESS bring their inimitable nutty magic to The Highlands. ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’… in now signature RockNess style, this promises to be the festival’s mass sing-along moment of 2013.

Predicted to “help usher in a new era for guitar music” with a sound described as “fantastic, exhilarating and exciting”, THE VACCINES are fast track sealing their status as rock ‘n’ roll icons. Debut demo “If You Wanna” exploded as Zane Lowe’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ in 2010, and an instant sell out UK tour played to rapturous media acclaim, and audiences including Alex Kapranos, Marcus Mumford and members of White Lies and The Maccabees.  Second album ‘Come of Age’ rocketed straight into number one in September 2012, certifying gold status less than 3 weeks after release, and this summer, in what will be an electrifying assault, THE VACCINES will play RockNess.

Bombay Bicycle ClubWinners of the Best New Band award at 2010’s NME Awards, and Ivor Novello-nominated for second album ‘Flaws’ in 2011, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB have arrived proper style with third album ‘A Different Kind of Fix’, a lesson in how to work a groove to glorious genre slicing effect. Witness the remarkable evolution this June,

Extolling the finest virtues of a modern day troubadour, singer songwriter BEN HOWARD is one of the brightest talents to emerge in recent times. The lush musicianship of debut album ‘Every Kingdom’ oozes quality, earning him a Mercury Prize nomination in 2012, and recent follow up EP ‘The Burgh Island’ continues his ascent. Relentless gigging has honed BEN HOWARD’s live shows like few others. Soulful, emotive and one of many unmissables set for RockNess 2013.

Since bagging the BRIT Awards’ Critics Choice in 2010, ELLIE GOULDING has shape shifted from the sparkly pop of debut album ‘Lights’ to the more bombastic but equally magical follow up of ‘Halycon’, released late 2012. Live, her sound, and especially her voice – folky, primal, soaring when it needs to – stands GOULDING apart as an original. Pop music in sublime effect.

THE MACCABEES posses the kind of heroic force that heavy touring has beefed them up for. Gutsy and honest, the band’s latest album ‘Given to the Wild’ was Mercury nominated in 2012. Check them out and see why for yourself.

Next up, RockNess is absolutely delighted to announce the stunning sound of JESSIE WARE will be gracing Dores.  Since emerging on to the scene in 2010, the London songstress has been laying impressive foundations with a sound that oozes soulful quality, reminiscent of the 80’s most seductive divas.  Guest production duties assumed by the likes of Julio Bashmore, SBTRKT and Joker edge her gorgeous sound on the credibility stakes too. JESSIE WARE.  Here, now, and utterly authentic.

Jessie Ware

CAMERA OBSCURA epitomise the spirit of indie. Coming on to the scene around the same time as the likes of Belle & Sebastian (debut album ‘Biggest Bluest Hi Fi’ was produced by Stuart Murdoch), the Glaswegian band’s output has never strayed far from their intoxicating brand of golden pop, building up a loyal cult following in the process.

Last but by no means least, as one of the original torchbearers to break through for the nu folk / acoustic movement of the noughties, NEWTON FAUKLNER’s distinct sound was prophetically ahead of its time.  Since then the dreadlocked one has refused the temptation to kowtow to any fleeting trends, sticking to what he does best – essentially tight, rhythmic guitars, nimble finger picking, uncommon tunings and inventive chord changes. NEWTON FAULKNER is not just an artist but an entertainer definitely worth checking out live.

With heaps more exciting announcements and arena details coming soon, including line ups for the mighty SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS, the countdown has officially commenced!

Speaking about this year’s launch announcement, Festival Director Jim King said ”I'm delighted to announce the first names we're bringing to the party at Loch Ness this summer. We've been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an eclectic line up of the highest calibre acts for which RockNess is synonymous. To top it all, we’ve reduced the price of our Weekend Camping tickets by £20 so you can join us at RockNess for less than most other major UK festivals at an amazing value price of £139. We’ve introduced a new Inverness Discount ticket, which is inclusive of all fees to support local businesses in Inverness if you buy over the counter; more details can be found on our website.

If you haven't joined us at RockNess before, I promise you it is the best way to kickstart your summer, a completely electric atmosphere, partying in what is probably the most beautiful festival site in the world. If you have been to RockNess before then as always I’d like to thank you for your continued support in making it the best festival in Scotland.  We've got many more bands and DJ's still to announce, plus another very special headliner, so stay tuned…!”

Want to see how much fun RockNess really is? Check out the video from last year!  

http://vimeo.com/54136241

Rockness announce Plan B as headliner + Temper Trap and more

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First up, one of the most important British artists of his generation, PLAN B is heading to Dores for what will be an explosive headline performance. Steadfastly refusing to be pigeonholed, PLAN B is a bonafide 21st century original.  From the critically acclaimed debut album Who Needs Actions When You Got Word, the oozing-with-soul breakthrough The Defamation of Strickland Banks, to last year’s soundtrack and film of the same name Ill Manors, PLAN B’s powerful and totally unique social commentary and musical narrative marks his return to RockNess as unmissable.

Plan B

Following a tour of sold out headline shows across the globe in 2012, Australian indie rockers THE TEMPER TRAP will play RockNess as part of only a handful of festivals this year. Meticulous arrangements and unashamedly catchy tracks highlight why they closed the year supporting Coldplay and are destined for greatness in 2013.

Notable for their fusion of styles, irony-laden lyrics, humorous personas and outrageous live performances, RockNess is delighted to welcome back ALABAMA 3. Get set for another tasty serving of psychedelic, technobilly rave ‘n’ roll underpinned with quality songwriting and accomplished playing.

Never limited solely to the dancefloor, JORIS VOORN creates soundscapes as much for the listener as for those seeking a full on club experience. As a DJ and live performer VOORN has joined an elite group of international DJs with global appeal. As a producer his work straddles the spectrum of electronica from atmospheric interludes to broken beats, house to deep soulful techno, the results of which can be found in the possession of Carl Craig, Laurent Garnier, Pete Tong and Sven Vath amongst many others.

LEN FAKI exploded into earspaces with his masterful Rainbow Delta / Mekong Delta EP, a perfectly wrought piece of ‘big’ techno with an unmistakable voice. FAKI has retained this unique voice ever since at both the packed out gigs he plays as well as across the management of two highly acclaimed techno labels Len Series and Podium.

CARL CRAIG is one of the most important names in the Detroit second generation of techno producers and DJs, with a formidable output inspired by the genres of jazz and soul.  His unique style, along with the reputation of his Planet E Communications label which serves as a vanguard for the art of techno, has played a pivotal role in sparking a new movement of electronic music and generating a die hard fanbase across the world.

A critically and commercially acclaimed, Grammy nominated producer, the UK’s NIC FANCIULLI has worked with artists as diverse as Kylie Minogue, Underworld, U.N.K.L.E., Tracy Thorn and JOSH WINK (also announced for RockNess 13). Responsible for a sleek, intelligent yet driving strain of house and techno, FANCIULLI’s own Saved Records has become an important purveyor of the electronic discipline.

Arguably the hottest property on Hospital Records, the UK’s most prolific drum and bass label,NETSKY burst on to the scene in 2009 with his eponymous debut album of liquid funk.  Pretension-free and mainstream-appealing, the Belgian’s follow up is a 15-track shot in the arm laden with trademark hooks and creative flair. No surprise his remixing magic is in high demand too, including for RockNess artists PLAN B, MADEON and SKREAM. Check out NETSKY LIVE! this June at the festival.

Netsky

THE FUTUREHEADS are true innovators, completely distinctive and occasionally mad. What other band could follow a four album-strong repertoire of exhilarating post punk garage rock with a wonderfully wacky collection of acapella songs spanning the likes of Kelis, Sparks and The Black Eyed Peas, as they have on recent fifth album Rant. This is what continues to set THE FUTUREHEADS apart and why their RockNess appearance is much anticipated.

London’s MARK HENNING has risen up as one of the international underground’s leading players and is signed to Glasgow’s SOMA RECORDS. Inspired by a diverse breadth of music from Dinosaur Jr to Dan Bell, HENNING’s sound sits somewhere between house and techno with futuristic bleeps, outright funk, darkness, deepness and straight up grooves.   

An artist’s artist, ALEX METRIC started out as a nuskoolbreaks producer, succeeding this with numerous awards, highly successful collaborations and a Radio 1 show. His remixing magic has been applied to the work of many high profile bands including U2, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz and La Roux, and more recently METRIC, along with Steve Angello collaborated with Ian Brown. A favourite at clubs and festivals around the world, we are very pleased to welcome ALEX METRIC.

Keeping on the new, fresh trance direction of this year’s RockNess, MAT ZO brings an experimental tour de force to his sets which are fast gaining repute to all who behold. Hailed as ‘one to watch’ by the mighty ABOVE & BEYOND, MAT ZO’s Radio 1 Essential Mix sessions give an insight to the tasty treats lined up for June.   

Bristol Drum & Bass composer REDLIGHT is another exciting new addition to this year’s proposition. With a number of dancefloor destroyers to his credit, as well as collaborations with Chase & Status, Ms Dynamite and Ceelo Green executed to devastating effect, the sound of the REDLIGHT imprint is spreading fast.  

Joining this array of quality is young Russian maverick PROXY. Signed to Tiga’s Turbo Recordings,PROXY produces massive techno with an unmistakable Russian industrial aura. Check out the huge blistering kick of ‘Vibrate’ and ‘Raven’ to hear what he is capable of.

Soma’s HARVEY MCKAY has emerged from Glasgow’s underground scene to become one of the hottest electronic prospects around, with a reputation for one-off originals, killer remixes, deep driving house and powerful techno always with a dark energetic signature party mood. Slam, Adam Beyer, Green Velvet and Luke Slater are fans of HARVEY MCKAY, and his set is highly recommended.

Rounding off this latest RockNess slam dunk, ANIMAL FARM aka Daren Quail, Chris Lamb and Charles Turtle, return to the festival to deliver more outstanding underground techno party vibes for which they are renowned. These are exciting times for ANIMAL FARM with a new eponymous label soon to be launched, releasing the debut from producer Bleak.

Speaking about programming this year’s Arcadia Afterburner, SOMA RECORDS boss Dave Clarke said “We always look forward to inviting DJs to RockNess. It’s the best boutique festival in the UK. Set in beautiful surroundings and attracting a great audience of fun loving music fans who like to dance!”  

Fatboy Slim, Above & Beyond and more set for Rockness

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Hot on the heels of the first acts being revealed for RockNess 2013, the next heaving-with-quality announcement of artists heading to Dores this summer is here, including the first acts landing with devastating effect on the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM and SOMA RECORDS on the ARCADIA AFTERBURNER.

First up, and we couldn’t be happier, FATBOY SLIM is heading back to his spiritual home as Very Special Guest!  There at the birth, and checking in to Dores as often as his in-demand globetrotting allows, no other artist in the festival’s history feels the RockNess love – or drops such monster levels of raveability – as FATBOY SLIM.  For those yet to experience the quite frankly outrageous party euphoria induced by Norman…get ready!

Fatboy Slim

Sending this message to Rocknessers ahead of June, he has this to say…“Comin’ home to baby on the shores of Dores…RockNess I’ve missed you…feels so good to be heading back to see how my wayward child has grown. Roll on June, roll on The Scottish Highlands, roll on the party…”  We’ve missed you too Norman. See you soon!

With the tightest productions and finely crafted, vocal-laced gems, released across 3 genre-defining albums on their Anjunabeats label, ABOVE & BEYOND are setting the trance bar very high indeed. Playing to packed out crowds at the biggest dance events on the planet, the trio’s relentless stadia touring schedule, which includes playing to 1 million people on Barra Beach in Rio, as well as soundtracking Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Spaceship Two and taking their TATW radio show to the Twitter top spot across the world, RockNess is very pleased to be welcoming ABOVE & BEYOND to Scotland this summer.

MADEON is one of the most electrifying artists to have burst on to the scene in recent times. Having delivered a set of outstanding quality when he made his debut Scottish appearance at RockNess last year as part of an all-French assault headed up by Justice, the 18 year old megastar is back for more demolition!  Mind boggling numbers of youtube views, production credits for the likes of Pendulum and Deadmau5, appearances at top festivals including Coachella…MADEON is on fire. Standby for a litany of sounds spanning nu-disco, house classics and full on electro bangers!

JULIO BASHMORE is leading the charge and cultivating house music like no one else right now. Which goes some way to explaining the level of excitement and stratospheric rise surrounding this Bristolian.  Having garnered a devoted following based on the slew of singles and EPs he has put out since 2009, electrifying club sets, plus production on the incredible JESSIE WARE’s Mercury-nominated Devotion (another RockNess must-see artist!), JULIO BASHMORE is delivering on the hype.

If anyone knows how to throw a banging party, STEVE AOKI does. The Dim Mak Records founder’s style is totally unique. A bit of dub step, bit of house, little bit of pop intricacy too, AOKI’s hardcore LA roots underpin his propulsive energy and raw punk attitude. STEVE AOKI rocks a crowd, and he’ll most definitely rock Dores!

Steve Aoki

As a member of dubstep pioneers Magnetic Man, BENGA is co-responsible for an output of undisputable quality, punctuated with junglist tendencies, tech-laced soulfullness and guest vocals from the likes of Katy B and Miss Dynamite. Along with Magnetic Man comrade SKREAM, one of the genre’s first and most prominent producers (La Roux, Bat For Lashes, Goldie and Toddla T), the two are forging the freshest musical directions, heard in its glory every Friday on their BBC Radio 1 ‘In New Music We Trust’ show.

German house duo BOOKA SHADE channel the spirit of the underground but reach out to festival-sized audiences. Having leapt to the forefront of dance with a clutch of hit tracks, as well as lending production magic to artists including The Knife, Moby, Roxy Music and Hot Chip, and garnering a string of awards along the way, fans can look forward to hearing new material off EP ‘Haleshop’, released on the highly acclaimed Get Physical Music label which they co-founded.

Philadelphia’s JOSH WINK  is one of the most prominent exponents of the tribal forms of techno and house.  Resting on the laurels of his huge success in the 90s has never been an option for WINK, who instead has consistently forged new directions in the underground scene, as well as enjoying the highest respect for his remixing of artists including Radiohead, Gorillaz and Nine Inch Nails.  

To hear PAN-POT’s simply colossal sound is to hear techno as it is intended. Tagging themselves as “the dark side of the force”, PAN-POT plumb the deep uncharted depths of pitch black techno, turning convention on its head with an unorthodox kinetic sound that stands them as one of the genre’s most dominant forces. The reverberations are still being felt from the last time our SOMA RECORDS friends brought PAN-POT to Scotland…so we are beyond excited to confirm they return in 2013, this time to RockNess.

A genuine homegrown hero, Glaswegian JACKMASTER’s rise to fame is about as storybook perfect as it gets.  Co-founder of the city’s long running NUMBERS collective, which played to packed out crowds at the legendary SUB CLUB and swiftly spread to dancefloors across the world, the element of glorious surprise underpins his sets every time.  Few can hype a crowd quite like JACKMASTER – as his global DJ’ing schedule in 2013 bears testament – and we are extremely pleased to be welcoming him back to RockNess for an unmissable set of sheer quality.

Regarded as one of the most forward thinking club nights in the world, the SUB CLUB’s weekly SUBCULTURE residency is an institution that reigns supreme. HARRI and DOMENIC are revered by the electronic music fraternity the world over, and week in week out bodies are jacked at this inspirational residency. Last year we were spoiled rotten at RockNess as we celebrated the start of the SUB CLUB’s 25 Years birthday party, Twelve months down the line and come June there will be no finer exponents of house music to bring the year-long birthday party to a close than HARRI & DOMENIC. And to toast the prospect of another 25 years of treats!

GARY BECK is one of the most prolific and inventive producers on the scene. A unique sound, and in high demand at the world’s most respected clubs and festivals, his style can be heard on electro’s most pioneering labels, notably SOMA RECORDS and his own imprint Bek Audio.  Now on its 12th release, Bek Audio features a raft of top notch artists such as Slam, Mr G, Mark Broom and Speedy J.

HANS BOUFFMYHRE began his career in Glasgow with a night called 'Sleaze' where he booked and played alongside the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Funk D' Void, Chloe and Radio Slave.. Fast forward and his Sleaze Records is trailblazing as one of the UK’s most impressive techno labels. HANS’ tracks enjoy the support from luminaries including Richie Hawtin, Dubfire and Adam Beyer. Check him out this June and witness why.

JAGUAR SKILLS is a British DJ who has gained notoriety for his eclectic multi-genre, cut-n-paste style mixes. He has released hundreds of mixtapes, including across BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, and plays out to the nation with a weekly mix on the Trevor Nelson show. JAGUAR SKILLS has also dropped vocals on Grand Theft Auto, occupied a residency at Jade Jagger’s Jezebel night at Pacha in Ibiza, then latterly at Jezebel happenings in Europe, Russia and Hong Kong, and retains his mystique by famously wearing a balaclava during performances.

These latest electronic acts join EXAMPLE, BASEMENT JAXX, MADNESS, THE VACCINES, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, BEN HOWARD, ELLIE GOULDING, THE MACABEES, JESSIE WARE, CAMERA OBSCURA and NEWTON FAULKNER.

T in the Park add Lower than Atlantis, Mallory Knox and more!

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With less than 8 weeks to go until T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent's Lager have today announced yet more acts for the festival, with Lower than Atlantis, Mallory Knox and Vigo Thieves all heading to Kinross over 12th – 14th July.
 
With their infectiously melodic, high octane hardcore, Lower than Atlantis are one of the hottest properties to emerge from the UK’s rock scene in recent years. After releasing their debut EPBretton in 2008, plus two more self-funded albums (2010's Far Q and 2011's World Record), the Watford rockers steadily developed a reputation as an incredible live act, capturing the attention of fans, media and major labels alike. Their self-released single If The World Was To End premiered on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 Show at the start of 2012, and went on to be voted number 11 in the DJ’s Hottest 100 Records of 2012. After inking a deal with Island Records, they released their third album Changing Tune to major critical acclaim last October, and played to loyal fans across the country last month with their UK tour. They’ll bring their massive tunes to Kinross this summer when they make their T in the Park debut.  
 
After quickly establishing a loyal fan base, Mallory Knox released their debut EP Pilot in 2011. The release of their first video Oceans saw the band reach number 2 in the most requested Scuzz chart, and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength. The Cambridge rockers have already notched up a Top 40 record this year with the release of their debut album Signals in January, and are sure to go down a storm at T in the Park.
 
Within the past year, Vigo Thieves have packed out the BBC Introducing Tent at T in the Park, opened for The View, played to sell-out crowds in Glasgow, and been named as Ones to Watch in 2013 by the Scottish Sun. The hotly tipped five-piece make a welcome return to Kinross this July.
 
Over 85,000 festival-goers per day will descend on Kinross over 12th – 14th July for the 20th year ofT in the Park, which will feature performances by some of the hottest acts on the planet, including headliners Mumford & Sons, Rihanna and The Killers, plus The Script, Stereophonics, Beady Eye, Kraftwerk, alt-J, Foals, The Lumineers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Phoenix, My Bloody Valentine, Two Door Cinema Club, The Courteeners, Frightened Rabbit, Jake Bugg, Of Monsters and Men, Twin Atlantic, Editors, Hurts, Travis, Frank Turner, The View, Noah and the Whale, Ocean Colour Scene, Haim, Imagine Dragons, The Fratellis, Johnny Marr, James Skelly & the Intenders, Modest Mouse, Villagers, Local Natives, Chvrches, Tribes, FIDLAR, Palma Violets, Kodaline, The 1975, Peace, The Strypes, British Sea Power, The Heavy, Deap Vally, Swim Deep, Trash Talk, Brooke Candy, The Virginmarys and Josephine, plus many more still to be announced.

Red Bull Studios takeover at RockNess

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On Sunday 9 June, London’s Red Bull Studios will be travelling up north to Scotland where they will be taking over a stage at the eponymous RockNess festival, Loch Ness, Scotland. Featuring some of the hottest talent from the electronic scene as well as Red Bull Studios regulars – many of whom take to the RockNess stage for the first time.

The Red Bull Studios takeover stage features an array of exciting talent from the world of electronic music, with veteran German house duo Booka Shade headlining, with support from Belgian drum’n’bass pioneer and Hospital Records stalwart Netsky, Radio 1s mixtape educator Jaguar Skills, plus Russian bass moulder Proxy and nu-garage upstart Friend Within.  In addition, the stage will host very special guest appearances from Red Bull Studios regulars Bobby Tank and Karma Kid both of whom have recently swung by to record sessions for the Introducing series. 

Netsky

Bobby Tank says: “It’s amazing to be given the opportunity to play alongside huge artists like Netsky and Booka Shade. I can’t wait to get up to Scotland again – the crowds really go in”.

Kicking off proceedings for the day will be a very special set from RockNess DJ Competition winner Aaron Russell (https://soundcloud.com/aaronrussell-1/aaron_russell_ness_jam_2013) who will perform the first set of the day having been chosen from 100s of hopefuls by festival director Jim King and Soma Records boss Dave Clarke. The prize also includes VIP tickets to the festival and entry for a five-friend entourage

Festival director Jim King commented: “The quality of entries was really high, Dave and I have loved listening to all of the mixes. Aaron truly stood out as a DJ who can get the crowds going in true RockNess style, I can’t wait to see Aaron playing his eclectic mix of underground house, live.”

Red Bull Studios are giving away a pair tickets plus travel to the iconic RockNess Festival, head to www.redbullstudios.com/london for your chance to win. Head to the site to check out mixes from last year’s Red Bull Studios stage at RockNess from the likes of Mystery Jets, Olugbenaa (Metronomy), Eats Everything and Auntie Flo & Esa.

Red Bull Studios takeover stage line up:

BOOKA SHADE // Netsky Live! // Jaguar Skills // Proxy // Bobby Tank // Karma Kid // Friend Within // Aaron Russell

Eddie Halliwell & Steve Aoki set for SW4 Main Stage

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VERY SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCED FOR SW4 SATURDAY!

Eddie Halliwell is a DJ with an unprecedented talent; twice named Mixmag’s DJ of the year and nominated in its ‘Greatest DJ of All Time’ poll. His peers acknowledge him as one of the leading innovators when it comes to using technology to push boundaries, manipulating the music with lightning cuts, layers of effects and slick scratches. Playing tracks from across a broad musical spectrum – trance, techno, house and electro – he harnesses the energy of every beat, synth, hi-hat, squelch and squeak, using his technical expertise to generate new sounds. Through his extensive skill set Eddie has managed to unleash no less than a record eight Essential mixes and having hosted his own Radio1 show for five years, now broadcasts via his own ‘Fire It Up’ show, which attracts a hefty thirteen million listeners worldwide. With a huge list of accolades under his belt, this performance is set to raise the roof once again. Watch out Clapham, Eddie’s gonna get you…

VERY SPECIAL GUEST ANNOUNCED FOR SW4 SUNDAY!

Steve Aoki is one very busy man. 2012 witnessed the Grammy nominee play hundreds of shows and yet he still managed to release an album. ‘Wonderland’ was filled to the brim with all star appearances from the likes of Will.i.am and LMFAO, whilst on a more electronic tangent, collaborations with Afrojack and Laidback Luke. His manic on stage antics have earned him somewhat of a reputation and his high energy sets always go down a storm. Fuelled by cakes, champagne and rubber dinghies, the Dim Mak Records boss will be making his first South West Four appearance in three years. Get ready for the madness that will undoubtedly ensue.

Steve Aoki

SW4 SUNDAY TICKETS INCREASE IN PRICE THURS 16TH MAY!

With Steve Aoki announced as Sunday main stage special guest we can announce that SW4 Sunday tickets will increase in price on Thursday 16th May at midday. Tickets are selling faster than ever and with early-bird tickets already gone, time is running out to get them at the ‘saver’ price. Head to www.ticketmaster.co.uk/sw4 to get yours!

The Walkmen added to End of the Road Festival lineup

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The Walkmen top yet another twenty-band announcement for the End of the Road Festival, joining a bill topped by Belle and Sebastian, Sigur Rós and David Byrne & St Vincent.

In A – Z order, the following artists are confirmed today: Anna van Hausswolff, Andy Shauf, Black Yaya, Braids, Broken Twin, Crocodiles, Daniel Norgren, Duologue,  El Perro Del Mar, Evans the Death, Filthy Boy, Frontier Ruckus, The Graphite Set, Jessica Pratt, Landshapes, Tiger Cats, Trembling Bells and Mike Heron, The Walkmen, Wall and William Tyler.

See the website at www.endoftheroadfestival.com for full lineup info and more.

“One of the most unique and special propositions in the British festival calendar.” – The Line of Best Fit

“Uncut’s favourite festival.” – Uncut

Winner of Best Small Festival at the 2011 UK Festival Awards, End of the Road is an intimate festival in a peacock-strewn former Victorian pleasure garden offering a carefully crafted music lineup plus art, atmosphere, workshops, comedy, cinema, a woodland library, games, a healing field and the finest food and drinks, hand-picked and hand-decorated by a small team.