pete tong

Subliminal, Bedrock, AN21 & Max Vangelli and more for SW4 2012

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SW4 2012 ARENA HOSTS…
SATURDAY: SUBLIMINAL
THE GALLERY PRESENTS EVOLUTION · BEDROCK
SUNDAY: TOGETHER
ALL GONE PETE TONG · RAM20

Erick MorilloOn the Saturday house legend Erick Morillo returns to SW4 this summer for his first London appearance in over seventeen months and his ONLY UK Festival performance this year. With his set one of the ‘must see’ performances in London this summer, it makes perfect sense for ‘Subliminal’, his Pacha Ibiza night and trend setting label to take full control of its own tent. On parade will be the same beautiful people and extravagant clubbing experience one has come to expect from Subliminal, with Erick starring alongside An21 & Max Vangelli, Funkagenda, Sneaky Soundsystem, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, Tim Mason and very special guest Roger Sanchez.

Paul van Dyk and London institution ‘The Gallery’ join forces at SW4 2012 to present the biggest trance lineup in London this year.  Featuring an array of talent who PvD personally feels has an affiliation with his new ‘Evolution’ album concept, Paul will be joined by Markus Schulz, Gareth Emery, Aly & Fila, John O’ Callaghan, Richard Durand, Claudia Cazacu and Gary Proud. Combined with an extraordinary live show, which merges the soundtrack, imposing stage and hypnotic visuals, expect excellence in the art of sound!

John Digweed’s Bedrock returns to SW4 this summer to host an arena bursting at the seams with the best in underground house and techno DJs. In honour of the namesake label, John has been an irrepressible force in London this year. Setting things up perfectly for SW4, his monthly XOYO residency has rekindled that classic Thursday night slot, with capacity crowds filling one of London’s most forward thinking venues. Bedrock has always translated well to the great outdoors and this summer will be no different with John featuring beside Joris Voorn, Âme, Guy Gerber, Robert Babicz, Laura Jones, jozif and the Mixcloud DJ competition winner.

Lethargic after Saturday’s excursion? The booming DJ Magazine arena hosted by Together is bound to revitalise the senses. The Together tent at SW4 2011 was arguably the most energetic, whilst last November’s Together Winter Music Festival at Alexandra Palace confirmed the night as a dominant force. This summer Together packs its bags to host a sixteen date Tuesday night summer residency at the legendary Amnesia Ibiza but returns to Blighty for SW4. This time round Together brings with them the inimitable flair of 2 Many DJs (DJ set), Eric Prydz, Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set), Erol Alkan, Green Velvet, Brodinski & Gesaffelstein and Jeremy Olander.

Pete TongThis summer the world’s undisputed ambassador for electronic dance music returns to South West Four, this time hosting his very own arena. That’s right, SW4 goes ‘All Gone Pete Tong’! The clubbing credentials of All Gone have already been well proven, with a blowout season at Pacha Ibiza last summer, followed by a Bestival showcase and sell-out London warehouse party. In 2012 another Pacha residency has been confirmed, whilst the SW4 arena represents the biggest All Gone party to date. Pete hosts proceedings and is joined by Sasha, Seth Troxler, Maya Jane Coles, Dyed Soundorom, Eats Everything, Jaymo & Andy George and Connected’s Jesse James & Johnny Bloomfield.

Last but not least the biting sounds of Andy C and ‘RAM Records’, revered amongst drum and bass connoisseurs. This year is the seminal label’s 20th Anniversary with the celebrations launching on Clapham Common. Through its association with London nightspots The End, Fabric and Matter, RAM is responsible for some of the greatest clubbing moments the capital has ever experienced. Andy C headlines, bringing with him his audio / visual ‘Alive’ arc, with further drum and bass coming courtesy of Friction, Delta Heavy and Loadstar. Flux Pavilion, Jack Beats, Borgore and Doctor P also bring the bass, making this arena a real SW4 treat.

That’s the arena hosts done and dusted, sure to be gleaming in the sparking South London sun. But these tense tarpaulins are nothing without artists, so let’s take this opportunity to tease out some more. Sit comfortably and enjoy…

ADDED TO SW4 DAY ONE: SAT 25TH AUGUST
AN21 & MAX VANGELLI
SUNNERY JAMES AND RYAN MARCIANO · TIM MASON
VERY SPECIAL GUESTS: LET THE MUSIC PLAY [EXCLUSIVE]

An21 & Max Vangelli begin the latest Saturday additions, after their Ministry of Sound outings have become some of the most talked about on the superclub’s roster. Theatrical breakdowns and jacking grooves have built a reputation that sold out their MOS gig on New Years Eve several weeks in advance. This should come as no surprise, what with the duo being protégés of none other than Swedish House Mafia. Signed to Steve Angello’s trailblazing ‘Size’ label, twelve months of world domination culminated in November’s sensational Essential Mix. Touted as one of the best of 2011, it was crowned by the An21 & Max Vangelli remix of ‘Save The World.’ Previously named in DJ Mag’s ‘Top 5 To Watch,’ it’s peak time house all the way.

AN21 Max Vangelli

“Let The Music Play”; the motto of SW4 over its illustrious nine year history. But for this summer, it bears even more significance! On the Saturday we welcome the top secret project for their world exclusive performance. Encompassing red hot energy and euphoria, their tracks ‘Stars’ and ‘Waves’ have received major radio support in recent weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.

Dynamic duo Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, blur the boundaries of house music in accomplished fashion. Perhaps best known for their rousing re-work of Tiesto’s immortal ‘Lethal Industry,’ only the most skilled could enhance a true classic – re-building it into a deep, funky stormer. As Axwell so eloquently puts it, “if there were a Dutch version of Swedish House Mafia, it would be Sunnery and Ryan.” As if any more endorsement was needed, Morillo has snapped up S&R for an exclusive Subliminal residency at Pacha Ibiza this summer. Demonstrated by the groundbreaking ‘Amazone Project Vol. 3,’ it’s dirty Dutch house at its best.

Tim Mason is a self professed purveyor of pure house music. ‘The Moment’ is one of the anthems of 2012 thus far, having been adopted by Tiesto and Steve Angello. A climatic build that explodes into a devastating hook, this debut track has the accolade of being signed to Angello’s ‘Size.’ With such a global platform to shine, this is most definitely Mason’s moment. New track ‘Amina OMG’ is of the same quality, summing up perfectly his big room house. Both these are sure to send SW4 wild, so check them out and envisage as the sun sets. Just beautiful…

ADDED TO SW4 DAY TWO: SAT 26TH AUGUST
BRODINSKI & GESAFFELSTEIN · DELTA HEAVY · LOADSTAR
JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE · JEREMY OLANDER
JESSE JAMES & JOHNNY BLOOMFIELD

Brodinski & Gesaffelstein, a French pairing that stands apart from their conventional countrymen associates. Brodinski is whirring techno, bass heavy house through to melodic minimal, whilst Gesaffelstein utilises wide ranging excerpts from broody techno and engaging electro. The result is an atmospheric musical soundscape that has to be witnessed live, their contrasting sounds playing off one another in mesmeric fashion. The joint ‘Bromance EP’ and tour has been captivating dance floors with the inimitable underground sound, unique to SW4 this summer. Brodinski and Gesaffelstein back-to-back, a bromance made in heaven!

Delta Heavy are the standard bearers for RAM Records’ new roster of talent. Flying high and proud, with rocking remixes for those at the top of their game; Example, Avicii and Chase & Status amongst their pulsating production portfolio. Their endeavours paid off with ‘Best Producer’ and ‘Best Newcomer DJ’ at the prominent Drum & Bass Arena awards. New EP ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ will definitely take you down a deep and dark D&B tunnel. Aggressive waves of churning bass and blistering beats, exactly the kind of heavy stuff we can expect from the guys at SW4.

Another of the RAM recruits, Loadstar have an inextricable ‘Link To The Past.’ This track described by DJ Magazine as “a huge alien mammoth”, it scooped ‘Best Single’ at the 2010 D&B Arena awards. With such production nous, it’s no wonder acts of such calibre are queuing up to work the Loadstar boys.  For example SW4’s headliners Chase & Status and the chart topping Example! Their production efforts on the latter, earning a sought after gold record for ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me.’ Guaranteed stars of SW4 2012.

Since starting their fledgling night ‘Moda’ back in 2008, Jaymo & Andy George have always championed the party. Now they hold shindigs all around the world, showcasing their policy of having no music policy whatsoever! A daring strategy, which paid dividends when the Radio 1 Essential Mix rolled into their home town of Lincoln. A riveting Moda musical montage, which included mainly of their own vibrant productions and cheeky remixes, resulted in mass hysteria. This led to a current Radio 1 ‘In New DJs We Trust’ show, plus residencies at We Love Space and Fabric. Plus the recent launch of ‘Moda Black’, an outlet for their darker output.

Up next, another protégé nurtured from the Swedish stable.  Under the wing of Eric Prydz, Jeremy Olander was the guest of honour at his recent Ministry of Sound album launch. Such was the success of his main room outing, Olander’s outlandish approach threatened to overshadow even Prydz himself! An upbeat progressive and heavy melodic sound, which has graced the prestigious Warehouse Project, Gatecrasher and Cocoon clubs in recent months. We can’t wait for ‘Animal Garden’ to be dropped, a rhythmic bassline that blossoms into a cacophony of twilight synth splashes. Irresistible bait, for Clapham’s dancefloor animals.

Completing the hat trick of pairings for this final day, London’s newest kids on the block. Jesse James and Johnny Bloomfield are residents at Connected, one of London’s most esteemed underground house nights. These guys aren’t here just to make up the numbers, but mean serious business with their new track just released. Entitled ‘Chucks Groove’ and sampling Public Enemy, Jesse and Johnny’s deep tribal taster will ensure they make many good friends on the Common.

There you have it. Eight infatuating arenas and a host of smoking line-up additions – that can’t have failed to enhance that undying SW4 hunger. Still to come the final pieces of the South West Four jigsaw. More meaty line-up announcements including our Sunday live headliner, which at the moment is G14 classified. Well not really, but you get the idea…

Together Winter Music Festival Full Lineup

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Early bird tickets to the Saturday have now completely sold out, with Saver tickets on sale priced just £30 + Booking Fee. Eric Prydz headlines, with his final EPIC performance this year, alongside sets from John Digweed, Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set), Sander van Doorn, Fake Blood, Vitalic [Live], Fenech Soler [Live] and Maya Jane Coles. But it doesn’t stop there.A further 25 acts across four stages will feature at the UK’s biggest dance music all nighter of 2011 and we’re delighted to announce these artists right now…

JUST ADDED TO SAT 26TH NOV LINEUP!

PETE TONG (BBC RADIO 1)

DEATH IN VEGAS [LIVE] · SEBASTIAN [LIVE]

JOHN DAHLBACK · SEBASTIEN LEGER

CHRIS LAKE · ALEX METRIC · THE GLIMMERS

UTAH SAINTS · GRUM · RUSS CHIMES · STARSMITH JEREMY ORLANDER · MARK FANCIULLI · THOMAS GANDEY RESET! · BURNS · MONARCHY [DJ SET] · MIGHTY MOUSECOSMONAUTS · PHONAT · RUBEN & RA · DATA TRANSMISSION DJS

Pete TongPete Tong’s career is inextricably intertwined with the history of acid house and electronic music. 2011 has been one of his busiest years to date, withPete celebrating the 20th Anniversary of his BBC Radio 1 show and a greatly anticipated return to Pacha Ibiza for a weekly residency. In June this year he also released an excellent double mix album with Felix da Housecat entitled ‘All Gone Ibiza 11.’ A true legend of dance music we’re delighted to welcome Pete to The Great Hall for the Together Winter Music Festival.

Death in Vegas are one of the most exciting and unique bands to ever emerge from the UK dance scene. In 2011 Death in Vegas have returned with one of the most exhilarating albums of the year, as ‘Trans Love-Energies' fuses dub, psychedelic rock, techno, grunge and analogue electro to create a sound that is out of this world. Performing a full live set with Richard Fearless on vocal duties, Death in Vegas joins the outstanding lineup showcased inThe West Hall.

SebastiAn has followed such an impressive path that it’s hard to believe that he’s only now releasing his long-awaited debut album. Alongside Justice, SebastiAn is one of the creators of the Ed Banger sound and readily defies the rules to deliver a dirty and violent kind of techno that coughs and spits.Super prolific and constantly effervescent, this musician has managed, in the space of a few years, to redefine electronic music. We are delighted to welcome him to the Together Winter Festival this November for an exclusive live performance.

John Dahlback is further testament to the theory that there must be something in Sweden’s water supply when it comes to producing outstanding DJs and producers. Undoubtedly one of the worlds finest house prodigies, Dahlback landed his first record deal aged just 15 and in the ten years since has released tracks on many of the most respected labels. With a unique style that incorporates pure house through to electro, techno and progressive, John’s sound is carefully considered and meticulously polished. With such a promising career ahead we wait with anticipation for his set at Alexandra Palace.

In the years since his first album back in 1999, Sébastien Leger has released more than thirty tracks on many international labels, building his reputation as a key player within the new blood of talented house and techno producers.  Parallel to this, he launched his own label ‘Mistakes Music’ in 2007, whilst becoming more and more in demand for his remixing skills. One of France’s greatest exports, Leger will be a true delicacy at the Together Winter Music Festival.

Simply put, Chris Lake is one of the world’s great DJs and producers. In 2009 he gained two Billboard Dance chart airplay number 1’s and undertook countless tours.  2010 saw him tour the globe and become a resident with Cream, playing Amnesia for the Deadmau5 & Friends parties.  In 2011 he has continued his residency, rocking the famous Terrace all summer long.  His label Rising Music continues to go from strength to strength andTogether’s Winter Music festival will be another great moment in his distinguished career.

Alex Metric’s latest album ‘Open Your Eyes’ brings together the three stands of his musical outputs.  Standout tracks include ‘End of the World’ and his soaring epic house collaboration with Steve Angello, ‘Open Your Eyes’. With that said, Alex is probably best known for his outstanding remixes andsuperb DJ sets and with all these strings to his bow, we are in for a real treat.

Grum will also join The West Hall line-up, hot on the heels of his debut album ‘Heartbeats’ breaking into the top five in the US electronic music chart, winning the Best Electronic Artist of 2010 on US itunes and delivering excellent performances at Rockness, Parklife and Creamfields. Grum will feature alongside one of the UK’s hottest emerging producers, remixers and DJs from the past 12 months; Russ Chimes. Starsmith, having claimed critical acclaim from Mixmag and The Guardian for his past projects, has gone on to play at various festivals this summer included Exit, The Big Chill, Rockness, with Together the next festival on his hectic schedule.

The hugely talented Jeremy Olander has caused quite a storm in the dance music world throughout the course of this year. Championed by Eric Prydz as’the next big thing’, Jeremy will feature in The Great Hall. Aged just 24, Mark Fanciulli has notched up an impressive reputation which has seen him play clubs across the world including Ministry of Sound, Set Miami, Pacha San Paolo, Avalon Los Angeles and many more.  Responsible for co-running Saved Records with his brother Nic, Mark has also released on key labels such as Joris Voorn’s Rejected and Josh Wink’s Ovum. Get ready to witness his talent at Alexandra Palace this November.

DATA TRANSMISSION PRESENT ‘A HEADPHONE DISCO’

In arena 4 strap on a pair of headphones and prepare to be immersed in two worlds of sound at our Data Transmission Headphone Disco.  We have lined up a genre-melting selection of acts playing back to back over two audio channels of musical greatness.  Once you have been given yourwireless headphones you will have no excuse but to choose a channel and join in the fun! Artists playing the arena include The Glimmers, Utah Saints, Thomas Gandey, Reset! Burns, Monarchy (DJ Set), Mighty Mouse, Cosmonauts, Phonat, Ruben & RA plus Data Transmission’s very own resident spinsters.

TOGETHER WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL

DAY TWO LINE-UP…

THE GREAT HALL:

EPIC

[ERIC PRYDZ IN CONCERT]

JOHN DIGWEED · PETE TONG

SANDER VAN DOORN

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO (DJ SET)

SEBASTIEN LEGER · CHRIS LAKE

JEREMY OLANDER

 

THE WEST HALL:

DEATH IN VEGAS [LIVE]

VITALIC [LIVE] · FAKE BLOOD

FENECH SOLER [LIVE] · SEBASTIAN [LIVE]

MAYA JANE COLES · ALEX METRIC

GRUM · RUSS CHIMES · STARSMITH

 

DJ MAGAZINE ARENA:

JOHN DAHLBACK

MARK FANCIULLI

BOOTLEG SOCIAL DJS

+ MORE TBA

DATA TRANSMISSION PRESENTS

‘A HEADPHONE DISCO’:

THE GLIMMERS

UTAH SAINTS

THOMAS GANDEY

RESET! · BURNS

MONARCHY (DJ SET)

MIGHTY MOUSE

COSMONAUTS · PHONAT

RUBEN & RA

DATA TRANSMISSION DJS

     
 

 

SW4 2011 Review by Hannah Hassack

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Arriving for the Saturday line-up at about 2pm the party had very much already started. The queues of people waiting to get in moved at good speed and there was just enough time to swig a cider or 2 before we were in the middle of the action. And the mud.
 
The majority of people arrived at the event between 12pm and 4pm, wanting to make the most of the excellent value line-up. At £40 for an early bird ticket, SW4 attendees couldn’t deny they were getting a good deal, with a very similar line up to Creamfield’s at nearly half the cost.
 
With it being the first of the 2 day event which spans the August Bank Holiday weekend, the grass was fairly green when we descended, the facilities were in good nick and spirit levels were high (in terms of both vodka and mood) The general atmosphere can be described as Creamfield’s meets Park Life, which is unsurprising given the line-up. Dance lovers paradise, this wasn’t an event for the faint hearted. Forget flowers and mellow swaying, think welly-stomping and glow-sticks!
 
The weather was predictably unpredictable; swinging between bouts of strong sunshine and bursts of rain, but people spirits weren’t dampened. As the fields became muddy and the poncho’s came on, it only seemed to spur people on and give them the energy to have a good time, all was embraced and a festival glow spread like jam and fuelled our fire as we danced the day away.
 
Things kicked off with Underworld on the Ministry of Sound’s Main Stage, with it being their exclusive appearance in London for 2011 crowds were strong. Their techno rock cocktail was a brilliant way to kick off the afternoon and as the throngs filtered in it was quite literally music to eager ears. The energy and excitement of Underworld's gig set the bar for the entire event, and what followed didn’t disappoint.
 
Underworld were followed by Laidback Luke, Zabiela and Pete Tong to name but a few legendary acts known for their energy and power to get the crowds going, while over in the Cocoon area, Sven Vath, Loco Dice and Josh Wink held their own.
 
A definite highlight was undoubtedly the rip-roaring response Above & Beyond received when they kicked things off in Group Therapy Arena. This entrancing trio have edged their way slowly but steadily onto the electro scene over the past few years and their fantastic catalogue of hits and lesser known tracks has made them a must-see and didn’t fail to wow us. Mixing it up with some Sirens of the Sea classics as well as some Group Therapy numbers of latter release, the ravers were more than satisfied.
 
For a bit of variety, Over in the Shake It! Arena, Tiga, M.A.N.D.Y. and Layo and Buschwacka did their thing. The line up in this arena offered some unique electro dance remixes that could really get you shaking and delivered an ever so slightly more toned down tunes to rave to. Following the aforementioned quirky acts and bringing in some underground house tunes to finish off was European DJ Spencer Parker.
 
Another highlight was Ferry Cortsen’s special appearance – a phenomenal way to close the Group Therapy Arena, the finale offering the same calibre with which the arena opened. The long standing globally celebrated trance hero sent ripples throughout the entire arena with his powerful and intoxicating beats. The energy of the event had not yet died and crowds were on fantastic form to appreciate it. Bringing out some classics from his extensive discography, as well as offering up some new mixes, the set was edgy, energetic and enchanting. The set ended all too soon, but this was definitely a case of quality over quantity, and the calibre of the entire set couldn’t be doubted.
 
Reports tell me the quality of Sunday’s event was just as a high, and despite the direct competition with Creamfield’s, Clapham Common absolutely held its own for the entire weekend. Each year the line-up for SW4 seems to get more captivating and with the outstanding shows from such globally acclaimed legends this year, the calibre of the line-up is bound to peak yet again next year! Get yours early, because this is a fantastically priced, superbly located event that promises to deliver.

SW4 2011 Main Stage Lineup’s announced

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SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST:
MAIN STAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH MINISTRY OF SOUND
JOHN DIGWEED / LAIDBACK LUKE / PETE TONG (RADIO 1)
JAMES ZABIELA / HERNAN CATTANEO / SOS
 
john digweed“I am very lucky to have been asked back again to play at one of the UK`s premier Festivals SW4. For me it just seems to get better and better each year, They really do deliver a fantastic day out in the centre of London featuring the world’s best DJ`s and live acts, so to be part of this again is amazing. Really looking forward to my set and also seeing who else is playing. To play to your home crowd in the centre of London is the best experience any DJ could have.” John Digweed
 
Since opening its doors on 21st September 1991 as an alcohol-free nightclub dedicated to house music,Ministry of Sound has gone onto become a flagship for British youth culture; an iconic brand that includes the world’s most famous club, the world’s largest independent record label, and a multimedia entertainment business, all directed from their South London home. 2011 is a significant milestone forMinistry of Sound as it marks their 20th anniversary. To celebrate the Ministry will be involved with a series of events across the globe, none as big as hosting the main stage at South West Four onSaturday 27th August.
 
laidback lukeIn addition to a London festival exclusive live performance from the undisputed kings of electronic music Underworld, SW4 welcomes a huge lineup of world class DJs to Saturday’s main stage lineup. Having graced the green grass of Clapham Common on six consecutive occasions, with hisBedrock arena one of the highlights of last year, John Digweed is back. Following his sell out Brixton Academy show back in October and an intimate Bedrock event at London’s Arcadia over Easter, expect John to end the summer in style. Laidback Luke made his very successful debut at last year’s South West Four with a performance that had the Common rocking under the August sun. Continuing to produce some of the biggest tracks to hit our airwaves, not to mention selling out clubs and events the world over, we’re delight to welcome Luke back to SW4. 2011 represents 20 years of Pete Tong hosting his BBC Radio 1 show. He has a massive summer ahead with many huge performances celebrating this milestone and a much anticipated return to Pacha Ibiza for an all new residency. Having rocked the main stage in 2010 we’re delighted to welcome Pete back to his home town for another memorable appearance.
 
James Zabiela’s last SW4 performance came back in 2009. After having two years away from the Common it was time to welcome the technical whiz kid back. A hugely popular figure and a a stellar addition to any line-up, we’re very excited about what to expect. One of the world’s great DJs Argentina’sHernan Cattaneo debuts at SW4 in 2011. A name synonymous with deep, tribal and progressive house, we’re delighted to be able to add him to Saturday’s line-up alongside Demi and Omid 16B akaSOS.
 
SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST:
SW4 MAIN STAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNION
ANNIE MAC (RADIO 1)
DIGITAL SOUNDBOY SYSTEM
FEAT SHY FX, BREAKAGE, B.TRAITS WITH DONAEO, YOUNGMAN & STAMINA MC
WRETCH 32 / TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS YASMIN / UNION
 
“We are delighted to be hosting the main stage at SW4 festival this year! After throwing secret invite only raves for five years we wanted to open the invitation out to everyone, so we’ve asked some of the biggest acts on the planet to join us on stage in Clapham this summer. The main stage is always the focal point of any festival but the mindblowing acts and production we have in store for this year will take things to a level never seen before!  Prepare yourselves because we’re about to destroy the city of London!” Mark Adams (Union)
 
Revered as the blueprint for a 21st century club night – secret but fun, exciting but underground, Union has gained a ferociously loyal following in a very short time. With an insane and hedonistic crowd and awe inspiring production, Union is an example of what can be achieved when you tear up the rulebook! 2011 marks the fifth anniversary of Union’s residency at the legendary Fabric in London and their hosting of the main stage on Sunday 28th August at SW4 is one of a series of non-secret events to celebrate.
 
Alongside the musical juggernaut that is Pendulum and dubstep’s most loved trio Magnetic Man, Sunday’s main stage line-up focuses on the more alternative side of the dance music spectrum. The first lady of BBC Radio 1, Annie Mac, has this year continued to take her‘Annie Mac presents’ tour across the world with monstrous parties that have turned many a head. Add to that her hugely successful weekly radio show and you’re looking at one of the most talked about DJs of our time. As the leader of the Digital Soundboy System, Shy FXleads a tight-knit team of like-minded Soundboy soldiers. This includes the prestigious Breakage, one of the world’s premier female DJs B.Traits with MC Donaeo, DJ Marky’s MC of choice Stamina and one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic vocal talents, Youngman.Adding more live music to the Sunday Main Stage lineup, London’s grime sensation Wretch 32 has recently shot to fame after the release of his debut smash hit ‘Traktor’. Having toured the UK extensively this year to rave reviews, we’re delighted to add him to the SW4 line-up. It’s not often you see a life sized dinosaur play electro but this is what can be expected fromTotally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. Beginning her music career as a DJ in London just two years ago, Yasmin has already founded her own successful club night, spun around the world for N.E.R.D., Taio Cruz and Eve and played storming sets at Glastonbury and Ibiza Rocks. Established as a world-class spinner, Yasmin is now ready to make her mark as a fully-fledged artist, singer and songwriter in her own right. Her next stop? SW4.
 
SW4 SATURDAY LINE-UP SO FAR…
SW4 MAIN STAGE HOSTED BY MINISTRY OF SOUND:
UNDERWORLD [LIVE]
 (2011 LONDON EXCLUSIVE)
JOHN DIGWEED / LAIDBACK LUKE
PETE TONG (RADIO 1) / JAMES ZABIELA
HERNAN CATTANEO / SOS
DJ MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE GROUP THERAPY ARENA:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26THAPRIL
COCOON ARENA IN ASSOCIATION WITH VIEW LONDON:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26THAPRIL
SHAKE IT! ARENA IN ASSOCIATION WITH PARIS FG RADIO:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26TH APRIL
 
SW4 SUNDAY LINE-UP SO FAR…
SW4 MAIN STAGE HOSTED BY UNION:
PENDULUM [LIVE]
 (2011 LONDON EXCLUSIVE)
MAGNETIC MAN [LIVE]
(2011 LONDON FESTVIAL EXCLUSIVE)
ANNIE MAC (BBC RADIO 1)
WRETCH 32 / TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS YASMIN / UNION
+ VERY SPECIAL GUEST
DIGITAL SOUNDBOY SYSTEM
FEAT. SHY FX , BREAKAGE, B.TRAITS WITH DONAEO,
YOUNGMAN & STAMINA MC
LAST.FM ARENA HOSTED BY TOGETHER:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26THAPRIL
DJ MAGAZINE ARENA HOSTED BY WE LOVE:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26THAPRIL
DRUMCODE ARENA IN ASSOCIATION WITH MIXCLOUD:
LINEUP TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY 26TH APRIL
 

South West Four 2010 Review

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SW4Saturday 28th August had finally arrived and it was the first day of the SOLD OUT South West Four weekender. Extended to a two day festival this year we were delighted to see the sun shining after a week of rain.

Pete Tong SW4We made our way to the infamous Clapham Common, home to SW4 for many a year. As we picked up our passes and walked in, we manage to catch the end of Alex Metric finishing up his live set on the main stage.
We make our way to the front of the main stage to see Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong. A regular at SW4 he was to kick things off in typical Tongy fashion, busting out massive track after track and showcasing why he is still one of the most in-demand DJ’s in the world. Dropping the massive Swedish House Mafia “One” brings the crowds running into the main stage area in their hundreds, by far one of the biggest tunes of the year.
Over to the other side of the park to catch Gareth Emery in the TimeOut Gallery Arena who is playing a nice selection of uplifting trance to an already very busy tent.   The Gallery Arena has been one of the most popular tents at SW4 and with a lineup including Judge Jules, Sander Van Doorn and Paul Oakenfold it was bound to be packed like a sardine can!
We quickly head over to the DJ Mag Bedrock Arena to see Mutant Clan (Timo Maas and Santos) who are busy on their setup of 8 CDJ’s and 2 mixers. They seem to work seamlessly together to blend track after track.
Moving onto the Toolroom Knights arena, we catch Dirty South who has had another productive year in the studio releasing the popular “Phazing” which is doing the damage around clubland. Sticking to his electro / uplifting house style he rocks the crowd in one of the tents that I quite enjoyed throughout the day. We also catch Funkagenda in the Toolroom Knights arena and he rocks the crowd with a massive set.
As the sun continues to shine on through the afternoon, the crowd was building up to its maximum 20,000 capacity. We see smiles all around us as we walk through the crowd back to the main stage to catch Laidback Luke, one of the busiest DJ’s / Producers in the business. Pumping out track after track we were very excited to see him for our first time. His style is a mix of uplifting / progressive house and electro. His blend of tracks at SW4 gathers a massive crowd in the main stage area.
Erick MorilloErick Morillo as energetic as always teases the crowd with a great intro track and then busts into his unique style of Latin / Miami style house music. It’s been a while since I last saw Erick on a big stage and he always plays with a high amount of energy, constantly dancing and grooving behind the decks. By the end of his set, there is a mass of friends and colleagues gathered on the stage partying with Mr Morillo.
As we mill about the press area we catch a glimpse of Paul Oakenfold and Tall Paul having a chat before Oakey heads off to the Gallery Arena, quite the site to see the two legends together.
Sasha takes to the decks as the crowds begin to darken as a few rain drops being to fall. With his progressive style Sasha starts off slow and slowly builds the journey up to a style that only Sasha is capable of. A couple tracks in and the rain beings to come down, however this doesn’t affect the crowd, they are more up for it than ever! A few umbrella’s go up and jackets go on, some of the crowd try and pack into the tents but the majority enjoy the rainfall which lasts only 20 or 30 minutes.
We head back to the Bedrock Arena to catch John Digweed who to my surprise is playing a rocking set to a fully packed out tent. Playing a more uplifting set than I expected I quite enjoyed seeing Digweed back here again.
With a muddy ground and nite falling, headliner on the Main Stage Armin takes to the decks to massive applause, most of the crowd have been waiting for him and they have their dancing shoes ready. Armin gets right into the stride and the hands are up in the air from the very first beat. The world’s number one DJ never disappoints and his set is typically Armin, a journey through some of the biggest trance tunes of the moment and a selection of Armin classics.
Armin Van Buuren SW4
We leave before the end of Armin’s set to avoid the mass exodus, having enjoyed quite an awesome day at SW4. With most of the day quite pleasant before the rain, a great lineup and crowd to suit, SW4 once again shows why it is one of the most popular dance music based festivals in the UK.
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