Seven more for Hard Rock Calling 2013

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Hard Rock Calling today announced that an additional seven artists have been confirmed to perform at this year’s festival, which is taking place at a brand new home, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 29 & 30 June. Lissie, Lawson, The View, Flamin Groovies, Mayer Hawthornem, Yellowire and China Rats 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 visiting www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.

 

American folk singer Lissie, rock pop foursome Lawson, new wave pioneers Flamin Groovies and neo soul artist Mayer Hawthorne will be joining the bill on Sunday 30 June. Scottish indie rockers The View, hotly tipped band Yellowire and Leeds four piece China Rats will be hitting the stage on Saturday 29 June. Additional artists already confirmed for the festival include Paul Weller, The Black Crowes, The Cribs, Miles Kane, Klaxons, Alabama Shakes plus many more, making this the greatest rock event of the Summer.

 

HARD ROCK CALLING FESTIVAL LINEUP SO FAR

 

SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2013

KASABIAN, PAUL WELLER, MILES KANE, KODALINE, THE CRIBS, KLAXONS, TRIBES, THE VIEW, DARK HORSES, TWIN FORKS, THE WEEKS, ELIZA AND THE BEAR, SYD ARTHUR, MY PRESERVER, STEVE CRADDOCK, YELLOWIRE, CHINA RATS

 

SUNDAY 30 JUNE 2013

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND, THE BLACK CROWES, ALABAMA SHAKES, DEAF HAVANA, LISSIE, LAWSON, FLAMIN GROOVIES, MAYER HAWTORNE, TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT, NEGRAMARO, JOSH DOYLA, CODY CHESNUTT, JOSH RECORD, CROWNS

 

Many more acts and details still to be unveiled. For further information please visit www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.

OFF Festival Katowice 2013: The Walkmen to Curate the Experimental Stage

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OFF Festival Katowice 2013: The Walkmen to Curate the Experimental Stage!

Fans of the OFF Festival have already known for a while that The Walkmen, one of the most outstanding and underrated indie rock bands in the US, will be performing at this year's edition of the festival. Now we’re thrilled to announce that the group will also be serving as curators of the Experimental Stage, which will feature such acts as Thee Oh Sees and a DJ set by Austra (who will also be playing a full performance elsewhere!).

Guests John Grant, Sam Amidon, Cass McCombs, Veronica Falls and How How chosen by The Walkmen, will perform for their day at the Experimental Stage.

Tickets:
Tickets are now available at the OFF Shop at the official festival website, as well as at Ticketpro.pl, ebilet.pl and Empik stores in Poland, and internationally at seetickets.com and festicket.com.

Three Day Pass no camping: 150 zl / 36 Euro
Three Day Pass with camping: 190 zl / 46 Euro

All four day passes  are sold out.

Bonobo hits Soundwave Festival Croatia

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Heading for a fifth anniversary celebration, over five days and three stages, Soundwave Festival Croatia has curated a formidable lineup that will combine with the always-electric Soundwave atmosphere and the glorious holiday surroundings to make this a trip to remember for a lifetime.  

Bonobo hits Soundwave in the midst of his awesome tour supporting universally acclaimed album 'The North Borders', while sellout successes for UK promoter Soundcrash Quantic and Alice Russell make an appearance at Soundwave, and anticipation is high for DJ Shadow's debut performance in Croatia. Robert Glasper Experiment recently wowed audiences with a live collaboration with Kanye West, and DOOM's hip hop credentials are unrivalled, making his billing at Soundwave extra special. Plus, DJ Yoda, Lapalux, Hiatus Kaiyote, Homeboy Sandman, Andrew Ashong,  Illum Sphere, Kelpe and many many more
 
 
The Argonaughty boat parties embark just seconds from the main stage, and this year there are 16 separate parties to enjoy, hosted by the likes of Ninja Tune, Soundcrash and Tru Thoughts, and featuring sets from artists of the calibre of Bonobo, Mr Thing, Quantic, Om Unit, Shigeto, Kutmah and Craig Charles to name but a few. There's even a boat party with a full-on brass band on board. The three-hour Funktion 1-powered tours of the Dalmatian coast are the ultimate highlight of the Soundwave experience and a chance to get up close to the artists. 
 
 

Kendal Calling announce 80 new acts

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Kendal Calling has pulled together its best ever line up as the multi award winning festival returns for the eight time to its stunning base in the Lake District, widely acclaimed as the most beautiful festival site in the UK.  With huge headliners Primal Scream, Basement Jaxx and the Charlatans headlining respective nights and special guests such as Public Enemy, Seasick Steve, Johnny Marr and many more taking to the stage over a wonderful musical weekend, Kendal Calling is a must for those who love their festivals small and perfectly formed. 
 
 
 
Leading a brand new wave of confirmed artist is Warwickshire songstress Lucy Rose who is spearheading the second wave of nu-folk pioneers.  This singer songwriter’s heart-stoppingly poignant songs and crack porcelain voice could melt the stoniest of hearts and she will be performing tracks from her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Like I Used To’.
 
DJ Yoda was instrumental in creating the bootleg ‘cut-up’ mixing style.  From hip-hop beginnings, DJ Yoda has evolved in the past ten years, using his turntable skills and diverse influences as varied as Funk, B-more, Kuduro, Reggae, Drum ‘n’ Bass and even Big Band Swing and Country & Western to make unashamed party music. He can be found cutting the Indiana Jones theme with woofer-worrying Dubstep or The Muppet Theme with MIA.  Trail-blazing into the world of the audio-visual he pioneered a new artform, using cutting edge technology that he has been instrumental in developing, to scratch and mix visuals on top of his DJ sets in the clubs.  DJ Yoda has transformed the average night out into a fusion of clubbing and the movies.
 
 
Birmingham boys The Twang write great British indie rock anthems and will be performing tracks from their three studio albums whilst seminal electronic outfit and Manchester music legends, 808 State will be perform a euphoric DJ set of classic acid house.  Psychedelic sonic adventurer Richard Norris will also take to the decks alongside house music legend Ashley Beedle.
 
Clean Bandit are a band built around a string quartet, mixing classical, hip hop and house to mesmerising effect.  This is a must see show and the band will be performing their hit single Mozart’s House.  Elite Force is one of the leading proponents of the emergent tech-funk movement, fusing house, breaks, electro & techno whilst Maribou State are one of the hottest production and DJ outfits in the country, regularly tearing up dance floors across the UK.  Manchester drum & bass and dubstep disciples North Base will have the crowds jumping whilst Maths Time Joy’s otherworldly productions are deep and mesmeric.
 
This year’s fancy dress theme is Kendal Calling Goes To The Movies and is £115 for a full weekend ticket with camping.
 
 
FESTIVAL DATES: FRIDAY 26TH – SUNDAY 28TH JULY 2013
Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe, The Lake District
 
LUCY ROSE / DJ YODA (AV SET) / THE TWANG / ELITE FORCE / MARIBOU STATE / 808 STATE (DJ SET) / RICHARD NORRIS / ASHLEY BEEDLE / NORTH BASE / MATHS TIME JOY AND MANY MORE PERFORM INCLUDING
 
 Misty Miller / CHAMPS / Fossil Collective / Rubylux / Sykur / Monster Monster / Wolfie Razmatazz / Heymoonshaker / Birth of Joy / By The Rivers / More Like Trees / Polaroid 85 / Resonators / Tako Lako / Will & The People / Willie & The Bandits / Cherub / Bandeoke / Andy Hunt presents The Breakfast Club / BMX Bandits / Dunwells / The Last Party / Juveniles / Planes / Room Full of Mirrors / Seamus Mcloughlin / Camp Stag / The Righteous Bees / Tomorrow We Sail / Horace B.Murphy 3rd & Friends / Cavan Moran / Ocelus / Mikey J / Arnivore! / Roc Vicar / Lancaster Speakeasy / Robin Walker / Marris Chestnut / Tom Woodland / Freear / Chris Flynn / Dr Butlers / Hard And Monkey / Holly Clarke / Kriss Foster / Lazlo Baby / Lumberjack Cowboy / Molly Warburton / Quincey Brown / Poeticat / Taylor And The Mason / The Dead Indians  / The Yossarians / Death to the Strange / Carnival Moon / Specs / Papa Guns / The Flat Cap 3 / Naymedici / Walk Like Fool Does / Ottersgear / DJ Sister Matic / V J Eefee / Popeye
 
CHAI WALLAH / HAPPY SLAP BOUTIQUE / SONGSMITH SOLAR STAGES ANNOUNCED
 
BASEMENT JAXX / THE CHARLATANS / PRIMAL SCREAM CONFIRMED AS HEADLINERS FOR 2013
 
PUBLIC ENEMY / SEASICK STEVE / JOHNNY MARR / THE D.O.T / MIKE SKINNER (DJ SET) I AM KLOOT / MYSTERY JETS / LIGHTNING SEEDS (ACOUSTIC) / ASH / FAKE BLOOD / BRITISH SEA POWER / MR SCRUFF / FOREIGN BEGGARS / RONI SIZE AND HUNDREDS MORE ACTS

 

Creamfields 2013 – New Stage Announced

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NEW STAGE ANNOUNCED

 

With less than 100 days to go until Creamfields, the festival has just added the Cream Friends Stage across Saturday and Sunday filled with the hottest rising talent from across the UK.

 

Saturday’s stage will be headlined by Andi Durrant.  Over the last few months Andi has quickly become one of the most in-demand remixers in Britain whilst also keeping fans up to date with the latest new music every Friday and Saturday via his Capital FM show. Andi will be joined by one of the most popular and in demand DJs in the North of England, Anton Powers and the Cream Ibiza residents James Dutton and Josh Demello plus George Kafetzis, Tim Owen, the Data Transmission DJs, Ed Mackie, Jack Eye Jones and Jigsaw.

 

Sunday’s line-up will be headed up by the extremely talented Nicola Bear.  As Ibiza Rocks’ resident DJ for the past four years Nicola knows how to get the crowd moving and has previously warmed up for Creamfields headliners The Prodigy as well as Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, and Fake Blood and has recently celebrated being added to Diplo’s Mad Decent label.  Nicola will be joined by Cream Ibiza resident Sean Hughes, Ministry of Sound’s Spacestation DJs, Ibiza Rocks resident Tom Grainger and local heroes Dave Whelan, Ian Longo, Denny Dowd, Liam Hincks and Billie Clements.

 

Having just announced that 2 day non-camping tickets have sold out, Creamfields is on way for its 5th consecutive sell-out and promises an unforgettable weekend hosted by some of the biggest and brightest stars in electronic dance music.

 

Hurricane and Southside Festival Preview 2013

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In recent years more and more Brits are heading out to European Festivals. Sometimes it's for the experience of visiting different country, often for the (usually) better weather and line-ups, but surely the major reason is most European festivals are much better value, with tickets often half the cost of their UK counterparts.

Hurricane/Southside festivals are twin three day music festivals and takes part from Friday 21-23rd June. Hurricane is a long established fixture on the European Festival calendar and his has been held near the picturesque town of Scheeßel in Northern Germany since 1997. It's slightly smaller sister festival Southside, located in Neuhausen ob Eck in the very south of Germany, has been held since 2000. Reading and Leeds festivals would be the obvious UK comparison, with the line up being shared between the two twin festivals, their size, the variety of bands playing and the fact they're all about the music.

Hurricane is a cheap festival to get to from the UK. Although located in a rural area, Hurricane is located near the cities of Hamburg, Bremen and Hannover which makes getting to the festival relatively easy thanks to Germany's super efficient train system, and also means you can extend your trip with a visit to one of the cities before/after the festival.

Whereas many European Festivals don't get going until the evening and run right through the night, Hurricane/Southside's timings are more similar to the British festivals and start at midday, running throughout the day, with the head liners (This year The Arctic Monkeys, Sigur Ros and QOTSA) playing from 10pm until midnight.

The line up is quite possibly the best in Europe this summer and features many UK and international bands, as well as local German bands and includes:

Arctic Monkeys/ Queens of The Stone Age/ Sigur Ros/ Smashing Pumpkins,/The National/ Kasabian/ Bloc Party, Alt J/ Portishead/ NOFX/ Rammstein/ The Gaslight Anthem/ The Vaccines/ Editors/ Tame Impala/ Peace/ I am Kloot/ The Hives/ Modest Mouse/ Frightened Rabbit/ Frank Turner/ Chase and Status/ Darwin Deez/ Of Monsters and Men/ Gogol Bordello/ The Maccabees/ British Sea Power/ Miles Kane/ Ska-P and Steven Wilson..

The full 4 stage clashfinder for it's 4 stages has been published at http://www.hurricane.de/de/line-up/#!programmation=timeline$ to allow you to plan your weekend already, though with so many great bands playing, clashes are inevitable.

Weather:

Hurricane being situated in Northern Germany, has suffered from the odd downpour in previous years so wellies, and waterproofs are recommended, just like with UK festivals. Southside being situated near the Swiss border, usually has slightly warmer, drier weather.

Bars/toilets:

Friends who have frequently attended Hurricane in previous years report minimal queues for the bars, toilets etc and the whole festival run with German efficiency! It's not a gourmet boutique festival but the usual festival grub of noodles, burgers, falafel etc is available.

Transport

Both Hamburg and Bremen are relatively close to Hurricane Festival with Easy Jet and Ryanair having cheap flights to Hamburg and Bremen from many UK cities. (My Manchester to Bremen return flight has cost less than £50 !). It's slightly more expensive to fly to Hannover but is well served by Flybe and German Wings. Train-wise advance group tickets are available (Länder-Ticket) for transport on all transport systems for up to 5 people anywhere in the region for a day for a bargain 22 to 38 euros)

Tickets:

Hurricane Festival's tickets were priced at a great value 137 euro (around £117). Reading and Leeds's weekend tickets by comparison are £202 this year. Both Hurricane and Southside's tickets have sold out already, which is testament to their fantastic line up and reputation.

 

 

Beer, breakdowns and body odour. Welcome to Slam Dunk Scotland.

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            Although only having a fraction of the Slam Dunk South line up, Slam Dunk Scotland was a huge success. I don't think I've been that excited (or sweaty) at a gig in a long time. Not one band disappointed, every member of every band had explosive energy, jumping around the stage which only had a rub off effect on the audience who were simply brutal. I lost count of how many people were dragged over the barriers by security, even once over the barriers security were struggling to control them, resulting in a few of the security landing flat out on the ground (much to my amusement).

            The stand out bands for me were definitely Woe Is Me, Memphis May Fire, Pierce The Veil and Four Year Strong. Having not listened to Woe Is Me or Pierce The Veil their live performances definitely converted me in to a fan. If you get a chance you should definitely YouTube Woe Is Me, my words will do nothing for their music. Their songs contain everything you could possibly ever want, from gorgeous clean vocals from Hance Alligood to some heavy bass from Brain Medley.         

            As for Pierce The Veil, if their stage set up wasn't impressive enough (have a look through the Slam Dunk Scotland photos) their interaction with the crowd was something that needs to be seen, they have such a strong fan base over here in Scotland which you could hear when they played "Hell Above", the crowd was singing along so loudly that you heard them far better than you could hear the band.

            Finally, Four Year Strong – with beards almost as impressive as their music – completely blew away all expectations I had for them as a live act. With raging energy, the guys got the crowd so excited that I was told by security I had to stop taking photographs and move out of the photo pit because so many people were crowd surfing and having to be pulled over the barriers.

            This having been my first Slam Dunk experience, I can without a doubt in my mind, say that I will definitely be attending next year. If you haven't got a ticket for any up and coming Slam Dunk dates, then I suggest you do. You can find what venue is closest to you here http://www.slamdunkmusic.com/slam-dunk-festival . Even if it sounds a bit too rough for you, I suggest you buy a ticket (ranging from £15 – £38, depending on the venue) and stand peacefully at the bar, watching the madness from a safe distance because Slam Dunk won't be like any other festival you're attending this year.

Chic feat Nile Rodgers set for Bingley Music Live

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We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that the undisputed champions of disco funk CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers will be bringing their unique and revolutionary sound to this year’s Bingley Music Live.

They will appear at Myrtle Park between August 30th-September 1st alongside Primal Scream, The Cribs, The Human League, The Wonder Stuff, The Fratellis, Lucy Spraggan, Charlie Brown, The Lake Poets, The Temperance Movement, Loveable Rogues, Summer Camp, The Struts, The Electric Swing Circus,Natasha Haws, Rose and the Howling North, and Holy Moly and the Crackers.

With an ever-expanding line up of impressive acts – with more to be announced next week – this year’s festival once again offers a truly eclectic musical mix; all at the easy-on-the-pocket price of £45 (+ booking fee) for a three day ticket.

Nicknamed ‘The Hitmaker’ Nile Rodgers’ biography as a musician, composer, arranger and arguably one of the world’s most influential producers, reads like a who’s who of contemporary music from the 70s right through to the current singles chart number 1 – Daft Punk’s Get Lucky. He’s collaborated with Luther Vandross, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, David Bowie, INXS, Duran Duran, Grace Jones and Madonna (to name a few), as well as being name checked by a multitude of other esteemed pop, RnB and hip hop stars for his significant contribution to our recent musical history.

Nile Rodgers

Yet it’s the enduring disco hits such as Le Freak, I Want Your Love, Everybody Dance and Good Times that will undoubtedly generate a rapturous reception from Bingley’s expectant audience.  Are you ready to shimmy on down to the soundtrack that has defined some of the best nights ever?

Big Heart, Big Sounds

Following an amazing 2012 we’re really excited to build on last year’s successes. Everyone from our loyal following of festival goers to performers and press have showered us with praise for our friendly and professionally organised festival. Not prepared to rest on our laurels we’re gearing up for another three days of superb music.

For the 7th year the beautiful surroundings of Myrtle Park will allow you the chance to get up close and personal to your favourite bands. With a three day ticket costing just £45 (+ booking fee) and a limited number of children’s tickets at £30 (+ booking fee) for 3-12 year olds (under 3s are free) , we pride ourselves on being accessible to all, so more people can eagerly anticipate getting to the heart of the action.

Mystery Jets and more complete Chagstock Festival lineup

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CHAGSTOCK FESTIVAL have announced Mystery Jets as their final main stage headliner for 2013. They join a raft of new additions to the bill, including Dizraeli & The Small Gods, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, Crowns, Yes Sir Boss,Crazy Arm and Matthew & Me in completing the line-up. 

Comprising father-and-son combo Henry and Blaine Harrison, alongside William Rees and Kapil Traveldi, Mystery Jets were formed on Eel Pie Island when the boys were still at school. Seven years and four albums later they are still delighting audiences around the world with hits including as Young Love and Two Doors Down. Mystery Jets headline Chagstock shortly after supporting Mumford and Sons on their mammoth USA arena tour.

Mystery Jets

Dizraeli & The Small Gods are currently making waves throughout the music world. Their 7-piece melodic, unashamedly heartfelt reinvention of hiphop recently prompted The Independent to declare, “their folk, rap, spoken word and hymns embody 21st Century folk."

Hailing from Western Australia, Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Her talent is perfectly complimented by the magnificent arrangements of her three-piece ensemble, The Red Clay Halo. Emily is renowned for writing and recording the theme to the BBC One’s Wallander, which won a BAFTA and a Royal Television Award.

These are exciting times for Cornish sea-shanty punks, Crowns. With a major Dropkick Murphys support tour under their belts, Mike Davis playing them on Radio 1, and 2013 festival appearances (aside from Chagstock) including Glastonbury, Download and Hard Rock Calling, this may well be the year they hit the big time.

These acts join an already stellar line up, including recently reformed Irish New Wave legends, The Boomtown Rats (featuring all four original members; Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe), alongside Billy Bragg,Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Willie & The Bandits, Ferocious Dog and many more. 

Chagstock is one of the Westcountry’s best-loved festivals. Set in 45 acres of farmland on the northern edge of Devon’s beautiful Dartmoor, Chagstock is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and family-friendly atmosphere. Chagstock showcases the very best music, food and entertainment that the Westcountry and the UK have to offer. Chagstock retains its traditional 2-day format in 2013. 

As introduced last year in recognition of the tough economic climate for families, all children under 12 can attend for free (ticket is required). Chagstock’s capacity is once again capped at just 5,000 tickets to ensure that its intimate, family-friendly atmosphere is maintained. 

This year’s fancy dress theme will be ‘Circus’

THE BOOMTOWN RATS
Featuring Bob Geldof, Pete Briquette, Garry Roberts and Simon Crowe

MYSTERY JETS | BILLY BRAGG | DIZRAELI & THE SMALL GODS 
KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN | CROWNS | LILY & MEG
EMILY BARKER & THE RED CLAY HALO | WILLIE & THE BANDITS
Crazy Arm | Matthew & Me | Marc O’Reilly | Ferocious Dog | New Crisis
Skinny Dog | Flats & Sharps | Brother & Bones | Aurora Skies

Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and more for Magaluf Takeover

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Magaluf Takeover is the ultimate summer music holiday for fun-seekers and go-getters, with some of the world’s best clubs, parties and events at the tips of every revellers fingers. With the new breed of holidaymakers, Magaluf Takeover presents renowned and celebrated urban artists appearing over the summer months, including the likes of heavyweights Professor Green, Labrinth, Wretch 32, Tinie Tempah and Mistajam. Guests whose trips are lucky enough to fall over weeks between 28th June and 19th July, will be treated to performances and special appearances by their chart heroes at infamous venues including BCM and Mallorca Live. With bespoke accommodation all taken care of, guests are free to enjoy the various boat and pool parties, bar crawls, music acts and VIP experiences the Magaluf Takeover has to offer. For more information, remaining dates and prices starting at £129.99, visit the offical website. 

Tinie TempahMagaluf is not only one of the most popular clubbing resorts, it is also on the up, shaking off its sleazy image and transforming into a respectable clubbing destination for thousands of wanting revellers. For eight weeks the town belongs to likeminded holiday-makers and music lovers, presented by the Magaluf Takeover seven-night extravaganza that includes all the elements needed to create a hassle-free fun-filled music holiday. Packages celebrate every single fun loving aspect of Magaluf with unbeatable accommodation, from basic rooms to rest heavy heads after a hard nights partying, to all out luxurious resorts with gyms and jacuzzis. Seven days are filled with access to some of the most exclusive clubs in the world, including Europe’s largest superclub BCM where internationally renowned DJs such as Calvin Harris and Avicii are regulars. Not only this but revellers will have access to the Mallorca Live gigs throughout the week with performances from the likes of Pro Green, Tinie Tempah and Labrinth, with 1Xtra’s favourite DJ Mistajam spinning slick beats all night long. In addition to these fantastic events, partygoers will be given the chance to experience MCP (over five clubs) throughout their stay, with VIP access and parties specifically orchestrated for Takeover guests and culminating with an infamous UV Paint Party. Throughout the week guests can soak up the sun whilst partying the day away with Takeover pool parties bustling with surprise celebrity guests, boat parties and bar crawls.

Magaluf is fast cementing itself as a serious clubbing destination and Mainstage Travel’s Magaluf Takeover is the only way to experience it as a VIP and hassle-free, without the price tag.