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Roger Sanchez and more added to SW4 2012 lineup

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ADDED TO SW4 DAY ONE: SAT 25TH AUGUST
ROGER SANCHEZ
GUY GERBER · ÂME · ROBERT BABICZ
JOHN DAHLBACK · LAURA JONES · JOZIF

First up on Saturday is Roger Sanchez. The big breakdowns, raring build ups and tribal vibes, synonymous with one of the greatest house DJs of all time. Roger’s seminal ‘Release Yourself’ radio show underpins his fanbase and boasts an incredible fifteen million listeners every week. Not forgetting the namesake residencies at London’s Ministry Of Sound and Space Ibiza, renowned for their passionate, party crowds. Red hot beats from Roger’s ever expanding ‘Stealth’ label is also guaranteed, such as new track ‘Flashing Lights.’ A taste of how Roger’s formula translates to the great outdoors was evident at the Stealth pool party at WMC 2012. Flashing lights, frenetic lasers, beautiful girls and clued up guys. SW4 promises this and more. The perfect environment to let go and release yourself…

 

Roger Sanchez

Guy Gerber is the guy people always look to for pure electronic sounds. An unconventional, ‘anything goes’ policy is testament to initial releases on John Digweed’s lauded ‘Bedrock’ and Sven Vath’s Cocoon’ labels, before flying the nest to start his own platform ‘Supplemental Facts.’ Affirming Guy’s production nous which knows no bounds, his latest release signed to Seth Troxler’s Visionquest incorporates sweeping atmospheric melodies, tailor made for the outdoor environment. Caressing an emotive response from those who fall subject to his spell, Gerber is a gargantuan, driving force to be reckoned with.

Arguably best known for their spaced out, trippy anthem ‘Rej’, Âme always aim to please. An unwavering underground ethos is adhered to through the mystical workings of their Innervision imprint and host of global gigs. From regular appearances at the elite Berghain and Watergate in their domestic Deutschland home, to playing the flagship ‘We Love’ opening at Space on the White Isle this summer, Âme can be found the planet’s finest nightclubs each and every week. 2012 celebrates their illustrious ten year history, marked by the forthcoming ‘Live’ album. The first offering of the duo’s bespoke material in six years, SW4 is sure to incorporate this sublime selection. Hearing it live is a must for all attendees this August Bank Holiday.

An artist who truly considers music an art form is Robert Babicz. His seminal anthem ‘Dark Flower’ remains a timeless classic, the same attribute applied to last year’s debut Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1. As Robert so eloquently achieved, his aim was to portray “the different sounds and colours of his mind.” Hence why each performance is so personalised, the ‘Babiczstyle’ label set up with having no specific music policy. Every show witnesses an awesome on-the-fly sonic manipulation, utilising Robert’s extensive background in sound engineering. Another of Germany’s electronic craftsmen is set to bring a unique outlook to SW4.

Any ‘Mutants’ on the Common would normally be cause for concern. But when manifested in musical form, via the acclaimed Mutants label of John Dahlbäck, the more the merrier! From the prosperous Swedish school of house, the unmitigated success of his previous London show meant an inevitable return. The Together Winter Music Festival at Alexandra Palace was the scene. An all conquering chunky repertoire that eloquently combined dirty stomping beats with classic ‘hands in the air’ moments the recipe. After rocking releases on the reputed Subliminal, Toolroom and Defected labels, new offering ‘Start Lovin You’ has made us love Dahlbäck even more. Revamping old school disco synths for 2012, this will have SW4 house heads clamouring for more.

Finally on the Saturday, two of this year’s rising stars debut, stirring up a rather large commotion in the process. Laura Jones has been nurtured under the aforementioned Visionquest collective, with her track ‘Love In Me’ hitting the dizzy heights of Beatport No.1. London born and bred, jozif is fast carving a niche for himself in the underground scene. Bedrock aficionados will already be familiar, with jozif’s monthly sets at XOYO an integral part of John Digweed’s hot new residency in the Capital. 

ADDED TO SW4 DAY TWO: SUN 26TH AUGUST
PETE TONG · SETH TROXLER
MAYA JANE COLES · GREEN VELVET DYED SOUNDOROM · EATS EVERYTHING

Pete Tong, the world’s undisputed ambassador for electronic dance music, kicks off our Phase 3 Sunday additions.  Last year’s main stage outing at South West Four in front of thousands of devotees was followed by a rocking headline slot at the Together Winter Music Festival. 2012 has already been a monumental year for Pete, with the London debut of his ‘All Gone Pete Tong’ night firmly in the memory. Each momentous occasion, relaying the finest underground cuts, as showcased on outstanding new mix compilation ‘Miami 12.’ It’s a succinct formula that has proved the solid backbone for Tong’s defining twenty year Radio 1 career. To borrow that well known phrase, this will be Essential!

Then the enigma that is Seth Troxler, voted second in Resident Advisor’s coveted Top 100 poll, debuts this year in an epic London festival exclusive. Together with label cohorts Shaun Reeves, Ryan Crosson and Lee Curtiss, Visionquest has moulded into the most exciting underground house imprint of today. Seth’s early exposure to Detroit sounds is still alluded to, in the form of deep and soulful arrangements. Seth’s dark grooves and penetrating bass lines sets him apart from the rest, as was the consensus for his superb appearance at Timewarp this March. For SW4, only the best will do…

The hugely anticipated SW4 debut of Maya Jane Coles will be another of Sunday’s highlights. Last year voted DJ Mag ‘Producer of the Year′ and ‘Best Breakthrough DJ′ by Mixmag, this culminated in a new entry in RA’s Top 100 – at a mind-boggling #9. The transition from local London gigs to worldwide colossal clubs has been seamless, facilitated by a raw talent that has ensured regular appearances for Warehouse Project, Fabric, Space and Amnesia. By August Maya will have taken her deep orientated house and techno sound to over twenty countries this year alone. A sure sign of her wide ranging appeal, her exclusive SW4 set will no doubt incorporate top secret productions from her debut artist album due for release in 2012.

“I’m going down to, La La Land…” The punchy lyrics from Green Velvet’s immortal hit, constituting a quirky, jacking thud that is infectious and compelling in equal measures. A deck wizardry renowned amongst fans and critics alike, is backed up with dancefloor weapons that have no doubt influenced today’s techno tastemakers. The attrition of beats which gave ‘Flash’, ‘Answering Machine’ and ‘Shake and Pop’ their devastating dance floor properties, still excite in today’s current climate. Expect from this performance simmering loops and kicks to bubble into an overflow of SW4 emotion. Plus maybe some classic Chicago house thrown in, ‘Cajmere’ being the alter ego which re-wrote the house rule book with ‘Percolator.’

Give it up for Dyed Soundorom. The Spectral Sound, Freak n’Chic and Crosstown Rebels artist recently tore the roof off London’s Electric Brixton, supporting Carl Cox at his penultimate Easter club show. A firm favourite of the DC10 Ibiza faithful, Dyed plays every Monday as part of his Circo Loco summer residency. His incredible performances at the White Isle’s most infamous club have helped him build a huge fan base, as reflected by his #24 position in the RA Top 100. As a DJ he brings an enthusiastic mix of style and passion, guaranteed to enlighten SW4 this summer.

Finally celebrating a highly successful Stateside tour earlier this year, Eats Everything has acquired a plethora of impressive releases, most notably ‘Entrance Song.’ His Essential Mix on Radio 1 last November was deservedly nominated for the coveted ‘Essential Mix of The Year.’ Signed to Claude Von Stroke’s acclaimed Dirtybird label, and affirming his status as one of THE breakthrough acts of 2011, his chunky full on basslines are now a mainstay in the record collections of Jamie Jones and Maya Jane Coles. Voted ‘Best New Producer’ in the DJ Mag ‘Best Of British’ awards, Eats Everything is guaranteed to leave you hungry for more.

In summary SW4 welcomes a further collection of A-list artists – going deeper and darker than ever before. Tickets have maintained their record selling status so far, succeeding in ramping up the excitement to dangerous levels. With Phase 3 here with a vengeance, this trend is only set to continue. Prepare yourself mentally.

South West Four 2012: It’s Time.

SW4 DAY ONE LINEUP SO FAR…

Chase & Status [Live]

Carl Cox [UK Festival Exclusive] · Erick Morillo [UK Festival Exclusive] · Paul van Dyk

John Digweed · Knife Party · Benny Benassi · Markus Schulz · Joris Voorn · Mark Knight

Roger Sanchez · Zane Lowe · Gareth Emery · Funkagenda · Guy Gerber · Aly & Fila

John O’Callaghan · Richard Durand · Âme · Robert Babicz · John Dahlbäck · Laura Jones

Claudia Cazacu · jozif · Gary Proud

 

SW4 DAY TWO LINEUP SO FAR…

Skrillex

2 Many DJs (DJ set) · Eric Prydz · Sasha · Skream & Benga feat. Sgt Pokes & Youngman

Andy C: Alive · Pete Tong · DJ Fresh · Seth Troxler · Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set)

Erol Alkan · Maya Jane Coles · Green Velvet · Jack Beats · Flux Pavilion · Borgore

Foreign Beggars · Dyed Soundorom · Friction · Eats Everything · Doctor P · Dillon Francis

Rudimental

18 news acts for Hard Rock Calling 2012

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Black Stone Cherry will jet in fresh from their US tour to join the Friday 13 July bill. Also confirmed for this year’s rock spectacular are Welsh rockers Kids in Glass Houses, Skindred, combining reggae and dancehall with searing thrash and punk, and indie rockers Life In Film.

Black Stone Cherry

Saturday 14 July sees Scotland’s Amy MacDonald return to Hard Rock Calling. She shot to fame in 2007 with the release of This Is The Life, an album which sold over three million copies. Following a storming performance at this year’s Coachella, Dawes have been added to the bill, as well as the acclaimed savior of blues, Gary Clark Jr, South Carolina’s NEEDTOBREATHE, rockers The Night and American singer/songwriter Jonathan Wilson.

Christina Perri, American songstress and ‘Jar of Hearts’ hitmaker, is back on UK shores and joins the Sunday 15 July lineup. She has recently been on tour with James Blunt and her album lovestrongdebuted in UK Top Ten. Following their 2010 reformation, internationally renowned Scottish rockers Big Country founding members Bruce Watson, Tony Butler and Mark Brzezick will play their first Hard Rock Calling.

Other exciting Sunday 15 July additions include BRIT-nominated indie band Guillemots, progressive bluegrass band Punch Brothers and virtuoso on the pedal steel guitar, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, who were chosen by none other than Eric Clapton to join him on tour. US acoustic country/folk singer songwriter Robert Ellis and London born musician Marlon Roudetten and Marcus Foster also join the bill.

This year Hard Rock gave fans a chance to have a say in who plays on the Hard Rock Calling 2012 main stage through the Hard Rock Rising global battle of the bands competition. A competition like no other, Hard Rock Rising had more than 12,000 band participants from 86 HardRock Cafe cities across the globe, more than 275,000 fan votes cast and celebrity judges including Hard Rock Calling 2012 performers Steven Van Zandt of the E-Street Band and Fyfe Dangerfield ofGuillemots. The Hard Rock Rising winner will be given the opportunity of a lifetime – a spot on the bill with rock icons at one of the world’s most anticipated music festivals.  Visit www.hardrock.com for winner announcements.

Committed to supporting music and emerging artists around the globe, Hard Rock International hosted more than 17,000 live music events worldwide in 2011.  The brand continues its dedication to live music and support of up-and-coming artists in 2012 with the Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands, providing a forum for today’s hottest new talent.  

"The Hard Rock Rising competition is a great opportunity for bands to be seen and heard – you get to end up playing on the same bill as Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band for a start!, said Fyfe Dangerfield And it's great that it's international – a band from pretty much anywhere in the world could win this. I'm really looking forward to watching the winners play their slot at Hard Rock Calling, whoever they may end up being!"

Complimenting a star-packed main stage will be the Hard Rock Rising stage. New to this year’s festival, the Hard Rock Rising stage showcases Hard Rock International’s connection to the new music scene and commitment to new bands. To bring fans the hottest new artists, Hard Rock again tapped into veteran rockers Van Zandt from The E-Street Band and Dangerfield of Guillemots, who will each curate the Hard Rock Rising stage for a day of the festival.

“It’s great to play a role in giving new artists valuable new exposure and the experience of a lifetime at Hard RockCalling.” said Steven Van Zandt. “As someone who has played the festival before, I know there’s no stage like it!”

Hard Rock Calling takes place 13-15 July 2012. The 2011 shows saw over 150,000 music fans flock to Hyde Park for an unforgettable weekend of live music.

Reading and Leeds announce this years Lock Up Stage lineup

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LOCK UP STAGE

Friday 24th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 25th August at Leeds Festival

SOCIAL DISTORTION have officially done one of the most un-punk things possible: they’ve failed to burn-out. Having survived various line-up changes, the odd hiatus and the demise of the Los Angeles hardcore scene that saw their arrival, Mike Ness and the band are now in their fourth decade of existence.  With their trademark sound, an all but-perfected mix of punk, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll and outlaw country, they subsequently paved the way for plenty of like-minded individuals and artists  whilst becoming one of the most influential  bands of their generation(s). This summer’s headline appearance on the Lock Up Stage will provide one of the highlights of the entire festival. www.socialdistortion.com

Formed way back in 1988 Pittsburgh’s ANTI-FLAG have forged a reputation for activism and are no strangers to throwing their name behind various causes over the years, be it the recent Occupy Wall Street Movement, Greenpeace, Anti-War campaigns or human rights. Their recent ‘General Strike’ album is equal parts reggae and hardcore, modern folk punk and traditional Clash influenced dance punk.  It sees a band content in their musical environment with arguably their most aggressive album to date.   Renowned for their ferocious live shows, they bring the punk rock ethos to the festival.

www.anti-flag.com

Arriving this summer with a reputation for their intense live shows EVERY TIME I DIE have never been an easy act to categorise.  Emerging from the late ‘90’s hardcore scene, over the past decade they’ve continued to evolve and push the boundaries of heavy music.  Their sixth and most recent album ‘Ex Lives’ is  testament to that trajectory  with the most forward–thinking album of their career, this is an act that promises much.

www.everytimeidie.net

New Jersey’s BOUNCING SOULS’ origins lay in the D.I.Y ethos with their self-financed early releases before making a name for themselves opening for the likes of NOFX and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.  The band release their ninth full-length album ‘Comet’ this summer, of which guitarist Pete Steinkopf commented “I haven’t been this excited about anything since I discovered beer” – we’re excited too!  The album and these performances will be another solid milestone in the band's celebrated career.

www.bouncingsouls.com

Forerunners of the US indie rock scene since their inception, New Jersey’s SAVES THE DAY have influenced a new school of emo/punk bands along the way with their own post–punk energetic live shows. The band have recently released the long anticipated third album in a trilogy with ‘Daybreak’  and as singer/guitarist Chris Conley  said on it’s release last year ; “Daybreak is both an ending and a new beginning, we are here together and we can make it through.”  Hiatus over, the quartet return to these shores having already played the UK with a short burst of shows late last year.

www.savestheday.com

With a seemingly relentless touring schedule post-hardcore outfit TOUCHE AMORE have built up a reputation for their fiercely passionate live performances.  As one reviewer was moved to put in print “…(their set), is an unrelenting barrage of furious, brutal and deeply impassioned intensity… astonishing from beginning to end.”  One of the best live acts around today, be prepared to be part of a sweaty, heaving mass of limbs.

www.touchamure.com

Taking their name from a famous stock sound effect used in films A WILHELM SCREAM bring their own brand of melodic post-hardcore to this year’s weekend.  No bandwagon jumpers, the five-piece have in lieu of their cause earned the invitation to support like-minded artists such as Pennywise, Rise Against and Less Than Jake and continued to headline in the US and further afield in Europe and Australasia.

www.myspace.com/awilhelmscream

Having just released their fourth album ‘Zoo’  five-piece hardcore outfit CEREMONY continue their ascendancy having confirmed their reputation as one of the most compelling, unusual and progressive hardcore bands of recent years. Hailing from San Francisco’s Bay Area, the band have consistently explored, delved and forged their own way; as one magazine put it “One of the most exhilarating and uncompromising bands in hardcore punk today.”

www.ceremonyhc.com

2011 saw the release of RANDOM HAND’s third LP ‘Seething Is Believing’ and their 1000th show.  Regarded by many as their finest album to date, they have spent the last few years tearing full throttle through the UK scene with their ferocious in your face ska-punk-metal mash up and continue to fly the flag.  As the band proclaim “do not adjust your seat belt, the ride’s not over yet!”.

www.facebook.com/randomhand

From the squats of New York City comes STAR FUCKING HIPSTERS, armed with their latest album ‘From the Dumpster to the Grave’.  The record explores several genres including punk, ska, hip-hop, metal and folk, all wrapped in a hardcore shell.  Including some of the crunchiest guitars ever recorded, expect an explosion of sound at both sites.

www.facebook.com/starf.ckinghipsters

Following the release of last year’s ‘Moscow Penny Ante’ album, DEAD TO ME are heading to Reading & Leeds Festival ready to thrill.  A band so immersed in style and culture that they’ve always seemed almost as much like an art collective as a rock and roll outfit.  The most recent record revisits and updates their classic sound that first caught everyone’s attention on 2006’s ‘Cuban Ballerina’, but in their own words “it’s more dynamic, more pummelling and more downright awesome than ever before”.

www.deadtomesf.com

PETTYBONE, the international four-piece from London, will be bringing an aural attack to this year’s festival courtesy of four girls whose message is as important as the music.  Despite only releasing their debut album last year, they have already recorded a live session at Maida Vale for the BBC Radio 1 Punk Show with Mike Davies and undertaken their first international tour.  Having this under their belt in such a short time, it seems like it’s time to sit up and pay attention to the noise that Pettybone are creating.

www.pettybone.com

Sunday 26th August at Reading Festival / Friday 24th August at Leeds Festival

Starting out as a power pop outfit with heavy punk leanings, LESS THAN JAKE seamlessly transformed into a ska-inspired punk band complete with horn section and have extensively travelled the world’s stages.   Influenced by the East Bay pop/punk scene that spawned the likes of Green Day and Screeching Weasel, the band have successfully traversed hurdles along the way, still progressing musically and will be a fitting finale to the day.  Engaging, progressive and socially relevant, unfiltered and over-amplified they bring the curtain down on what is a stellar Lock Up line-up.

www.lessthanjake.com

ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES are an all-star-punk-rock supergroup-cover-band fronted by NOFX’s Fat Mike that exploded on the scene in the 90’s.  They have recorded albums of show tunes, R&B jams, classics from the 50’s and 60’s, pop hits, cheesy mum-favorites, country songs and in 2011 a slew of songs by Australians for their 2011 EP entitled ‘Go Down Under’ and their last release ‘Sing In Japanese’ saw them, er, sing in Japanese!  Go party …

www.gimmegimmes.com   

When GALLOWS returned with new vocalist Wade MacNeil fans breathed a sigh of relief that the extraordinary band they adored were as good as ever and had retained the intense energy the group had become infamous for.  The band, originally from Watford, had gone through an amicable split with original vocalist Frank Carter in the summer of 2011 after a whirlwind few years of magazine covers and record company battles but emerged triumphant with expectations high.  The Lock Up Stage is their natural home, watch them own it.

www.myspace.com/gallows 

The legendary TURBONEGRO bring their unique Death Punk to the festival with no doubt all guns blazing.  With new vocalist The Duke of Nothing, the band have been praised for playing the most up-to-date form of punk, and refusing to be categorised.  Their music is an anarchic blend of humour, shock and sexuality.  The ultimate party experience and most fun you can have at a festival with your clothes on – do not miss the mighty Turbonegro.

www.turbonegro.com 

With influences ranging from American punk bands Bad Brains and Black Flag to legendary jazz musicians John Coltrane and Miles Davis, TRASH TALK carry the DIY spirit of punk and mesh it with hardcore to create a powerful unique sound.  Based in Sacramento, California – any trip to these shores are greeted with excitement by their dedicated fans.  These shows will be no exception.

www.trashtalkhc.com     

When GOOD RIDDANCE announced their reformation after five years away, countless fans jumped for joy having thought they’d never see these hardcore punks again.  The band grew out of California’s vibrant surfing and skateboarding culture and were influenced by such bands as Black Flag, The Adolescents, TSOL and Bad Religion as well as East Coast bands like Sick Of It All and the Cro Mags.  They released seven albums and an EP before splitting, but are back to play the classics just for the joy of it – catch them whilst you can.

www.myspace.com/goodriddance

London-based reggae & dub upstarts THE SKINTS mix Jamaican styles with pop hooks, grimey raps, filthy bass-lines and a punk rock work ethic to create a sound familiar to newcomers, yet unique below the surface.  Their new album ‘Part & Parcel’ was produced by Prince Fatty and is a sun-drenched carnival of a record, guaranteed to start the dancing.

www.theskints.co.uk 

Jimmy Stadt, who fronts POLAR BEAR CLUB alongside guitarists Chris Browne and Nate Morris, bassist Erik Henning, and drummer Tyler Mahurin arrive at Reading & Leeds Festival on the back of the release of their third album ‘Clash Battle Guilt Pride’.  Their post hardcore/punk anthems have built them a dedicated following, as have tours with The Gaslight Anthem, A Wilhelm Scream and Cancer Bats.

www.myspace.com/polarbearclub

Long Island’s hardcore metal group, THIS IS HELL described their latest album ‘Black Mass’ as the “heaviest and thrashiest songs we've written and recorded” and who are we to argue.  The band have built a formidable reputation as a fearsome live act since the release of their debut ‘Sundowning’, picking up fans on both sides of the Atlantic and this will be a sensational show not to be missed.

www.facebook.com/thisishellny

THE FLATLINERS come from Canada to Reading & Leeds Festival having spent the last seven years honing their epic sonic sound.  Their 2010 album ‘Cavalcade’ was hailed as a breakthrough mixing thefury of ‘90’s skate punk with the nuanced, intelligent songwriting of classic post-punk.  The album featured fellow festival performers including Big Mike (NOFX), Cancer Bats and A Wilhelm Scream amongst others and their presence will only up the energy for this set.

www.theflatliners.com

Melodic-punks APOLOGIES, I HAVE NONE have recently received rave reviews for their debut album ‘London’.  Having started as a two-piece drum and guitar band, Dan Bond and Josh Mckenzie were then joined by PJ Shepherd on bass and Joe Watson and have been playing passionate, energetic punk rock ever since.  A perfect way to kick things off on the Lock Up Stage this year.

www.apologiesihavenone.co.uk    

DANCE STAGE

Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival

MODESTEP combine elements of dubstep with the power of hardcore rock acts which the band grew up on.  Brothers Tony and Josh, with Matt and Nick, are renowned for their explosive live show which combines drums, guitars, synths, pianos, vocals, percussion, DJing and visuals.  In their own words “we appeal to everyone, and we write what we love. We have never made records for anybody except us. We love what we do and will never change it.”

www.modestep.com

Debuting in 2008 as the first external artist to feature on deadmau5’s internationally revered mau5trap label, FEED ME didn’t so much step on to the scene as stomp, and his unique brand of hard-hitting, bass heavy electronica with a grin quickly caught the imagination of listeners worldwide.  Since then, his rise has continued apace. He continues to tour far and wide, from Alexandra Palace to I Love Techno, and with plenty still up his sleeve there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon. 2012 looks set to be the biggest year yet for Feed Me.

www.feedme.uk.com    

For those unaware, GRIMES is the inventive work of Claire Boucher, a project that has gained notoriety since its inception back in early 2010.  With the release of her new album ‘Visions’, via 4AD, earlier this year she has quickly become one of the most talked about artists around.  The album incorporates influences as wide as Enya, TLC and Aphex Twin, whilst drawing from genre’s like New Jack Swing, industrial and glitch resulting in a record that is both otherworldly and futuristic.  2012 is the year of Grimes.

www.grimesmusic.com       

THE JAPANESE POPSTARS are purveyors of raucous, foot-stomping, energetic electronic dance music. Having racked up the air miles in 2011, the Northern Irish duo have blown away crowds at major festivals with their coruscating live show.  They also released their critically acclaimed album ‘Controlling Your Allegiance’ featuring a host of legendary guests including Robert Smith (The Cure), Green Velvet, Jon Spencer, Lisa Hannigan, Tom Smith (Editors), Morgan Kibby (M83) and James Vincent McMorrow.

www.thejapanesepopstars.co.uk

Backed by supporters including Ed Sheeran, Zane Lowe, Mistajam and Huw Stephens, CLEMENT MARFO & THE FRONTLINE’s scintillating crossover sound is poised to soundtrack the summer.  Named as one of MTV’s Brand New for 2012 tips and one of T4’s Rising Stars of 2012, they’re the sound of the city streets, the sound of aspirational youth rising above societal problems, the sound of a multi-cultural community uniting rather than dividing.

www.clementmarfo.com

East Londoner JAGGA is a singer, songwriter and producer whose previous collaborations have included working with Magnetic Man.  Expect catchy choruses, infectious beats, heavy bass and enough bleeps to take over the dance floor at this very special DJ set.  The energy, vibrancy and feel good factor of Jagga can’t be denied, be sure to get down the front early for this set.

www.facebook.com/jaggamusic

Once known as one of jungle’s biggest stars as part of the True Playaz crew, ZINC will be behind the decks for a set like no other at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival.  After more than a decade of dominating the D&B scene, he set up his own label Bingo Beats and began to diversify into UK garage, realising and producing including the seminal ‘138 Trek’.  Expect house, electro, funky and more from this true legend of the dance scene.

www.facebook.com/djzinc  

MAIN STAGE

Saturday 25th August at Reading Festival / Sunday 26th August at Leeds Festival

Cardiff-based LOS CAMPESINOS! make their Main Stage debut when they open proceedings in Leeds on Sunday and  Reading on Saturday.   Since having last played the NME/Radio 1 Stage in 2010 the band have added a further album ‘Hello Sadness’ to their catalogue (“Los Campesinos! could well be a British The National..” hailed the NME) and cemented their position as one of the UK’s best-loved indie bands. Get there early and be party to a thrilling live act.

www.loscampesinos.com

Secret Garden Party 2012 SOLD OUT

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Head Gardener, Fred Fellowes comments:

‘We are thrilled to sell out in April for our 10th Birthday. It’s the fastest-selling ever, which is incredible given the current financial climate. A big hug and thanks to all our Gardeners; here’s to the best SGP ever.  For those who are disappointed and can no longer get tickets we have taken the creative side of SGP to Glade Festival and Wilderness this year so be sure to check those out. Glade is an electronic dance event that has the added value of the SGP imagination and attention to detail with favourites such as the Dance Off, Theatre, great food, Glasto’s Rabbit Hole and an amazing underground dancefloor in the woods. And for the more culturally inclined, Wilderness also has the SGP touch, with such offerings as the Secret Forum, long table Michelin banquets, fantastic live music, theatre and kids’ villages.’

From humble beginnings in 2004, the Secret Garden Party’s appeal has grown organically over the years; its ethos of fun, friendliness and participation connecting to a new generation of festival goers. It has remained proudly independent and non-corporate in its outlook – a festival of the arts where everyone is the artist.

During that time over 34,000 performers, musicians, stall-holders and 13,500 volunteers have helped contribute to its success.  SGP’s Head Gardeners’ salutes and thanks you all.

The spin-off in financial terms to the local economy has been approximately £3m in 2011 freedom and over £17m since its inception. It has supported local charities and community projects in the Abbots and Kings Ripton area – such as the local village school, Jubilee’s celebrations, Huntingdon Art College and St Ives Secondary School.

 

The Cribs, Spector and more added to Camden Crawl 2012 lineup

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 Also joining the bill is London’s very own SPECTOR and CLOCK OPERA. The former’s hugely anthemic songs have made them one of the standout new bands of 2012 whilst Clock Opera’s frenetic, bleep–ridden synth rock has made them another of the most talked about bands of this year.  Other highlights include rising star of Canada’s new breed of independent musicians DAN MANGAN and the warm the auditory breeze of FRANCOIS AND THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS whose debut album ‘E Volo Love’ is out now on Domino Records.

The Cribss

These acts and a huge smorgasbord of others will be playing alongside previously announced performers such as Death In Vegas, Alabama 3,Glasvegas, The Futureheads, Gaz Coombes, The Raincoats, Kids In Glass Houses, Actress, Lady Leshurr, Ghetts, Sway, And So I Watch You From Afar.  Comedians such as Rufus Hound, Henning When, Tony Law and Abandonman will also be taking to the stage this arts and music extravaganza. In typical Camden Crawl form, a handful of surprise will be revealed shortly prior to or at the event itself.

SB.TV ROCKS ELECTRIC BALLROOM WITH HOTTEST NEW URBAN TALENT SUNDAY 6TH MAY 

The Camden Crawl is proud to unveil its first ever event with the UK’s most innovative and exciting broadcaster on the closing day of the 2012 festival. SBTV is at the forefront of UK youth culture with over 100 million hits on YouTube and a global reach stretching right across the Atlantic. They offer a broad range of content relevant to UK urban culture – leaving no stone unturned when it comes to showcasing the full spectrum of talent within the UK music scene and beyond. Broadcasting exclusively on the internet and, in just a few short years, SBTV has organically grown a large social-network presence, which in turn, has cemented the organisation as the leading 'Music and Lifestyle' platform in the UK.

‘I am proud that SBTV is a partner of this year's Camden Crawl. We are hosting a stage at The Electric Ballroom on Sunday 6th May, giving a platform to some of the UK's hottest urban artists. I think it's great that the festival is branching out to showcase the best of the London scene, and highlighting more diverse acts’. – Jamal Edwards (founder SB.TV)

Hosted by SBTV’s very own GEORGIA LA, the hot and sweaty Ballroom will feature the following hotly tipped new talents.

ASH CATCH ‘EM n SCRUFIZZER n  CONTEXT n  YASMIN n  LUNAR C n  LADY LESHURR n  DRIFTERn ROXXXAN n  MZ BRATT n  MAXSTA n  MIC RIGHTEOUS

Renowned SBTV DJ MELODY KANE will also be spinning discs throughout the day which runs from 3:00 til 6:00 pm.

SPECIAL EDITIONS OF TOP CLUB NIGHTS HOST DJS & LIVE MUSIC
WELL INTO THE EARLY HOURS

Last, certainly, but not least, a diverse spectrum of cutting edge London club nights will complete each evening  on an electronic high. Highlights from the 2012 club line up include:

MARY ANNE HOBBS PRESENTS Sat @ KOKO feat. South London Ordnance (DJ), D/R/U/G/S (live), Rustie (live), Thefft (DJ) MISTAJAM’S SPEAKERBOX Sat @ Jazz feat. Sway (live), Lady Leshurr (live), Cable b2b Fusion b2b BitR8 (DJ), Boy (DJ), Jacob Plant (DJ), Majestic (DJ)URBAN NERDS  Sat @ The Cuban feat. Actress (live), DJs Rattus Rattus & Klose One LIFT OFF Sun @ feat Mz Bratt (live), Thadboogie (DJ), DJRD SUPA DUPA FLY Sun @ Dingwalls EDDY TEMPLE MORRIS PRESENTS Sun @ Koko feat Bobby Tank (live) Ayah Marar (live), Monsta (live), Mistabishi (live) MODA Sat @ Camden Rock feat Roska (live), Tom Starr (DJ), Jaymo & Andy George (DJ), Bxentric (DJ) BAD LIFE PRESENTS Sat @ Purple Turtle feat Attaque (live), Night Symmetry (live)

UB40 to headline Wowfest and more acts added to lineup

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With a string of top ten hits to their name, UB40 head up a quite outstanding reggae line-up of living legends that already includes the likes of Finley Quaye, The Wailers, Aswad, Maxi Priest and Misty in Roots alongside another dozen acts in what promises to be the finest collection of reggae artistes anywhere in the UK this year.

UB40

And there was further excitement from the Wow camp with news of the exclusive UK appearance of Madeleine Peyroux, from USA, on Sunday on the Blue Angel Stage, for what is to be a great treat for fans of her jazz/folk bohemian style, once discovered busking in the streets of Paris with her soul shaking songs and haunting voice likened to Billie Holliday. This follows the Saturday headline appearance of The Overtones – 5 Irish/English boys updating the swing and fun of be-bop and dee-wop and bringing some good old style back into the modern UK jazz scene. The Blue Angel Stage features some exquisite Jazz acts including the recognisably Jamaican inspired lilts of jazz party trombonist Dennis Rollins in the Velocity Trio and Dominican Cameron Pierre, Dixie chicks Larkin Poe, plus The London Community Gospel Choir, with some more outstanding live appearances still to be announced, ensuring the most impressive selection of Jazz acts in the UK for 2012

And the global party that is Wowfest continues to gathers pace in the afterhours Club Nights with the addition of Roni Size alongside Smith and Mighty for superlative jungle/dubstep/drum and bass night on Friday, whilst Peter Hook, until recently of New Order fame, joins Marshall Jefferson on the ones and twos in a closing Madchester Hacienda themed after hours party on Sunday.

And with the addition of the Alabama 3, Heaven 17, 808 State, Kitten and the Hip, The Pretty Things, and The Blockheads to the Main and Global Stages, with plenty more support acts as well as headliners still to be announced, Wowfest is already shaping up to be an iconic event, with an eclectic mix of House, Reggae, Ska, Jazz, Global and Dance that is already seeing a few envious eyes cast by established festival organisers – with the emphasis firmly on quality rather than excessive quantity of fillers that can sometimes blight other festival line-ups

Tickets are on sale from the event website for a bargain early bird weekend £99 (including free travel on Southern Vectis buses) for limited period only, and many have already snapped up since the announcement of  Paul Oakenfold, Soul 11 Soul, The Beat, Norman Jay, Danny Rampling, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Neville Staple of the Specials, Bez from the Happy Mondays' acid house night, Manos De Dios, Black Roots, Talisman and host of other top names all appearing at Wowfest over the weekend – and with a lot more to come yet.

Wowfest also sees a very promising stage for newer acts evolving – The Shaved Fish stage highlights global and local up and coming bands ensuring that plenty of young unsigned and Isle of Wight talent gets to share the event with some of the classiest live performers alive today. Local and unsigned acts are invited to contact Wowfest HQ to apply for an opportunity to play – see the event website www.wowfest.co.uk for more info about opportunities to perform and get involved with Wowfest – including catering and trading concessions, volunteer stewards and other opportunities to join the festival.

And with a strong green ethos, an emphasis on veggie, locally sourced and organic food, and a tantalizing looking selection of workshops and activities for kids and families in the African Village, plus some fabulous comedy, cabaret, theatre, performance, circus and walkabout, there's plenty more going on than just the superb musical line-up to ensure a truly memorable weekend at what promises to be one of the friendliest and enjoyable weekends this summer

WOWfest is also proud to partner the following charities: Oxfam, Solar Aid, Building Schools for Africa, Sustrans, Vegfam and the IW NHS Juba project.

Tickets are available from www.wowfest.co.uk. 

105 bands added to The Great Escape Festival

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Songwriter and Supergrass alumnus Gaz Coombes, hard-edged indie poppers Reverend and the Makers, Uber-hip Brooklynites We Are Augustines, and LA riot grrrl sister act Haim.

Temper Trap

New additions Haim said: "We're so excited to play the Great Escape Fest! One of our dreams was to come to the UK and play cause we're such big fans of all the music from out there.

Rae Morris said: 'I played at The Hope on my first tour a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! I'm from Blackpool so Brighton reminded me a lot of home. I'm a seaside girl at heart so can't wait to be back in Brighton for The Great Escape; i never thought i'd get to go to such a cool festival never mind play it!' 

The full list of bands announced today is: TEMPER TRAP** / BASS DRUM OF DEATH / ST LUCIA

/ PORCELAIN RAFT / GAZ COOMBES / JETHRO FOX / FILMS OF COLOUR / TREETOP FLYERS / HANNAH COHEN / CLOUD NOTHINGS / AMONG BROTHERS / BODY LANGUAGE / RETRO STEFSON / THE BLACK BELLES / BLACK MOTH / WE WERE EVERGREEN / WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS / DROP OUT VENUS / TALL SHIPS / FOSSIL COLLECTIVE / I AM OAK / NOVIKA / BUENO BROS / HANS CHEW / GABRIEL AND THE HOUNDS / ADMIRALL FALLOW / TINY RUINS / FACE + HEEL / DAUWD / ELECTRIC WIRE HUSTLE / REDINHO / LAPALUX LIVE / JAM CITY / PAULA AND KAROL / DEVIN / SOLAR BEARS / REVEREND AND THE MAKERS /

THE BARR BROTHERS / OSO LEONE / JODIE MARIE / CROWNS / THE NATURALS / WE ARE AUGUSTINES / ABI WADE / DOPE D.O.D./ JACK SAVORETTI / TWILIGHT SAD / PHILCO FICTION / RIZ MC / [ME] / TRIPPPLE NIPPPLES / GABRIEL BRUCE / JONAS RATHSMAN/ RANDOM IMPULSE / EJ / DANTE / WILD BELLE / DALEY / REVERE / ENJOYED / SWISS LIPS /

LUCY ROSE / KARIMA FRANCIS / HATCHAM SOCIAL / KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES / NEGATIVE PEGASUS  / JAPE / SAVOIR ADORE / THE BIG SLEEP / NICOLE ATKINS / THE FRONT BOTTOMS / THE CHEVIN / BWANI JUNCTION / BERNHOFT / MILK MUSIC / BOYFRIEND /

MAYBESHEWILL / ODONIS ODONIS / KING CHARLES CERCUEIL / AMATORSKI / MMOTHS

REGAL SAFARI / BLANCK MASS / BIGKIDS / THRONE / PROPER ORNAMENTS / VIRALS / HALLS / CAVE PAINTING / RAE MORRIS / PAUL THOMAS SAUNDERS / PETE PHILLY / ALBY DANIELS / JIMMY EDGAR / WE BARBARIANS / FEVER FEVER / SEAMS / SYKUR / SX / ALEXANDRE DESILETS / MISTEUR VALAIRE

TGE festival-goers, can set up an affordable and perfectly positioned base at Brighton’s JOURNEYS HOSTEL for just £30 per night. Well located in relation to all TGE gig venues, a stay at Journey’s guarantees that all guests receive the lowest price possible for their stay as well as providing a better atmosphere for meeting and interacting with fellow festival goers. It’s got to be better than camping, right?

The festival is world famous for the massive acts who’ve cut their teeth on its stages: highlights include Bon Iver, Adele, Tinie Tempah, Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran to name a few. We’re looking to forwards to many more discoveries being made this year.

Other acts already confirmed to play The Great Escape this year are:

Africa Express Sound System**/ Maximo Park**/Dry The River / Spector / We Are the Ocean / Friends / Howler / Zulu Winter / Grimes / DZ Deathrays / Nils Frahm / A Winged Victory For The Sullen / Jamie N Commons / Django Django / Eagulls / Perfume Genius / Com Truise / Δ (Alt-J) / When Saints Go Machine / Sonic Boom Six / François And The Atlas Mountains / Bos Angeles / Young Dreams / Doldrums / Weird Dreams / Young Magic / The British Expeditionary Force / Max Cooper / Jinja Safari / College, Graphics / Slow Down, Molasses / Mojo Fury / Mallory Knox / Hawk Eyes / Peace / Yukon Blonde / Emma Louise / Juveniles / Binary / Sing Tank /The Soft / Karlmarx / Inland Sea / Half Moon Run / Owlle / Princess Chelsea / Mesparrow / Stranded Horse / Avalanche City / Trust / The Darcys / Jordan Cook / Mujeres / Me And The Bees / Seward / Furguson / Mystery Jets/ Booka Shade / Alambama Shakes / Natty / Lianne La Havas / Ema / Forest Swords / Madeon / Erros / Willy Mason / Rolo Tomassi / Foy Vance / Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny / Micachu and The Shapes / Maxxi Soundsystem / We Have Band / Loney, Dear / Tanlines / New Look / Koreless/ Shabazz Palaces / Toy / Lower That Atlantis / Kwes / Gross Magic / Disclosure / Duologue / Jonquil / Exitmusic / Spoek Mathambo / Haim / Pale Seas / Foxes / Swin Deep / The Computers / The Skints / Antlered Man / Chew Lips / Hooded Fang / Pets with Pets / Tall Ships / Holy State / Wim / Rich Aucoin / Vondelpark / Milagres / Mesparrow / NZCA / Lines / Dillon / Don Broco / Boy / Odonis Odonis / Eighty and a Half / Wet Nuns / Mikill Pane / The Night / Cut Ribbons / Paws / Ben Chaplan and the Casual Smokers / I Ching / Oliver Tank / Gold and Youth / Psychologist / Hot Panda / Fiction / Step-Panther / Pikachunes / Ben Salter / Boxes / Films of Colour / Alunageorge / Flip Grater / Grass House / Husky / JD Mcpherson / Josh Kumra / Lulu James / My Best Friend / Seasfire /Shields / 22 / Jaguar Shark / Violet / Last Dinosaurs / Jordan Cook aka Reignwolf / Jackson Firebird / Massmatiks / Martha Paton

The Great Escape will return to the bustling British seaside city of Brighton from 10th-12th May 2012, presenting festival-goers with over 300 new local and international artists across 30 different venues throughout the city. Running alongside this is the Great Escape convention programme hosting a variety of insightful industry talks, panel debates, targeted networking sessions and key note interviews for industry professionals and music business fans.

**A small number of shows will take place at The Dome in Brighton. The second of the 2012 Brighton Dome Shows to be announced is TEMPER TRAP. To ensure guaranteed access at a Brighton Dome Show, attendees can top up their festival wristband for £7 per show, or purchase a separate gig ticket at www.escapegreat.com


 

WOMAD’s add Robert Plant, Buena Vista Social Club and more!

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Ever since that first gathering in 1982, the spirit of collaboration and cross-pollination has been WOMAD’s fuel. Back then, it was Echo & The Bunnymen sharing the stage with The Drummers Of Burundi. In the three decades since, it’s always been conspicuous and, this year, that spirit takes many forms.

There’s the rather awesome prospect of Robert Plant’s new project, the Sensational Space Shifters – a heady brew of blues, gospel and psychedelia inspired by the roots music of Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton. Longtime WOMAD face Justin Adams lines up on lead guitar.

Another Adams-associated act, the much-loved French collective Lo’Jo, will also joined the bill this July. As well as blowing out their own 30 candles this year, the collective return to treat all-comers with their hybrid of chanson, folk and Berber stylings.

Such musical impurity has always been welcome at scores of WOMAD events across the word. And there’s more evidence of it heading our way. Dizraeli and the Small Gods promise to be one of the weekend’s surprise discoveries, hitting the bullseye with their highly effective take on folk and hip-hop. The same sources are drawn upon by the USA-meets-Guinea collaboration between Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate, a partnership aiming to reduce the spiritual distance between continents.

It’s always best to approach a WOMAD event by expecting the unexpected, by banishing those preconceptions about how music should sound from a particular corner of the globe. Want Latin funk with a Texan postmark? Then give yourself over to Grupo Fantasma, the ‘funk orchestra’ who’ve often been the support band of choice for Prince. Fancy a singer-songwriter who blends ancient and modern, Indian traditions and Western rock and pop? Then lend your ears to Bangalore’s celebrated Raghu Dixit. And fancy ska from Tokyo City? Look no further than the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra…

These Japanese ska fanatics have plenty of miles under their collective belts – as do several other seasoned performers taking to this year’s stage. The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club continue to cast sunshine on all those within earshot with their timeless melodies and unbreakable rhythms, while the sinewy blues of Malian songster Boubacar Traore never fail to enthrall and charm.

WOMAD is delighted to be welcoming back those perennial Russian favourites (and former Real World recording artists) Terem Quartet whose balalaikas and accordions take us to St Petersburg and beyond. Further Eastern promise comes from the highly energetic Alaev Family. Although now resident in Israel, they unleash a torrent of Central Asian groove with songs from their native Tajikstan. 

Closer to home, Bristol quartet Spiro return to Charlton Park with their mesmerising, almost mathematical tunes, proving to be the missing link between English folk and contemporary composer Steve Reich. More vocal-free sounds come courtesy of Celtic fusionists Peatbog Faeries who marry an electronic sensibility with the tried-and-tested instruments of their native Scotland – fiddles, whistles, pipes… And the pipes are also calling for Narasirato, the high-octane Solomon Islands troupe. We’ll wager that you’ve never seen panpipes played so energetically.

And finally, rounding off this opening artist announcement, is Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun, most recently seen lending her striking vocal prowess to Peter Gabriel’s New Blood Orchestra and now stepping into her own limelight.

So there you have it – 15 reasons to come and help WOMAD celebrate becoming a thirtysomething. And watch this space for many, many more reasons why attendance is compulsory…

WOMAD Charlton Park – July 27-29 2012

Artists confirmed so far… Alaev Family (Tajikstan/Israel); Ane Brun (Norway); Boubacar Traore (Mali); Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club (Cuba); Dizraeli and the Small Gods (UK); Grupo Fantasma (USA); Lo’Jo (France/Algeria); Joe Driscoll & Seckou Kouyate (USA/Guinea); Narasirato (Solomon Islands); Peatbog Faeries (UK); Raghu Dixit (India); Sensational Space Shifters (UK/USA/Gambia); Spiro (UK); Terem Quartet (Russia); Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Japan).

Lineup announced for Cornbury Festival

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Just look who’s coming…major international stars like Elvis Costello, James Morrison and Alison Moyet….great performers like Will Young, Jools Holland, and the irrepressible bluesman Seasick Steve, pop princess Pixie Lott, the intriguing trio Stooshe and mischievous Norwegian instrumentalists Katzenjammer will all join the fun. US diva Macy Gray makes her first ever UK Festival appearance.

James Morrison

Here’s Cornbury 2012’s complete line-up…SO FAR.

Opening up Friday is aspiring singer Juan Zelada and rocker Beth Hart. The day unfolds with appearances from the likes of critically-acclaimed star Gretchen Peters, the awesome live act that is Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves along with starlet Pixie Lott. Friday night sees festival favourites Waterboys, 80s diva Alison Moyet and singer-song writer James Morrison.

Come Saturday and Cornbury favourite Elvis Costello will be joined on the main stage by his band The Imposters, while gracing the Songbird stage will be House TV star-turned bluesman Hugh Laurie & his Copper Bottom Band. Revellers will also be treated to the ultra-talented Police Dog Hogan along with local hero Danny & The Champions of the World on the main stage. Other artists include troubadour Newton Faulkner, the awesome Rainy Boy Sleep, the emotionally raw Tom Baxter, joined by Aloe Blacc, who brings his Motown-esque troupe for some compulsory dancing on the back of their international hit ‘I Need a Dollar’

National Treasure Jools Holland, brings his unique Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to Sunday’s proceedings with guests Marc Almond & Ruby Turner. Rhythm & blues fans are further catered for with legendary rockers 9 Below Zero and extraordinary Texan rockers Los Lonely Boys. Closing the Songbird stage is the beautiful songwriter Nerina Pallot, who makes a welcome return, and Norway’s best live band, the completely brilliant Katzenjammer will be strumming, plucking, blowing and banging their way through a huge selection of instruments.

Also at Cornbury 2012…

The Absolute Comedy Stage returns bigger and better than ever before. Expect a fun-filled Friday programme presented by local regulars Charlbury Riverside, who is set to field a two-day 3rd stage line-up joined by Balham’s infamous Kashmir Club. On top of this, a fantastic children’s zone with countless programmes will keep kids entertained all weekend long.

“Getting the artist bill together is always a nail-biting task but I think we’ve raised the bar yet again with some great exclusives and a fantastic range of artists, so there really is something for everyone –  and maybe I’ll even get to see some of it” says festival director Hugh Phillimore.  

    “2012 could be our best year yet. We’ve weathered some difficult times in previous years, successfully relocated the festival to an even better site, stayed true to our original aims in remaining a truly independent family festival, and I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the local community who’ve supported us brilliantly over the years – so all bodes well for a successful 9th Cornbury.”

As a family-orientated festival, Cornbury undoubtedly offers something for everyone. The glamour, the charm and the comfort of a VIP area have given it the status for being UK’s ‘cleanest, cosiest’ boutique festival. With a slightly eccentric atmosphere and mixture of the old and new, this quintessentially English event preserves its good natured, inclusive feel. Set in one of the most spectacular and most ancient sites in the Cotswold countryside, coupled with some truly ‘feel-good’ music, Cornbury 2012 is sure to resonate in everybody’s mind.