Korn, The Vaccines and more for Sziget 2012

It’s been 20 years since Korn rocketed on top of the metal world and the guys from California stayed there ever since. They already sold tens of millions of albums, won two Grammy awards and are generally considered as universal points of reference in the contemporary culture of rock/metal music. During their Sziget gig they plan to present the new LP, also considered as a dupstep-based metal craze, with the title ‘The Path of Totality’.

The Vaccines were reviewed by BBC as one of the biggest prospects of 2011 and the band lived up to expectations with their first album, ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’ The London-based indie rock guitar combo was already nominated for some of the biggest music awards of the continent and plan to start working on their new LP this March.

Magnetic ManDupstep heroes Artwork, Benga and Skream joined forces to create the legendary Magnetic Man formation and released their self-titled studio album in 2010, reaching instant success. 3 in 1 is always a good offer, so be prepared for another gigantic gig on Sziget.

Steve Aoki has Japanese roots, lives in California and by now he is regarded as a grand master of the electro house scene. ‘Wonderland’, his debut album was released this January, but he also made remixes for bands like Justice or Franz Ferdinand. The DJ and producer is the founder of the world famous Dim Mak Records.

For long years now it’s impossible to imagine DJ Magazine’s top DJ listings without finding Axwell’s name on them. He’s a member of the world famous Swedish House Mafia and counts as one of the most active contributors to the Scandinavian e-music scene.

Two Door Cinema ClubTwo Door Cinema Club is maybe the most lovable UK indie band these days. Easy going and guitar-centric, although not reluctant to some electronic sounds either. They’ve already played the biggest festivals and are currently working on their second studio album.

When it comes to combining fun and punk-rock, short but out-of-control kind of songs, you might wanna turn your heads towards Germany. Really! Beatsteaks has been existing for over 15 years, recorded 7 LPs and the ‘House of Fire’ track from their new album was even selected for the soundtrack of the third Transformers movie.

Antwerp-based immortal cult-rock act, dEUS is an all-time favorite for big festivals. One of the few bands who can perfectly evoke the anger and melancholy that is flooding from their studio recordings, also while playing live.

Synthesizers and machine-like guitar riffs, unbelievable pace and an industrial metal show that will simply blow your mind. That’s what you need to know about Ministry, announcing that after 3 years of silence they have recorded a new album and are ready to blitz the world once again.

Caro Emerald is the favorite singer and nr. 1. music export item of The Netherlands. The nu-jazz sensation has already won several big awards, combining groovin’ jazz with swing and tango, but doing so in a way that you will love her music even if you’re far from being a jazz fan.

Great voice, wonderful charisma and already a Grammy nomination to her name, these are the obvious words to describe Bebel Gilberto, also regarded as the ambassador of modern bossa nova. The Brazilian singer is mixing the Bahia region music with electronic patterns, while her latest LP, ‘All in One’ was nominated in ‘the best contemporary world music album’ category during the 2009 Grammys.

Otis Lee Crenshaw to return to Maverick Festival 2012

Already established as the UK’s premier venue for American roots music, and featured in The Guardian’s Top Ten Small Festivals 2010, other artists set to appear include festival favourites OTIS GIBBS (Billy Bragg’s favourite protest singer), Downton Abbey’s ELIZABETH MCGOVERN and her band EVE SELIS, as well as international roots stars CORB LUND and EMILY BARKER.

Running between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, Maverick is set on a restored Victorian farm which boasts a spacious, pastoral campsite and tipi village, and a recognised family-friendly atmosphere.

As well as music, the festival also showcases film, dance and workshops. Add in award-winning local ales, lager and cider and a range of regional food and you have a “master class in how to put on a friendly, well organised, perfectly-sized festival where music is still the main attraction.” [Shades of Blue]

Visit maverickfestival.co.uk for the latest line-up and ticket offers.

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5 and more set for Evolution Festival 2012!

Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend
Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th June
NewcastleGateshead Quayside
 

Dizzee Rascal, Deadmau5, Maximo Park, Noah & The Whale plus many more confirmed for the North East music spectacular

Dizzee RascalEvolution Festival returns to the North East on the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend with a stellar line up of the most influential and exciting names in popular music.  Evolution attracts 28,000 people per day to the Quayside, delivering an outstanding bill of contemporary live acts and dj’s at an unbeatable price.  And the 2012 line up is the best one yet!

2012 is the ‘Return Of The Rascal” headlining the main stage on Sunday is the irrepressible Dizzee Rascal.  The ultimate showman whose pop sensibilities seamlessly fuse Grime, House and Hip-hop Dizzee Rascal ensures rapturous responses from audience and arrives with a sack load of number 1 hits including Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco.

Not the first dead rodent to be found on the Quayside but certainly the biggest, famed for his notorious live shows, the mighty Deadmau5 brings the biggest production ever to Evolution with his jaw dropping audio visual spectacular. His set up will no doubt light up the Quayside for a perfect finale to the weekend. With an epic mix of EDM Deadmau5 is a genuine global star and this is his only North of England show this year.

The North East’s favourite sons Maximo Park will grace the stage as very special guests in support of Dizzee. Having blazed a trail around the Globe representing all that is good and infectious about the North East we are stoked to have them at Evolution and with the band currently ensconced in the Studio working on their new album we look forward to giving the boys a HUGE hometown welcome as they hit the stage for one of their legendary, incendiary live shows.

Noah & The Whale delivered the hugely critically and commercially successful ‘Last Night On Earth’ album last year and are undoubtedly one of the best live bands in the country as their recent sell out UK tour demonstrated. Variously described as anti-folk, nu-folk and folk-pop (a confusing multitude of pigeonholes) alongside like-minded souls such as Laura Marling and Emmy the Great. Both of whom were part-time members of the band at various points.

Rizzle Kicks have been the undisputed breakout act of the past 6 months seemingly coming from nowhere to top radio playlist and the charts and injecting some fun into proceedings wherever they perform.  Rizzle Kicks are destined for superstardom in 2012 and their set will be one of the feel good moments of the festival.

Deadmau5

Whilst touring with the Arctic Monkeys with The Rascals, Miles Kane developed 

a strong friendship with front man Alex Turner. They shared a love of the same musical influences, such as Nick Cave. The pair began to play together backstage, and soon began writing new tracks. They realized that there was a future in their songwriting partnership, and the Last Shadow Puppets were born. Since his work with Turner Kane has shone with his solo material and his debut album has won millions of plaudits.

With artist such as Devlin, Benjamin Francis Letfwich, Band Of Skulls, Spector and Jessie Ware amongst other confirmations on the main stage, Evolution 2012’s line up takes on monstrous proportions.

The Ballast Hills this year will be home of some of the most pioneering electronic music and all tastes are catered for with a truly amazing and eclectic bill across both days.  DJ sets from DJ Fresh, SBTRKT, Jack Beats, Toddla T, Maya Jane Coles and a live set from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are certain to have the Evolution crowd partying into the night.

Evolution promoter Jim Mawdsley comments ‘We are very proud to bring such a strong and progressive line up to NewcastleGateshead for this years Evolution Festival. We look forward to partying with you all in June’.            

Evolution festival continues to bring the best artists to the North East to perform in front of the UK’s most rapturous festival audience.  At £25 for a day ticket or £35 for the weekend, Evolution continues its tradition of providing an amazing show for an unbeatable price.

Alongside hosting some of the biggest acts on the planet Evolution will once again introduce the crowd to a wealth of emerging local talent on the third stage – partnered with Generator the UK’s leading Music Development Agency this stage gives local talent a chance to get their foot on the ladder and play to the biggest crowd of their careers to date

For Hi Res Artist Pics / Biogs / Logos please visit: http://www.wearesoundproof.com/press.html

FULL LINE UP

Sunday 3 June

Spillers Wharf 
Dizzee Rascal
Plus very special guests
Maximo Park
Miles Kane
Devlin
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Dog Is Dead
Lulu James
Theme Park
The Lake Poets

Ballast Hills

Turbulence & Metropolis present

DJ sets from…
DJ Fresh
Jack Beats
Shy FX
Friction
Toddla T
Dot Rotten
Citizen
Codename:Tyrone

Monday 4 June

Spillers Wharf

Deadmau5
Noah & The Whale
Rizzle Kicks
Band Of Skulls
Here We Go Magic
Spector
Jessie Ware
The Milk
Mausi

Ballast Hills

Wax:On presents

DJ sets from…
SBTRKT
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (live)
Maya Jane Coles
Eats Everything
Jackmaster
People Get Real
Mike Jones 

Whilst the outdoor Bank Holiday Weekend extravaganza is the pinnacle of the Evolution programme we still have much more to announce – including the Evolution Emerging programme, Music Futures and the Jumpin Hot Club programme of shows that will be wrapped around Gateshead venues.

Download Festival 2012 tickets on sale tomorrow 9am

Biffy ClyroWith a spectacular line up including headliners The Prodigy (Friday 8 June), Metallica (Saturday 9 June) and Black Sabbath (Sunday 10 June), plus an array of exciting acts such as Slash, Biffy Clyro, Steel Panther, Soundgarden, Lamb of God and You Me At Six, this year’s event at Donington Park is set to blow the top right off the roof!

Download promoter Andy Copping says “This year’s Download is going from strength to strength and the line up is shaping up nicely. We’ve had a phenomenal reaction to weekend tickets, and have decided to go on sale with day tickets early. Happy days!”

A further 60 + acts will be announced between now and June, and organisers continue to hit a home run by confirming American metalcore band KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, the multi-million selling SHINEDOWN, last year’s biggest rock newcomers BLACK VEIL BRIDES, DIY punk masters NOFX, epic progressive metallers OPETH and symphonic Scandinavians NIGHTWISH for thisyear’s Download.

Weekend with camping tickets are also available to purchase along with limited RIP packages – go to www.downloadfestival.co.uk for all ticket options.

This year’s Download will also see the debut of the RIP METAL HOTEL, the first of its kind indoor ‘pop up’ hotel located on the festival site, a mere hop skip and a jump to the main arena. Each room will have two beds, thermostatic climate control, an en-suite wet room with toilet, basin and shower, storage space, a flat screen TV, and secure card entry. Not only that, all rooms will be serviced with with quality linen, towels and toiletries by dedicated Metal Hotel personnel, as well as offering continental breakfast, providing a truly luxury experience to coincide with the festival’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Rooms will be available from the Download website.

 

Summer Break 2012 details

Week One – 10th-14th June 2012

Week Two – 17th-21st June 2012

The event began its glorious life as the UK’s answer to Spring Break when we thought: ‘Why should Americans have all the fun?!’

The Summer Break recipe is a top secret highly complex blend of day time fun and night time hilarity… Take 6000 of the finest party students, place them in an exclusive student village with access to their very own private beach, let them simmer for four days and nights regularly sprinkling with world class DJs, crazy parties, access to all clubs, beach raves and extreme sports and what do you get? The best party of your life!

Event information

Tickets:

Festival ticket with Camping from £54

Festival ticket with Caravan from £79

What does my ticket include – 3000 party people, 4 days and 4 nights of epic end of year parties, crazy beach games, beach parties and BBQ’s. Exclusive accommodation in the Student Village, access to all the SB clubs, fancy dress shenanigans and world famous DJs every night – the perfect blowout to the end the student year!

The resort facilities – Luxury caravans // Outdoor swimming pool // 2 Bars // Huge Nightclub // Village Store // Cafes & Restaurant // Bonfires // Private Beach// Outdoor Stage

How do I get there – Transport is available from all UK Campuses to the beautiful Cornish coast from only £39!

For more info goto the website http://www.summerbreak.co.uk/

 

Jamie Jones, Kenny Dope and more set for Groove Fest

Taking place between 5th and 12th September 2012, Groove Fest will pair the best house music talents, live artists and bands with the most luxurious beaches and finest facilities for an all-inclusive week in the unparalleled Caribbean sun. Taking over the clubs, bars, outdoor spaces and glistening swimming pools that make up the dreamy resort, Groove Fest will be the festival experience you never forget.

The first wave of artists and labels to be announced (expect many more in phase two) include the best from the worlds of deep house, soul and disco with names like Jamie Jones and his Hot Natured crew, Defected, Horse Meat Disco, Kenny Dope, Krank Brothers London's infamous Creche all confirmed.

 

Importantly, all food, drink, transfers and entrance fees are included in the price so, once you're there, it won't cost you a thing to enjoy the peerless open-air festivals, beach parties, pool parties, boat parties and club events. Not a bad thing at all when you consider the 5* setting – a spectacular and lavish resort on the North Coast of the Caribbean's most popular island, surrounded by sun-baked mountains, vibrant green vegetation and cooled by the soothing breezes that roll in off the Atlantic Ocean – idyllic is the only word which comes close.

As well as the carefully programmed events, the keen eye for production and exclusive location, you will be able to enjoy a variety of fine eateries whatever your preference… Italian, Mexican, Caribbean – all things are catered for with food available 24 hours a day from any one of the numerous restaurants which make up this most heavenly Island.

What’s more, your accommodation (which ranges from villa to presidential suite to studio depending on your budget) will have a fully stocked fridge with ice cold drinks, a choice of alcohol and will be re-stocked everyday by the same maid who – if you chose to stay in a villa – cooks you breakfast each and every morning.

Of course, you’ll need some way of getting around so – should you be staying in a villa or Presidential Suite – in true Caribbean style you’ll be given a golf buggy in which you can cruise around until your heart is content. There will also be a shuttle bus to take you to which any of the many different parties which take your fancy, too, making this a simply dream getaway for any dance music fan.

Packages start from £744 and there are payment plans based on four installments… by now you’re surely sold on the idea, so well see you in the sun!

For those that can a Party in Paradise
www.groovefestevents.com

Testament added to Bloodstock 2012 lineup

One of the first thrash bands to emerge from the San Francisco Bay Area, debut album “The Legacy” put TESTAMENT at the forefront of the thrash metal scene, where they have remained for the best part of thirty years.

Testament

Says guitarist Eric Peterson:

“We're excited to play the "Bloodstock Festival" again! this time with some new material to play! Can't wait for the UK to hear our "Dark Roots Of Earth!" See Ya!”

With nine studio albums under their belt – two of which boasting top 40 chart positions in the UK – and a new album on its way, TESTAMENT come armed with no shortage of classic thrash anthems. One of the few bands to consistently put out genuinely exciting and fresh material throughout their career, the promise of hearing songs from the likes of The Legacy, The New Order, Practice What You Preach, Souls Of Black, The Ritual, Low, Demonic, The Gathering and The Formation Of Damnation – as well as new material – is enough to whet any headbangers appetite, and one many will find impossible to resist.

With tickets selling faster than ever before, BLOODSTOCK 2012 is destined for a sell-out this year. Over 100 bands – the majority of which are exclusive appearances – and a ticket price of only £115 for four days of metal magic INCLUDING camping – BLOODSTOCK offers metalheads the most attractive ticket in the UK. Get yours now from www.bloodstock.uk.com

2012 Brisfest new location details

The festival, which will take place on September 22nd and 23rd, has been running for four years on the harbourside, attracting 25,000 visitors in 2011.

This announcement marks the beginning of a new era of music festivals at Ashton Court. BrisFest began after the much loved Ashton Court Festival, which started in 1974, went bankrupt in 2007. A group of local volunteers felt it was vital for Bristol to retain an accessible, affordable music festival so the not-for-profit Bristol Festival Community Group was set up.

The Bristol Festival Community Group created BrisFest, a new festival with a unique mix of music, street art, theatre, comedy and circus, and a distinctly “Bristol” feel. The event showcases the best of the South West with something for everyone from toddlers to talent scouts.

As a not-for-profit festival BrisFest is almost entirely run by volunteers and all profits are reinvested back into the festival to make it bigger and better each year, year, supporting local artists and training volunteers in everything from stage management to recognised qualifications in health and safety. 

Now in its fifth year, BrisFest’s rapidly increasing popularity means that is has outgrown its city centre site. The move to Ashton Court will increase the festival’s capacity to 40,000 over two days.

“Having started off on a smaller scale, we’ve built BrisFest from the ground up over the last four years,” said Poppy Stephenson. “We now have the people, the resources and the systems we need to bring us home to Ashton Court, our ‘spiritual home’!”

Tickets for BrisFest 2012 have been on sale since last year, when the public was asked to pledge its support for the festival’s move to Ashton Court by buying their tickets in advance.

“Ticket sales are going really well,” said Poppy Stephenson. “We’re well on our way to 10,000 and we expect a sell-out event.”

“BrisFest 2012 at Ashton Court is going to be an extravaganza of music, street art, theatre, comedy and circus, the likes of which Bristol has never seen before. We’re going to give this great city a festival it can be proud of.” 

Tickets are available from www.brisfest.co.uk

Beacons Festival adds Ghostpoet, Roots Manuva and more!

GhostPoetROOTS MANUVA / JUNIOR BOYS / GHOSTPOET / ERRORS / FACTORY FLOOR / PEARSON SOUND / CASS MCCOMBS / WILLY MASON / D/R/U/G/S / PEAKING LIGHTS / XXXY / STAR SLINGER / SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA / BOK BOK / 2:54 / JAM CITY / KING KRULE / MAZES / STILL CORNERS / STAY+ / GROSS MAGIC / BOS ANGELES /GRASS HOUSE /

NEW SITE : A message from Beacons Festival regarding the cancellation of Beacons Festival 2011:

“Last year, due to extreme flooding, Health and Safety Executives made the decision to cancel Beacons Festival. We were devastated to have to cancel your party but were left with no choice. This year, we have moved the site away from any potential flood areas, still in the fantastic setting of Carleton.  The new location is even more picturesque than the previous site and we feel it can only enhance people’s experience of what will be a truly amazing festival.”

Beacons Festival is set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside; an affordable festival brought to you by a collective of tastemakers who, for years, have been bringing the best music to reputable Northern venues such as Leeds’ Nation of Shopkeepers and Brudenell Social Club, Sheffield’s Bungalows and Bears, Club Pony and the Shipping Forecast. We’ve also got the organisers of London-based festivals and events like Underage and Field Day and the Shacklewell Arms venue on board. This year, the main stage acts are presented in association with The Stool Pigeon magazine.  The people behind Manchester’s coolest band nights, Now Wave are on board, as are London’s Eat Your Own Ears. Beacons will be bringing together the cream of the cities finest club nights and gig venues for one weekend in Yorkshire.

Factory Floor

Beacons is a three-day, four-night festival and for a short period, tickets are available at just £60 for the weekend, including camping (£55 for students). A limited number of early bird weekend tickets will be available from 9am Wednesday 15th February. Tickets will be available to purchase from the Beacons Festival website, HMV, Seetickets, Gigantic, Leedstickets.com, Jumbo Records and Crash Records.

We’re thrilled to welcome Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva to Beacons this year. Following the release of last year’s 4everrevolution – his most powerful work since Run Come Save Me – the UK hip-hop legend will be bringing his innovative sound to the Yorkshire countryside this summer. And one of UK hip-hop’s rising stars will also be playing. The Mercury Music Prize-nominated Ghostpoet will be laying down his laconic beats and baritone drawl and you’ll get the chance to see why Factory Floor have made a fan of Joy Division / New Order’s Stephen Morris and had the likes of Pitchfork and Quietus touting them for bigger things.

Beacons represents a side-step from the usual treadmill of festival bands and burger vans. We book the bands we love, because we know that our visitors will love them too. As we announce more artists over the coming weeks and months, we will also be revealing our exclusive cinema programme. In addition to this, there will be children’s entertainment from the Ladybird Project, spoken word, theatre and dance.

Hot Chip, Magnetic Man and more announced for Lovebox 2012

Magnetic ManThe most iconic names in dubstep, hip-hop, drum & bass, house, techno and indie will team up with some of the capital’s most cherished club nights to deliver a 3 day weekender poised for the musical history books.

London’s biggest dance floor opens early on Friday with Hot Chip, Magnetic Man, Sub Focus Live, and Crystal Castles throwing down the gauntlet alongside a selection of arena hosts that include the return of East London's unstoppable, genre-defining radio station, Rinse 106.8FM¸ and all for a recession busting price of less than £30.

Little time to breathe, as Saturday rolls out an all-encompassing sonic mash up of hipper than thou rockers Friendly Fires, Brit Awards Critic’s Choice Winner Emeli Sandé, Swedish electro hipsters Little Dragon while New York City’s finest are represented in the form of Harlem’s hottest lyricist, Azealia Banks, and back by very popular demand Kelis, whilst the now traditional “Lovebox Legends” slot will be filled by the great Bobby Womack.

The main stages are set against the bone shaking soundscape of drum & bass' number one club night and record label, Hospital Records, plus house and techno institution Warm and international mad-hatters Crosstown Rebels who will be throwing a notorious Rebel Rave .

Patrick WolfOn Sunday things hot up considerably as Lovebox’s incredibly successful polysexual “Out and Out Fierce” party takes over proceedings with hi-energy disco and electro sounds dominating the site.  Holly Johnson takes to the main stage to deliver a “greatest hits” set spanning his days with Frankie Goes to Hollywood through to his solo career. Described by the NME as “the most influential dance act in the world right now” Azari & iii return to Lovebox after their sensational performance last year and there is a debut performance from BBC Sound of 2012 nominee’s Niki & The Dove as well as performances from The Rapture and Patrick Wolf on the Sunday Superstore Live stage hosted by East London’s favourite venue Dalston Superstore.

"By amazing grace I have survived to perform at Lovebox 2012…My first London stage appearance in the 21st Century… Hollylujah!" – Holly Johnson

Meanwhile the many arenas across the site will be working clubbers into a state of submission led by  DJ Hell who will be serving up a final flourish of closing party euphoria on a birthday to remember.

As the after parties across town roll on into Monday, organisers will consider their job done, knowing that Hackney will be left with a lasting legacy of love for 2012.