Secret Garden Party music additions and more!

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Following Bank Holiday’s sold out Sunday Papers Live (pictured), The Secret Garden Party is pleased to announce a superb line up of comedy and talks for this summer’s forthcomingSecret Forum/ Sunday Papers Live; funny, provocative, engaging….

Secret Forum unveils comedy and speakers line-up…..

Comedy takes over the reins on Thursday with upcoming stand–up stars such as Justin Moorhouse (Phoenix Nights, Looking for Eric), Radio 1’s Tom Deacon, Joel Dommott (Skins,Russell Howard), Joey Page (Buzzcocks), plus hilarious sketches from Late Night Gimp Fight; Dick Biscuit: Private Eye – a one-man double act, and all mc’d by world record holder,MC Tim FitzHigham (BBC’s Superhumans), with music from The Mad Cows.

Friday sees Sanderson Jones’ Comedy Sale -The world’s only 100% hand sold comedy show. Sanderson Jones’ personal interactive approach has taken the Edinburgh festival by storm, and rocked out the Sydney Opera House with a sold out show. He’ll be recruiting people in-person for a high-octane interactive Friday night ubershow.

Talks and Speakers..

If we could eradicate all recreational drugs overnight, should we?

This inaugural Deep Banter Assembly will host a stellar panel featuring ex-Government Drugs Czar, Professor David Nutt (Imperial College, London), Jamie Catto (One Giant Leap, founding member of Faithless), Mike Powers (author – Drugs 2.0) and Rachel Seifert (documentary film maker – Cocaine Unwrapped).

Dave will be exploring neuro-psycho pharmacology, Jamie will be chatting about the evolution of consciousness, Mike will delve into the mind-boggling juggernaut of global distribution and Rachel will remind us all of the inhumanly high cost of production in its current form. The point of this discussion is to raise the level of conversation around this critical global issue, avoiding outdated debate traps, in typically interactive and spontaneous SGP style.

Arts and Expression Theme – ‘Superstition’ 

To explore this year’s art & expression theme Secret Forum reached out to some world authorities on the supernatural, the inexplicable, and the irrational; and struck gold.

Bruce Hood – infamous experimental psychologist; Jonathan Cainer – Daily Mail Astrologer; Chloe Rhodes – author, journalist; chair – Chris French – British Humanist Association. 

David Icke – as previously announced, will present a talk in his own inimitable style

How to Act

An experimental interactive Town Hall meeting, where we bring together figures from the coalface of UK Activism for an apathy-smashing discussion on how to change the world. To include: Ed Howker & Shiv Malik. authors of the Jilted Generation; Trenton Oldfield – arrested for interrupting the Boat Race;  Sophia Al–Maria – artist, writer, film-maker; David Babbs of 38 Degrees, plus more TBA.

And… 

Ramita Navai, Danni Paffard – one of the key organisers of UKUncut, MoveYourMoney; Leila Dean –  Greenpeace, most notorious for throwing green custard overPeter Mandelson;Cat Hobbs – runs We Own It, a new online anti-privatisation campaign; Ann Pettifog; David Babbs – 38 Degrees. More to be announced….

Fine Dining Gatsby-style at Soul Fire Restaurant….

Set in an oak framed canvas hall, with white linens, bread ovens, chandeliers and table service, Soul Fire is the calm before the storm…

Doors open at ten each morning for Brunch; the hall is packed until two pm – Bloody Marys, Eggs any style, table service and piano music sotto voce.

At 6pm it’s time for the evening dining extravaganza –  finest attire is encouraged, whether it be superman costume or Gatsby gowns. The team of very lovely waitresses and waiters attend to your every desire. Three courses and a fine wine list. Anexperience recommended for all Gardeners heading into the night. For Sunday,the traditions of the roast are on offer. Soul Fire uses the finest produce for this.

Head Chef Charlie Nicoll weaves his magic on a daily basis at the much-celebrated Moro restaurant onExmouth Market, having recently left a position running private dining for Sothebys. To celebrate our fifth anniversary this year we will be bringing in some very special chefs to join in the fun…Details to be announced soon. 

The incredible team of Bombas& Parr will be creating their exotic summer flavoured cocktail desserts.

Please book online for à La Carte and Roast sittings HERE.

Soho Theatre takeover at Black Cat Bar

Wander off the beaten track where the air thickens like a plot, and join a world of mystery and opulent splendour – with cocktails sweeter than sin, delectableconcoctions, divine delights, The Master and The Margarita, and secret alchemy with Lounge Bohemia. These will certainly be nights to remember…. or perhaps forget…

The infamous Soho Theatre curates the surreal Friday revelry. Other wild spectacles, music and performances include Temper Temper, The Little Theatre Of Dolls, Needless Alley Collective's Cabaret Outre and the illustrious Miss Behave…
 

Pop-Up Parties……….

Across the site this year there will again be a wealth of perfectly formed pop-up parties.

In a smoky room at the back of a dark bar with glittering lights writhes a Sweaty Lingerie Party. With protagonists decked out in lace, latex, sweat and smiles. They move to the music as more people dance into their midst. 

At the Virgin Baptism spritely young SGP virgins will be crowd-surfed by sparkly veterans into the lake. Those young virgins arriving on Thursday will be embroiled in a Pagan Celebration in the Badger Woods as their initiation into the ways of the Garden.

The Bad Luck Ball  will be a place of lone magpies, of walking under ladders, of new shoes on the table, umbrellas held aloft indoors, andsome of the cream-of-the-DJ-crop making you move. 

The Eclipse Party will pop the cherry of the new lake on Saturday afternoon. Fabulous fifties, swimsuits and polka dots. Actualreal-life synchronized swimmers will perform for your viewing pleasure. 

The Apocalypso is an art-car-boat-bar. With tropicaltunes whistling though her sails, she is filled to the gunnels with rare and spirited cocktails and crewed by future pirates.

Elsewhere the Wonderland Collective are teaming up with Bristol’s own Happy Daze for a dazzling glitter-filled party. White Mischief will be throwing one of their extraordinary vaudeville affairs somewhere on site whilst Rebel Bingo are bringing their brand of bingo debauchery for a secret session. Disco Knights will be laying down the beats with the Gypsy Disco crew, Fleet Macwood will be going their own way and wanting to be with you everywhere somewhere on site.

Frightened Rabbit and The Minutes added to Longitude lineup

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With just over a month to go until the most anticipated festival of the summer, Longitude today announce the additions of Frightened Rabbit and The Minutes to the line up.

Frightened Rabbit have spent 10 years finely tuning their sound to become one of the most immersive indie acts on the circuit. In February the band released their critically acclaimed fourth album Pedestrian Verse which has been described already as one of the albums of the year.

Dublin power trio in excelsis The Minutes are renowned for their powerhouse live shows. Averaging over 100 shows per year, 2012 saw them slaying crowds from Russia to Texas and all points in between. The band take a break from recording their second album to bring their distinctive brand of rock to Longitude.

TICKET INFORMATION

Weekend tickets (Fri, Sat, Sun) are priced €149.50 inclusive of booking fee

Day tickets are priced €54.50 inclusive of booking fee

Children 4 and under accompanied by a parent may attend free

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie

Subject to license

**Please note: There is no camping available at this festival**

Friday 19th July

Saturday 20th July

Sunday 21st July

Phoenix

Vampire Weekend

Kraftwerk (3D Concert)

Foals

Villagers

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Django Django

Paul Kalkbrenner

Hot Chip

Jake Bugg

The Maccabees

Mark Lanegan

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Local Natives

SBTRKT (DJ set)

Jessie Ware

Kodaline

Frightened Rabbit

AlunaGeorge

Trentemoller

Flume

Tom Odell

Laura Mvula

Japandroids

The Cast of Cheers

Gold Panda

London Grammar

MMoths

Mo

S O H N

Rhye

Young Wonder

Drenge

Petite Noir

Blue Hawaii

The Minutes

Vondelpark

Hudson Taylor

Half Moon Run

Matt Corby

Le Galaxie

Milo Greene

Dutch Uncles

Tribes

East India Youth

Stealing Sheep

Wolf Alice

Kool Thing

Marcus Foster

Mikhael Paskalev

Leaders of Men

Soak

Funeral Suits

 

White Collar Boy

Ofei

 

 

Bastille to headline Leopallooza 2013

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Leopallooza, one of The Guardian’s ‘Best Boutique Festivals’ and winner of ‘South West Festival of 2012’-  Cornish Guardian / Clean Slate Music (readers & critics poll) returns this Summer with three hard-hitting headliners. The chart topping BASTILLE….”Addictive melodies, humble lyrics and a cohesive sound, Bastille are a band where the buzz words couldn't be truer.” – DigitalSpy.com; Party-starters MAN LIKE ME…. “Man Like Me are entertainers… (they) play music to drink lager to, and they do it in a way where even the most prudish hipster can't help but join in.” – 405.com and the recently confirmed soul singer JACOB BANKS, fresh from both his showcase on Later…with Jools Holland and his support tour with Emeli Sandé.

Bastille

The headliners join a lovingly hand-picked, eclectic mix of the very best emerging talent, including: SWISS LIPS, THE SKINTS, BLUE ROSE CODE, JETTA, WET NUNS, FINDLAY, ELIZA & THE BEAR, BEBE BLACK, STRAIGHT LINES AND KEZIA…with plenty more acts to be announced. 

Leopallooza also welcomes Special Guest, Mixmag Editor Nick Decosemo who will be curating acts/DJS in The Treeline: House of Electronic Arts & Dance. There are also many more exciting additions to the Leopallooza weekend yet to be announced.

Leopallooza is also now confirmed as the ONLY UK STOP on the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, as we host the inaugural ‘JACK GEAR INVITATIONAL’ FMB event, which will see some of the best freestyle mountain bike riders in the world descend on Bude, to ride our challenging custom-built track set within the festival grounds.

INFO:

Leopallooza is held at: The Wyldes, Lower Exe Farm, Nr Bude, Cornwall, EX22 6UX.

Click here for Map/Directions

TICKETS:

Standard, Family, Sunday & VIP tickets are now available from:

Official website: www.leopallooza.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leopallooza

Or in person from No.9 shop in Bude, North Cornwall

** FREE CAMPING & PARKING INCLUDED! NO HIDDEN CHARGES! **

Standon Calling add London Grammar, Lucy Rose and more!

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Folk songstress Lucy Rose has today been announced for Standon Calling, which takes place in Hertfordshire 2nd – 4th August. The London-based artist and Bombay Bicycle Club collaborator is set to mesmerize festivalgoers with her beautiful vocals and emotive songwriting. Also joining the line-up are London Grammar who, since the release of their internet debut ‘Hey Now’ at the end of last year, have continued to impress with follow up releases and a Disclosure collaboration currently all over the airwaves. They are sure to do the same when they take to the stage this summer.
Across the festival, organisers have also added Chlöe Howl to the line-up, she’ll be telling it like it is with her sparky brand of electro-pop. Local girl Mary Epworth, whose mix of folk and psychedelic has music critics swooning will be a home turf highlight for the festival. Other additions to Standon Calling include Dizraeli & The Small Gods, Dancing Years, Lazy Habits ft Baby Sol and Lips Choir.

Standon Calling is excited to reveal three exiting new collaborations on the Lordship Stage on the lawns of Standon Lordship manor house. The Crypt Sessions, Loose and Folkstock Arts Foundation will all be handpicking a select lineup of exciting acts to come and wow crowds at the Hertfordshire festival.
 
Lucy Rose heads The Crypt Sessions’ line-up followed by Guardian New Band of the Day, Sivu and Annie Mac’s folk-favourite Emily & The Woods. Also on the bill will be Thomas J Speight, The Title Sequence, Lowpines, Gibson Bull, Aley Lenz and Matthew Neal. The Crypt Sessions' online video channel have been bringing stripped back, intimate performances from music’s finest into our homes for over three years and are now set to do the same on the Lordship stage.

Lucy Rose

Leading European Americana and Roots label Loose invite Folk-rockers Danny & The Champions Of The World to the Lordship Stage with further performances from Treetop Flyers, the guitar wielding married duo Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou, The Rockingbirds, solo singer-songwriter Peter Bruntnell, The Dreaming Spires and Case Hardin.

Open’er Festival confirms Everything Everything, Mount Kimbie and more!

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The line-up for this year's Open’er Festival is ever expanding as more outstanding major acts confirm for 2013’s edition.
 
Some amazing worldwide reowned acts join the Open'er bill today alongside a shining array of some of Poland's freshest and biggest selling music talent. Here they are…
 
Everything Everything

Can pop queen Beyoncé meet the avant-garde Arvo Part and twisted Mr Bungle on one record? Yes, if we're talking Everything Everything. Their second release "Arc" only confirmed that the Manchester band is among the most interesting ones on current UK scene. Combining an intelligent approach to art-rock with seeking their own interpretation of music, based on beat and the pulse

Everything Everything

 
Mount Kimbie
Mount Kimbie are two producers – Dominic Maker and Kai Campos – who discovered their style in late dubstep, a hushed sound famous from the albums by The xx and James Blake. Their music is minimalist, with many omissions, yet also danceable beats and pulsating bass. They debuted in 2010 with a well-received LP "Crooks & Lover”, which featured their most popular song to date: "Carbonated"
 
The National

You really thought Open’er 2013 could happen without The National? Only a few European dates (often headlining), and among them one at our festival, makes us proud and happy to welcome Matt Berninger's band to Open'er Main Stage again. The timing is perfect – for a few weeks, we've been enjoying the brand new, 6th studio album from the American band. "Trouble Will Find Me" is a full-on follow-up to "High Violet", both in terms in chronology and music and lyrics
Savages
 The all-female post-punk quartet Savages formed in early 2012, and released their debut single "Flying To Berlin" exactly a year ago. This was enough for the girls to surface the blogosphere and join trend-setting parties like New York's CMJ Maraton. Savages didn't take long to get signed (to Matador Records) or to record a debut album – "Silence Yourself" was released early in May  
 
Palma Violets
Often compared to The Libertines, Palma Violets rose to fame thanks to the path set out by Arctic Monkeys. Their internet popularity is the fruit of videos, depicting their chaotic, ultra-energetic concerts and social media. The grassroots success was soon backed up with big musical media – Palma Violets were listed in BBC Sound of 2013
 
Rykarda Parasol
A singer who swapped opera singing for rock music ten years ago, playing it in a dark manner, not unlike Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. She recorded her new, third album in her native San Francisco
 
Pianohooligan
Pianohooligan is the wild spirit of Polish jazz. A regular to international festivals. Real name Piotr Orzechowski, he experiments with his looks, but most of all with his music. Last year saw the release of his album "Experiment: Penderecki”, featuring works inspired by the distinguished Polish maestro
 
Stroon
Stroon is a Slovakian electronic music producer, who feels most comfortable in post-dubstep. He usually collaborates with different groups and projects
 
Plum
Two weeks ago, Plum played a great show at Barcelona's Primavera Sound. We could see with our own eyes how the crowd grew and grew with each minute, quickly turning from concentration to wild dancing
 
Fuka Lata
 Fuka Lata were another Polish highlight of Primavera Sound. The Warsaw duo performs psychedelic synth pop, easy to love for all retro music fans
 
Kim Nowak
Kim Nowak seemed to be a one-off side project for Waglewski brothers, usually working with their hip-hop projects. Lucklilly, they became a full-time group, who followed their great debut with an even better, darker release "Wilk"
 
Vienio (Profil Pokoleń)
Kapitan Nemo, Tomek Lipiński, Dezerter and Kodym (Apteka) are all guests invited by Vienio, the co-founder member of Molesta, rapper and journalist, to collaborate on his new solo album"Profil Pokoleń”. The release is a result of Vienio's meetings with musicians that shook the Polish scene in the 1980s
 
Łąki Łan
As this year's Open'er key visual is a grass ball, we absolutely had to inscribe Łąki Łan into it, especially when the gents have proven more than once that the Gdynia airport is their natural habitat
 
Ballady i Romanse/Igor Boxx
The Open'er audience had a chance to see both Ballady i Romanse and Igor Boxx of Skalpel on Open'er stages. This year, the musicians will meet in the same time and place, although with a very different repertoire
 
Sorry Boys
"The Sun", the first premiere song from Sorry Boys in two years, shows a new direction in their sound. You can hear hints of Bat For Lashes, Niki & The Dove, or even Kate Bus
 
hipiersoniK
A new project on the Polish scene, yet very successful both locally and abroad (they toured the UK with Hawkwind). hipiersoniK are inspired by cyber-punk culture, both in their music and lyrics
 
Semantik Punk
Semantik punk is a new name of Moja Adrenalina. The change of name came with the breakthrough album "abcdefghijklmnoprstuwxyz". It was produced by Rick Robinson, who was behind the decks while recording legendary albums by Sepultura and Slipknot
 
L.U.C & Motion Trio
L.U.C and Motion Trio will be Open’er's live premiere. What put the world-famous accordion trio with the musically hyperactive L.U.C? First, they met by chance at a hotel, and then took a step-by-step artistic path to find unusual musical solutions, finally releasing the album "Nic Się nie Stało”.
 
Please The Trees
Please The Trees are an alternative highlight of Czech alternative, who plant a new tree in every town they play. Awarded in their home country, often compared to The National and regular live acts abroad, they recently released their third album "A Forest Affair"
 
Hot Casandra
Hot Casandra – a Romanian electronic duo with a strong electropop drive. Currently residing in London, they've been venturing further and further onto the European scene, which is proven by their invitation to Open’er

 

Parklife Weekender 2013 Review

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The lead-up to this year’s Parklife Weekender came with much trepidation, and not just over what to wear (high-waisted and dangerously short shorts, “obvs”). The move to Heaton Park from a venue much nearer Manchester’s festival-ready student population was a curious one, no doubt intended to minimise disruption to the regular flow of the city.

Officially the event was a success, but I wonder who else left frustrated by some fundamental oversights. Happy or naïve, we arrive at the park mid-afternoon on a picture perfect Saturday. Ambling amid flowered fields and deliciously shady groves, you can’t shake the feeling of summer – least of all when it’s shaking you; a heavy bassline through the trees.

We miss Aussie boys The Temper Trap, on too early. It’s the same story for Alunageorge. You’d be annoyed if you forked out for a programme since the printed set-times have changed. There’s probably a good explanation, and en masse no one seems bothered, but it’s a blow for fans negotiating  crowds in pursuit of their favourite acts.

Jessie Ware lends her sexy breed of soul to the main stage, dedicating ‘Sweet Talk’ to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson: “Sir Alex, I love you!” she coos. People groove along to the summery track but conversations carry on. Over at Sounds of the Near Future (for the uninitiated, that’s another stage name), Baauer throws a towel over his head to soak up the sweat. Or shut out the lights. He’s allowed since he nails his set.

Despite massive headliners, the draw card of the new venue is a host of carnival attractions that have sprung up for the weekend. The ferris wheel, log flume and bungee jump are daunting, and at £20 a pop are out of this reporter’s meagre budget. We’re suckered in by the dodgem cars instead, & at only £4 the saving warrants another trip to the bar. A shout out here to all the bartenders we encountered, and not just in the lush VIP section. In absence of the friendly volunteers of say Glastonbury, they acted as a much-needed, vibrant face of the festival.

Londoners Gorgeous George make for an irreverent change in pace. Playing the smallest stage in the festival, we figure this is Parklife’s equivalent of the reggae tent. You know, the spot people seem to end up when everything else is winding down. It’s surprising and fresh. The very look of the band cuts through the day’s niggling sameness. The lead singer has that proper cockney edge, sporting an unlikely Adidas jumper.

Ever seen a trumpeter in skinny jeans? That’s not a euphemism either. Just, well, have you? It’s all very fun. The frontman asks that any booze (or worse) that wants sharing be passed to the front. When we leave we wish we’d stayed, or left much earlier. Getting out is a shambles. We’re told to follow the crowd and the rest is guess work. Fearing more of this, I’m less enthusiastic come round two on Sunday.

We race to catch festival royalty Mark Ronson in some kind of DJ battle with equally big-time A-Trak. A note to festival organisers – please, pick a name for each stage and stick with it? Sure, it’s a stand-alone festival on both days. Yes, you’ll be raking it in with sponsors. But it’s sunny, and we’re drinking. Don’t be difficult.

Under the Big Top, British duo Simian Mobile Disco are making something of a comeback. Theirs is an energetic, rhythmic set, competing against the alluring bass of the nearby Red Bull sponsored DJs. Yet again, we’re stuck at the edge of a tent trying desperately to be involved. We keep at it for a while, then allow ourselves a break to sit with burgers in the fading sun.

Everything Everything is sadly undersubscribed, possibly due to competition over at the Warehouse Project tent. I’ve seen them before, and as the action seems elsewhere we move on quickly. It’s not their fault. It’s TEED for the win you see, and after throwing ourselves about to ‘Household Goods’ we’re satisfied with the weekend’s efforts.

I won’t go running back to Parklife next year, but with a little bit of love and the right attitude it could certainly be more.

Check out the Parklife 2013 photos here.

Long Division Festival Review, Wakefield

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You’re going to Wakefield? Why? This was the reaction of several people when I mentioned we’d be spending the uncharicteristically hot, sunny day, not outside enjoying the weather in a festival field, but inside watching as many bands as possible in 7 of Wakefield’s venues.  As Post War Glamour Girl’s frontman proclaimed later on in the day, Wakefield has a thriving music scene at present, and boasts a printed fanzine Rhubarb Bomb and record label Philophobia.  Knowing this makes it a not so surprising locatioin for a multi venue city centre festival after all.
It was a return visit to Long Division Festival for me after being there in 2011, but a first visit for photographer Katie.  I was looking forward to how things had developed and to seeing the new venues.  Straight after arriving we popped upstairs at The Hop to catch a bit of The Dissolutions. Their rock was solid enough but not particularly original so we decided to make our way to another venue. The Orangery was almost ideally suited to the vocal talents of Jasmine Kennedy who kept the attentive crowd totally captivated, especially when she performed a song acapella. Her guitar strap also sported an impressive collection of Brownie Badges.  Next it was over to another new venue for me, the Drury Lane Library, for St Gregory Orange who I’d caught last time at the Cathedral. Unfortunately we only caught the last song with singer going out into the crowd as far as his mic lead would allow but it was enough to remind me not to miss them next time.
Downstairs at The Hop was the next port of call for a bit of Humanfly. I was initially intrigued by the metal stylings of the first song we caught but this was followed by a more straight forward rock so we decided to move on only to find them reprising their metal influences as we were leaving so maybe that was a hasty move. We were determined to visit all the venues so continued on our way to Velvet intending to catch Harry George Johns. Unfortunately the venue was running late and had an ammended schedule.  After a bit of a wait we caught Halifax’s punk, skiffle/country group Spirit of John who were initially meant to play two hours earlier.
I then made it over to the Theatre Royal for what turned out to be my highlight of the afternoon. This Is The Kit were definitely the right band in the right place with the beautiful pure folk voice of Kate Stables allowed to shine through. Yet it was the guitar effects that moved them up another level for me and made we want to investigate more.
Katie (photographer) headed over to Warehouse 23 to catch Wakefield band The Spills, their indie-rock has more of a nod to America than Yorkshire, but the changing time signatures and dual vocals from Rob and Chad set them apart from others.  Definitely a band to catch again.
In need of a little rest I remained at the Theatre Royal for first experience Post War Glamour Girls who were Katie’s hi light of the day.  They were preceded by Skint & Demoralised aptly doing one John Cooper Clarke poem (albeit Kung Fu International and not band’s namesake) and a well placed poem highlighting the contradictions in the tenets of EDL and BNP policy. Initial assumptions about the band themselves being moody and distant were dispelled by singer Andy’s inter-song chat. Their material was firmly grounded on the darker side of things and sounded great in the acoustics of the Theatre.
Taking a food break back at The Orangery we (and possibly the rest of Wakefield) could hear the call of Eagulls through Library’s open windows so we popped in for a couple of songs. After an initial assault of noise I was enjoying a darker and moodier song but a decision had be made and that was to go back to The Hop for Sky Larkin. However Ed Tudor Pole who I didn’t expect to see, was still performing downstairs and as he’d just started Who Killed Bambi it would have been rude to walk past. At the end of his boisterous set he was joined on stage by a few invited friends and later by a few who quite possiby weren’t for final song Swords Of A Thousand Men.
Next it was time to head over to the main venue of Warehouse 23. I had seen That Fucking Tank before and the guitar and drum duo can’t be simply pigeonholed asmath-rock so it’s very handy that they have such self-descriptive tunes as Acid Jam. The sizeable crowd of waiting Fall fans (easy to spot as they were all sporting Fall Fall T shirts and badges) seemed to enjoy their set too.
The Fall had had originally been the reason for me wanting to return to Long Division but a recent gig in Clitheroe had been a bit of a testing experience that made consider giving it a miss. However I shouldn’t have worried and even though Mark E Smith spent several songs seated on a dining chair, he and was on great form from the off. It was great to have a lot more new material in the set. Other highlights were Strychnine with Mark showing real attitude, Sparta FC and Reformation. It has to be mentioned the packed Warehouse was one of the hottest gigs I’ve ever attended, with many in the crowd having to use their programmes as fans but MES, ever the contrary bugger, was wearing a full lenght coat for much of their gig!
All that would have been enough for me, but Katie enjoyed Middleman’s set so much at last month’s Live at Leeds, she had to catch them again.  Initially, the crowd was a little sparse, probably people outside grabbing some needed fresh air after the stifiling gig, but the venue soon re-filled. Middleman’s energetic rap, rock has shades of The Prodigy and single Can’t Hold me Down and gets several fans joining singer Andy in crowdsurfing.
Overall another great Long Division.  Long may it continue especially with the promise of the Unity Hall being developed into another venue.  The variety of bands playing to help make this one of the best and importantly most compact city festivals there is.
Check out more Long Division Festival photos here

iArena lineup announced for Latitude

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As the sun sets over Latitude, the buzz builds and the party really starts, reaching a climax with headliners Bloc Party, Kraftwerk 3-D and Foals, however the fun doesn’t stop there. All those festival goers seeking late-night thrills can follow the winding path through the woods to witness some of the most exciting DJs and electronic acts from the UK and further afield,with a bill curated by Tuesday Born with Audio Doughnuts, at the i Arena.

On Friday evening the crowds will be treated to the best in home-grown UK sounds. Legendary 2-step/garage producer Zed Bias, whose remixing skills are in demand by the likes of Jessie Ware and Rita Ora and whose intense bass-heavy DJ sets were instrumental in the forging of dubstep, will be playing into the night. Also on the bill is Ossie whose smooth tones are inspired by the jazzy warmth of broken beat and the syncopated swing of UK funk. Rinse FM presenter Shox, named one of 2012’s ‘10 most exciting new producers' by Fact Magazine, has made a name for himself on the UK funky house and grime scenes, receiving plenty of national airplay courtesy of BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, 6Music and Kiss FM along the way. Getting the party started will be London-born, Brighton-bred Lorca, who is known for his solid house rhythms, soulful vocals and atmospheric 2-step loops.

On Saturday night the party continues, taking on a world influence. Londoner Romare’s perfectly executed sound explores African culture using collected samples and an academic approach. Also performing will be underground sensation Werkha who, since releasing his debut Cube & Puzzle in September, has enjoyed airplay throughout Europe, most notably from godfather of world music Giles Peterson. His set promises to showcase his infectious fusion of afrobeat, bass, house, jazz, funk, and soul, bound together and brought bang up to date through contemporary electronic. Following several trips to Ghana and sessions with local musicians, The Busy Twist, aka London producers Tuesday Born and Ollie Twist, capture the energy and vibrancy of Ghanaian life and music. Longstanding Glasgow based Mungo’s Hi Fi follows the original Jamaican sound system tradition and will be bringing their up-to-date reggae, dub and dancehall sounds to the night-time crowds.  

Sunday sees one of Chicago's most influential house music producers, Roy Davis Jr, take to the decks. A pioneer who has shaped the direction of electronic music for nearly two decadesand the man behind worldwide nightclub smash Gabriel, his set is one not to be missed.  Named after a Nigerian state capital, Benin City is Theo Buckingham on drums, Tom Leaper on tenor sax, and Joshua Idehen on rhymes.  Their vibrant and energetic performances have garnered them a loyal following, including John Kennedy (XFM), Mark Lamarr, Scroobius Pip, Ed Sheeran and Craig Charles. Multi-talented producer, pianist and vocalist Gabriel Benn aka Tuesday Born has been causing a stir on the ever growing London electronic landscape with his Afro-Electronic cocktail, a mix of Ghanian influenced rhythms and ethereal electronic jams. Warming up the crowds will be Russian born Anushka whose all vinyl DJ sets are a mixture of unique, deep, dark sounds.

Across the festival site there will be a huge selection of late night DJ’s to keep the crowds entertained including Moshi Moshi DJs, Jen Long (BBC Radio 1), Goldierocks, Dermot O’Leary’sIndie Disco, Phil Hartnoll of Orbital, Don Letts, Melt Yourself Down, Guilty Pleasures and Sink The Pink just to name a few!

This all follows on from daytime electronic tones of James Blake, Disclosure, Rudimental, Flume, SOHN, IAMAMIWHOAMI, and Purity Ring who will keep the crowds on their feet… see you there!

Lower than Atlantis, Passenger and more added to Hard Rock Calling lineup

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Hard Rock Calling today announced that Lower Than Atlantis, Jack Savoretti and Passenger will be joining headliners Kasabian and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in what will be the first shows at this iconic venue since the London 2012 Games. Tickets are available but selling fast – get yours now by visitingwww.hardrockcalling.co.uk.

British alt rockers Lower Than Atlantis and acoustic singer songwriter Jack Savoretti will join headliners Kasabian on Saturday 29th June. Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg) will be joing headliners Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, as second stage headliner on Sunday 30th June.

HARD ROCK CALLING 2013 LINE UP TO DATE, INCLUDING STAGE SPLITS, BELOW:

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE

SUNDAY 30TH JUNE

 

 

MAIN STAGE

MAIN STAGE

Kasabian

Bruce Springsteen

Paul Weller

The Black Crowes

Miles Kane

Alabama Shakes

Twin Atlantic

Zac Brown Band

Kodaline

Deaf Havana

Lower than Atlantis

The Carnabys

The Weeks

 

 

 

SECOND STAGE

SECOND STAGE

The Cribs

Passenger

Klaxons

Lissie

Tribes

Lawson

The View

Flamin Groovies

The Twang

Mayer Hawthorne

Twin Forks

The Temperance Movement

Dark Horses

Lonely the Brave

NO

 

Vuvuvultures

 

 

 

THIRD STAGE

THIRD STAGE

Gaz Coombes

Negramaro

China Rats

Syd Arthur

Syd Arthur

josh doyle

My Preserver

Cody ChesnuTT

Eliza And The Bear

Josh Record

Steve Cradock

Bruno Major

Jack Savoretti

Crowns

Yellowire

 

 

Alicia Keys to perform at Flow Festival 2013

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In her 12-year career, Alicia Keys has gathered 14 Grammys and sold over 35 million sold records. Success withFallin', You Don't Know My Name and Empire State of Mind – to name just a few of her hits – together with her reputation as a dazzling performer have taken Keys to work with the likes of musical greats Ray Charles, Jay-Zand Jack White.

The fifth studio album from Alicia Keys, Girl on Fire, was released in 2012 with the title track becoming a worldwide hit. Known as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and, of course, a veritable songwriting talent, Keys has over the years become one of the most praised artists of our times. She last performed in Finland in 2004, and now she will finally be seen for a second time, now in Suvilahti in August.

Alicia Keys

More acts will be added to the lineup during the summer. Earlier, artists such as Azealia Banks, Bat For Lashes, Beach House, Disclosure, Kendrick Lamar, The Knife, Kraftwerk 3D Show, My Bloody Valentine, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Of Monsters And Men and Solange have been announced in the lineup.