We are excited to let you know that the first acts for this years Sziget Festival have now been announced. Queens of the Stone Age, Calvin Harris and Placebo are just a few of the massive artists that will be performing in Budapest, Hungary this year at the world famous Sziget Festival.
Queens of the Stone Age, the legendary rock band from Palm Desert, California, is known for its riff-oriented, heavy rock music. The cornerstone and charismatic leader of QOTSA is the singer-guitarist, Grammy Award winner, Josh Homme. Their latest album from 2013…Like Clockwork has an amazing list of contributors like Joey Castillo (former drummer), Mark Lanegan (regular collaborator and former member) and also Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). This year they are going to rock Sziget Festival for sure.
Calvin Harris is one of the biggest names in mainstream electronic music today. We can associate uncountable first class EDM songs to the Scottish singer, songwriter, producer and DJ. These masterpieces are not just well-known to everyone, but are 100% party anthems featuring all stars. Now he is even more popular with his newest third album, 18 Months.
Placebo, enjoys an ever growing level of success around the world with their unique blend of music and outstanding live performances. Their dark and melodic trademark sound featuring singer Brian Molko’s instantly recognizable vocals has become one of the strongest brands in rock over the past decade. Last year they have released their seventh studio album Loud Like Love.
The American alternative rock band, Imagine Dragons, becomes more and more successful. They do not only have a unique sound, but they create an own world with romantic, solid, fascinating atmosphere thanks to the passion and professionalism of its members. This year they won the award for ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the European Festival Awards.
Formed in London by Dan Smith, Bastille, is a highly popular alternative rock band today. The band was started out as a solo project of the singer/songwriter Smith, but later expanded to a quartet. Their debut album, Bad Blood, was released last year and received a good reception. Their most successful single “Pompeii” and their whole show will be a must-see at Sziget.
Stromae, the Belgian singer-songwriter is a very charismatic personality, who merges electronic, hip-hop, eurodance and traditional African vibes in his music. He is not only popular, but received many important awards from the industry. He has released two albums so far and has made dance millions with his singles as Alors on danse or Papaoutai.
The British indie rock band, Klaxons, will bring the audience something very special and unique. They merge some materials from post-punk and pop with the vibe of psychedelic rock’n’roll. Their last album Surfing the Void was a great success and hopefully this year Szitizens can enjoy some songs from their forthcoming album as well.
Laidback Luke is a real innovator in dance music, who will be powering dance music to the crowd at Sziget this year. The Dutch DJ has works together with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike or Hardwell, but he is also responsible for EDM’s most sought after remixes as a recent demand on Martin Solveig’s ‘Hey Now’, ‘Thinking About You’ featuring Ayar Marar for Calvin Harris and Robin Thicke featuring Pharrel and T.I on chart busting ‘Blurred Lines’.
As an exciting element at Sziget, Starlight Girls, will make an appearance with their unique and alternative sound. The Brooklyn-based group lives in a swirling fun house of everything you don’t hate about music, drawing their influence from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the future.
The Summer Festival Guide has the lineup details of the first 100 artists added to Brighton's The Great Escape which kicks off in May.
Heading up the lineup is Kelis in the Brighton Dome along with Brit Award nominee Ella Eyre who returns for a second year running.
Known as the UK’s answer to SXSW and labelled “The Cannes of the Music World” by Steve Lamacq, the first batch of artists confirmed for 2014 is evidence of the festival’s ability to navigate every genre featuring; hypnotic beat making collective JUNGLE, self-titled “Steak and Kidney Pop” star CHLÖE HOWL, Brighton’s own home-grown rock’n’roll duo ROYAL BLOOD and new benchmark for Pop music CHARLI XCX.
Also joining the line-up is atmospheric 3-piece BLAENAVON, gifted story spinning slacker COURTNEY BARNETT, Liverpudlian quartet CIRCA WAVES, new surf grunge kids on the block DUNE RATS as well as disillusioned outsiders FAT WHITE FAMILY who will bring total intoxicating aberrance to the seaside.
The full TGE 2014 line-up so far:
AMBER RUN / ANDY SHAUF / ARC IRIS / ARTHUR BEATRICE / AS ANIMALS / AUTOBAHN / BABY IN VAIN / BABY STRANGE / BEARD OF WOLVES / BEAUTIFUL BOY / BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE / BLACK CITY LIGHTS / BLAENAVON / BROKEN TWIN / CHARLI XCX / CHERUB / CHLÖE HOWL / CIRCA WAVES / CLEO T / COURTNEY BARNETT / D/C / DARK FOR DARK / DARLIA / DENAI MOORE / DIVE IN / DOLOMITE MINOR / DOOM SQUAD / DOUGLAS DARE / DUNE RATS / ELLA EYRE*/ EROTIC MARKET / FABIENNE / FAT WHITE FAMILY / FEMALE SMELL / FEMME / FLUX PAVILION / FLYTE / FTSE / FUTURE ISLANDS / FYFE / GIANNA LAUREN / GINGER AND THE GHOST / GLORY GLORY / HANNAH GEORGAS / HERMITUDE / HOLY STRAYS / HSY / HUMAN PYRAMIDS / JAAKKO EINO KALEVI / JAY ARNER / JEREMIAH JAE / JEREMY NEALE / JUNGLE / KELIS*/ LABYRINTH EAR / LEON T PEARL / LONELY THE BRAVE / LOVEPARK / MAJOR LEAGUES / MARIKA HACKMAN / MATTHEW AND THE ATLAS / MAX MARSHALL / MICKEY LIGHTFOOT / MONEY FOR ROPE / NEW DESERT BLUES / OLIVER WILDE / ORVAL CARLOS SIBELIUS / OY / PAWWS / PHOX / POWDER BLUE / REJJIE SNOW / ROSIE LOWE / ROYAL BLOOD / RUSSIAN RED / SAINT RAYMOND / SAMARIS / SATELLITE STORIES / SEPTEMBER GIRLS / SHOPPING / SHY NATURE / SIN COS TAN / SLAVES / STUBBORN HEART / SUNDARA KARMA / THE BONY KING OF NOWHERE / THE CREASES / THE CROOKED BROTHERS / THE DARLINGTONS / THE OSCILLATION / THE SCENES / THEO VERNEY / TOVE LO / TRAAMS / TRAUMAHELIKOPTER / TRAVIS BRETZER / WET / WHITE LUNG / WILSEN / WOMANS HOUR / YOUNG SUMMER / YOUTH MAN / YUMI AND THE WEATHER
Friday’s main stage will be headlined by the ‘lovechild of soul music’ Myles Sanko taking a break from his busy recording schedule to bring his new big band and songs from his latest album. He will be joined by the electric five piece jazz/funk/soul band The Outlanders spotted by the Rhythmtree scouts at last years Love Supreme Jazz Festival.
Saturday will feature the dynamic stage show of 10 piece Cuban band Warra bubbling from their highly acclaimed album launch at London’s famous Jazz Cafe. Adding to the Rhythmtree’s typical musical contrast will be brass juggernaut The Hackney Colliery Band, the best of British reggae from the Resonators and the infectious rhythms of Senegalese sabar-dance band Batch Gueye.
Sunday will bring together three top bands who are supreme examples of the cultural fusions heard in so much of the 'below the radar' world music found here in the UK and on which the Rhythmtree has built its reputation and unique character as a festival.
Lokkhi Terra are an Afro Cuban Jazz Funk band led by in demand Bangladeshi jazz keyboard player Kishon Kahn and Funkshy formed by top London producer and session drummer Tansay Omar who will be fronted by the amazing vocal talents of gospel singer Debbralee Wells.
Then there is the newly re-formed Afro/Brazilian infused music of Da Lata whose long awaited album Fabiola went straight into the world music top ten charts after its international release last year.
“Unlike many festivals the Rhythmtree uses a scouting system which means that very few of the bands on our main-stage have not already been seen live by us at some event or other around the country. That is why we are always confident that we bring to our audience high quality original music for them to discover performed by some of the most talented musicians working in the UK’s underground world music scene.
Portishead, Röyksopp & Robyn, Moderat, Fritz Kalkbrenner, Haim, Metronomy and many more artists to perform in front of the industrial backdrop of Ferropolis from 18 to 20 July.
Preparations for this year's Melt! Festival, which takes place from 18 – 20 July in Ferropolis, are well underway. But before we will reveal the first 40+ acts, we want to say thank you to all of you who helped us win the 'Best Medium-Sized Festival' award in the Festival Awards Europe. Your votes were very much appreciated. So now for some exciting news for all of you who have been eagerly awaiting our first line-up announcement as we can reveal the first names to play beneath the impressive coal-mining diggers in the 'City of Iron'.
We're thrilled to confirm that Portishead will be honouring us with an exclusive performance under the Ferropolis night sky this year. Since the mid-90s, the legendary Bristolian three-piece has been shaping the musical landscape, capturing the zeitgeist with the distinguished sound of debut 'Dummy' and the self-titled sophomore album. In 2008, Portishead returned with 'Third' and an exciting avant-garde approach, once more challenging the boundaries of contemporary music.
Once again, Röyksopp and Robyn joined forces and went back into the studio together. Merging the best of both worlds, Röyksopp & Robyn Do It Again 2014 will make its Germany exclusive stopover at Melt! this year. An energetic blast of Scandinavian electro pop is coming our way.
Last year, only a few weeks before the release of their second album, Moderat II, Moderat got behind the decks at our Melt!Selektor Stage. After having almost completely sold out their upcoming tour, you'll get another chance to see them live in Ferropolis this summer. We're also delighted to welcome Fritz Kalkbrenner back to the fold, one of the Melt! enthusiasts since day one. Dragging glittery 80s pop into the 21stcentury, Haim will be travelling all the way from sunny LA to the Melt! peninsula. Arriving from the UK,Metronomy will be presenting their fourth album, Love Letters. The Melt!Selektor Stage as well as residentEllen Allien and her Bpitch crew will join us once more while the directional house imprint, Innvervisions, will celebrate its first special with label bosses Âme (DJ-Set) and Dixon plus Mano Le Tough, Marcus Worgull, Recondite (live), Kim Ann Foxman (DJ-Set) and more.
Wychwood Festival is thrilled to announce the second wave of artists for the monumental celebration of 10 wonderful years of the family, rock, indie, folk and world music festival. Feel-good folk act Newton Faulkner will be performing on Saturday’s main stage along with Colombian musicians La Chiva Gantiva, who wowed crowds at last year's Womad festival, while the closing festivities, courtesy of Gentleman’s Dub Club, will leave all on a dub and ska high. Esteemed London-based promoters Smashing Blouse will be revisiting the Big Top after a phenomenal 2013 with a line-up that boasts some of the most exciting new and respected musicians to grace the UK music scene this year, including Bipolar Sunshine, Glitches and returner Lloyd Yates. Further additions to the line up include a flurry of top notch comedians plus literary pioneers who are confirmed to be a part of this year's esteemed Children's Literature Festival.
Wychwood celebrates ten phenomenal years in 2014. This momentous milestone is being honoured with a second wave of outstanding artists, leading with singer and songwriter of chart hits ‘Dream Catch Me’ and ‘Gone in the Morning’, Newton Faulkner. Faulkner is the perfect addition to this year's programme bringing his classic sing-along anthems to the stage in what promises to be an unmissable Saturday performance. Newton comments, "I'm really excited to be playing at Wychwood Festival this summer, especially for the 10th Anniversary! They've had some great acts over the years so I'm really happy to be joining them".
Also added to the bill is Gentleman's Dub Club, an energetic nine-member ensemble who fuse the best in reggae, ska and dub to a create a completely unique sound of their own. La Chiva Gantiva will bring the sound of their roots to Wychwood with a Colombian flavour that will surely get crowds dancing, whilst festival circuit regular and dapper dresser Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer will delight fans with his own style of eloquent British rap.
The Big Top is once again being curated by Smashing Blouse who will be setting the bar high with pioneering up-and-coming acts alongside some of the most inspiring and respected musicians. This year is no exception with Brit-nominated Bipolar Sunshine heading the charge, dark electro-indie bandGlitches and returning with a no doubt heartfelt emotional performance, Lloyd Yates. Sam Garrett andPhoria also join in what is set to be another incredible three days of unmissable music.
Wychwood Festival is proud to host the dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, which will this year see the return of Philip Ardagh and award winning author Tony de Saulles to enlighten and thrill all ages . Zimbabwe-born Korky Paul and illustrator of ‘Winnie the Witch’, plus author and songwriter Karen Langtree, will also be bringing to life the written word and many more to be announced soon. In addition, the comedy programme in association with eFestivals reveals its first batch of comics, providing late-night hilarity with radio presenter and one time The Big Breakfast presenter, Paul Tonkinson, must see interactive comic Wed Zaharruk and self described one-liner merchant Gary Delaney.
The Summer Fesitval Guide can reveal that Limp Bizkit will make a special guest appearance at this years Sonisphere UK which returns after a break away from Knebworth.
Also joining them is thrash legends Anthrax, Cranifex, Chas & Dave, Devin Townsend Project, Dropkick Murphys, Silverstein, The Virginmarys and Voodoo Six!
The inimitable LIMP BIZKIT return to Knebworth as special guests to THE PRODIGY. One of the biggest bands to emerge from the Nu-Metal scene of the 90s, LIMP BIZKIT’s insanely catchy and infectious rock has amassed them millions of album sales and the accolade of fastest selling rock album ever with “Chocolate Starfish & The Hotdog Flavored Water”. However, it is the live environment in which they truly shine – their upcoming sold out tour of the UK bears testament to that – and the prospect of mega hits like “Rollin”, “Nookie”, “My Generation” and “Gold Cobra” will provide the perfect warm up to the Friday night headliners at this exclusive festival appearance.
TV has soap operas, literature has Shakespeare and Thrash… well Thrash hasANTHRAX. For 30 plus years, ANTHRAX have headbanged, stomped and moshed their way to the top end of the metal food chain, selling in excess of 10 million records, enjoying multiple Gold and Platinum albums and Grammy nominations, firmly cementing their position as one of THE BIG 4. Fast, furious and above all, fun, it just wouldn’t beSONISPHERE without ANTHRAX, who have graced the stage of every UK SONISPHEREto date, and continue the tradition to dose out the metal thrashing madness at their only UK festival of 2014. Scott Ian explains how it went down:
Phone rings… Me: Hello. My manager: Do you want to play the 40th anniversary of Knebworth; Sonisphere Festival with Iron Maiden? Me: (filling my pants with poo) Yes!
“It's one of those phone calls you only dream about. I'm so excited for Anthrax to be a part of the biggest and best Sonisphere ever! Can't wait to destroy Knebworth again!”
Death metal has long been the most maniacal and viscous form of rock, but as each year passes, it becomes increasingly difficult to find new contenders to carry the torch and entice and surprise an audience that isn’t shocked or impressed by much. Fortunately for us, there’s CARNIFEX, who join this year’s line up for their first ever UK festival appearance. Last seen in the UK on the NEVER SAY DIE tour, where they punished audiences with their extremely brutal and superfast intensity, these San Diegans should enjoy a welcome return as they dish out the deathcore destruction at their first major UK festival.
"Carnifex is very excited to be a part of Sonisphere for the first time.” Says vocalist Scott Lewis. “We plan on bringing a massive set filled with your favourite Carnifex songs and tracks from the new album, you won't want to miss it."
In stark contrast to the chaos of CARNIFEX, SONISPHERE continues to uphold its tradition of keeping the line up wide, varied and with the odd cheeky surprise by welcoming CHAS & DAVE to the bill. The last time the legendary duo graced the stage at KNEBWORTH was in 1979, opening for Led Zeppelin. Since then, their love of genuine Rock’n’Roll, proudly cockney vocals and exuberant good humour has seen them become a household name across the country. Thirty-five years later, CHAS & DAVE’s appeal has never been greater or more varied, with audiences getting younger and new bands citing them as a major influence. The ultimate party hosts, the promise of a good ol’ knees up and sing along at KNEBWORTH will ensure the kind of magical moments festivals were invented for. Say the duo:
"We went down well at Knebworth in '79. Not surprised we got a return booking!"
Truly one of a kind, DEVIN TOWNSEND is a natural born visionary, artist and entertainer and one of the most uniquely insightful musicians of the 21st Century. Over 20 years, he has given the world metal faves Strapping Young Lad and the best puppet show the world has ever seen in Ziltoid The Omniscient, not to mention the incredible works recorded under his own name. In 2012 he brought these all together for the first time for Devin’s Retinal Circus at a sold out London Roundhouse for the most ambitious show of his career. Now he brings the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT to SONISPHERE for his biggest UK performance to date. The man himself checked in to tell us:
“Amidst a year of relentless writing and planning, we are fortunate enough to be invited to a select few shows, and among the most cool is undoubtedly Sonisphere UK! It’s an institution that is really exciting, among bands we absolutely love. We can’t wait to take a studio break and come entertain you there. Thank you Sonisphere for the opportunity! =)”
Celtic punks DROPKICK MURPHYS make their way over from the state of Massachusetts for their SONISPHERE debut. Arguably one of the biggest genuine punk bands out there, the ‘MURPHYS continue to surprise industry pundits by outdrawing high profile mainstream acts as headliners on major tours around the globe. With anthems such as “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya”, “Rose Tattoo” and “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” – which provided the soundtrack to Hollywood smash The Departed –DROPKICK MURPHYS will no doubt have fists pumping and glasses raised high.
"We are psyched to see the Dropkick Murphys added to the list of amazing bands at this year's Sonisphere in historic Knebworth” says bassist Ken Casey. “We look forward to giving the equally legendary Sonisphere crowd a Dropkick Murphys show for the ages. See you in July!"
In 2011 SONISPHERE proudly boasted THE SISTERS OF MERCY’s first festival performance in 20 years. The result was a rammed to the rafters BOHEMIA, as Andrew Eldritch and his not so merry men gave spectators a late night feast of THE SISTERS’ unclassifiable blend of rock, pop, punk, dance and psychedelia. A rare occurrence,SONISPHERE is honoured and privileged to welcome back THE SISTERS OF MERCYfor their only UK festival of 2014. Says the band:
“We had such a good time playing Sonisphere in 2011 (for the Sisters' first UK festival in 20 years) that we're coming back, to celebrate 40 years of gigs at Knebworth. Christ, that's even older than us. We're looking forward to seeing you all (even though you might not see us).”
Post hardcore mob SILVERSTEIN join SONISPHERE 2014. Since their formation in 2000, the Canadian five-piece has become as close to a household name as you can get in the post-hardcore scene. After 5 full length albums, 3 EPs, a live album, mini album, and numerous 7” singles and collections, SILVERSTEIN have sold more than 1 million albums worldwide, played more than 1600 shows in 42 countries, and have been a staple on many festivals and tours.
“We are delighted to announce that we will be returning to the U.K. for a performance at Sonisphere.” Says drummer Paul Koehler. “This will be our only 2014 appearance, and we look forward to sharing the stage with some incredible bands!”
In 2011 THE VIRGINMARYS appeared on the SONISPHERE line up as an unsigned three-piece from Macclesfield. Fast forward three years and they are now considered one of this country’s brightest rock hopes. Tours with the likes of Slash, Skunk Anansie, Eagles Of Death Metal and Queens Of The Stone Age led to a deal with Double Cross/Cooking Vinyl who released their debut album last year, which in turn saw them earn the honour of Best Breakthrough Act at the 2013 Classic Rock Awards. Also enjoying huge success at radio in the USA, THE VIRGINMARYS progress shows no sign of slowing down, and we look forward to welcoming them back.
"Ace to have Sonisphere back in the UK and great to be a part of it again” chime the band. “Bring it on!"
Last but by no means least, London classic metallers VOODOO SIX join the 2014 line up. Releasing their latest album “Songs To Invade Countries To” in May of last year,VOODOO SIX spent the remainder of 2013 doing what any band with a new album would do, touring the hell out of it. However, the five-piece were in a slightly more enviable position than most, having the good fortune to play 28 shows in 18 countries to 300,000 people with SONISPHERE headliners IRON MAIDEN.
“We are very proud to be asked to play at Sonisphere UK”. Says bassist Tony Newton.“It is the 40th anniversary of live events at Knebworth, and will be a great celebration of rock music with a fantastic line-up. To be included in this event is a huge honour, and we will play our part in making it a memorable weekend”.
The Summer Festival Guide can reveal now that Damon Albarn will headline Latitude Festival in a special one off UK festival exclusive performance.
Having performed at Latitude previously with super-group The Good, The Bad and The Queen, his 2014 performance will follow the hotly anticipated release of his olo album 'Everyday Robots'.
Latitude is hugely excited that his performance at the festival on Saturday 19th July will be his only UK festival appearance. Damon is no stranger to the festival having appeared at Latitude in 2007 as part of the supergroup The Good, The Bad & The Queen. As a musician who constantly challenges conventional boundaries and norms with his creativity, Damon Albarn is a perfect fit for such an innovative festival and now audiences will be delighted to see him appear for his first ever festival performance as a solo artist at Latitude 2014.
Damon Albarn’s eclectic musical style and observational lyrics have made him one of the UK’s most influential and consistently interesting musicians. He is the recipient of five Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards and a Grammy Award, with a career that started with Blur and spans Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Mali Music, Monkey: Journey To The West, Dr Dee and Africa Express. We are thrilled to welcome him to Latitude for 2014.
Albarn joins other Latitude exclusive performances including Two Door Cinema Club making their first festival headline appearance; Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp and Swedish indie-pop pioneer Robyn, in a special joint-appearance as part of their Do It Again 2014 tour, the only opportunity in the UK to see the tour. Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Roots Award’, Billy Bragg and his band will be stopping off at Latitude for a UK festival exclusive performance and finally the colourful and psychedelic experimental Swedish band Goat, who have a magnificent live show, which canonly be seen at Latitude this summer.
Other names to look forward to for Latitude 2014 include BRIT nominated Californian sister trio Haim, one of the all-time legends of Memphis Soul Booker T. Jones, ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ Brit Award 2012 nominee Anna Calvi, Alabama native Phosphorescent and contemporary classical pianist Nils Frahmwith his intensely delicate pieces. Latitude will also welcome American folk-pop nomad Cass McCombs, gospel and soul inspired Chicago singer songwriter Willis Earl Beal, American baroque pop band San Fermin and British singer songwriter Marika Hackman one of 2013’s breakthrough artists. After adding extra dates to his London tour due to demand, post-rock and alternative hip-hop musician Son Lux will wow festival goers with his ethereal and nocturnal experimental rock, while modern folk singer-songwriter Josephine Foster will bring her wyrd-folk and melancholy balladry to Latitude this year.
Rock Werchter add to the already impressive lineup for 2014 annoucing that Ellie Goulding, Babyshambles, MGMT, Birdy & Crystal Fighters will be performing.
List of names confirmed so far for Rock Werchter 2014:
Thursday 3 July: Metallica, Placebo, Skrillex Friday 4 July: Arctic Monkeys, Ellie Goulding, Major Lazer, Jack Johnson, Crystal Fighters Saturday 5 July: Pearl Jam, The Black Keys, Pixies, Triggerfinger Sunday 6 July: Kings of Leon, Stromae, Franz Ferdinand, Babyshambles, MGMT, Birdy
Keep an eye on the Summer Festival Guide for more Rock Werchter lineup news!
Having spent the last decade as an integral force shaping the South Coast music scene, Junk Department reveal game changing plans for their next chapter. On Saturday 3rd May they pitch up at Hampshire’s Stoneham Park with a bonafide circus big top that will play host to some of electronic music’s hottest talents, unleashing twelve hours of dancefloor pounding sets from the likes of Jamie Jones, Maya Jane Coles, Dyed Soundorom, Laura Jones and Detroit Swindle for the biggest party the South has ever seen.
Topping the bill is Jamie Jones, infamous founder of this decades inescapable house institution, Hot Creations and one quarter of smash-hit live act Hot Natured. From humble beginnings playing after hours sessions in dark basements of London’s underground scene to headlining some of the biggest festivals around the globe including Sonar, Movement Detroit and Eastern Electrics JJ’s meteoric rise to fame is something for the history books. First spinning tunes for Junk back in 2009 it is with immeasurable excitement they welcome the return of the world dominating Jamie Jones to their line up.
Joining the deep house juggernaut is pint-sized producer Maya Jane Coles. The past three years have seen her rising up through the house rankings from underground sensation to global star. Her hotly anticipated debut album ‘Comfort’ was released last summer to rave reviews, yielding two of 2013’s biggest dancefloor anthems ‘Everything’ and ‘Burning Bright’.
Adding his distinctive sound to the mix is one-third Apollonian, one hundred percent underground maestro, Dyed Soundorom. Having carved a fierce reputation for deep, disco tinged productions, his label Apollonia which he runs in partnership with fellow Frenchmen Shonky and Dan Ghenacia has quickly become one of the most relevant outputs in today’s underground music culture.
Laura Jones is another lady not to be messed with. Not even three years strong into her career and already a name that resonates across the globe, her contributions to some of the most exciting labels including Visionquest and Leftroom have, in a matter of months, helped to solidify her position as one of the hottest artists on the scene right now, with regular slots at Circoloco @ DC10 and Fabric.
Joining the hefty programme of house elite are the fresh talents of Detroit Swindle. The honoree Detroiters-via-Amsterdam duo who have already played at some of the world’s most respected venues in the form of Berlin’s Tresor and Panorama Bar with tracks on their own Heist Recordings as well as Tsuba, Freerange and Dirt Crew.
In typical Junk Department style, the 5000 capacity circus big top will feature excellent production, sound and lighting as well as numerous bars and food outlets, professionally managed toilet facilities and a full fun fair making for one hell of a start to the summer!
Junk Departments Big Top marks the start of a new chapter in Junk’s story. One that will see them expand beyond the shores of their beloved Southampton to stage some of 2014’s most exciting events at music meccas around the world including Ibiza, Amsterdam, Berlin and London. Remain vigilant for further details coming in then next few weeks and month…
The Summer Festival Guide can reveal that the Gentlemans Dub Club will be headlining the Main Stage on the Friday for Undercover Festival 2014
Gentleman’s Dub Club is a nine-piece band that formed in Leeds in early 2006. With a style based in dub, ska and roots reggae, GDC have burst onto the UK circuit, rocking gigs and festivals up and down the country with their super high energy show. Combining tight grooves and a heavyweight sound, Gentleman’s Dub Club bring the party to crowds of all ages hungry for a dance floor workout, with their gigs often ending in a frenzied mosh pit reminiscent of a mid 80’s ska night. Live effects and mixing make for a crystal clear sound, and the band’s larger than life stage presence makes for a mesmerising experience.
Having built a reputation on consistently delivering one of the most energetic and exhilarating live shows to emerge from the UK music scene, the Gents’ antics have seen them astound crowds from Goa to Glastonbury, Boomtown, Bestival, V Fest, Secret Garden Party and Poland’s Ostroda Reggae Festival, not to mention the biggest bass-music’ festival in the world – Croatia’s Outlook Festival.
Their records remain securely within the top 40 of the album reggae charts since release, hailing support from some of the UK's most prominent underground representatives including Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Rob Da Bank (BBC Radio 1), David Rodigan (BBC 1XTRA ) and Don Letts (BBC Radio 6 music).
SPIZZENERGI
We are pleased to be able to welcome Spizz and the band to Undercover to close Stage II on the Friday!! AND boy are you in for a treat..
Spizzenergi formed in the late 1970s, led by Spizz. The band changed its name every year, subsequent names including Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles. They are notable as the first band to top the newly created UK Indie Chart early in 1980. However, they were perhaps best known for their single "Where's Captain Kirk?" More than two decades after its release, it was included in Mojo magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all time.
2014 marks the 35th anniversary since those heady days where Spizz formed the band, yes there have been numerous changes to the band but what has not changed is the show you will witness at Undercover one that is relentless, pure theatre and great fun.
One of the best showmen on the scene today..
FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
MAIN STAGE
GENTLEMENS DUB CLUB
Roddy Radiation (from The Specials) and The Ska Billy Rebels
