Bellowhead & Levellers to headline Galtres Festival 2014

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Bellowhead, "the greatest live act in Britain", are to join seminal festival band the Levellers at next year's Galtres Parklands Festival.

The acts will jointly headline the opening Friday, which celebrates the tenth birthday of the festival. Strong double-headliners will soon be revealed for the Saturday and Sunday, joining hundreds more of the best bands from Yorkshire and beyond.

Five-times winner of ‘Best Live Band’ at the Radio 2 Awards, Bellowhead (pictured above) have transported folk music into hitherto unknown territory and spearheaded the new folk boom. They were dubbed “the greatest live act in Britain” by BBC Radio 2’s Simon Mayo, and the hordes of fans that treat every gig as a party clearly agree. They share Galtres' birthday celebrations, with 2014 also being their tenth anniversary. > more about Bellowhead

Levellers return to Galtres by massive popular demand, following a storming headline performance in 2011. Soon after that the band released new studio album Static On The Airwaves, heralded as their most accomplished album to date. But their 25 years in the business are powerful proof of the power of the underground and the power of great live music. Renowned for their energetic live show, longevity has not diminished the Levellers’ ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a field dancing. 

Levellers

Their platinum-selling 1991 album 'Levelling The Land' is widely regarded as an absolute classic and the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of its release at Galtres Festival 2011, which featured hits including One Way, Riverflow, The Game, Far From Home and Liberty Song. >more about Levellers

"Since that amazing Levellers performance a few years back, our social media has been dominated by calls for their return," said festival director James Houston. "There's been a huge buzz around getting Levellers back, and I'm really excited that we've made it happen – and especially that they will join us for our big tenth birthday celebration next year. But having Bellowhead too is an incredible treat – what a line-up! They promise a spectacular and theatrical live show, which will form a fantastic opening night to the festival weekend. We just can't wait!"

James promised a strong supporting programme over the festival weekend, with acts such asThe Men They Couldn't Hang, Blackbeard's Tea Party, Aelfen and Three Sheets t'Wind among a cast of favoured contenders for prominent stage slots.

Ultra Europe dates announced for 2014

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Ultra Europe
ULTRA WORLDWIDE – the world’s most international festival brand – has today announced the dates of ULTRA EUROPE 2014 as the Croatian super festival prepares its return to the beautiful coastal city of Split from 11th – 13th July, 2014.
 
Following a sold out inaugural edition and the biggest international event of its kind EVER to hit Croatia no less, Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for next year available exclusively at the official ULTRA EUROPE website.
 
ULTRA EUROPE 2014
BUY TICKETS NOW
 
In celebration of this exciting news, Ultra have also unveiled the dazzlingly epic aftermovie from this year’s debut event, giving fans who made the journey to Ultra Europe 2013 a chance to relive all of the magic, and offering hopeful 2014 revelers a tantalizing taste of what’s in store for next July!
 
WATCH NOW
‘RELIVE ULTRA EUROPE 2013’ 
 
Over 103,000 fans from more than 75 countries around the world flocked to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast in July 2013 to experience the wonders of the world’s premier electronic music festival, with an extra 6.5 million plus viewers from all corners of the globe tuning into to UMFTV to witness a collection of some of the finest DJs on the planet whipping fans into elated frenzies.
 
 
Superstars such as Armin van Buuren, Avicii, Carl Cox, Afrojack, Hardwell, Fedde Le Grand and Nicky Romero, to name just a handful, took to the decks and absolutely blew the eager crowds of festivalgoers away at the Poljud Stadium in Split, while the likes of Steve Aoki, Chuckie, Dada Life, Cazzette and Nervo held nothing back as they turned the 5-star Hotel Amfora on the picturesque island of Hvar into one of the craziest pool parties ever. Of course Ultra will once again uphold its commitment to delivering a line up of the same unwavering supreme quality for Ultra Europe’s second year, along with the next-level experience and world-beating production values that it guarantees for each and every one of its worldwide events.
 
A limited number of Early Bird tickets for Ultra Europe 2014 are on sale NOW for the unbelievably low price of €75 for all three days of the festival in Split. Head over to the Ultra Europe Official Website to make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing offer as all Early Birds for the first Ultra Europe sold out in just 10 minutes!

Love Supreme Jazz Festival returns in 2014

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Following the runaway success of the inaugural Love Supreme Jazz Festival, which garnered rave reviews and saw more than 15000 music fans descend on Glynde Place in East Sussex for a spectacular weekend of jazz, soul, blues and funk, the organisers have confirmed that the festival will return in 2014.

Once again set against the stunning backdrop of Glynde Place, the festival will take place over the weekend of the 4th, 5th and 6th July 2014 and Super Early Bird and Early Bird tickets will be available for a limited time from 10am this morning, Thursday November 14th.

“We are delighted to confirm that the Love Supreme Festival will return next year” comments Festival Director Ciro Romano. “The response from the public and media last year was overwhelming and I feel that we are creating something that's been missing and for which there appears to be a genuine demand”.

Further news on next year’s event will be announced in due course, but those wishing to secure their tickets in advance can expect a similarly world class line-up that encompasses a broad spectrum of music rooted in jazz.

Early bird tickets are available from www.lovesupremefestival.com.

FarmFestival 2014 dates and earlybird ticket details

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Tickets are now on sale for Farmfest 2014, but make sure to double check your calendar before seizing upon the most notoriously value for money festival tickets that the summer has to offer.

This year Farmfest will be taking place on the new and improved dates of Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August.

Very limited Super Early Bird tickets are an absolute snip at just £42.50 with no booking fee. 

A family saver ticket has been introduced this year, which gives a 10% discount to 2 adults with 2 x 12-17 year olds (under 12s are still free). Other improvements for families will include an expanded family/quiet camping area, which will be situated further from the general camping, with dedicated campsite crew to aid and assist over the weekend.
 
In 2014 the festival will not be expanding it's size in order to preserve the unique and intimate atmosphere.

Tickets can be bought HERE

Liverpool Sound City 2014 Details

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Last year, it saw 41,500 music fans flock to venues all over the city to watch over 360 artists in just three days, whilst 3,500 delegates attended its leading music, media and technology conference. For 2014, the seventh edition of Liverpool Sound City – taking place from 1 to 3 May – is set to be bigger, better and even more unmissable. 

Sound City uniquely combines an internationally renowned music festival, which celebrates new talent alongside the biggest names in the British music scene, with the UK’s leading industry conference – all in the world’s most legendary music city. In 2013, the eclectic line-up included the likes of Noah and the Whale, Alunageorge, The Walkmen, Enter Shikari and hundreds more, whilst the conference hosted key speakers like Dan Smith from Bastille, Michael Murphy from The Wombats, manager of the Rolling Stones Andrew Loog Oldham and Simon Moran, founder and CEO of SJM Concerts. 

With a focus on new and emerging and talent, Sound City 2013 also saw over 300 emerging bands and artists taking to the stage during the festival – following an open application process. 

In preparation for next year, 2014 applications are now live, in association with Dawsons Music.

Any band or performer who would like to be part of Liverpool Sound City should visit www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk and click on the Apply to Play button for full details on how to apply. 

Alex Simmonds, Marketing and Ticketing Manager, said: “We’re extremely excited to be planning for Liverpool Sound City 2014 and we’re definitely expecting big things. 

‘Last year, there was fantastic response to our open band application process and we’re sure it will be even better this year. We’re looking for a very high level of talent and performance ability, we want something groundbreaking – basically, bands who could be the next big thing.” 

Applications are invited from all over the world (performers from over 18 countries took part in the festival in 2013) and from all music genres. Applications will close on the 31st January 2014. 

Conference Details

Officially the first music festival of the summer, the seventh Liverpool Sound City conference will lead on the three themes of football, music and style – cornerstones of the city’s identity.

David Pichilingi, CEO of Sound City, clarifies the thought behind this strategic shift:

“The British music business is as much about style and football as it is about the music.  Pop subcultures have embodied musical movements in the UK since the birth of rock and roll and the commercialisation of pop music.  From the original mod and rocker movements through to glam and punk rock sliding into Acid House, the second summer of love and Britpop – music, football and fashion are intrinsically linked. 

“In the north, these things are part of our upbringing and that’s why there has been so much success from Liverpool and Manchester.  In the last 50 years our two cities alone have produced more talent and creative output than most countries.  In turn these artists have gone onto generate vast amounts of income on a global scale.  Going forward the Sound City vision is, for the first time, to bring these creative strands together and look at how we create new meaning for the future and in turn inspire and motivate a new generation of talent.”

Sound City’s remit is to create a new type of music industry conference that offers inspirational keynotes and ‘In Conversation’ pieces designed to inspire, motivate and bring together new thinking.  

Returning to Sound City is friend and rock and roll royalty Andrew Loog Oldham.  Andrew is famous for discovering and managing The Rolling Stones.  Andrew will be lead curator for the Sound City 2014 conference and will be leading the way in helping to bring in world-class guests and speakers and innovators around the key themes of music and style.  

Andrew states: "I had the most educating and entertaining time at Sound City last year. It helped remind me of what was and the possibilities of what can be. We make the future together. We are more than one bullet in the gun, we are the big bang. David and I are investigating doing a rock and clobber event in 2014. I look forward to being there again and playing an active role in shaping the event."

Since its inception Sound City has had a clear manifesto that sets it apart from the mundane and well-worn approach repeated time after time by competitors.

Liverpool Sound City is currently programming the style and music content and is promising big names.

Said Becky Ayres Liverpool Sound City’s COO: “We are renowned for drawing big names to the conference – in the past we’ve had the likes of Seymour Stein, Arthur Baker, Ian McCulloch and Peter Hook.  For 2014 we have raised the bar again and have some major global personalities booked in. It’s going to be incredible. ”

The football content is provided by award winning The Anfield Wrap – the LFC inspired podcast, website and digital magazine with both the podcast and magazine firm fixtures in the top ten of the UK Sports iTunes charts with a world-wide audience from Anfield to Australia. 

Said Andy Heaton of TAW: "After the resounding success of last years Sound City, we are incredibly excited to be asked to get even more involved with next year’s festival. We've got some big ideas and even bigger names lined up to contribute the expanded conference programme, that will reflect the city’s rich and unique position in world football and popular culture."

Liverpool Sound City is the biggest urban festival in the UK with over 45,000 attendees expected in 2014. The conference is a unique and integral part of the event hosting more than 3,500 delegates and dealing with weighty issues that go to the very heart of the business as well as exploring the lighter side of the music industry.

The conference side of Liverpool Sound City runs on 1 and 2 May and will be held in the Hilton Hotel and Liverpool ONE. Early bird delegate passes are currently available on the Liverpool Sound City website for a limited period:

 

http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk/home/tickets-and-info/delegate-pass-information.aspx

Four new bands added to Bloodstock 2014

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BLOODSTOCK 2014 is thrilled to announce the addition of four more awesome metal bands to the main stage bill.

The very mighty New Orleans sludge metal crew, CROWBAR make a return to Catton Park in 2014 for a UK festival exclusive.  Led by riff lord, Kirk Windstein, who recently stepped down from his longtime tenure with BLOODSTOCK headliners DOWN, to concentrate energies full time on his own band CROWBAR, Kirk and the boys are hard at work on a brand new album set for a 2014 release.  Like many metal artists who’ve played Catton Park before, Kirk loves BLOODSTOCK and is looking forward to a return visit, enthusing; “CROWBAR can’t wait to bring our NOLA doom back to BLOODSTOCK in 2014!  It’s our 25th anniversary, so expect a few surprises in our set.  New record, new bassist and a whole new CROWBAR attitude!!!  Get ready for the heavy!!!”  Meantime, check out their video for ‘The Cemetery Angels’ from 2011’s album, ‘Sever The Wicked Hand’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy5UnS6QSo0.

Florida death metal pioneers, OBITUARY are also set to lay waste to BLOODSTOCK’s main stage. The band have been working hard on their ninth studio record and accompanying documentary. This will be their first new music since 2009’s ‘Darkest Day’ and is set for independent release next year in the wake of a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign (which saw the guys raise more than 6 times their original target).  When not making music, the band are involved with drummer Donald Tardy’s feline welfare programme, Metal Meowlisha, and organise fund-raising initiatives such as ‘Headbanger’s Furball’.  The band say: “We are very excited to be a part of BLOODSTOCK 2014.  It's been 4 years since OBITUARY played the festival and we are looking forward to returning.  We’ve been hard at work in the studio and can’t wait to bring our new album to UK fans and perform some new songs along with all the old classics.  BLOODSTOCK is the UK's true metal fest, so we are honoured to be invited and to bring some Florida Death Metal to our British fans!  Hang on to your ass, this is gonna be fun!!”  For the latest OBITUARY news, keep your eyes on their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ObituaryBand.

Finland’s CHILDREN OF BODOM are set to play their only UK show of 2014 on BLOODSTOCK’s Ronnie James Dio main stage.  The band released their eighth studio album ‘Halo of Blood’ in June, when Metal Hammer magazine declared, “not only have CHILDREN OF BODOM produced a diverse collection of defiantly brilliant metallic tunes, but also their most accomplished achievement to date.”. And if you’re looking for something extra special, the band have also recently made available a limited run of white or silver ‘Halo of Blood’ vinyl. Check out the video for lead single, ‘Transference’ at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kQ73UgGIRU.  The five-piece are currently shredding their way across Europe with 2014 BLOODSTOCK compadres, DECAPITATED. Learn about all things Bodom over at http://www.cobhc.com/.

BLOODSTOCK also favours hard-working bands from the UK, and are excited to welcome back the hugely popular EVIL SCARECROW; this time to an opening slot on Saturday’s main stage!  Having packed out the Sophie tent last year, the Nottingham band are more than thrilled at the prospect. ”We are astounded, a little scared, but beyond delighted to have been invited back to BLOODSTOCK, especially as we are returning to the Main Stage which guarantees nobody suffers the discomfort of a full tent!  BLOODSTOCK is the biggest and best UK heavy metal festival and we're truly honoured to be playing the same stage as so many bands who have influenced and inspired us.  The line up this year already looks phenomenal.  We promise to up the Scarecrow game to give BLOODSTOCK’s faithful the best in Evil entertainment!  Bring on the METAL!"   The band are currently plotting their new album which is planned for a 2014 release, and hop over and check out the Pledge Campaign for their 2013 BLOODSTOCK DVD here.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/evilscarecrowboa2013dvd.

With the three 2014 headliners already announced, the event is shaping up to be the strongest yet.  Friday night’s bill toppers are New Orleans sludgemeisters DOWN.  Joining them to head up Saturday night are black metal overlords, EMPEROR and closing out proceedings on Sunday are the mighty thrash legends, MEGADETH.  Also announced so far are SAXON, DECAPITATED, and FLOTSAM & JETSAM.  More bands will be announced shortly.

James Holden, Jon Hopkins and more for Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm

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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 time Sónar 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 Reykjavík Sónar 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.

Major Lazer

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.

Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park and Aerosmith to headline Download Festival 2014

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Avenged Sevenfold, one of the mightiest forces in modern rock, have  been announced as the first headliner for Download 2014.  Friday 13th June 2014 will mark a momentous occasion in the history of Avenged Sevenfold as they continue their tradition of spectacular Download performances, by becoming headliners for the very first time, not just at Download, but at any UK festival.

Saturday night at this year’s festival will be headlined by the Grammy Award winning Linkin Park, who will be playing their multi-platinum debut album ‘HYBRID THEORY’ in its entirety as part of their set.

Linkin Park @ Download Festival 2014

The legendary Aerosmith will be closing the festival in 2014, when they headline on Sunday 15th June.  Joining them on the main stage as main support will be hard rockers, Alter Bridge.

Aerosmith are one rock’s most infamous and revered bands. Fronted by the iconic partnership of frontman Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, their generation spanning career has seen them sell in excess of 150 million records, making them the best selling American rock band in history. Despite having been a band for over 40 years, their incredible, ever expanding collection of hits continues to appeal to hoards of fans both old and new. Their headline performance at Download 2014 will be their first on UK soil since 2010, speaking on their return to Donington Park, Joe Perry said

“It’s been too long since we've been to England and we're sincerely f**ing charged to be coming back! See you there"

Joining Aerosmith in ending what is already set to be an incredible weekend, will be the heavy riffing, arena conquering Alter Bridge. The band released their 4th studio album, ‘Fortress’ earlier this year to huge critical acclaim. It’s been the band’s highest charting album in the UK, hitting the #1 spot on the rock charts and saw them sell out arenas across the country on their recent UK tour.

Aerosmith

Arcade Fire to headline Barcelonas Primavera Sound Festival

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Arcade Fire will be part of the line up at the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona with a concert that will be their only performance in Spain next year. The Canadian band has become one of the most popular in the world without ever losing sight of their identity or style.

The band will present their fourth album "Reflektor", a record that has been preceded by an unusual marketing campaign including actions on the streets, cryptic messages and secret concerts under a pseudonym. This new album, produced by James Murphy from both LCD Soundsystem and the influential label DFA, marks a significant change in the sound of the band, that moves away from epic and dark sounds to embrace disco rhythms and a certain dose of new wave in a large part of their tracks.

The name Arcade Fire appeared yesterday Monday on a large format poster on Portal de l’Àngel, a main street in the centre of Barcelona without any warning from the organisation of the festival. This follows the same line that Arcade Fire have used to release the details of their latest album. Throughout the day the mystery was intense and the news spread quickly on the social networks. With the official confirmation of this band a second name joins the programme of the next edition of Primavera Sound, that will also include the American band Neutral milk Hotel.

Arcade Fire @ Primavera Sound
 

On another note, for the second year running Heineken will be the main sponsor of the Barcelona festival, which will celebrate its fourteenth edition from the 29th to 31st May on its usual site, the Parc del Fòrum. The full festival ticket is on sale at 160€ and from 8th January the price will be 175€.

Boomtown Fair earlybird tickets on sale today!

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BoomTown Fair is once again retuning to its home of the Matterly Estate, Winchester from 7th – 10th August 2014 and the Early Bird tickets are on sale from 7pm today!!! The coveted discount Early Bird tickets will be available via the website, starting at £110 (plus booking fee and eco bond). The early bird tickets usually get snapped up in super-fast time, last year all of them were gone in just six minutes! This year, to help eager BoomTown residents get their hands on these prized tickets, BoomTown Fair town council have issued the following helpful ‘buyers guide’: http://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/news/boomtown-fair-2014-ticket-guide-191

There have already been some exciting announcements made for this much celebrated arts, music, performance and theatre festival that explores a whole range of different musical genres; new additions include a brand new huge folk stage, a Wild West zone and with the new Town Mayor, Burria Jose from Barrio Loco district plotting her first move as town mayor, the 2014 event will see some very interesting developments! To keep an eye on allupdates follow the festival on facebook, twitter and sign up to the BoomTown Chronicle via the website.

BoomTown Fair is a 30,000 capacity festival that has been running since 2009. Its home since 2011 is Matterly Estate in Winchester. Expanding over the bowl to incorporate the surrounding woodland, BoomTown Fair is a pop-up city that provides immersive escapism to all that attend. With fully interactive purpose build buildings and outside areas, each and every of the 300 mini venues has secrets lurking inside, just waiting to be discovered! With mysterious telephones scatted across the site providing impromptu treasure hunts, tardis like venues that lead the explorer on a wondrous journey into the depth of the unknown, gargantuan 30ft hidden temple, sun soaked woodland beach parties and a whole host of madness and mystery, BoomTown Fair is a festival unlike any other! In addition to the hundreds of micro venues, the 25 large venues, seven distinct districts and three main stages, the festivals also pays great attention to building upon the narrative each year, exploring storylines in greater detail, adding to the richness of the BoomTown experience!