Loom Festival Berlin announces Nastia, Thomas Schumacher, Julian Jeweil, Alex Stein, Victor Ruiz, Wehbba LIVE, Anna Reusch and Transcode

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Date: Sept 25th

Location: Museumspark Rüdersdorf

Time: 12:00 – 00:00

Tickets: https://loomfest.com/ 

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Loom Festival is a brand new open-air celebration of techno with a big sound but an intimate feel. It takes place at the historic Museumspark Rüdersdorf on September 25th with 12 hours of non-stop world-class sounds from Nastia, Thomas Schumacher, Julian Jeweil, Alex Stein, Victor Ruiz, Wehbba LIVE, Anna Reusch and Transcode. 

Loom Festival has been inspired by the European festivals where star-studded techno line-ups meet in the most unusual locations surrounded by nature. They are famous for their mind-blowing production and unforgettable musical experiences and Loom is set to make the same sort of indelible impact this Autumn. 

It goes down at the historic Museumspark Rüdersdorf, a vast park with a rich industrial history and a dream location for open-air events. Surrounded by lakes, canals and greenery, this idyllic location just outside the city will be transformed and mix raw and industrial vibes while being in the midst of nature. The party is located next to a Shaft Furnace built in 1871 so has a unique backdrop. 

Says Loom’s Founders, “After going to many festivals across Europe over the years, we realized there weren’t many events here in Berlin that focused on putting a lot of big acts together in one package. So we decided to give it a go and we have curated a no-frills, no BS line-up with the industry’s heaviest-hitters from start to finish featuring the best peak time techno artists. The idea is to have the best techno from the moment the gates open until the last track is played. Headliners, smiles and non-stop dancing from start to finish – we cannot wait to see you on the dance floor.”

That lineup features Wehbba who will be debuting his new live show for the first time anywhere in Germany, as well as world-class DJs like Ukrainian powerhouse Nastia, German mainstay Thomas Schumacher, and the ever-excellent Julian Jeweil, Alex Stein, Victor Ruiz, Anna Reusch and Transcode. 

Confirmed artists: Nastia, Thomas Schumacher, Julian Jeweil, Alex Stein, Victor Ruiz, Wehbba LIVE, Anna Reusch & Transcode.

Boardmasters 2021 – Review

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After a two year absence, Cornwall saw the Boardmasters festival return in style. Set at the stunning location of Watergate Bay in Newquay, over 50,000 people descended to the coast for a mix of sun, surf and superb music.

On Friday, Foals took the main stage by force with their headline slot. Playing their biggest hits, including Mountain at my Gates, What Went Down, My Number and finishing with singer Yannis Philippakis joining the crowd for a thrilling finale of What Went Down and Two Steps, Twice.

Lianne La Havas © Graham Tarrant

It was refreshing to see so many female artists on the bill at this festival – take note mainstream festivals such as Reading and Leeds with their continuous dirge of male dominated line-ups – there was a wealth of female talent throughout the lineup here. Earlier on Friday, Lianne La Havas delighted the crowd dressed in sunflowers, playing a mix of her soulful tunes, with a cover of Radiohead’s Weird Fishes chucked in the mix for good measure. Elsewhere, Holly Humberstone gave off early Avril Lavigne vibes, while Jade Bird delighted the crowd crossing so many genres with a fine mix of pop, americana and country.

Jade Bird © Graham Tarrant

To make the point that women can fill any festival bill, Georgia blew away the Land of the Saints stage single-handedly with her solo drumming and singing combo, while Mahalia filled the tent with her mix of R&B and soul.

As well as music, as the name suggests, the beauty of Boardmasters is its surfing connections. During the day, if musically nothing floats your boat (or board), Fistral Beach is a stone throw (or skim) away. Hosting the UK’s biggest surf competition, the BFGoodrich Longboard-open and Animal-open were exhilarating to watch, with the pro’s catching awe-inspiring air on the waves, and the occasional wipeout for pushing it to the limit.

© Graham Tarrant

The sun shown again on Saturday morning. Maisie Peters was a little ray of light encouraging the crowd to shout names of ex’s in anger in cathartic fashion. Fresh from her headline slot at Camp Bestival two weeks’ prior, Becky Hill demonstrated the power of Boardmasters that she could only make it to late-afternoon on this bill. Shamelessly plugging her new album continuously, it was clear many fans would be lapping it up when it is released the following week.

Mercilessly, the crowd surged for Loyle Carner, before Damon Albarn and his Gorillaz made their Cornish debut as headliners on the main stage. Playing hit after hit, with majority of songs coming from their acclaimed Demon Days album, it was incredible to think this is no longer a side project for Damon after over 20 years’ since their debut song, Clint Eastwood.

© Graham Tarrant

The Kooks clashed on the Land of Saints stage with their indie pop. With the sun set for the day, dance lovers headed to the stunning The Point overlooking the coast, where Basement Jaxx drew a huge crowd for their DJ set.

On Sunday after dancing ‘til early hours, Sunday’s mix was even more eclectic. Gentleman’s Dub Club began proceedings in style (despite being a headliner at upcoming Mucky Weekender festival). Sharply dressed in a suit and bow tie, the singer opted for no shoes or socks, presumably off for a dip afterwards.

Local Cornish royalty Katy J Pearson drew a loyal audience in the nearby tent. Later, Goat Girl (with appropriately named lead singer Clottie Cream) are surely a future headline act in the making with their grunge guitar band. 

Mercury Music Prize nominee Arlo Parks followed. A definite highlight of the weekend with a huge crowd filling the tent. With so many memorable songs, from Hope, Black Dog and Collapsed in Sunbeams, Arlo truly deserves to win – singing ‘We all have scars, I know it’s hard, you’re not alone’, her songs uplift but contain powerful messages for us all.

So, as if Maisie Peters, Becky Hill, Lianne La Havas, Katy J Pearson, and Arlo Parks powerfully lighting up the bill wasn’t enough, Jorja Smith showed that Queen Bee Beyonce better hold on tight to her crown – Jorja is a worthy contender and an incredibly inspired headline booking to close the festival.

Jorja Smith © Graham Tarrant

Stunningly mesmerising the crowd, it’s truly evident she has been writing songs since she was 11. With so many catchy songs, it was a true festival closing performance, sending everyone home. Be honest, we need more of this elsewhere in summer festivals.

See you at the beach next year! 

Review and photographs: © Graham Tarrant

BLOODSTOCK 2022 LAUNCHESWITH 17 BANDS ANNOUNCED!

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With BLOODSTOCK 2021 well under way, the festival is thrilled to already be looking ahead and announcing a swathe of bands for the 2022 event, which is set to take place on 11th-14th August 2022 at Catton Park, Derbyshire.  

Headlining one of our days (tbd) on the Ronnie James Dio main stage will be mighty groove metal overlords, LAMB OF GOD! Frontman Randy Blythe tells us “It’s been way too long since we’ve rocked the festivals of Merry Olde – what better way to announce our return than a headliner slot at BLOODSTOCK? Until then, pack your wellies and stay safe, England – LAMB OF GOD (and Roger Brilliant) will see you Summer 2022!” In the meantime, remind yourself of their awesomeness with this video of ‘Walk With Me In Hell’ from their 2013 debut BLOODSTOCK headline set. 

Saturday’s main stage headliner will be the previously announced, King Diamond-fronted, heavy metal icons MERCYFUL FATE, who roll over a year after global issues prevented their appearance at this year’s festival. The band tell us; “MERCYFUL FATE comes to BLOODSTOCK…this will be a dangerous meeting you don’t want to miss. King Diamond says, “This time we are going to bring the Devil himself.”   

The remaining main stage headliner is yet to be revealed. Stay tuned!  Also landing main stage slots across the weekend are PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS playing their Pantera set, DIMMU BORGIR, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, GWAR (in a UK festival exclusive), BURY TOMORROW, SACRED REICH, LIFE OF AGONY, BUTCHER BABIES, VIO-LENCE, and BLOODYWOOD.  

Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, headlining Thursday night are THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and closing out Sunday night will be STATIC X, in their only UK show of 2022. Also landing a slot across the weekend are HEATHEN. 

Stay tuned for more band announcements soon and check out the first 2022 trailer here. Early bird weekend camping tickets are available at the on-site box office across the duration of the 2021 event, then will go on sale online at 9am Monday 16th August, priced at £135 (+ bkg fee) from the ticket store, as well as Serpents Lair VIP tickets, child tickets, and camper van passes (which always sell out very quickly, so don’t snooze if you’re after one). 
BLOODSTOCK will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 11th-14th August 2022.
For more info, click to www.bloodstock.uk.com. 

Metrofest 2021 Review

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This weekend, in North London’s Trent Park was the scene of what was supposed to be a day of winding back the clock and enjoying some of the world’s finest RnB and HipHop musicians. The lineup read like a who’s who from back in the day; Fat Joe, Blackstreet, Mya, Horace Brown, Bobby V, Eve, Jon B, Tony Touch & Fatman Scoop were all set to perform at Metrofest.

With lockdown rules lifting across the country and various restrictions for international travel still in place, there was always a risk that an international artist may not make it into the country or fall ill and test positive for COVID. This is the risk one takes with organising a festival during these times. Did this have an impact on Metrofest? Read on and find out.

A few days out from the event, Eve cancelled citing ‘unforeseen circumstances’. Cancellations happen, it’s just a part of the industry. Other artists that travelled to London from USA had arrived days earlier and were quarantining in various hotels in London (as far as we know).

Fast forward to Sunday, the weather was holding out, the ground was soft and not too much of a mud fest and the crowd was building after the event opened 90 minutes later than it was supposed to, with very little warning to those already arriving on site at the original 11am opening time.

As I arrived mid afternoon, there was still a fairly sized line of people waiting to get in via the General Admission entrance. As I entered the festival grounds, Horace Brown hit the stage and belted out his big tracks like ‘One for the Money’ & ‘Things we do for Love’. Horace is pretty chill and was great live, his soulful voice played out over the sound system and pulled in a huge crowd. Next up was Mya, whom a good number in the crowd came to see.

We waited patiently for the transition but the minutes turned to hours and there was no sight of Mya, a DJ was playing music on the main stage trying to keep a nervous and anxious crowd entertained. During this time, there was no official message or comms from the organisers that anything was changing.

Jon B was supposed to be on at around 5pm, but that time came and went. Bobby V and Blackstreet were up next but again, there was no sight of these artists on the main stage. Fatman Scoop was supposed to be hosting the main stage for most of the afternoon, but he also was not seen until late into the evening.

You could sense the frustration of the crowd, some who had travelled from various parts of the country, drove hundreds of miles, spent money on trains and accommodation to see their favourite old school artists. With just a DJ on the main stage for a large part of the afternoon, the noise from the restless crowd grew louder.

Eventually Fatman Scoop turned up and hit the stage to bring the crowd back to life as he got the crowd to join in on tracks like ‘Be Faithful’, before Jon B then arrived, almost 3 hours after he was scheduled to perform. Performing a short set full of classics including ‘Are U Still Down’, ‘Someone to Love’ & ‘Dont Talk’, he quickly left the stage before the nights headliner Fat Joe took over.

Walking out to his classic collaboration hit ‘New York’, the crowd piled into the main stage area to see the Brooklyn rapper in his first UK live event. Taking us through his hits from his vast back catalog, he played ‘Whats Luv’, ‘All the Way Up’, ‘Lean Back’ and this years big hit, ‘Sunshine’.

Cut short from what was supposed to be an hour’s performance, Fat Joe left the stage, only then for Bobby V to come out and perform. With a tight cut off time at 9pm, the Atlanta singer performed for less than 10 minutes before the sound cut his performance off and the crowds were informed to leave.

Meanwhile, as Fat Joe was performing, Blackstreet released a video on their Facebook page apologising to fans for not performing at Metrofest due to a number of organisational issues. You can see their video here:

After the event, social media was brimming with unhappy festival goers who felt cheated and wanted their refunds back due to a number of high profile artist no shows and their inability to cash out the remaining money from their wristbands. The cash out system started working after a day of technical glitches & three days after the event finished, Metrofest posted on their Instagram the following statement:

As a reviewer, I must be transparent and fair and my honest view of Metrofest is summarised here:

  • It’s important to remember, logistically running a festival in these unprecedented times is extremely difficult and risky and it has reflected as such at Metrofest.
  • There was a great crowd in attendance!
  • The main stage lineup promised so much yet failed to deliver with a number of no shows.
  • The transparency and comms from the organisers needed to be much better, especially as the afternoon went on and immediately after the event.
  • As a member of the press, the press area wasn’t fit for purpose, one portaloo for some 50+ people which by 3pm was not a pretty sight.
  • Exiting the festival was problematic if you were in the VIP area. You needed to exit through the general admission exit, but it meant heading out into the main stage crowd which was pushed up against the VIP entrance. It was dangerous with people being pushed up and squashed against the temporary fencing. I feared someone would get seriously hurt and eventually security opened another exit.
  • As a member of the press, I was issued a press pass, only to have it confiscated off me mid-festival due to too many people backstage. This was extremely embarrassing for me and uncalled for.
  • The above issue stems from either a lack of security and people without the correct passes being allowed backstage. Two security guards mentioned to me they were understaffed at the event.

Do I hope that Metrofest will return again next year, absolutely. The idea of an old school RnB music festival has a wide appeal, but there are some fundamental things that need to be sorted before the organisers gain the trust back in those that attended!

5 Images That Capture Family Piknik 2021

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Techno lovers have long been hip to Family Piknik. It is one of the leading techno events in Europe and also runs a label of the same name that deals in similar high grade techno. 


Always playing out in Montpellier in France, it happens across multiple stages with lush green areas to chill in and plenty of proper music lovers in attendance. Family Piknik is used to hosting heavy line-ups, and this year was no different with Charlotte De Witte, Adana Twins, Artbat, Bedouin, Citizen Kain, Tom Pooks, Monkey Safari, Adam Beyer, Wehbba, Pontias and many more all playing. 


We have 10 of the best photos from the weekend. To find out more head to the Family Piknik Facebook page. 

Website: https://www.familypiknikfestival.com

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

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/familypiknikfestival

Website: https://www.familypiknikfestival.com

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

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/familypiknikfestival

Electric Zoo Announces Huge Afterparty Series for Labour Day Weekend 2021

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http://electriczoo.com/afterparties

These exclusive afterparties are available only to festival pass holders, so get yours now at http://electriczoo.com/afterparties

The supersized Electric Zoo Supernaturals weekend kicks off with a pre-party headlined by Sam Feldt at Kings Hall at Avant Gardner in Brooklyn. Friday, September 3rd then offers up Fisher, Rebuke, Martin Ikin and Charles Meyer at The Brooklyn Mirage, Deadbeats with Zed’s Dead, Peekaboo, Blunts & Blondes and more at Great Hall in Avant Gardner and an all-night set from Brownies & Lemonade at Kings Hall at Avant Gardner. Special guests will also be announced for Quantum Brooklyn and Ekali, Ship Week and Juelz play Webster Hall. 

On Saturday the afters roll on at The Brooklyn Mirage with Testpilot, Artbat and Local Dialect, at Great Hall at Avant Gardner with Zomboy, Dirty Monkey and Blanket, as well as at Kings Hall with John Summit, Kyle Kinch and Dischetto then Quantum Brooklyn hosts Sonny Fodera,  Westend and more and Webster Hall has Audien, Zack Martino and Harbour. 

The final night on Sunday sees KSHMR, Nitti Gritti, Offaiah and Night Tales play The Brooklyn Mirage, Great Hall at Avant Gardner is headlined by Adventure Club and more to be announced, Quantum Brooklyn lines up Dom Dolla, Mason Maynard, QRTR b2b Devon James and Webster Hall has Alan Walker, Over Easy and Mindtrix.

These after parties provide exclusive opportunities to dance all night long and keep the Electric Zoo party rolling all weekend. 

About Electric Zoo

Established in 2009 by Made Event, the internationally renowned Electric Zoo Festival is one of New York City’s largest music festivals and features the top names in electronic music, bringing a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. International editions of Electric Zoo have taken place in Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai and São Paulo, with further expansion underway.

About Made Event

Made Event, a LiveStyle, Inc. company, is a premier producer of electronic music events and the creator of the Electric Zoo Festival. Having produced hundreds of memorable events in New York City, Miami and elsewhere around the globe, Made Event continues to set the bar for quality electronic music events. For more info, please visit www.MadeEvent.com.

About LiveStyle, Inc. 

Positioned to be one of the world’s largest music event producers, LiveStyle boasts a wide variety of leading live music properties.  LiveStyle produces and promotes single and multi day music festivals across North America, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. North American key operating entities include Made Event, React Presents, Disco Donnie Presents, Life in Color, and MMG, along with festivals and brands such as Electric Zoo, Spring Awakening, Sensation, and Life in Color. In Europe, the company boasts key operating entities such as Monumental, B2S, ID&T, i-Motion, and Q-Dance, and festivals and brands including Decibel, Mysteryland, Awakenings, Back-To-School, Air, Qlimax, Nature One, Sensation, as well as the innovative ticketing service Paylogic. In Brazil, LiveStyle owns PlusNetwork which has produced the enormously successful Tomorrowland Brasil festival and tours by internationally acclaimed DJs and artists. Further, LiveStyle has a 40% participation in Rock in Rio, held biannually in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with spinoffs in Lisbon and Portugal. Together with the Belgian Tomorrowland organization, LiveStyle launched TomorrowWorld, the first international version of the Tomorrowland festival, and also promoted the first South American Tomorrowland festival. LiveStyle continues to work with the Belgian Tomorrowland organization as its international partner to bring Tomorrowland to new territories outside Europe and to return to the USA and Brazil. LiveStyle also owns and operates Beatport, the preeminent ecommerce platform for DJs, producers and dance music fans that helps launch the careers of the best underground artists and define global music culture.

Ibiza Holidays Donated to NHS Healthcare Workers

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https://t4hh-uk.raisely.com/

 Together for Healthcare Heroes [short: T4HH], the charitable initiative set up on the Balearic Island of Ibiza, is set to reward NHS medical workers who have selflessly helped hundreds of thousands during the Covid-19 pandemic with a free stay on the White Isle at the end of the summer.

 The British nation’s beloved healthcare institution celebrated its 73rd birthday in July and in further good news it has been confirmed that 50 NHS workers from Hospitals such as Birmingham and Royal Oldham Hospital in Manchester will be able to enjoy a much-deserved break on Ibiza.

 12 months on from its official launch, the T4HH campaignhas successfully secured 140 luxury accommodation options generously donated by hotel and villa owners. In total, these equate to 6,800 complimentary nights in the popular destinations across Europe and the Middle East in luxury locations like Ibiza and Dubai valued at over €1 million. 

 

 Healthcare Heroes will arrive in Ibiza at the end of the summer 2021. Approximately 400 guests in total will be able to enjoy a free stay on Ibiza over the course of the campaign, as well as other European and Middle Eastern destinations.

 T4HH now calls for support from the public in rewarding our Healthcare Heroes for their incredible efforts on the Covid-19 frontline by helping to raise funds for flights and insurance. A crowdfunding campaign has been set up through Raisely to help cover these costs for the beneficiaries.

 Healthcare Heroes will be chosen from the UK, Spain, France, Austria, Germany and Italy, with approximately 500 guests travelling over this period. 

 

(AP via Getty Images)

 Healthcare Heroes can look forward to staying in reputable and luxurious Ibiza hotels including Pacha’s Destino Hotel, Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe, Nobu, Hard Rock Hotel, and 7Pines Resort Ibiza as well as properties from the OD Hotels and Concept Hotel Group. 

 WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuRFyoNYb1c

 Cres Huertas Director at Pacha and President of the Fundacion Pacha comments: We are proud to be part of an initiative that gives back to Healthcare Heroes when they need it most. Ibiza has come together for the people of the world. 

 The initiative has also received support from the electronic music scene, including DJ and producer Fatboy Slim [Norman Cook]. 

Fatboy Slim “Ibiza has always been a special place to me, I am thrilled to support this project and the healthcare heroes who deserve this break.”The campaign has also been warmly received by the local government.

 Juan Miguel Costa Director of Tourism at the Consell d’ Eivissa“This shows unity and why Ibiza people and businesses care deeply about what has happened over the last 18 months.”

 The campaign now calls for those to support these heroes with funding of their flights you can support this great cause here http://www.packforgood.uk 

The Lofts Newcastle announce new dates with Louie Vega, Todd Terry, Mark Knight, SKREAM, Franky Wah & more

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Danny Howard, Louie Vega with Eli Escobar, Todd Terry with Melon Bomb, Mark Knight, SKREAM, Franky Wah all set for North East

– Tickets now on sale for newly announced shows 

– The iconic Pete Tong speaks ahead of the venue’s launch weekend this month

Organisers behind The North of England’s new city centre “super club’, The Lofts, have today confirmed a string of new dates and late summer shows featuring some of the world’s most celebrated and hottest DJs.

Following the 1500 capacity venue’s launch event on Friday August 27th – featuring Pete Tong and Horse Meat Disco – The Lofts will now welcome Danny Howard (28th August), Louie Vega with Eli Escobar (3rd September), Mark Knight (10th September), Todd Terry and Melon Bomb (11th September), SKREAM (17th September) and Franky Wah (24th September) through its doors as part of its mission to continue to build the buzz within Newcastle’s nightlife scene. 

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne – the new 1500 capacity ‘super-club’ features 3 separate rooms including a ground breaking sound system from L-Acoustic and a state-of-the-art, fully immersive light and visual show.

Taking place on Saturday 28th August, The Lofts will present an electric night of house with Danny Howard, DJ Spen, Frankie Foncett, Mighty Mouse and Ricky Morrison. 

Danny Howard is a celebrated British dance music DJ, producer, and radio presenter, best known for presenting BBC Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Danny Howard.

Howard is viewed by many as the heir to the dance music throne and his energy and impeccable tune selection will make for a special night come late August. 

Danny says:  “They say the further north you go, the better the party, and Newcastle is cerainly proof of that!  It’s always an incredible vibe whenever I’ve played in the city before and I have a year’s worth of energy saved up for this, so see you on August bank holiday for a large one….!” 

Meanwhile, Friday 3rd September will see the actual man himself, the definite house music bonafide King, Louie Vega, head to The Lofts with Eli Escobar. 

Luis Ferdinand Vega Jr., better known as “Little Louie” Vega, is an American DJ, record producer and Grammy Award winner remixer of Puerto Rican ancestry. He is one half of the Masters at Work musical production team and is an all round musical legend. 

Next to perform is Grammy Award nominated Producer & DJ Todd Terry who is one of the artists who helped to define New York’s dance and house music scene.  Terry will be supported by Melon Bomb – a house and disco collective of four DJs from Ibiza who have become symonymous for making parties and will bring a touch of the Island to Newcastle with their inimitable style of music.

Hot on the heels of the Vega date, The Lofts crew bring you Toolroom Records supremo, Mark Knight, with Illyus&Barrientos for a special night filled with house and good vibes on Friday 10th September. 

On Friday 17th September, The Lofts are proud to present one of the hottest DJs on the scene right now, the high-rising dance star that is SKREAM. 

As one of the UK’s best-loved selectors Skream has enjoyed the kind of consistency most DJs and producers can only dream of. His passion for collecting and playing music is unrelenting; disco, house, techno and everything in between makes him one of the UK’s most innovative and pioneering of DJs.

Completing the late summer run of high-profile shows at The Lofts Newcastle is Franky Wah on Friday 24th September. 

The DJ/producer, is currently one of the hottest and most exciting names in the dance realm for 2021. Receiving rave critical acclaim from established dance peers, ongoing support from key industry figures and playing to thousands of fans on multiple festival stages have led to Franky garnering fan support in its thousands.

Frankie said today:  “I’m absolutely buzzin’ to announce I’m coming to play at the brand new superclub – The Lofts. I’ve been dying to play Newcastle and can’t wait to party with you all!”

As previously announced, BBC Radio 1 legend Pete Tong and Horse Meat Disco will open the venue on Friday 27th with support from Charlie Hedges, Mighty Mouse and Natasha Kitty Katt.

Local resident DJs John Dance, Jonny Burn and Kev Cannon will be on support duties all weekend.

There are few individuals in the world of dance music who can claim the kind of influence Pete Tong has had over the last twenty years.

As the voice of BBC Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming, Pete has held a commanding presence over the industry for more than two decades  With an unparalleled ear for new talent, Tong has become the leading tastemaker of the electronic generation.  Quite simply, an industry icon.

Speaking ahead of today’s fresh announcements, he said: “I’m very excited to be a part of launching Newcastle’s new superclub.  I have really missed playing in front of a live crowd and can’t wait to kick off with The Lofts.”

For more information about The Lofts go to  HYPERLINK “http://www.theloftsne1.co.uk/“www.theloftsne1.co.uk

-Ends-

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5fq6so7fq4pz9ub/AAAkHnWwyipa0whci2zO0hQza?dl=0

The Lofts social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/TheLoftsNE1/

https://www.instagram.com/theloftsne1

Macka & Lowree deliver the ‘This Is It’ EP

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Date: 6th August

Purchase:https://mackaroons.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-it


Glasgow based Macka & Lowree are back following their Mood 4 Love release on Fresh Take Records with a new two track euphoric, summer dancefloor filler EP titled ‘This Is It’.


Containing House fueled vibrant strings, pounding basslines and grooves that will bring some serious energy to any dancefloor. With B-Side ‘El Renacimiento’ featuring soothing saxophone and vocals from Scott Bathgate and Frankie Elyse respectively, the combination is sure to have a big impact in the return of modern day club culture.

ESCAPE RECORDS DROP FIRST RELEASES FROM GLEN HORSBOROUGH, BAAUER & LOCAL 

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Earlier this summer, game-changing Welsh promotional outfit Escape Records announced a huge expansion which saw the launch of their brand new label. They have now announced the first three releases, showcasing exactly what the label will be all about with well crafted house, dance and urban music across their two sub-labels; Escape and Tapes, with Glen Horsborough, Local and Bauuer all serving up one single each. 

Having firmly established themselves as the leading event promoters in Wales over recent years with a number of hugely successful events in their portfolio, including Inside Out, Colour Clash and Party At The Park, the label arm of Escape Records sees the team put all their insider knowledge and expert understanding of up and coming talent to good use. Each release has been carefully A&Red and label artists will be given a huge platform to really shine. 

Says Glen Horsborough; “I am delighted to be part of the Escape Records team heading up Label Operations. We have a clear vision on delivering some feel good dance and urban music. We have a string of really exciting releases planned for 2021 and beyond and can’t wait for the world to hear them.’

Glen previously produced the weekly Hed Kandi show on Ministry of Sound Radio for over a decade and now presents his own ‘Let There Be House’ podcast with over 60,000 downloads per month on iTunes. He’s previously had releases out on Salted Music, Motive, Hot Sunday, Ocean Trax and of course Let There Be House Records, reaching a number 1 in Beatport Hype House with ‘You Don’t Know’.

He now brings his skill and experience to the Escape Records family and is also the producer behind Escape’s first release which dropped on July 2nd, linking up with talented singer songwriter Elisabeth Yorke-Bolognini, who has previously provided vocals for Defected Records and Toolroom. The track is entitled ‘You & I’ and is an all round feel good uplifting house record with a killer vocal hook and some irresistible summer sounding chords.

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/youandi

July 30th then saw the release of Bauuer ft Nikki Belle ‘Pushing On.’ Bauuer has been on the house scene under various guises since 2004. His remixes and originals have been heard on dance floors and radio across the globe on labels such as Armada, 3Beat, Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi amongst others. ‘Pushing On’ follows his last release on Let There Be House, ‘Take A Little Time’, which clocked up millions of streams and high profile support, earning him a Beatport Top 10. 

Vocals on ‘Pushin On’ come courtesy of Nikki Belle who rose to prominence as one half of Hot and Juicy gaining world-wide success with Mousse T on the smash hit ‘Horny’. She then went on to score a UK top 30 hit on Cahill’s remake of the classic ‘Trippin On You’ and released further singles on 3Beat to critical acclaim. 

Their simply irresistible, hands in the air piano and house anthem ‘Pushing On’ is a real standout. With its rich chords and gorgeous soaring vocal, slick drums and fat bass, it cannot fail to be huge this summer and beyond. 

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/pushinon 

Next up, on August 13th, Local serves up the infectious ‘Go Pro’ produced by UK bass heavyweights Shapes. Having previously collaborated with a host of UK icons including Skepta, Jaykae, Mike Skinner and Lady Leshurr, as well as reaching #2 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts with his latest EP, the Cardiff born MC has firmly established himself as one of the country’s most exciting exports. 

His new release alongside Shapes is a slick UKG track with lush chords and well swung drums. The icing on the cake is the heart aching, pitched up vocal that soars up top and will undoubtedly make for plenty of big moments at festivals this summer. 

The three tracks are the first to come from Escape Records and will be released across the label’s two sub-brands; Escape, covering all things house and tech-house, and Tapes, which will be more urban leaning. Given the diverse and eclectic array of sounds showcased across the collective’s portfolio of events and festivals, it was important that this ethos was also mirrored across the label. 

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/local-go-pro-prod-shapes/s-93I25fjMYzb  

Says Music & Marketing Exec Will Docherty: “The labels’ ability to offer multiple different sounds through the Tapes urban project alongside the main Escape house label will allow us to bring our vision to a wider audience, showcasing some of the best music Wales has to offer.”

This is a fantastic trio of releases that is sure to quickly establish Escape Records as one of dance music’s most vital new labels.