Beat-Herder Festival Review 2016

So here we are for Beat-Herder number 11. How do you follow last years’ amazing 10th Birthday celebrations I wonder, surely there can’t be more naked camel riders? With more fireworks, new venues and a cracking line up featuring huge names from across the dance spectrum Claude Vonstroke, Booka Shade, Miike Snow, Todd Terje, Jesse Rose, Justin Martin, Marshall Jefferson and Riton to name but a few. This is my sixth time at this small but perfectly formed festival in the Lancashire Dales; you could say I’m huge fan of what the brothers do. BH is different to other festivals; there’s attention to detail and creativity everywhere you look, and sixteen unique stages dotted around the site provide something for everyone.

Beat Herder 2016

Friday

Friday greeted us with all-day rain, which turned the main arena into a mud fest as soon as the gates opened. Not that little bit of mud is going to deter the Beat Herder loyal posse. They have also been coming here for years too and have a tattoo to prove it.

A quick pitch of our tent and were off to go on a tour of the new site. There're a couple of new venues to take in. Bubba Gumma is a 60s Barbarella-esque, bubblegum disco box that you enter from a long dark bunker. The DJ spins rhythmic Afro disco beats, and the party gets going. Psychedelic hippy den Sunrise boasted a thumping sound system. The Illustrious Society is home to the good, the bad and the glitterati. You can only enter if you are suitable dressed. Steampunk, monocles, and Victorian cloth to be precise.

Avoiding the soupy mud and relentless rain we hide out at the undercover venues Trash Manor, BH&DWMSC (working men's club) and Maison D’etre until the evening.

On the main stage on Friday night we catch German duo Digitalism, Swedish band Miike Snow, who drew large crowds and James. Booth enters the stage and delights the crowds with the promise of a decidedly dancy set. He shouts ‘This is dance festival isn’t it.' They performed a number of songs from their new offering ‘Girl at the End of the World’ alongside classics ‘Come home’ and ‘Laid’.

Miike Snow

James

On to Pratty’s ring and we catch A Skillz. The whole of the ring is erupting with his face-paced turntable trickery. The crowd was jumping and singing along. The rain pelted down again, and performances from Dirtybird founder Claud Vonstroke, and Radio one’s B-traits suffered smaller numbers than they should, save a few hardcore fans. We took shelter once again in the Parish Church and spent the night dancing away on the pews.   

A Skillz

 

Saturday

Salvage came on Saturday morning in the form of the sun, a welcome relief from Friday’s heavy downpours. Trudging around in what now is a soupy smelly quagmire is quite a workout. It's times like this that I remind myself that this is exactly why I like small manageable festivals and couldn't deal with the trauma of glasto. We take a bit of respite in the only bit of green grass we can see. We were swooped on by the Samaritans who are keen to talk to anyone in trouble. That certainly wasn’t us, unless they could resolve the mud, we just needed somewhere to eat our yummy cheese Raclette. It’s reassuring to know that they are there for people who needed it over the weekend.

Scottish singer, songwriter Donovan took to the main stage Saturday afternoon, an older crowd waved their arms to ‘Mellow Yellow’. Not really my cup of tea and he seems oddly placed for a predominantly dance festival, but that’s the beauty of the Beat-Herder offering. They are plenty of curveballs from folk, gypsy, indie, reggae and downright weird.

Local lad Paul Taylor brings with him an array of followers, and it is heaving inside The Fortress as fans scrambled to get on shoulders. I do like DJ, who knows how to work the crowd, and this was mightily evident in his set.

Paul Taylor

As the late afternoon cracked on, we saw the annual fancy dress come into play. This year’s theme was the letter ‘R’. We caught glimpse of Ron Burgundy’s, Ronald McDonald's, the Red Arrows, and an abundance of rodents and robots. Groups of revellers played paint powder fights in the afternoon glow, covering me and my camera. It's all good fun and warm vibes and I join in the banter. Gentleman's Dub Club and the Easy All Stars provided a particularly bouncy evening on the main stage, bringing some much needed energy to the fatigued crowd.

Beat Herder Fancy Dress

Gentleman's Dub Club

We headed up to the Toiltrees to catch one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend, house legend Marshall Jefferson.  He belted out house classics Peter Brown’s ‘Miracles’, Derrick May’s ‘Strings of Life’ and of course ‘Move your body’. He certainly didn’t disappoint and was one of my highlights of the weekend.

Firework cannons boomed before house veterans Booka Shade took to the stage. Despite playing their hit seminal hit 'Body Language’, it was a rather lack lustre set for a Saturday night headline act. Anyway onwards and upwards to Pratty’s Ring and the Fortress, which had a distinctly heavy bass and DnB feel to it. The evening sun played out and the parties across the site got dark and dirty.

Marshall Jefferson

Sunday

Sundays are for lie-ins, and we arose to the sounds of Mama Jerk and the Lady Fingers. The energy of jungle gypsy band Ushti Baba made us head to the main stage. Crowds started to gather and swing each other around to hypnotic trans-European melodies. There was an unmistakably chilled vibe to Sunday and everyone seemed smiley. 

Next up was Essex folk singer Beans on Toast who opened his main stage set with apt track called ‘2016.' “It’s got a short shelf life” he claimed. The emotional song brought unexpected tears to my eyes.  He recalled the unfathomable news that we have had to deal with this year; (Bowie, Prince, Paris, Victoria Wood, Lemmy, Turkey, Syria and the migrants, Brexit and our current state of political affairs). He jumped down into the crowd to get closer to the audience, pulling the leads behind him. He ran through an hours worth of his best from ‘Outlaws’, ‘The Chicken Song’ and ‘MDMA’. Like the 2pm slot at Glasto he drew the largest crowds. It was satirical commentary and storytelling at it’s best. Another festival highlight and surprisingly standout set that perfectly sums up the true spirit of festivals. 

Beans on Toast

In somewhat of a tradition at BH, we head up to the Toil to catch the laid-back grooves of Mr Scruff, and have one last boogie in the church. There’s a nun in the pulpit kissing her cross, as she waves and raves. It’s gone all heavy hip hop and breakbeat as they blast out Ice Cubes’ ‘You can do it’. Back to the main stage, we catch London reggae singer Kiko Bun's, before heading to the Fortress Krafty Kuts is kicking up the mud with a storming set. Taking to the stage in the Toil is the man of the moment Riton. A favourite for many, and drawing a largely youthful crowd. His mega hit ‘Rinse and Repeat’ pounds out of the Toil Trees system. 

Mr Scuff
 

It's difficult for any solo headliner to stand behind a desk of kit on their own, but Norwegian producer Todd Terje commands stage presence with ease. His set plays like one long soundtrack that undulates & bounces, with good visuals to boot. Girls get on shoulders for 'Delorean Dynamite', 'Disco Circus', 'Inspector Norse' and a superb mix of Stevie Nicks 'Stand Back' bleeds out into the night sky. At 12am dead on all the music across the site concludes and punters scurry off looking for sound systems across the camp area large enough to carry on the party. Many huddle round the fire not wanting it to end.

That’s it for another cracking Beat-Herder. Despite the mud, the organisers have done themselves proud and put on another party to remember. I hate that pang of sadness and a heavy heart that's it's all over you feel as you pull away from the site. You've had an incredible weekend, left the cares of the world at the door and entered into the spirit of abandonment. But soon enough it's back to reality, more politics and a Turkish coup. Take me back Beat Herder I don’t want to go home. See you 2017!

 
 

Beat-Herder Festival – Third wave line up announcements

THE BEAT-HERDER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE MORE ACTS FOR 2016
 
RIBBLE VALLEY, LANCASHIRE
15TH – 17TH JULY 2016

www.beatherder.co.uk
 
TODD TERJE LIVE
BEARDYMAN'S DREAM TEAM SESSIONS FT. MCS LEEN AND SEROCEE
A GUY CALLED GERALD
B.TRAITS
STANTON WARRIORS
TC FEAT MC JAKES
ED SOLO
APPLEBLIM

HIGHER INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (LIVE)
UNION JACK
FLAMINGODS
MARK ARCHER (ALTERN8)
PAUL TAYLOR
SUBCULTURE SAGE

COMEDY LINE UP ANNOUNCED:
TOM STADE, ROB RUSE, FERN BRADY, JACK EVANS

PLUS 2 NEW STAGES ANNOUNCED FOR 2016:
SUNRISE & THE ILLUSTRIOUS SOCIETY

ALSO ANNOUNCED:

ABBA ARRIVAL / TAN DEM / BIG BAD SOUND SYSTEM / HENGE / JINX IN DUB / JON STERCKX  / MOJO FILTER / MRS CAKEHEAD / NEW KINGSTON / PADDY STEER / PETE LAWRENCE / PHATWORLD / SMILEY MAXX / STEVE THORPE / SPONGEBOB SQUAREWAVE  / OH MY GOD! IT'S THE CHURCH / THORPEY / TRIKILATOPS / USHTI BABA / NIPPLES OF VENUS
 

 

Hideout Festival announce 16 boat parties for 2016

With tickets on the verge of selling out for a sixth year running, Hideout Festival has now have announced the programme for their infamous boat parties. Taking place between 26th and 30th June, some of the biggest names and nights in clubland will be bringing their parties to the high seas. Taking a turn at the helm this year with their specially curated parties will be Bicep, Mu Nu Leng, Darius Syrossian, Eton Messy, Dusky, Hannah Wants, Eats Everything, Preditah, Danny Howard, Monki, Gorgon City, B.Traits, Jackmaster and Midland, and the now infamous Welcome to Hideout Sunday parties. 

With two already sold out pre festival boats, followed by daily boat parties every day the festival takes place, there are sure to be many highlights with an outrageous amount of talent and special surprises set to play. The specially curated parties from the best nights and artists in clubland include Do Not Sleep, Feel My Bicep, Metropolis, Notion, Nothing Else Matters, Eton Messy, What Hannah Wants, Edible, Monki & Friends, Gorgon City Kingdom, Mu Nu Leng & M8's x Thump, Future Sound, Dusky Presents and not forgetting Numbers x Graded. An unmissable part of the festival experience, Mixmag will be jumping on board to film three very special sets from the seas. 

Those who prefer to stick to dry land will not miss out, as Hideout Festival boasts one of its most eclectic line ups to date with artists spanning the breadth of the electronic music spectrum. Over 150 artists are set to perform across the five stages along Zrce Beach including Skepta, Jamie xx, John Talabot, Hot Since 82, Andy C, The Martinez Brothers and many more.
 
Day to night parties span across sea and land from the 26th – 30th June promising round the clock unforgettable entertainment. The daily pool parties kick off every day from 3pm – 8pm hosted by good friends of Hideout including BBC Radio 1, Paradise, Jackathon and Elrow. 

“To celebrate this year’s epic festival season, Smirnoff, the world’s most popular vodka brand, is proud to be the official vodka and partner with the biggest festivals across Europe including Hideout; teaming up great music and great drinks to make the week one to remember." – Nicholas Cornbleet – Brand Manager Smirnoff Europe / Diageo

Hideout Boat Parties Presented by Smirnoff – Tickets available at http://hideoutfestival.com/

Welcome To Hideout pt 1
Hideout residents- 
Grainger
The Sonic Emporium
Arkive

Welcome To Hideout pt2
Hideout residents-
Last Magpie
People Get Real
Nicola Bear

Metropolis
Preditah
Mistajam
Plastician
 
My Nu Leng & M8's x Thump
My Nu Leng
Zinc
Mak & Pasteman
 
Nothing Else Matters
Danny Howard
Friend Within
Apres
 
Gorgon City Kingdom
Gorgon City
Riton
 
Notion
Patrick Topping
Denney
 
Feel My Bicep
Bicep
The Black Madonna
 
Future Sonic Voyage
B Traits
Alan Fitzpatrick
Gardens of God
 
Dusky Presents
Dusky
Jasper James
 
What Hannah Wants
Hannah Wants
Sonny Fodera
Devstar
 
Do Not Sleep
Darius Syrossian
Hector Couto

Edible
Eats Everything B2B Lord Leopard

Numbers x Graded
Jackmaster
Midland 
 
Monki & Friends
Monki
Toddla T
Mella Dee

Eton Messy 
TCTS 
Eton Messy
Gotsome

Major Lazer & LCD Soundsystem to headline Lovebox 2016 plus more

Now entering its fourteenth year, London’s favourite festival Lovebox returns to its home in Victoria Park for its biggest year yet.

Having already announced two explosive, London exclusive headliners, in the form of the long-awaited reunion of LCD Soundsystem and global phenomenon Major Lazer, the two-day celebration of music, food, fashion and creativity unveils a ram-packed, genre-spanning and era-defining billing.

From the hottest zeitgeist acts to established legends, hip hop to dance, grime to electronica, it’s a fully-formed line-up that cements Lovebox 2016 as the musical event of the summer.

MAJOR LAZER (FRIDAY)
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM (SATURDAY)

WITH (IN A-Z ORDER):

ALAN FITZPATRICK – ANDRES CAMPO – B.TRAITS – BIG NARSTIE – BILLY KENNY – 
CHET FAKER – CHRONIXX –
THE COMPOZERS – CRAIG RICHARDS CRITICAL SOUNDSYSTEM: KASRA B2B IVY LAB B2B SAM BINGA FEAT REDDERS –
DAVID RODIGAN MBE – DE LA SWING – DIPLO – DJ BARELY LEGAL – DJ HYPE & MC IC3 FORMATION – FRIEND WITHIN –
GEORGE CLINTON PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC – GEORGE PRIVATTI – GOLDLINK – HANNAH WANTS – HOT BLOOD – JACK GARRATT – JACKMASTER – JAMIE WOON (LIVE) – JORIS VOORN – JUNGLE – JUSTIN MARTIN – KANO – KIASMOS – LUCIANO – MIIKE SNOW – MØ – MELÉ + MONKI’S NRG FLASH  – ODESZA – OH WONDER – ONEMAN B2B MY NU LENG – PATRICK TOPPING – PREDITAH – RICARDO VILLALOBOS – RICHY AHMED – RITON – RUN THE JEWELS – SG LEWIS (LIVE) STEVE LAWLER – STORMZY -TERRY FRANCIS – T Q D (ROYAL T B2B DJ Q B2B FLAVA D) – WAZE & ODYSSEY

ALL WEEKEND LONG

FABRIC LONDON
EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL DEBUT

ELROW PRESENTS SAMBODROMO DO BRASIL

MUSIC, MISCHIEF AND DANCING AT THE CARNIVAL BANDSTAND “TROPISKARNIVAL” PRESENTED BY GLOBAL LOCAL, VINTAGE REMIX AND WORMFOOD

SPIN AROUND AT THE BUMP ROLLER DISCO

NEW VOICES AT THE VOICEBOX WITH ROUNDHOUSE AND APPLES & SNAKES

FASHION AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUES
LONDON’S TASTIEST STREET FOOD
AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON…

Opening for Major Lazer on Friday are cult favourites Run The Jewels, the critically acclaimed rap duo who have released two of the best mixtapes of the past few years and carved out a reputation as one of the best live acts on the planet. This incendiary double act, AKA Killer Mike and El-P, are one of the most charismatic and compelling acts in hip hop today, merging socially conscious lyrics with huge beats. They’re the perfect act to fire up the crowd in time for Major Lazer’s headlining slot.

The voice of Major Lazer’s global smash ‘Lean On’, and fast-rising star in her own right MØ will be performing tracks from her highly-anticipated sophomore album, as well as fan favourites from her debut No Mythologies To Follow.

Jamaican superstar Chronixx will be treating the Lovebox crowd to his modern take on reggae, whilst man of the moment Stormzy will be bringing his neo-grime flow and viral freestyles to the Park. Stormzy says: “This is going to be so so sick”.

Hip hop, grime, and drum and bass will all be represented on the Friday, with US rapper GoldLink, D&B producer DJ Hype & MC IC3, Flava D, DJ Q and Royal T’s project t q d, outspoken emcee Big Narstie and D&B collective Critical Soundsystem.

There’ll be unmissable sets from some of the world’s biggest DJs. Before he steps on to the Main Stage Diplo will be spinning solo, Ed Banger alum Riton will perform, as will Lovebox friend and favourite David Rodigan MBE. The unstoppable Hannah Wants, dirtybird co-founder Justin Martin plus Waze & Odyssey, Friend Within and Billy Kenny will also be in attendance and there will be special collaborative sets from the most exciting names on the UK dance scene with Oneman B2B with My Nu Leng plus Melé + Monki’s NRG Flash.

Across the weekend, Lovebox are thrilled to join forces with another London musical institution – the mighty fabric. One of the world’s biggest and best club spaces, they’ll be bringing a killer line-up to a festival field for the very first time.

fabric say: “As an East London venue ourselves we’re especially delighted to be hosting a stage at this year’s Lovebox and to be bringing a whole lot of what we do and the artists we love to the festival.  It’s taken a lot of work from both Lovebox and fabric to make this exclusive concept happen and it’ll be our first time ever bringing fabric to the field.”

On the Saturday, Lovebox are delighted to welcome London collective Jungle to the stage for an England and Wales festival exclusive. The band’s modern take on soul make them a perfect fit to perform ahead of Saturday night headliners LCD Soundsystem who are also known for their innovative interpretations of classic genres. Jungle have developed a reputation for being a formidable, hugely fun live act and as the sun sets on the Park they’ll provide an appropriately atmospheric soundtrack. Jungle say: “Lovebox is legendary and we feel so lucky to be a part of it this year. Nothing beats playing outdoors in your own city… See you in July!”

Some of the brightest singer-songwriters will be serenading the masses, from Australian electronic musician Chet Faker to the experimental, acclaimed Jamie Woon (live) via the folktronica sensation Jack Garratt.

East London’s own Kano will be performing tracks from his long-awaited new album Made in the Manor, as well as classic cuts from his back catalogue.

Some of the biggest names in dance will be spinning, including techno legend Ricardo Villalobos, tech house wizard Craig Richards and producer Terry Francis.

That’s not all – there’s anthemic electropop from duo Oh Wonder, hook-laden Swedish indie pop from Miike Snow, lush electronica from SG Lewis (live), beautifully minimal Icelandic techno from Kiasmos and electronica-tinged rock from Seattle duo Odesza.

Lovebox are honoured to play host to the legendary George Clinton and his funk, soul and rock collective Parliament Funkadelic. Their euphoric live shows are something to behold.

Barcelona party-starters Elrow will also be returning to the Park following several sold out London shows. Their trademark fun-loving theatrics will be reapplied this time in the style of Brazilian carnival for Elrow Presents Sambodromo do Brasil.

Vice music channels Noisey and Thump will return to Lovebox once more to curate their own forward-thinking, individual stages, as will Hackney’s NTS Radio, Soundcrash in association with Clash, Krankbrother and Corona Sunsets.

Kopparberg is set to bring a taste of scandi-cool to this summer’s Lovebox and Citadel with the arrival of the popular Kopparberg Urban Forest.

Carved into the forest will be a woodland bar serving up all kinds of refreshment from the independent Kopparberg brewery in Sweden, including its selection of delicious fruit ciders and the brand new Kopparberg Fruit Lager.

Kopparberg will also be supporting the very best in creative and imaginative live music, by hosting a series of pioneering artists and DJs on its renowned Urban Forest stage.

As well as a thrilling musical line-up, there is plenty to experience in the Park over the weekend. Shangri-La Superstar’s “Tropiskarnival” Bandstand boasts an eclectic programming of world music and dance programmed by Chris Tofu, with performances from the likes of United Vibrations, Temple Funk Collective and Cut Capers.

The Voicebox presented by Roundhouse and Apples and Snakes platforms emerging voices in spoken word and poetry, whilst revellers can spin around to DJ sets at the Bump Roller Disco, sample London’s tastiest street foods and browse the finest fashion and beauty boutiques.

With even more incredible talent still to be announced, this will go down as another unforgettable chapter in Lovebox’s rich history.

The Winter Social Review

The Winter Social

Three train journeys, half an hour on the tube and a shuttle bus later and Summer Festival Guide has arrived at Kent County Showground.

A mile-long queue waits impatiently outside as they hold on to their tickets for dear life.

On first impression, the venue where we'll spend the next 10 hours looks like somewhere you'd hold a wedding, but on closer inspection and once inside, it's more like an aircraft hanger techno haven. Conveniently laid out, you can pop in and out of The Barn and The Meadow, making tough clashes like Guy Gerber or Steve Lawler and Maya Jane Coles or B Traits just a little bit easier.

The soundsystems in both rooms are as good as any night-time club and the overall aesthetic is pretty minimal.

Stepping outside is the only time you'd know it was still the middle of the day, because once immersed in B Traits' techno set you'd be forgiven for thinking it’s 4 in the morning at Fabric.

The Winter Social - summerfestivalguide - Flickr

The VIP area, as well, is a nice addition, with leather sofas and bar stools to sit at, as well as some surprisingly fresh smelling toilets…  

Eli & Fur opt for their trademark melodic deep house sound, whilst Russ Yallop takes Kent to Paradise with his undeniably infectious wAFF collaboration 'Mike The Swamp' – as one guy gets over excited opening his beer, which ends up sprayed all over the clean floor.

There's not really an age limit, either. If someone's into house and techno music, chances are that they're somewhere among the few thousand in the crowd. 

AME, playing an early afternoon slot, starts his journey of melodic, building techno with plenty of eery vocal-led tracks just as two girls in fluorescent orange vests synchronise the same dance moves.

B Traits, meanwhile, opts for acid, electro and techno in The Barn, dropping some bangers that fill up our Shazam pretty quickly.

The seasoned DJ even dares to be different, throwing in a drum and bass track in her final half hour, before flawlessly mixing it into Barnt's techno thumper 'Chappell' – a track that we'll never get tired of.

The Winter Social - summerfestivalguide - Flickr

Steve Lawler then delivers a standout set full of VIVA Warriors’ tech-house hits, as Eats Everything gets himself psyched up watching on from behind the decks and one guy at the front barrier starts bowing down and goes in for a hug with Bristol's favourite party animal. 

Whilst Eats goes back to back with Yusef in the Barn dropping Basti Grub, Natch! & Dothen’s 'Oh Baby Dance' to get everyone warmed up for their three hour slot, Nina Kraviz delivers a set full of fire – quite literally.

Throughout the faultlessly energetic heavy techno onslaught, flames burst from in front of her as she bounces around behind the decks.

It’s the first time SFG has seen Kraviz play and it certainly won't be the last. Fifteen minutes into her hard-hitting set and she’s already won the day.

Nina Kraviz proves time doesn't wait for techno – it's only 7.30pm but when Josh Wink and Lil Louis' 'How's Your Evening So Far?' drops, it feels like 3am.

A tough act to follow, but Social founder Nic Fanciulli going back to back with Joris Voorn delivers another impressive few hours, leaving Drumcode's Adam Beyer to headline the event – certifying The Social's status as the UK's best indoor house and techno festival, undoubtedly. See you next year! 

The Winter Social - summerfestivalguide - Flickr

 

Bestival’s Temple Island Lineup Announced and DJ Competition!

A beacon of bacchanalia in a wonderland of ludicrously good times, our very own church of dance, Temple Island, is set to return with a litany of big guns to add even more passion to Bestival’s Summer of Love. Curated by The Physical Network and now a firm Bestival fixture among over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems and psychedelic woodland-based adventures, Temple Island will be taking all-out partying to epic proportions this September 10-13 at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.

THE TEMPLE OF LOVE

TEMPLE ISLAND RETURNS FOR DANCEFLOOR LOVE-INS

THURSDAY:

MADLIB / JUICEBOX PRESENTS: JONAS RATHSMAN, EJECA, SG LEWIS, JOE HERTZ & JUICEBOX DJs / 99 SOULS

FRIDAY:

PHILIP GEORGE / DISCIPLES / TCTS / SHADOW CHILD / ALEX ADAIR / WORLD OF RAVE & MUSIC MONDAYS PRESENTS: ALTERN-8, LIQUID, RAT PACK, BABY D, KAOTIC CHEMISTRY, SLIPMATT, BILLY BUNTER, UNCLE DUGS / IDIOT SAVANT

SATURDAY:

HUDSON MOHAWKE / DC BREAKS / ZINC / NOVELIST / SHERWOOD & PINCH / KLOSE ONE / KURUPT FM / FONO / BARELY LEGAL / JOSEY REBELLE

SUNDAY:

B.TRAITS / PARANOID LONDON / MOXIE HYPERCOLOUR PRESENTS: DENSE & PIKA, LUKE VIBERT, TOM DEMAC, DMX KREW, 2 BAD MICE, A SAGITTARIUN, CEDRIC MAISON / DAVID DABIEH

PLUS:

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR TEMPLE ISLAND DJ COMPETITION

AND:

DANIEL AVERY, HEIDI AND TOM TRAGO COME ABOARD THE PORT

A beacon of bacchanalia in a wonderland of ludicrously good times, our very own church of dance, Temple Island, is set to return with a litany of big guns to add even more passion to Bestival’s Summer of Love. Curated by The Physical Network and now a firm Bestival fixture among over 25 stages, revolutionary soundsystems and psychedelic woodland-based adventures, Temple Island will be taking all-out partying to epic proportions this September 10-13 at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight.

Bestival’s principal dancer Rob da Bank says: “Bestival people! Man, I am so excited about the centre of our rave universe, Temple Island, and its line-up for 2015. Last year Temple Island, with its tiered stadium party vibe, was non-stop from Thursday till Sunday night, and one of my favourite places to hang out and get lost in my little pockets of downtime!

This year I’m confident we’ve pulled some mega guests out the bag, from the mighty Hudson Mohawke to the incredible Madlib kicking it off on Thursday, chart botherers Disciples, Philip George and Alex Adair, plus our hardcore Friday night extravaganza, some vintage sounds from Sherwood & Pinch, and new blood Kurupt FM and B Traits, to name but a few. In fact, I can’t see a duff act within 100 decibels of that stage. Tops off, whistles out and get ready to rave… Temple Island-style…”

Temple Island curator and director of The Physical Network, Liam Negus-Fancey says: “This is Temple Island’s third year at Bestival, and this year we’ll be back where we were in 2014, continuing to build on the massive success of the stage. As always our line-up is focused on what the ambassadors want. And this year, Robby and I, and all of Bestival’s ambassadors will be selecting an up-and-coming DJ to join our amazing line-up. So please sign up for this once in a lifetime chance”

Getting it on from the get-go, Thursday will see hip-hop hero Madlib dropping the knowledge, and, transplanted from their Notting Hill Arts Club home, Juicebox presents underground house genius Jonas Rathsman, Ejeca, SG Lewis, Joe Hertz & Juicebox DJs, plus we’ll have a set from firing house duo 99 Souls to boot!

Friday‘s dancefloor spanking action comes from Philip George, producer of chart-smashing hit Wish You Were Mine, with sets from bass explorers Disciples, plus TCTS, Shadow Child and Alex Adair. There might just be a whiff of the old vaporub in the air, too, as World of Rave & Music Mondays Presents: Altern-8, Liquid, Rat Pack, Baby D, Kaotic Chemistry, Slipmatt, Billy Bunter and Uncle Dugs. And we’ll have escapism through live melody, courtesy of Idiot Savant.

Genre-swerving production powerhouse and seasoned floor destroyer Hudson Mohawke heads up Saturday’s DJ business, with sets from drum n bassers DC Breaks and legendary beats purveyor Zinc, who will be performing a very special ‘Trust Me I Was There’ set. Plus there will be appearances from Novelist, Sherwood & Pinch, Klose One, Kurupt FM, Fono Barely Legal and Josey Rebelle.

Rinsing every last drop of love the weekend has to give, Sunday will see Digital Soundboy’s leading lady B.Traits taking things higher with help from Paranoid London, and Moxie. While Hypercolour presents: Dense & Pika, Luke Vibert, Tom Demac, DMX Krew, 2 Bad Mice, A Sagittariun, & Cedric Maison, plus we’ll have house & garage action from David Dabieh.

We’re also giving one up-and-coming DJ the chance to play on one of Bestival’s busiest stages with our momentous Temple Island DJ Competition! All you need to do to win a coveted slot on the stage is upload your finest floor-filling DJ mix (no more than 30 mins) to your Soundcloud/Mixcloud/YouTube channel and submit the link along with your name, age and location at http://bit.ly/BTIDJcomp. Bestival curator Rob da Bank and The Physical Network’s Liam Negus-Fancey will select their favourite 10 mixes, and then our Bestival Ambassadors will vote for the winning mix! An unmissable epicentre of saturnalia, Temple Island will transport you to new and euphoric dimensions of love for the party. Don’t miss it.

And, speaking of parties, we’re delighted to be able to announce that we have three new names to add to The Port’s insane line-up. All part of Annie Mac Presents’ historic Masters & Makers back to back sessions, we’re super-excited that techno genius Daniel Avery will be going up against his Phantasy label boss Erol Alkan, and Radio 1 resident Heidi will take on dancefloor destroyer Tom Trago, guaranteeing next level hands in the air action at our land-locked labour of love.

Huge additions to Bestival 2015 lineup

Currently showing just about everyone exactly how it’s done, we’re delighted to announce long-time Besti-friend, Charli XCX, is coming back to Robin Hill to blow apart our Summer of Love! Also making a triumphant Bestival return is purveyor of blissed out balladry, Lianne La Havas, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce Neneh Cherry is coming to Bestival, playing alongside London duo RocketNumberNine, with whom she released the album MeYouWeYou in 2013.

We’ll also have the gravelly tones of Ella Eyre, experimental singer-songwriter Andreya Triana, BBC Radio 1 raver B.Traits, and BBC 1Xtra’s ever-eclectic Monki, the stunningly brilliant SOAK, Manchester synth ace Lonelady, fuzzy Scottish duo Honeyblood, interactive audio-visual genius Kate Simko & London Electronic Orchestra, and California-based lo-fi duo Girlpool. Plus we’ll have music fromMoxie, Josey Rebelle, DJ Barely Legal, Ekkah, Jagaara, Throwing Shade, Laura Moody and Graceland.

And, lest we forget, we also have a star-studded array of previously announced acts including Roisin Murphy, Little Dragon, Kate Tempest, Snap!, Annie Mac, Lily Allen Presents Funlord, Hannah Wants, Lapsley, Shura and Rae Morris, amongst a veritable love-in of amazing joy that includes The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Duran Duran, Tame Impala, The Jacksons and many, many more.

Clean Bandit, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim and more set for Croatia Rocks

The pioneering Ibiza Rocks brand will travel to Zrce Beach to once again revolutionise the music holiday format with Croatia Rocks on 19th – 23rd July 2015. The festival marks a decade at the forefront of the Ibizan music scene for the group.  Working with the team behind the monumental Hideout Festival and with Ibiza Rocks’ Musical Director Zane Lowe at the helm, Croatia Rocks will welcome a handpicked selection of live and DJ heavy hitters and newcomers from the world-famous Rocks & W.A.R! stages. 

By day, Croatia Rocks teams up with the biggest clubbing brands on the planet as revelers are treated to a myriad of DJ talent against the backdrop on the stunning Adriatic coastline. By night, The Rocks and W.A.R! stages deliver the best of live and electronic music into the early hours as the crowds party with the biggest names and hottest upcoming talent.

Live highlights at the inaugural Croatia Rocks include the standout live act of 2014 Clean Bandit, the funk-inspired Jungle who bring their extensive live show to the beautiful surroundings of Zrce Beach. Kwabsbrings his exceptional vocals and anthemic songwriting to sun-kissed revelers, while lyricist Kate Tempest, the hotly tipped Shura, Brighton-based surf-rockers Black Honey and high-energy London lads The Bulletproof Bomb, all fly the flag for innovative new UK music. 

Croatia Rocks will also host DJ sets on the sandy beaches of Pag from double BRIT winner Fatboy Slim, who returns for the first time in three years to Croatia. After the roaring success of their number one debut album 'Home' Rudimental will fire up the Croatia Rocks crowds with a very special DJ set as well as a plethora of electronic music’s finest including WilkinsonHannah WantsBlondeB.TraitsSoul Clap,MonkiShy FXFriend WithinKarma KidWaze & OdysseyDJ Luck & MC NeatDoorlyMak & Pasteman,  Eton Messy DJsJaymo & Andy GeorgeTom Shorterz and Lxury.

SW4 2014 lineup increases with Mistajam, Mike Skinner and more

We here at the Summer Festival Guide are excited to announce the newest addtions to this years South West Four which include Mistajam, Mike Skinner, MJ Cole, Friction and more!  Read on for more information. 

As one of electronic music’s most instantly recognizable and influential charactersMistaJam will make his way to South West Four for the very first time to host the next edition of his bubbling multi-genre melting potSpeakerbox. His fearless approach of mixing humour and musical risks has propelled him through the ranks of BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1, resulting in him being widely considered as the nation’s ambassador for fresh new music.  As one of theleading pioneers of the UK’s crossover climate, his ear for undiscovered music and rising talent is second to none. Having expressed that musical boundaries are clearly of no interestexpect the unexpected as MistaJam gets ready to host the next episode of Speakerbox at South West Four on Sunday 24th August.

SW4 is pleased to announce one of the finest back-to-back battles in all of our ten year history. As two of the urban scene’s most inspiring figures, we can confirm that Mike Skinner and MJ Cole will go head-to-head for the greatestof festival performances. Through releasing records such as ‘Sincere’MJ Cole’s intricate, heart-wrenching garage productions has kept him at the forefront of a continuously evolving market. Lining up alongside him is the man behind the musical phenomenonThe Streets. Continuing to push boundaries as a musician, Mike’s DJ sets vary from house to old school hip-hop right through to drum and bass, and therefore it is safe to say that Skinner never fails toignite the party spirit. As the perfect festival addition, this is a special one-off performance that you cannot afford to miss.

Oxide & Neutrino are London’s original DJ and MC duo and subsequently form one of 2014’s most eagerly anticipated debut performances. As former members of the infamous So Solid Crew, their relentless energy and on-stage chemistry make them two of the most electrifying live performers of today. With timeless classics ‘Bound 4 Da Reload’ and ‘No Good 4 Me’ sure to bring Clapham Common alive, there is no doubt that the boys from South London are preparing to deliver a very special performance on their home soil. With the dynamic duo bringing it back to where it all began, this marks a landmark occasion and one of the weekend’s standout highlights.

If you were lucky enough to witness the utter carnage created on our main stage by Friction in 2013, then you’ll know exactly why we’ve invited him back for more. As one of the most revered names in the game thanks to hisastonishing three deck wizardry and extraordinary technical ability, we can now confirm the official return of the Shogun Audio boss. Boasting one of the most extensive back catalogues in drum and bassFriction has been associated with every major label imaginable including RAMHospitality and MetalheadzSW4 get ready for anarchy and disorder as we welcome Friction back to Clapham Common.

Hailing from the UK’s electronic music mecca of BristolMy Nu Leng have established themselves as one of the most creative and exciting duos of today. As core members of the Black Butter crew, the pair have mastered a soundthat is simply impossible to pigeonhole by drawing influence from the entire electronic spectrum and constantly shifting between pitch-layered vocals and bass-heavy rumbles. With further remix duties catering for Clean Bandit,Naughty Boy and Rudimental on top of the release of their ‘Masterplan’ EP earlier this year; we cannot wait to hand My Nu Leng their SW4 debut.

From the electronic breeding ground that is CanadaB.Traits boasts one of the most original sounds on the scene. By incorporating the key elements of breakbeatjungledubstepdrum & bassreggaehousegarage and everything in between, B.Traits is the ultimate festival performer. With her weekly Tuesday night radio show on Radio 1 showcasing the finest emerging UK bass music, her sets are always bursting with vibrantforward-thinking future music. Adopting a mix and match approach that would normally spell disaster for the lesser skilled hands, the female half of Digital Soundboy is undoubtedly one of the world’s most exciting female talents making this one up-front performance one you can’t afford to miss.

Miami based hip-hop leaning duo GTA have certified themselves as one of today’s most interesting and unique electronic acts. Made up of Matt and Julio, the duo is armed with endless creativity, a tireless work ethic and a fierce dedication to their craft. Refusing to be held to a particular sound, the boundary-breakers have taken USA by storm and are well on their way to conquering Europe. This has led to a permanent queue of support and in-turn remix requests from the highest orderDeadmau5Wolfgang GartnerMichael Woods and Clockwork to name a few. SW4 get ready for GTA.

As one of the freshest young talents currently rising through the electronic ranksKarma Kid has quickly become one of the most promising prospects in UK bass music. From bursting onto the scene with a series of original releases on Just UsRoche Music and L2S Recordings to a stellar remix of Ben Pearce’s ‘What I Might Do’, Kidnap Kid is clearly one of the leading innovators of the new school. Playing South West Four for what is sure to be thefirst of many times, 2014 looks set to be a dominating year for the 19 year old. You can find out exactly why as he lands at SW4 on Sunday 24th August.