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!

BLOODSTOCK REVEALS FIRST ‘METAL 2 THE MASSES’ FINALS WINNERS FOR THE NEW BLOOD STAGE

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With just 73 days left between now and festival weekend, things are hotting up at BLOODSTOCK HQ, especially on the New Blood front! With the Metal 2 The Masses finals well underway around the country, the winning band in each region is locking in and BLOODSTOCK is excited to share nine more lucky developing bands who’ll be performing on the New Blood stage at Catton Park this August.

Winning the Leicester heat and grabbing a Friday slot are the progressive tech/death collective, VOIDWALKER. Familiarise yourself by checking out their 2022 track ‘Tar Stained Lips’ over at their Bandcamp page. The Manchester heat victors, the genre-twisting SQUARE WILD, won Prog Magazine’s ‘Best Unsigned Band’ poll last year. Watch their video for ‘Hounds’ and find out why. Also winning a Friday slot are the East Anglia final top dogs, URIDIUM. If you love your old school classic metal sound, these could be one for you. Check out ‘Fire & Lies’ taken from their debut EP, ‘In For The Kill’. 

Saturday’s New Blood stage will feature Scotland’s winners, EXTORT. Check out the extreme metal squad’s live version of ‘Control Alt Deceased’ and go give their ‘Reset’ debut EP a listen. Also appearing Saturday will be Sheffield’s grunge rockers, DEAD BLONDE STARS. Get a handle on their sound via the lyric video for ‘Hernan’, taken from their 2020 debut album, ‘Metamorphosis’. And coming out on top in the Milton Keynes heat are DROWND. Get a feel for their brand of industrial rock via the video for ‘Sinner’, taken from last year’s ‘[An]Aesthetic’ album.

Landing a slot on Sunday and triumphing in Northern Ireland are power trio, ACID AGE. The band take their influences from across the board, but their thrash roots are on full display in the video for ‘Slave Girl’. Also playing Sunday will be Dublin hardcore squad, LAVEIN, who came out on top for the Republic of Ireland heat. Impressive for a band who are only a few months old! Check out their winning live set from the Fibber Magees M2TM final. Lastly, champions in the Leeds battle are local 5-piece, GODETH. Listen to their blend of groove, death and hardcore showcased on their new single, ‘Scour’. 
The M2TM finals kicked off at the end of April and the remaining heats are detailed below, so be sure to get out and support the crucially important network of small venues and developing bands in your area. 
Sat 3rd Jun – LONDON The DomeSat 3rd Jun – NEWCASTLE TrilliansSat 10th Jun – CHORZOW (Poland) Lesniczowka Rock n’ Roll CafeFri 16th Jun – COLCHESTER CodaSat 17th Jun – GRAVESEND Leo’s, Red LionFri 23rd Jun – BIRMINGHAM Devils DogSat 24th Jun – HITCHIN Club 85Sat 24th Jun – WREXHAM XS @ The Penny BlackSat 24th Jun – BRISTOL The ExchangeFri 30th Jun – BOURNEMOUTH Bear CaveFri 30th Jun – CHELTENHAM Frog & FiddleSat 1st Jul – BURNLEY SanctuarySat 1st Jul – STOKE The UndergroundSat 1st Jul – NORTHAMPTON The Black PrinceSat 1st Jul – LIVERPOOL ZanzibarSat 1st Jul – CARDIFF FuelSat 8th Jul – NOTTINGHAM The Old Cold StoreSat 8th Jul – SALTASH LivewireSat 8th Jul – OXFORD Jericho Tavern

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL REVEALS DISTRICT X LINE UP

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With only two weeks to go until the mighty Download Festival, the sold out 20th anniversary celebration has unleashed its District X line up, as well as announcing special collaborations for this year. Boasting secret band sets, live podcasts, late night DJ sets and a comedy line up on the Wednesday night, the special four-day edition is set to be jam-packed. Taking place on 8-11 June 2023 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot and Metallica, who will perform two headline sets with no repeat songs. All tickets are now sold out, but you can find out more info here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. 

This year District X will be better than ever, with a fantastic line-up of secret band sets (to be announced on the day), live podcasts and DJ sets from the likes of The Blackout, Wargasm, Zoe London, Nova Twins x On Wednesdays We Wear Black, Daniel P Carter, Alyx Holcombe and many more. Festivities will begin on the Wednesday night with Get Your Rocks Off, who are ready to immerse the crowd in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, and from then on, UK clubnights Uprawr, Facedown, Girl Power and many more will take it in turns to get the party started.

Following the success of live podcasts in 2022, Sappenin Podcast, On Wednesdays We Wear Black and Life In The Stocks will be appearing at District X this year. Matt Stocks will be bringing special guest Matthew Pritchard of Dirty Sanchez onstage as his guest, which is sure to be entertaining. On top of this, the Sidesplitter will host an evening of comedy on Wednesday night, featuring members of The Comedy Store, Kunt & The Gang and more. And on top of this, there will be rock fitness classes, Drag Emo Karaoke and even Rock Kids for those with their very own mini moshers. 

Elsewhere, Download Festival is delighted to announce onsite collaborations with Mary Wyatt, Download Lava (Lou’s Hot Sauce) and Parabellum, which you can check out onsite at the Download Megastore, along with the likes of Download garden gnomes and gaming chairs. There’s also a chill out space where people can hang out with their friends, play arcade games and soak up the atmosphere. 

The District X additions continue to add to an incredible line-up for the very special 20th anniversary edition of Download Festival. More information at www.downloadfestival.co.uk. 

DJ Tomer & Ricardo Present First Single from Upcoming LP “Echoes” on My Other Side of The Moon

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Follow DJ Tomer & Ricardo on Soundcloud

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This release is a very special one for us. After many successes with My Other Side of the Moon, two among the most affectionate artists of the Label, Dj Tomer & Ricardo release a first class afro house album, with other incredible artists you will discover track by track, for 13 unique music experiences.

Listen Here

Buy/Stream

“Zulu” is the first single taken from the long awaited album by Dj Tomer & Ricardo to be released mid-July on My Other Side of the Moon, “Echoes”. This is just a preview of the amazing sounds, melodies, rhythms and emotions you will find in the complete collection.

A first one with My Other Side of the Moon, Dj Tomer & Ricardo unites a group of impressive afro-house producers and singers, starting with Kyaku Kyadaff from Angola on this one.

The piano chords supremely accompany the vocal and the drums and the synths are so engaging, no wonder this track has already been supported by Black Coffee, Themba, Djeff, Radio BBC one and many others, and will continue enchanting and keeping the dancefloors alive.

The Dub mix is also included in the release, which features a dominant synth and is also a perfect dance floor heater.

Are you curious to have a taste of this upcoming album? Stay connected to discover more!

Artist(s): Dj Tomer, Ricardo, Kyaku Kyadaff

Title: Zulu

Record Label: My Other Side of The Moon

Cat.Number: MOSM04223

Release Date: 26th May 2023

Tracklist : 

1) Zulu (Original Mix)

2) Zulu (Dub Mix)

3) Zulu (Radio Edit)

4) Zulu (Dub Mix Radio Edit)

Zulu_-_artwork_3000x3000.jpeg

Wellnergy Festival Partners With Spectrum First To Create First Safe Space For Neurodiverse Attendees

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Wellnergy Festival is excited to announce its plans to become one of the most inclusive festivals in the UK as it partners with Spectrum First to create the first ever neuro-inclusivity festival safe space which will cater for all neurotypes.
Attending events involving large groups of people or crowds can be difficult for neurodivergent people. This can create issues on a daily basis when needing to do things that are necessary, such as food shopping as well as impacting things that people might want to experience, including going to events like festivals.

Hopefully, this partnership will mean that people who would not usually go to such spaces feel safe in the knowledge that not only can they attend, but that they will be fully welcomed, understood and supported when they do.

Nick Steiert, founder of Wellnergy says, “Wellnergy is a very inclusive brand, so when it was suggested that we try and foster this even more by making our festival neuro-inclusive, it lit a spark inside of me and I jumped at the opportunity to try and make this happen.”
Gemma Barstow, Spectrum First added, “festivals, art and culture have been shown to have a positive impact on neurodivergent individuals, many of whom are creative and artistically minded themselves, however research has often shown these spaces to be inaccessible for a wide variety of reasons including, but absolutely not limited to, their sensory experiences.”
Working with Wellnergy will allow Spectrum First to bring its understanding of neuro inclusion to a festival space for the first time, focusing on how to support neurodivergent people to feel safe, supported but most importantly able to enjoy a festival whilst connecting with others.
Barstow adds, “We have published an article which demonstrates the choices we are making about this pilot and how best to create the space.  We will also be posting information about what to expect during specific stages of the festival. All of the design is being developed with and by neurodivergent people. Our mantra at Spectrum First is that there is no best practice, because we continually strive to better our methods, the same mantra that will be applied to this project!”
About Spectrum First
With a diverse and skilled team, Spectrum First are informed by cutting-edge critical neurodivergent research and lived experience. Our support is highly adaptable to meet individual needs and as a values driven company we prioritise the people we support alongside our neurodiverse team. We have had over 20 years experience successfully supporting neurominority people and our team has grown significantly in that time as a result of word of mouth and our company ethos.

Bedouin Release Long-Awaited Debut Album: Temple of Dreams

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A Transcendent Listening Experience, Seven Years in the Making 
 
New York, NY (May 19, 2023) – From a sleepless night in Ibiza to the uncertainty of protest and  lockdown in New York City, Bedouin embarked upon a seven year journey to complete their experiential, hypnotic debut album: Temple of Dreams (Human By Default). Through 15 tracks, 14 full songs, and one interlude – recorded on the L train – Bedouin (Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe) have created a deep listening experience showcasing their talents as songwriters, lyricists and musicians. 
 
Over the course of the pandemic, Abousabe and Malki spent a great deal of time finalizing existing material as well as composing, writing, singing and collaborating with diverse talent on new originals. Temple of Dreams is the culmination of these sessions, capturing the distinctive sound of the versatile, forward-thinking group who draws upon their Middle Eastern heritage, Western upbringing and worldly travels to connect with fans around the globe. 
 
“Temple of Dreams is an experiment that pushes boundaries and genres and lies between what we play live and what we’re capable of writing and producing,” said Malki. “We wanted to exceed expectations and present something completely new and sonically unexpected. This is not a collection of cuts; Temple of Dreams is a deep listening experience – a journey as winding and unpredictable as the last seven years.” Listen HERE.
 
The American-based DJ and music production duo have spent the better part of a decade fine-tuning their sound, masterfully blending their broad sonic vision and diverse influences. The musicians, singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists have pioneered genre transcending, timeless productions that have been featured on some of the world’s most notable labels such as Crosstown Rebels, Get Physical, All Day I Dream, and recently their own imprint – Human By Default. Temple of Dreams signals yet another evolution in Malki and Abousabe’s artistic development and enigmatic sound.
 
Track Highlights  
Every song on Temple of Dreams is composed, produced and sung by Bedouin along with collaborators on several tracks. All lyrics – with the exception of those on three tracks, “Tijuana” which uses the original lyrics by J.J. Cale; “Hokema” featuring the original lyrics by Sima Bina; and “Flore” with lyrics from the Cecilia song “Un Ramito De Violetas.” – were written by the duo. 
 
Temple of Dreams begins with the enchanting, ethereal sounds and grooves of “Rise and Fall”  followed by “Coldman” and its Eastern string sounds featuring seductive vocals by Nathan Daisy. Next is “Voices in My Head,” with darkly alluring vocals that bends genres with subtle nods to early 2000s hip hop. 
 
The global journey continues with the waves of “Wash Away” inspired by the rhythms of Tulum; “Crazy” featuring the raspy vocals of Armenian Singer Iveta Mukuchyan; the haunting “Hokema” performed by Iranian opera singer Delaram singing in Farsi; and the soulful “Flore”  alluring Spanish vocals by Chico Castillo of the legendary Gypsy Kings.
 
Other highlights include “Enjoy the Rain,” which starts with gentle acoustic guitar chords before a swell of percussion wraps vocals by Nathan Daisy; “Aliens” and “Love and Hate” which are dynamic, punchy house tracks; and “Fill the Space,” a mix of melodic magic, authentic instrumentation and rolling grooves.  
 
Temple of Dreams marks the highly-anticipated apex of Bedouin’s prolific career and artistic portfolio to date. Followed by a slew of original releases, 2020 marked the launch of their record label, Human By Default with their Whistleman EP, and in 2022 Bedouin recorded a groundbreaking Cercle set, filmed in Petra, Jordan. In addition to calling Burning Man home since 2012, in 2017 the duo debuted their award-winning weekly Ibiza residency and event concept SAGA, which quickly cemented itself as one of the island’s most sought-after weekly parties. On Wednesday, May 24, Bedouin will kick off the 2023 season of this immersive and transportive musical experience at Pacha, which features a massive lineup of world-class DJ talent in a visually mesmerizing backdrop. 
 
For more information and tour dates, please visit Bedouin.us/ or @beduoin_official 
 
 

Ibiza’s OpenLab presents OffBeat: Daniel Avery, DJ Masda, Roman Flügel, Ivan Smagghe & Optimo all Headline

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Visit: https://openlab.fm/news/openlab-presents-offbeat

For more on OpenLab: https://openlab.fm

 www.instagram.com/openlablradio

Every Friday

NUI Ibiza 

Opening 16th June 2023 

Renowned for broadcasting cutting-edge music across the airwaves of Ibiza, OpenLab is excited to announce a new clubbing experience OffBeat featuring performances by an eclectic selection of artists who seldom grace the shores of the White Isle.

With OffBeat OpenLab continues our mission to bring back the avant-garde eclecticism for which Ibiza first became famous. We’re looking to take people ‘Off The Beaten Track’ in Ibiza and provide an exciting, authentic alternative to the homogenized superclubs. A home for artists and clubbers alike to enjoy extended sets, experience new visual art, and be part of an event where music curation, artistic freedom and an inclusive policy sit center stage.

OffBeat will be held every Friday at NUI, an intimate industrial space situated in the heart of the Arts District on the edge of Ibiza Town. Complete with a finely tuned Function One sound system, late license and canvas for creating immersive AV experiences, NUI will host OffBeat from 16th June.

The response to OffBeat has been overwhelming with an unreal selection of artists across multiple genres all putting their trust in the project from the outset. There are several artists for whom OFFBEAT will be their Ibiza debut and others returning after many years of disillusionment. Highlights from the first seasons line up include:

A Love From Outer Space / Adam Pits / Alex Wolfenden / Ata / August Artier / Antonio Prosper / Awkward Moments / Bas Ibellini / Bobby. / Bianca Mandoiu / Bill Patrick / Call Super / Cici / Cinthie / Cumhur Jay / Daniel Avery /  DJ Masda / DJ Python / DouDou MD / Erol Alkan / Ivan Smagghe / Manami / Marlon Lopez / Mick Wilson / nd_baumecker / Optimo / Pascal Moscheni / Paula Tape / Peach / Prosumer / Powder / Ralph Lawson / Roman Flügel / Sofia Kourtesis / Tristan Da Cunha / TinTin / Voigtmann 

Founded by the late great Robert Miles and since reinvigorated by pioneering rave promoter and digital guru Quentin ‘TinTin’ Chambers, OpenLab is a global 24/7 culture platform based in Ibiza. Broadcasting worldwide via https://openlab.fm and on 104.4FM in Ibiza, OpenLab showcases a carefully curated selection of innovative, alternative electronic music and digital art. OffBeat looks to extend the platform’s programming as we add live shows to the mix, delivering exciting DJ and AV performances.

Visit: https://openlab.fm/news/openlab-presents-offbeat for more information and to register your interest.

For more on OpenLab: https://openlab.fm

Echoes from Agartha Reveal Mouthwatering Lineup for Return to Cappadocia

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Echoes from Agartha

Cappadocia, Turkey

July 26th – 31st, 2023

www.echoesfromagartha.com

Echoes From Agartha is one of the most cultured and unique blends of music, art and travel in the world. It runs from July 26 – 31st 2023 in the breathtaking ancient landscapes of Cappadocia in the heart of Anatolia, Turkey and this year will be headlined by Bedouin, Blond:ish, Dixon, Keinemusik, Echonomist, Guy J, Parallelle, Caleesi & Sarah Kreis, Savage & She, Mercan Dede & Secret Tribe (Live), Murat Uncuoglu and many more.

 

Echoes From Agartha happens across different venues that are all unique and utterly magical. The Zion which is inspired by the Matrix and located in a narrow canyon with tall rock formations that hug the dance floor, creating a cave-like illusion. The IO, a valley surrounded by ancient caves and fairy chimneys dating back to the 4th century and The Yunak Evleri, a rooftop venue that hosts a special sunset party surrounded by the cave rooms. New for this year is Saruhan Caravansary, Friday show in a historic caravanserai, or roadside inn, from the Seljuks Empire where travellers could rest and recover from the day’s journey. There will also be an extra after party for 1200 people in Karakus, a vast ancient cave after the events in Zion and an extra opening cocktail party in the Argos Hotel.

The soundtrack is a deep, spine tingling mix of classy and quality house and electronic from some of the most revered names in the game such as Saga party founders and Human By Default label heads Bedouin, the melodic mastery of Blond:ish, Innervisions founder Dixon, the ever on form Keinemusik, Greek stylist Echonomist, prog innovator Guy J, the acclaimed Parallelle duo plus more from the likes of  Caleesi & Sarah Kreis, Savage & She, Mercan Dede & Secret Tribe (Live), Murat Uncuoglu, Erdi Irmak, Borak, Cihangir Cinar, Eda, Ezgi, Zoe Dona and The Ace Brothers.

Away from the music, Echoes from Agartha has a wealth of local culture, customs and cuisines to explore. You can plot your own adventure with horseback riding, open air museum visits, classy dinner parties, traditional Turkish arts workshops, cave exploration and hot air balloon rides. All this is for only a few lucky people as the capacity remains limited despite huge global demand, all as a way of keeping a special intimate vibe at the festival.

Echoes from Agartha is a dream-like experience, a mix of music, culture and travel and once in a lifetime opportunity to head to this most historic region with a carefully curated soundtrack.

www.echoesfromagartha.com/

www.instagram.com/echoesfromagartha/ 

www.facebook.com/echoesfromagartha

Minimal Outfit ‘Them’ Kick off their Cova Santa Ibiza Residency with Rhadoo, Sonja Moonear, Praslesh and more

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Them is the freshest new minimal party in the underground. This summer, it is to host a much anticipated debut residency at the cult Cova Santa up in the Hills of Ibiza. It kicks off with a mouth-watering opener on June 1st featuring minimal maestros Rhadoo, Praslesh, Priku, Sonja Moonear and Hitch. This will be the most hyped new techno party in town so get your tickets now at Four Venues.
Founded in Bucharest, Them has already made a huge impact and won over plenty of European minimal connoisseurs. It has hosted several now legendary ADE closing afterparty as well as Off Barcelona closing afterparties with Loud Contact. It is well established in Europe with plans to go global but first it is stepping up with its own series at Cova Santa. What stands Them apart is that the parties put the music first. Add some superbly high grade sound systems and serious heads and you have an unmissable underground experience.
This summer Them comes to Cova Santa, a revered mid-sized club that is the coolest and most authentic place to dance on the island. It’s in a cave carved out by water over thousands of years and has a sun kissed outdoor terrace and intense main room inside with cutting end production.
The season-line-ups will come soon, but first is the special opener which brings together minimal’s most pioneering artists – many of whom you don’t get to see in such an intimate and personal setting.
This summer season is going to be all about Them. Make sure you’re part of the story.

UPPERGROUND Welcomes Ae:ther with Powerful New Single “Merlino”

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Follow Ae:ther on Soundcloud / Instagram / Facebook
Follow UPPERGROUND on Soundcloud / Instagram / Facebook

Berlin-based producer Ae:ther is back with a scintillating new release on ARTBAT’s UPPERGROUND Imprint. Titled “Merlino“, the single is a powerful and hypnotic piece that showcases Ae:ther’s ability to craft melodic techno with a deep emotional resonance.

Drawing on his love for ambient electronica, Ae:ther has created a track that effortlessly channels the energy of the dance floor while maintaining a sense of introspection and depth. “Merlino” is a prime example of his ability to craft sonic landscapes that are both powerful and intimate.

With his pedigree as a formidable producer and selector, Ae:ther has quickly becoming a name to watch in the electronic music scene.

LISTEN HERE

Born and raised in Rome with German DNA, he brings a diverse musical palette to his work, infusing his productions with influences from across the genre spectrum with his music catching the attention of industry heavyweights. As part of the new vanguard of electronic music producers, Ae:ther is perfectly poised to guide us into the future of the genre.

“Merlino” is a testament to Ae:ther‘s ability to create music that transcends boundaries and transports listeners to new sonic realms. It’s a must-listen for techno fans and anyone who appreciates the power of emotive electronic music.

Buy it here

Artist(s): Ae:ther
Title: Merlino
Record Label: UPPERGROUND
Cat.Number: UPND011
Release Date: 12th May 2023

Tracklist:
1) Merlino

Agents of Time Launch Their Time Machine Label With Debut Release Zodiac

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Agents Of Time launch their brand new label Time Machine with one of their own fresh new singles, ‘Zodiac’. 

Andrea Di Ceglie and Luigi Tutolo are the Agents Of Time and masters of their own richly melodic and atmospheric techno sound. It has come on revered labels like Afterlife, Kompakt and Ellum Audio while as performers they have headlined every major club and festival across Europe, America, the Middle East and beyond. Now they launch their own imprint which will offer further insight into their singular musical universe.

Time Machine: A glimpse of the future.

Zodiac is an exploration of deep space with astral techno synths and sleek, driving drums. There is a futuristic feel to the track and endless detail in the rich synth craft. A spine tingling breakdown brings the mood with spacious ambient designs and once the track kicks again it is sure to sweep entire dance floors off their feet.