Today, Jon Hopkins reveals a transcendent new collaboration with Brazilian techno producer ANNA. Evolving over a month-long trans-Atlantic collaborative process, “Deep In The Glowing Heart (Night Version)”, feels like an explosive release of energy, inspired by Hopkins’ return to regular DJing this year. With early versions of this track being premiered to huge crowds by both artists at their DJ sets across the world – including ANNA at Coachella, and Hopkins at Fabric – the Night Version is now available to hear widely for the first time.
The original version of “Deep In The Glowing Heart” is found on Jon Hopkins’ latest studio album Music For Psychedelic Therapy, released in November last year. Talking about the song, Hopkins said there is a feeling that “music can cleanse you, music can guide you through”. The Night Version takes you on a very different journey.
Hopkins says of the collaboration: “I first came across ANNA’s music through her track Hidden Beauties, which I found myself playing in DJ sets all the time and always goes down so well. I then asked her to remix Singularity and the results were so amazing I was super keen to work with her again but in a more collaborative way, rather than just handing over stems. We went back and forth a lot and it flowed really well. I love how this one turned out, it’s such a meeting of our two styles.”
ANNA adds: “It is a big honor to be able to create music together with Jon. His music is part of my daily life, part of my meditations, my long walks and contemplative moments. My remix for his track ‘Singularity’ had a huge impact on my career and getting to know Jon better since then, and collaborate on this version of DITGH, it feels like our relationship has come full circle!”
Music For Psychedelic Therapy was Hopkins’ first full-length since sister albums, the GRAMMY-nominated Singularity (2018) and Immunity (2013), it was a departure in sound from these records; “an album with no beats, not one drum sound, something that is closer to a classical symphony than a dance / electronica record.”
Alongside festival appearances this summer, Jon Hopkins is pleased to present several special playback events where there will be an immersive playback of Music For Psychedelic Therapy in full. Having run several of these gatherings previously in London, Austin and Los Angeles, upcoming dates include Wilderness Festival and Ireland’s Body & Soul Festival.
Jon Hopkins has recently composed the score in 360 spatial sound for Unboxed Festival’s Dreammachine. Similarly positioned to Hopkins most recent album, Dreammachine is a multi-sensory experience based on Brion Gysin’s original flicker device and aims to unlock the mind through lights and music.
Latitude Festival have announced the line up for their 13th Edition, which takes place on Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th July 2018 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk. Recently awarded Best Major Festival by UK Festival Awards, Latitude returns with an all-new look for 2018 – a refreshed programme and emboldened vision retaining everything you loved about the festival, but also moving in an exciting new direction that looks to the future. Tickets are available from here.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter of A Seat at the Table fame Solange performs her first –ever festival headline slot at Latitude in a UK exclusive. It’s been over a year since she released the critically acclaimed album that she has called “a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief, and healing”. Since its release she has introduced the work to new audiences as dynamic and daring performance art. Bold, exciting and innovative with a creative energy like no other, Solange crosses and combines artistic genres in a way that most artists wouldn't dare and is the perfect Latitude headliner.
Latitude loves a success story, and is famed for breaking new talent and nurturing artists so it’s truly thrilling to host Alt-J as headliners once more. From performing on the Lake Stage in 2012 as an up and coming act, returning to headline the BBC Music Stage in 2013, and then closing the Friday night of Latitude’s 10th anniversary in 2015, we are delighted to welcome them “home” for what promises to be an exciting show – with the possible premiere of brand new material, this one is going to be unmissable.
Alt-J said, “We are over the moon to be returning to Latitude for a fourth time. It's a festival that's nurtured us beyond any other, taking us from the Lake Stage to the 6music Stage and then to headlining in 2015. To do so again is a huge privilege. See you in Suffolk!”
The Killers, fresh from the success of chart-topping comeback album Wonderful Wonderful, headline Latitude for the first time. Part-rock show, part-art extravaganza, The Killers, led by charismatic frontman Brandon Flowers, are sure to bring something very special to this year’s line up with much loved hits ‘The Man’, ‘When You Were Young, and of course ‘Mr Brightside’.
Latitude has never been just about the music – it’s a culturally enriching experience and this year’s comedy, theatre and arts roster is set to be the festival’s most diverse and forward-thinking yet. Two exciting comedy headliners are both performing at Latitude for the first time, award-winning stand-up and star of BBC Radio 4’s Utopia, Bridget Christie makes a rare festival appearance, while national treasure Harry Hill brings a career’s worth of comedy gold to our stage. Elsewhere on the comedy bill, catch the only comedian co-signed by Drake and Stormzy, Mo Gilligan; Tim Key's new blend of poeticals, talking, spotlights, cables, old school wistfulness, Megadate; viral-video star and news satirist Jonathan Pie; brand new BBC Radio 4 panel show Where’s the F in News; Mock The Week regular James Acaster and rising star Lauren Pattison. There’s much more still to come, so watch this spotlight!
Harry Hill said, “I like latitude, I like longitude, but which is better? There’s only one way to find out – play the comedy arena at Latitude! I can’t wait!"
Latitude has a reputation for having one of the most eclectic line ups in the UK, and 2018 is no exception: Sadler’s Wells return to Henham Park presenting dance companies still to be revealed, whilst the first shows of the theatre bill include a spectacular headline performance by an international sensation: Recirquel Contemporary Circus: Paris de Nuit will transport the audience to the roaring 30s.Other highlights include Bryony Kimmings previewing her first solo show in 10 years, I’m A Phoenix, Bitch,Lyric Hammersmith presenting How To Fail At Being Perfect, their wise and witty look at through the eyes of forever children, with an all youth cast, and Scottish Dance Theatre, who present Fleur Darkin’s Velvet Petal. Among the very first speakers in The Speakeasy, BBC3 investigative journalist Stacey Dooley will talk about her new book, On the Front Line with the Women Who Fight Back.
There’s so much happening at Latitude in 2018, some serious refuelling will be in order, and the festival is upping the grub game. Latitude will become the first major festival to do away with ‘fast food’ with the Arena now catered entirely by Street Food organised by London’s Street Feast. Explore buzzing street food arenas across the site where festivalgoers can re-fuel, wind down and eat the world without leaving Henham Park. Look out for Fundi’s mighty hand-built ovens for melty, wood-fired pizzas, then dig into crispy cornbread Arepas from Venezuelan street food heroes Petare – don’t forget to order a side of their Cassava Chips topped with fiery salsa. For a mighty, meat-free meal, say hello to Club Mexicana – their vegan To-Fish Tacos and BBQ-Pulled Jackfruit Burritos are NOT to be missed. Also new to Latitude is the Theatre of Food, a fully immersive essential for any foodie – or just your average keen eater – with wild cooking sessions, hilarious and inspiring food demos and, of course, the chance to sample the goods yourself. And if there’s a comedy set or a drum solo while it’s all happening, all the better to heighten your taste senses!
Families looking for quality time together need go no further than Latitude’s Enchanted Garden, where they’ll get the chance to make some magic of their own, including VR workshops with top industry creatives, screen printing T-shirts, trapeze and circus skills, and the brilliant Family Socials which pack weekend mornings with family-friendly comedy, live music, dance and theatre. There’s a parent pen for shattered parents who can’t keep up or yoga to unwind! Meanwhile the Kids Area has live shows including AnimAlphabet the Musical, West End Kids, and Comedy4Kids, alongside puppetry, live music, award-winning children’s authors and illustrators on hand to inspire, music tuition, bush-crafts, fun with food and the Wild Science tent. Teens who want to be among their own can head to the Inbetweeners Area with its music, digital, media and fashion workshops, the Access to Music Live Stage including industry Q&A’s, how-tos on gaming, coding and VR. Daredevils can brave the Greenpeace treetop adventures, zip wires and climbing nets. Guaranteed no teenage style will be cramped.
MUSIC
Æ MAK
Alfa Mist
Alt-J
Alvvays
Benjamin Clementine
Black Honey
Bomba Estéreo
Boy Azooga
Bruce
Clark performing Death Peak Live
Confidence Man
DJ Boring
Eclair Fifi
Fazerdaze
Fickle Friends
Gang of Youths
Hannah Peel with Tubular Brass
Hinds
Ibeyi
IDLES
Jacob Banks
Jade Bird
James
Japandroids
Jessie Ware
Jon Hopkins Live
Juanita Stein
Kalyde
La Femme
Marlon Williams
Meggie Brown
Mogwai
Naaz
Nabihah Iqbal
Object Blue
Octavian
OR:LA
Pangaea
Parquet Courts
Pip Blom
Preoccupations
Rag’n’Bone Man
Sam Fender
Sleeper
Solange
Sorry
Spinning Coin
Superorganism
The Breeders
The Charlatans
The Killers
The Vaccines
Trudy And The Romance
tUnE-yArDs
whenyoung
Wolf Alice
Yellow Days
COMEDY
Abigoliah Schamaun
Amusical
Angela Barnes
Bridget Christie
Chortle Student Comedy Awards Finalists
Chris Stokes
Chris Washington
Darren Harriott
David Morgan
David O'Doherty
Fern Brady
Glenn Moore
Gráinne Maguire
Harry Hill
Huge Davies
Jack Gleadow
James Acaster
Jarlath Regan
Jayde Adams
Joe Sutherland
Jon Pointing
Jonathan Pie
Kiri Pritchard-McLean
Lauren Pattison
Lazy Susan
Lloyd Griffith
Lolly Adefope
Lost Voice Guy
Lou Sanders
Luke Kempner
Masud Milas
Mat Ewins
Mawaan Rizwan
Mo Gilligan
Phoebe Walsh
Rhys Nicholson
Richard Todd
Sarah Keyworth
Shappi Khorsandi
Sisters
Steen Raskopoulos
Stevie Martin
Tessa Coates
Tim Key: Megadate
Where's The F In News
THEATRE
Bryony Kimmings: I'm A Phoenix, Bitch (preview)
David Rosenberg & Glenn Neath: Flight
Dom Coyote: We Can Time Travel
Femme Fatale
Highrise: Lil.Miss.Lady
Lyric Hammersmith presents How To Fail At Being Perfect
Lyric Hammersmith presents The Lost Disc
Mark And Marichka Marczyk: Balaklava Blues
Middle Child: One Life Stand
Nabokov presents Benin City: Last Night
Nele Needs A Holiday: The Musical
Push Things Forward Collective: Nabokov, Middle Child and Not Too Tame
Latitude today announces the line-up for their 10th Edition which takes place Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th July 2015 in the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk.
Ten years ago Latitude Festival creator Melvin Benn set out to rewrite the festival rulebook, showing that music lovers could also be culture lovers, by creating the UK’s first multi arts boutique festival set out to challenge the festival status quo
First to headline Latitude’s Obelisk Arenaon Friday night is a band close to Latitude’s heart; Mercury Prize-winning art-rockers alt-J. Having delivered outstanding sets on smaller Latitude stages over the years, 2015’s triumphant return promises to be a special moment for all who have witnessed their incredible Latitude journey. With a recent sold out arena tour and two critically acclaimed albums, the Leeds trio will no doubt give the Latitude audience a stunning set.
Portishead will give a rare UK appearance as they top the bill on Saturday. Emerging in 1994 with landmark album Dummy, Portishead have remained adventurous and uncompromising throughout their 20-year career. Compelling, provoking and moving; this will be an unmissable performance.
Closing Latitude this year is an outfit fronted by one of Britain’s most loved musical figures; Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Song-writing pioneer and out-spoken cultural icon, Gallagher’s relevance has never faltered and Latitude is delighted to welcome him and his latest band to their 10th anniversary Edition. Performing tracks from the recent critically acclaimed album Chasing Yesterday (which Gallagher produced as well as wrote), plus plenty of classic sing-along Oasis tracks, this will be a closing show to be remembered.
Quotes from headliners:
"We are hugely excited to return to Latitude for the third time. Playing there has always been so memorable. Latitude has always supported us, and to go from playing the smaller stages to this means it will be a night of celebration."
alt-J
“I've been to Latitude before as a festival goer and really enjoyed it I think the effort they put into their whole programming – music, comedy and film – is what makes it a great festival to be part of. And I'm really looking forward to it.” Geoff Barrow from Portishead
“I love the vibe at Latitude and the location. Good forward thinking programming as well, I played a couple of years ago in the cinema tent with a silent film project I was doing and it was a really good experience…looking forward to this one very much.” Adrian Utley from Portishead
“Well not only have I never played at Latitude before, but I’ve never even been there, ever. So yes, I’m really looking forward to headlining the Festival on July 19th” Noel Gallagher
Other special appearances on the Obelisk Arena will include a selection of some of today’s most exciting and respected British artists; we start off by welcoming Nicky Wire back to Latitude ten years down the line with the legendary Manic Street Preachers who will be performing a selection of loved tracks from their varied and extraordinary career, Canadian electronica-maestro Caribou, electronic auteur James Blake will return for a third time, and both soul sensation Lianne La Havas and folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling for a second and all with new albums to share. Festival favourites, Wild Beasts return to share their latest critically acclaimed album with us and we also welcome the soulful Mancunian JP Cooper to Henham Park for the first time.
Gracing us from all corners of the globe are four time Grammy award nominee Nigerian musician Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, transfixing Swedish singer-songwriter and Latitude favourite José González, American soul singer Benjamin Brooker, blues veteran Seasick Steve, and soul veteran Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens will be bringing us her Daptone released gospel music.
This year the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will host even more exciting musical treats including headline sets from three accomplished British acts; top of the bill on Friday is pioneering sonic technician Jon Hopkins, platinum selling rock band The Vaccines will headline on Saturday, and a festival exclusive show from SBTRKT who will close the stage on Sunday night with his soulful and textured take on electronic music preceded by the highly acclaimed live show from La Roux.
Other acts set to play on the coveted BBC Radio 6 Music Stage include; Catfish And The Bottlemen who have risen up through the Latitude stages, all-female punk rockers Savages, acclaimed alternative pop group Django Django, London-based pseudonymous musical duo Public Service Broadcasting and Americana four piece The Districts. With forty albums under his belt King Creosote is back to perform songs from an extensive career and has previously graced both the Poetry Arena and iArena at Latitude, also announced today is American musician and legend The Thurston Moore Band and two-piece grunge band Drenge.
Esteemed artist Mark Kozelek brings Sun Kil Moon to Latitude, also announced are Years & Years with their eccentric blend of R&B and 90’s house, and Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers returning for round three, South London’s Kwabs, alternative rock group Wolf Alice, and BBC Sound Poller SOAK is also on the bill as well as exclusive performances from Toro Y Moi and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
Announced acts for the i Arena include one of electronic music’s most renowned talents, Warp Records cult artist Clark who headlines Saturday. Joining the festival to headline Sunday are London based musical duo Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell otherwise known as The 2 Bears. Also announced; the unique and the distinctive Adult Jazz, hot new talent Jack Garratt, multi-instrumentalist DM Stith, blues rock experimentalist Duke Garwood hugely talented singer songwriter Shura, the incredibly refreshing indie rockers Gengahr, Texan gospel and soul songster Leon Bridges and folk-pop star Marika Hackman. .
Joining the eclectic line-up are; Icelandic ambient techno duo Kiasmos, hotly-tipped twin sister musical duo Ibeyi, post-punk indie rock band The Twilight Sad, captivating singer Nadine Shah, soul powerhouse Curtis Harding, Norwegian singer songwriter Susanne Sundfør and the brilliant, all-female Swedish pop-quartet Dolores Haze outrageous King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard who specialise in psychedelic tunes!
The People's Ear will present a line-up essential to create a heat to warm the ears from 11pm-3am every night on the iArena. Acts include self-taught musical craftsmen Ben UFO, three of the most innovative names in electronic music – untouchable London wordsmiths The Four Owls, Grammy nominated funk master Werkha (Live) and his live band, musician, three-piece DJ EZ, producer Monki and Alexander Nut and tropical bass heroes The Busy Twist. Expect and believe!
In an exclusive festival appearance at Latitude, Gareth Malone will this year be putting together a unique choir of Latitude festival goers. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to apply to be part of this 100-strong group who will rehearse at several points over the weekend, culminating in a Main Stage lunchtime performance on Sunday 19th July. In addition, Gareth and his Voices choir will be performing on the Waterfront Stage on Saturday 18th July.’
COMEDY AT LATITUDE
Over the last ten years Latitude’s comedy line-up has set the bar for summer festivals, offering the Latitude audience a unique opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the business all over the same weekend. It’s also the first chance to see the acts destined to make waves in Edinburgh later in the summer.
Headlining this special 10th Edition year will be national treasure Alan Davies, the longstanding QI panellist is well-known for his glorious insight into worldviews. Growing up in the ‘70s, losing his mother as a little boy, the vagaries of Facebook, sex toys and being a father are just some of the subjects he tackles.
Festival organisers are hugely excited to announce Jason Manford to headline the Comedy Arena. Renowned for his hilarious observations and loveable, friendly delivery, Jason has been a firm favourite with comedy fans of all ages since his first solo stand-up show earned him huge critical acclaim. The Perrier nominated comic won Chortle Breakthrough Act in 2006, Latitude’s inaugural year, and has risen to become one of the UK’s favourite TV comics.
2013 British Comedy Award Best Male Comic nominee, and Live At The Apollo star, Jon Richardson is one of the UK's brightest and immensely likeable stand up heroes. Back with a brand new stand-up routine to delight audiences, Time Out call him ‘Sublimely brilliant, stunning…He is a comic right on the verge of greatness. If you haven’t seen him yet, get your finger out and sort it!
Off the back of his hugely successful Channel 4 TV show ‘Catastrophe’ Rob Delaney brings his performance to the Suffolk setting. Voted the funniest man on Twitter, Latitude welcomes Rob’s hilarious but sometimes dark anecdotes and tales to the festival for the first time.
Australian comedian and television presenter Adam Hills best known for hosting The Last Leg on Channel 4 will bring his combination of positive uplifting comedy and rampant spontaneity to the Comedy Arena.
Another award-winning comic performing at the festival this year is Jack Dee. Best known for his sarcasm and deadpan humour, he takes a break from being everyone’s favourite grumpster to lend a helping hand to Latitude Festival goers with his side splittingly funny show Help Desk where he will be joined by a panel of star comedians from the festival line up to offer expert advice on the Latitude audience’s problems.
Perrier Award winning Irish comedian David O’Doherty will bring his stand-up routine to the festival this summer. Also on the bill is; Latitude’s resident prankster Josh Widdicombe, Canadian super comic Katherine Ryan, one of many stand out female comics programmed for the festival this year. With a formidable reputation on the live circuit and high profile TV appearances to her name, Katherine will pull out all the stops this summer.
This year’s festival will host; self-proclaimed “spit and sawdust” performer Shappi Khorsandi, Best Show nominee at the Edinburgh Fosters Comedy Awards in 2014 Sara Pascoe, brilliant Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss, top of the 2015 tipster list Dane Baptiste, lyrical anti-lad, Liam Williams, the hugely popular Holly Walsh, the effortlessly talented Joe Lycett, fantastic bombastic star of the hit show ‘What Would Beyonce Do’s Luisa Omelian, ventriloquist Nina Conti with her popular puppet characters and Viral Tap star Matt Richardson who all join the 10th Edition celebrations.
WATERFRONT STAGE
Following from his sold out Barbican shows, we are hugely excited to announce that piano virtuoso Chilly Gonzales will be performing his new album Chambers on the Waterfront Stage with the Kaiser Quartett. Switching gears from his 2013 collaborations with Grammy winners Daft Punk and Drake, Gonzales’ Latitude show will be an entertaining and intimate experience orchestrated especially with Hamburg’s Kaiser Quartett displaying his inimitable touch. This will be a stunning highlight of the festival and it is not to be missed.
Since 2008 Sadler’s Wells has presented a special programme of dance at Latitude Festival to audiences in excess of 40,000 people across the years. This summer the theatre returns for an eighth consecutive year, presenting a diverse programme on the outdoor Waterfront Stage that will appeal to audiences of all ages and that reflects the theatre’s reputation for presenting world class dance in all its forms. Full line-up to be announced.
POETRY ARENA
At the heart of Latitude the Poetry Arena showcases the very best stand up and beat poets, alongside laureates and literary legends. Headlining this year’s Poetry Arena will be the former laureate and award winning poet Simon Armitage CBE who is described by Poetry Review as “the front man of his generation”.
Tim Key, star and creator of Radio 4’s Late Night Poetry Programme Tim Key is as a poet, actor, comic and film star, appearing as Alan Partridge’s sidekick in Mid-Morning Matters and Alpha Papa. A brilliant poet and Edinburgh Perrier Award winner we are delighted he will be joining us in the Poetry Arena this year.
Children’s favourite and recently appointed professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths and presenter of Word of Mouth on Radio 4 Michael Rosen joins the celebrations. Last year Michael packed the Poetry Arena to the rafters. Number one poet of the parents, Michael was the subject of a recent viral campaign to hire him as Education Minister.
Punk Rock legend, performance poet and Latitude favourite the inimitable DoctorJohn Cooper Clarke is expected to bring a new collection of poetry. A seminal influence on punk the voice of Manchester and beat poets everywhere, expect a ferociously funny performance and make sure you get a seat early.
Smashing into the Poetry Arena to read his latest poems will be BBC Three’s ‘Uncle’ writer and star Nick Helm, his hilarious stand up style has been described as ‘brash and bullish’.
FILM & MUSIC STAGE
The first name announced for the Film & Music Stage is Brit Award nominated George the Poet. A poet for the people, George mixes social and political comment with humour to demonstrate his passion for poetry as a powerful tool to educate the masses. George delivers an unforgettable live performance, which consists of a hypnotic blend of poetry and rap.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
The Kids Arena keeps children entertained all day and into the night with everything from pond dipping & astronomy to pizza making and night-time disco and fire-show. There’s something for everyone! Use traditional tools or pan for gold, explore the woods or ID animal bones!…investigate a crime scene or head to the Kids Theatre for shows, music, drama classes and puppetry. There are giant crafts from building with architects to shaping willow, working with clay, knitting, felting or getting busy with a million stickers! Amazing activities come from a range of trusted names, from Macmillan’s Children’s Books to the Zoological Society of London,Suffolk Wildlife Trust to the Woodcraft Folk and many more.
The Inbetweeners’ Teen Area is a hidden woodland wonderland-offering teenagers a packed weekend. Chose music, media, fashion and technology workshops, including; a live stage, new DJ Academy and chill-out area with Culture Works East and Access to Music. Or join our friends from Greenpeace; tackle wildlife, bush-craft and survival skills or get physical with climbing nets and a zip wire suspended high in the trees – a real walk on the wild side!
SPECIAL ADDITIONS
Other Voices will bring a little bit of musical magic from its spiritual home on the Wild Atlantic Way in the West of Ireland to Suffolk for this year’s Latitude Festival. Now in its fourteenth year, Other Voices has previously accepted invitations from Le Poisson Rouge in New York City, Wilton’s Music Hall in London and The Glassworks in Derry-Londonderry during their Festival of Culture in 2013.
This year Latitude welcomes, Solas, a new spa area providing an oasis of calm by day and meticulous merriment by night. Meaning ‘light’ in Irish, Solas invites festival goers to learn the art of chilling out. Take refuge in the specially designed holistic area where expert therapists will soothe the mind and body with massages, yoga, treatments and workshops to ease and appease, while indulgence meets decadence in bubbling hot-tubs and seaweed baths. Dotted throughout the zone will be a hand-picked selection of installations; unwind under a canopy of reflective art and light and expand your mind as you investigate the sonic robotics of Indonesian inspired Gamelatron.
As darkness unfolds, Solas will become an intimate tableau of late-night party corners. A piano bar sunk into the forest floor will entertain and ignite, while the ElectroShack spins a dizzying array of upbeat earworms. Jump on the furniture and make yourself at home at My Club House, peer across the festival grounds from the secret Hilltop Hideaway, or shed your 21st century cool and embrace the sunshine kitsch at Body Holiday.
Sky Arts returns for the 10th celebrations to bring fans highlights from the Latitude weekend. Two 120minute jam packed shows of performances, interviews and highpoints will be televised the weekend after the festival.
The final of Sky Arts Guitar Star, a major new competition to search for a world-class guitarist, will film the winning player performing on Latitude’s Obelisk Arena. For more information visit: http://www.sky.com/tv/show/guitar
This year for the first time ever Latitude will be partnering with ActionAid a leading international development charity who support women and children living in extreme poverty. They work to help empower women and children to fight for their own rights and to create lasting change.
By day, the new ActionAid tent will be home to creative craft workshops, games and festival fun activities and by night the tent will transform into a late-night party venue with DJ’s playing until the early hours. Look out for signings and guest DJ sets from some of the festival acts too.
With support from Festival Republic and Firebrand merchandise, ActionAid will also be teaming up with one of the 2015 Latitude acts to create a limited Edition festival item which will be available to buy exclusively at the festival. All proceeds will go towards supporting ActionAid’s work to change lives for good.
Latitude is synonymous with the perfect festival experience, and this year organisers are going one step further with Latitude’s Charity Concierge. Imagine someone going to the bar for you…putting up your tent….even holding your place in the queue for the Comedy Stage or Theatre tent. Latitude’s team of 100 enthusiastic volunteers will be offering these services throughout the arena and in some campsites, to raise money for the Kenyan Orphan Project. And Festival Republic will match fund every penny. The team are aiming to raise £50,000 so lie back in the sunshine and let someone else do the leg work!
It’s now two o’clock on Monday morning. My feet are numb, my ears are ringing and my tent is full of water and STILL this has been the best weekend I’ve had BY FAR since I sat in almost exactly the same spot this time last year.
Beacons festival is now in it’s third year and long may it continue. Aswell as being tucked away between some of the most perfect countryside I have seen and boasting lineups which have consistently excited me like a child on Christmas morning, the festival has another certain magic about it that is difficult to put into words until you experience it for yourself. It boasts an eclectic mixture of hipsters, underground music fans, families and artsy types, bringing in people from all walks of life and yet keeping focus on enjoying beautiful music and art. The Yorkshire Dales allow a wonderful setting to nurse a hangover and an excellent excuse to chomp on a succulent locally sourced hog roast.
Thursday was all about getting reaquainted with Beacons festival. Our first stop was for food, which took us on three laps of the arena before finally deciding on a fantastic little street food stall called Fish& for some delicious sweet chilli battered fish and chips. After this, we wandered into the ‘Impossible Lecture’ tent and caught the end of the previous performance. We were greeted by a naked, purple-haired lady, crowd surfing her way out of the tent. Welcome back!
Our Friday began to the washing ambient sounds of backwards facing ‘British Sea Power’ inside the main stage, which was hosted by ‘Loud & Quiet’ and ‘Last.fm’. This was certainly not a case for starting as we mean to go on though, as the next artist we saw was the person I was most looking forward to from the whole weekend. The much anticipated Dan Snaith (aka- Daphni) entered the Resident Advisor stage at 6.00pm to an eager crowd. Luckily for us, the tent was designed with blacked out windows, making it feel almost like the middle of the night. The green strobe lighting was mesmerizing and the atmosphere was certainly not negatively affected by Daphni’s early set time. A wave of excitement passed through the crowd as Snaith dropped his latest Caribou release, ‘Can't do without you’ from under the guise of his alter-ego. It was a noticeable turning point for the resident advisor tent, which went on to host blistering sets from first Daniel Avery, straight off the back of Drone Logic and finally the techno/house inspired Roman Flugel. Friday’s headliners over on the main stage were Daughter, who seemed a little uninspiring after the electric atmosphere within the Resident advisor tent. Although they sounded beautiful, with their haunting minimalist sound and the raw emotion portrayed through Elena Tonra’s vocals, it was a slight downer on the fun I had experienced in the Resident Advisor tent earlier. I am sure on another day, perhaps at a different festival, Daughter would have blown me away with exactly the same set.
Saturday catered for the house lovers over at the Red Bull Tent. The party started with Pariah, an R&S labelman from London, who would get any electronic underground fan nodding their head with his approach in the current wave of British dance music. The DJ entered the part-open stage at 6:00pm – allowing festival goers to ease themselves into Saturday evening whilst the glorious sunshine brought warm party moods well into the sunset hours. The critically acclaimed ‘Huxley’ kept the beats going into the night, leaving the crowd screaming in excitement with the much unexpected addition of ‘Space Cowboy’ by ‘Jamiroqui’ emerging through his heavy house beats. Joy Orbison continued where Huxley left off and finished the night in style.
Saturday’s headliner was Jon Hopkins and once again, he did not disappoint. Blowing the crowd away with his explosive and bass heavy, kaoss pad inspired soundscapes. His set was an unsettling, yet completely soothing experience. A master of his art, Hopkins is known for his intriguing aesthetic performances. Halfway through this particular set, an unexpected sea of colourful giant bouncy balls sailed through the crowd as excited fans punched them into the air creating a colourful explosion of orbs floating over the stage. After the initial excitement of feeling like you are a big kid in a ball pit (and of course the fantastic visuals) the excitement wore off and we realized that being banged in the head by those things actually quite hurt…
Sunday came and the heavens opened. The rain was torrential and so our day was planned around keeping dry, as well as who we would like to see. Tall Ships were the first band on our list and they played one of my favourite performances of the entire festival. T=0 being a highlight and it’s guitar hook has been stuck in my head ever since. After this we took position inside the Resident Advisor for Mano le Tough and then Dixon. Both of whom played quite similar sounding sets. Tough bordered more on house and modern disco, with Innervision’s founder Dixon edging towards progressive house and techno at times. The weather had put a downer on the day for me and although some people I had spoken rated Dixon as their highlight of the festival, I was not in the same mindset. The DJ seemed a little too similar to the artist previous which wasn’t his fault, but I found myself glad to move on from this tent by the time we needed to leave.
Once we had walked over to the final headline act, we were freezing and soaked to the bone. The rain was pouring and spirits were low. Darkside were make or break.
The guitar/electronica duo of Nicolas Jaar & Dave Harrington have some amazing tracks and there was a lot of hype around this performance, with Nicolas Jaar’s live set being one of the best around at the moment. The stage plunged into darkness for their entrance, before Jaar & Harrington took to the stage, which was a cloud of smoke. Spotlights set behind the stage made the two visible only as silhouettes, as they treated the rain-soaked crowd to a show that they will not forget in any hurry. Harrington’s live guitar added complimentary ambient textures to Jaar’s driving analogue synth sounds. A clued-up individual standing near me noted his use of max/msp for drum programming, which went completely over my head but sounded very impressive indeed.
I was completely blown away by Darkside. They were well worth persevering through the cold and rain; their expert shifts in tempo throughout their set shadowing the rollercoaster of a weekend we had experienced. ‘Paper Trails’ was magnificent and Jaar’s live vocals were such a refreshing thing to see and hear.
The fact that Beacons festival still kept it’s magic, even after one of the worst downpours I have experienced at a festival, speaks volumes for the place. Looking back now, as I sit in my little tent with my freezing toes, the past four days have been completely mind-blowing.
Thanks again Beacons festival…. see you next year.
Devoted to delivering a line-up that justifies the festival's reputation as a mecca for emerging talent and future sounds, today's additions include 2013 Mercury Prize nominee JON HOPKINS, London's R&B phenomenon JOEL COMPASS and Strokes' guitarist gone soloALBERT HAMMOND, JR. Left field rap collective RATKING and resoundingly soulful HOZIER also join the bill, along with indie Brooklyn trio AUGUSTINES and folk outfit DRY THE RIVER.
Aiming to truly represent the full spectrum of emerging talent in contemporary music, BBC Sound of 2014 nominated GEORGE EZRA will perform; Elsewhere, JIMI GOODWIN, frontman of Doves, who has been musically mutating for over 15 years, will take to one of the festival’s stages. Behind-the-scenes songwriter/producer MNEK, whose debut single is due this spring, electronica craftsman EAST INDIA YOUTH and Canada’s KIESZA, currently tearing up the electro-pop dance scene, also join the line-up today.
Critically acclaimed four piece WILD BEASTS*, who yesterday released their highly anticipated fourth studio album ‘Present Tense’, with support from the uncompromising THESE NEW PURITANS*and enigmatic alt-pop ensemble ADULT JAZZ* are confirmed to play Friday night’s Brighton Dome show. The Great Escape are also delighted to announce WAR CHILD, the organisation that protects children living in the world's most dangerous warzones, as lead charity partner for 2014. Together, TGE and War Child will host this musical triptych with £1.00 of every ticket to this show sold donated to War Child.
Jim Benner, Deputy Director of Music & Entertainment, of War Child said: “War Child believe in the power of music which helps us engage people in the vital work that we do, and has raised the money to help children whose lives have been torn apart by war. That belief in the unique power of music is why we are proud to be associated with The Great Escape Festival – a brilliant showcase for the best emerging musical talent from around the world.”
Kat Morris, Festival Director, added, “We’re truly thrilled The Great Escape and War Child will be working together at this year’s event. The incredible, worldwide outreach work that War Child does is indispensable and hopefully, with The Great Escape’s support, we can help to amplify their message.’
The full list of artists added to the TGE14 line-up today:
A PLASTIC ROSE / ADULT JAZZ* / AFTERPARTEES / AGES AND AGES / AISHA ORAZBAYEVA / ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. / ALEC BENJAMIN / ALL WE ARE / ANGEL AT MY TABLE / ANNA MEREDITH / ÁSGEIR / AUGUSTINES / AZEKEL / BARBAROSSA / BAT AND BALL / BEAR HANDS / BEATY HEART / BEST FRIENDS / BIG SIXES / BIG UPS / BLESSA / BLOODY KNEES / BOKKA / BOY JUMPS SHIP / BRAWLERS / BRIDIE JACKSON AND THE ARBOUR / BRYCE HACKFORD / CASUAL SEX / CATS ON TREES / CHAMPS / CHEERLEADER / COASTS / DEATH AT SEA / DEATHCRUSH / DRY THE RIVER / EAST INDIA YOUTH / EAVES / ELECTRIC EYE / ELLI INGRAM / EMILIE NICHOLAS / EVA STONE / EYEDRESS / FAMY / FÉ / FICKLE FRIENDS / FRANK HAMILTON / FRENCH FOR RABBITS / GALLERY CIRCUS / GAMBLES / GENERATE / GEORGE BARNETT / GEORGE EZRA / GIRL BAND / GLASS OWLS / GNARWOLVES / GO WOLF / GORGON CITY / GRAND ANALOG / GΔRTMΔLEN / HARLEIGHBLU / HAWK HOUSE / HERO FISHER / HEY ROSETTA! / HOZIER / HUDSON TAYLOR / JAMES BAY / JAMIE ISAAC / JAWS / JIMI GOODWIN / JOEL BAKER / JOEL COMPASS / JON HOPKINS / KAN WAKAN / KIESZA / KIT / KYAN / LAKE STREET DIVE / LAURA WELSH / LAZYTALK / LE VASCO / LET THE MACHINES DO THE WORK / LITTLE MATADOR / LIZZO / LOUIS AGUILAR AND THE CROCODILE TEARS / LOVE ZOMBIES / LYGER / LYLA FOY / MIGHTY OAKS / MILKY CHANCE / MIREL WAGNER / MIRROR SIGNAL / MNEK / MOODOÏD / NEØV / NOTHING BUT THIEVES / OLIVER COATES / ONLY RIVALS / PABLO NOUVELLE / PATTEN / PHANTOGRAM / PHORIA / PORT ISLA / PS I LOVE YOU / PUP / RAE MORRIS / RAH RAH / RALEIGH RITCHIE / RATKING / REBEKA / RM HUBBERT / RYAN VAIL / SAM FENDER / SAY LOU LOU / SEA CHANGE / SEAN MCGOWAN / SHINY DARKLY / SIVU / SOLIDS / SOUTHERN / SPRING KING / STONEFIELD / SUN GLITTERS / SUVI / SYD ARTHUR / TAYMIR / TELEGRAM / TENNIS / THE BOHICAS / THE CLAMEENS / THE DISTRICTS / THE DUMPLINGS / THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS / THE NEIGHBOURHOOD / THE NEW TIGERS / THE PEOPLE THE POET / THE TROUBLE WITH TEMPLETON / THESE NEW PURITANS* / THOMAS AZIER / TIGERTOWN / TRISTESSE CONTEMPORAINE / TRUST / UNKNWN / VON HERTZEN BROTHERS / WE WERE EVERGREEN / WEED / WILD BEASTS* / WILD CUB / WONDER VILLAINS / YEARS AND YEARS
James Holden, Jon Hopkins, Paul Kalkbrenner, Bonobo, Daphni and Evian Christ have been announced for both Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm 2014 in February.
In Sónar Reykjavík, they all join Major Lazer, who is headlining, together with the When Saints Go Machine and the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson. More than 90 artists will be playing in Sweden and Iceland for this year’s Sónar Nordic trip.
Sónar Nordic weekend James Holden, the cosmic and trance-like creative head of Border Community, will take “The Inheritors”, his last epic production, out his studio out into the world via his live show which promises to expand the grounds for folk modern electronic music. UK's own digital bits crafter Jon Hopkins and Evian Christ, the rising star wizardly mixing R&B and hip-hop also will be joining him on this journey to both Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm.
Germany's dance music iconic star Paul Kalkbrenner as well asBonobo, the downtempo experimental live by UK producer Simon Green, and the dj set of Daphni, aka Caribou's loved electronic dance project, are also confirmed on top of the bills for both Sónar Stockholm and Sónar Reykjavik.
Only in Sónar Reykjavík, they all join Major Lazer, together with the When Saints Go Machine and the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson. Sónar lands in Stockholm for the first timeSónar Stockholm takes place at Munchenbryggeriet in the Södermalm district in the city centre, the 14th and 15th of February 2014 and it will encompass 30 artists and Dj's overthree stages: SonarClub, SonarDôme presented by RBMA and SonarLab. The doors will open at 7PM until 3AM on both days.
Among the local acts, the festival hosts two of Sweden's finest DJ's, the Berlin-Stockholm bound Johanna Knutsson and P3 radio turn into clubbing and producing DJ Sandra Mosh.
As the epilogue of the successful Red Bull Music Academy Weekender which took place in Stockholm this November, Red Bull Music Academy will partner with Sónar Stockholm. The Red Bull Music Academy will program the second largest stage of the festival portraying some of the most interesting local and international acts around together with the academy's favourite up-and-coming talent.
Second edition of Sónar ReykjavíkSónar Reykjavík 2014 takes place at Harpa – Reykjavik Music Hall, situated right by the harbor in the downtown area of the city, with five different stages over three days, the 13, 14 and 15th of February. Sónar Reykjavik will be turning Harpa's underground car park again into a nightclub and will provide a line-up of more than60 artist, bands and DJs for its second edition.
Major Lazer, world-famous Diplo's production which continues to spearhead the current dancehall revival movement, headlines one of the five stages on the Saturday night. Another highlight will be the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson.
Among the local acts the award winning blue-eyed soul sensationMoses Hightower; Möller Records founders Futuregrapher &Skurken; the most exciting new act to emerge from Iceland's vibrant music scene in the past months, electric pop trio Vök;Kiasmos, the brainchild of Icelandic modern classical composer Ólafur Arnalds and Bloodgroup mastermind Janus Rasmussen from the Faroe Islands, and the adventurous Reykjavik based American-Icelandic electro-pop duo Low Roar. The Danish bandWhen Saints Go Machine will also be a highlight together with our good German-Danish friend Rune Reilly Kölsch aka Kölsch,Hjaltalín, Sykur, Sometime and Kent Slash Demo.
