Sigma, Jess Glynne, Twin Atlantic and more added to Isle of Wight Festival 2016

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Added to the already incredible line up for 2016 is Sigma (live), Pendulum (DJ Set), Jess Glynne, Busted, The Corrs, Gutterdämmerung, SIXX:AM, Twin Atlantic, Half Moon Run, The Family Rain, Reverend and the Makers,Gabrielle Aplin, Lissie and The Wonder Stuff. The new acts will all join Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics,Faithless and a whole host of punk acts including Iggy Pop and Adam Ant to perform over the weekend.  

Internationally, multi-platinum selling DJ duo Sigma (aka Cameron Edwards and Joe Lenzie) were the only group in 2014 to have back-to-back UK Number One singles in the form of ‘Nobody To Love’ and ‘Changing’ (featuring Paloma Faith). Sigma will be filling the gap for all those drum ‘n’ bass heads on the island over the weekend. 

Drum ’n’ bass connoisseurs Pendulum emerged from Perth in 2002 to create a sound they felt was missing from dance music. Their 2005 debut album ‘Hold Your Colour’ sold in excess of 300,000 copies and spawned their first Top 30 hit in the shape of the single ‘Slam/Out Here’. Pendulum will be joining their DJ counterparts Sigma to bring their electric live show to the crowds. 

Gracing the stage this year will be the mega-selling, double-BRIT winning pop-rock trio Busted as they make their welcome return. After four Number One singles, two albums, five million record sales and a run of 12 sold-out Wembley shows, James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson are together again, older, wiser and excited about what the new Busted might be. 

What a year it’s been for Jess Glynne who will also be joining the line up for 2016. Jess broke through in early 2014 for providing vocals on Route 94’s Number One single ‘My Love’ and featuring on the most streamed song of 2014, Clean Bandit’s ‘Rather Be’, which was also nominated for a BRIT Award as ‘Best Single’. This, of course culminated in a Number One album in ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ released earlier in August. 

Off the back of their new album ‘White Light’ which was released last month, The Corrs are added to The Isle of Wight Festival’s 2016 lineup. The successful Irish quartet have released five studio albums to date along with numerous singles including ‘Runaway’, ‘Dreams’ and ‘Breathless’, and will be touring the UK in January.

Glasgow rockers Twin Atlantic have a knack for instantly catchy choruses and aloft anthems. Over the years, the band have earned their way to support the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Biffy Clyro and Blink 182 and have become renowned for their ferocious live shows, as well as achieving Top Ten with their latest album ‘The Great Divide’.

Also sounding out the future over the weekend is Half Moon Run. The Montreal based four-piece have a reputation for their heavy use of percussion and playing multiple instruments during live performance. They’ll be performing tracks from their impressive second studio album ‘Sun Leads Me On’. 

Three brothers from Bath, The Family Rain, fuse blues and rock with the close-knit energy and intricacy that runs through brotherly bonds. The sound of their debut album ‘Under The Volcano’ is not short of iron riffs, innovative percussion, clever wordplay and insidious melodies. They exude a noise and intensity that could only be produced by three brothers who know each other inside out.

Sheffield indie rockers Reverend and the Makers will also be bringing their acclaimed live performance over the weekend. UK Top Ten single ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World’ bought them into the limelight in 2007 before supporting the likes of Oasis on their final tour playing venues such as Wembley Stadium. They will also be playing tracks from their fourth studio album ‘Thirty Two’ which was released in 2014. 

After gaining popularity from posting acoustic covers of her songs on her YouTube channel, Gabrielle Aplin signed a record deal with Parlophone. She gained further mainstream attention after she was selected to soundtrack a John Lewis advert with her cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ‘The Power Of Love’, which charted Number One in the UK singles chart. Since then, she’s released her second album ‘Light Up The Dark’, which was released in September this year. 

Returning to The Isle of Wight Festival 2016 is American folk rock maverick Lissie. Having reached Top 20 status in the UK with her two previous albums ‘Catching a Tiger’ and ‘Back Forever’, her songs have been licensed for countless films and TV shows, topped numerous ‘Best Of’ polls whilst ‘The Longest Road,’ a song she wrote with DJ Morgan Page, was subsequently remixed by Deadmau5 and nominated for a ‘Best Remixed Record’ Grammy.  

Gutterdämmerung is ‘the loudest silent movie on earth’, conceptualised by Belgian-Swedish visual artist Bjorn Tagemose. Part rock show, part immersive cinema, the project features some of the world’s biggest names in rock, and The Isle of Wight Festival performance on the Big Top stage will see a full live band including Henry Rollins. SIXX:AM, comprising of Nikki Sixx, DJ Ashba and James Michael released their debut album ‘The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack’ in 2007 based on Sixx’s autobiography, and have since followed this with two more studio releases including 2014’s ‘Modern Vintage’. The band will be touring Europe next summer and will be bringing the riffs to Seaclose Park.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary as a band, The Wonder Stuff will be bringing their indie anthems to the festival next year. With Top Ten singles including ‘The Size of a Cow’, ‘Welcome to The Cheap Seats’ and ‘On The Ropes’, as well as their No. 1 smash ‘Dizzy’ with Vic Reeves, the band released their seventh studio album two years ago with a new album expected in 2016.

Miami Ultra 2016 phase one lineup announced!

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Miami, FL – USA (December 17, 2015) With just three months until it touches down at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Ultra Worldwide’s flagship event ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL announces the electrifying Phase One lineup for its eighteenth annual edition, taking place on March 18, 19 and 20, 2016.

The grand master of EDM and savage stage production is back with its phase one line up. Miami Ultra 2016 displays some of the best in electronic dance and house music there is to offer. Miami Music week which leads up to absolute madness contained within downtown Miami, running from Tuesday the 15th of March to the early hours of Monday the 21st of March. With Miami Ultra Festival firmly placed as the grand finale starting on Friday the 18th of March.

This coming year The Prodigy are set to headline and no doubt rock an unforgettable and truly unmissable set, as well as the return of the Australian Drum & Bass getup Pendulum also currently known in recent years as Knife Party. Often credited for the global popularisation of the genre, fans can expect to witness a raw, high-octane live experience. The Ultra regular but always exciting return of Carl Cox after his final year of Space residency in Ibiza. showcasing his decades of DJ experience to his immersive Carl Cox arena and 12th year at Ultra Miami. The main stage at Ultra, which is broadcast round the world through UMF TV carries with it the faces of Avicii and Hardwell. Two names that bring energy, excitement and new music hurtling into everyones summer to come.

No one can deny Armin Van Buuren and Tiesto’s live performances and links with production quality have bought so many people to tears as they stand side by side, with people they have only just met in a crowd 50 thousand strong. The Bedroom DJ Martin Garrix has gone from strength to strength since his first appearance on the MainStage back in 2014 and will bring with him the love and admiration of his fans, that will no doubt give goosebumps those lucky enough to be attending Miami Music Weeks Ultra Festival 2016. 

Afro Jack, the Giant of EDM music is hitting the main stage this coming 2016. With his continued success in 2015 and collaborative efforts with David Guetta, Niki Minaj a set from this music machine is not to be missed. 

As ever, ULTRA will also be welcoming a huge array of the finest, most in-demand DJs on the planet. Headlining the festival across a broad selection of stages this March will be previously mentioned Afrojack, Armin Van Buuren, Avicii, Knife Party, Tiësto, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox. as well as David Guetta, Dubfire, Eric Prydz, Jamie Jones, Kaskade, Kygo, Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Marco Carola, Seth Troxler, DJ Snake, and Zedd.

In a momentous nod to the festival’s very roots, the headline act for ULTRA’s very first edition, which took place on the sands of Miami Beach in 1999, will also be returning for their landmark reunion. None other than Rabbit In The Moon will be showcasing their visionary interpretation of psychedelic trance, house and breaks, as Ultranauts young and old prepare to witness a true slice of history.

Having made its Miami debut at the 2015 edition of Ultra Music Festival to critical acclaim, the RESISTANCE stage will be returning to Downtown Miami this March, bigger and better than ever before. After welcoming ‘The Afterburner’ in 2015, the 2016 RESISTANCE stage will transform into an entirely different beast dubbed ‘THE SPIDER’. Once again powered by UK Production Company Arcadia Spectacular, the 50 ton, 20m tall Spider structure is constructed from fully recycled materials and shoots flames up to 50 feet in the air while requiring an incredible 45 people to operate it!

Ultranauts will also witness an extra spectacle each day with the ‘Arcadia Landing Show’. A brand new addition to RESISTANCE this year, The Landing Show will see the Spider come to life, elevating the energy across the area to peak euphoria. Uniting a stunning range of creative elements and all the Spider's special effects, the show features interactive aerial performances, abductions, mechanical mayhem and breathtaking pyrotechnics as the Spider makes first contact. For further information on RESISTANCE watch the new trailer here and head to resistancemusic.com

Ultra Music Festival takes place during Miami Music Week and is an 18+ event. As Easter falls on the usual dates, next year’s edition will take place on March 18, 19 and 20, 2016.  General Admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale priced at $324.95 and $1,249.95 respectively. Early Bird and Payment Plan tickets have now sold out so act fast to avoid disappointment. For further details and ticket information, head to ultramusicfestival.com

WATCH THE PHASE ONE TRAILER

With many more acts to be announced heres the full line up for 2016 Phase One. 

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL PHASE ONE LINEUP

Headliners

Afrojack

Armin van Buuren

Avicii

Caribou

Carl Cox

Chet Faker

David Guetta

Destroid

Dubfire

Eric Prydz

Hardwell

Jamie Jones

Kaskade

Knife Party

Kygo

Loco Dice

Maceo Plex

Marco Carola

Martin Garrix

Miike Snow

Nero

Pendulum RETURNS

The Prodigy

Purity Ring

Rabbit in the Moon LIVE Reunion

Seth Troxler

DJ Snake

Tiësto

Tycho

Zedd

 

Support

 

Alison Wonderland

AlunaGeorge

Aly & Fila

andhim

Andrew Rayel

Apollonia

Art Department

Carnage

The Chainsmokers

Duke Dumont

DVBBS

Fakear Live

Fedde Le Grand

Felix Jaehn

Galantis

Guy Gerber

Hot Since 82

Icona Pop

Jackmaster

JAUZ

Joris Voorn

Joseph Capriati

KSHMR

Laidback Luke

Lee Foss

Marshmello

The Martinez Brothers

Mind Against

MK

Nic Fanciulli

Party Favor

Patrick Topping

Robin Schulz

Sam Feldt

Slander

Snails

SNBRN

Tchami

Technasia

Thomas Jack

Thugfucker

Vicetone

W&W

Yellow Claw

 

Pixies, New Order and more added to Bilbao BBK 2016 lineup

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Back for it’s 11th year, Bilbao BBK Live returns in 2016 to welcome 40,000 revellers to the picturesque Basque Country for a weekend of incredible music. Taking place from 7 – 9 July the festival places an amazing lineup in front of a stunning backdrop of green mountains and scenic views across the city. Today the festival proudly announces its first wave of artists for next year with Pixies, New Order, M83, Hot Chip, Jose Gonzalez, Father John Misty, Courtney Barnett and We Are Standard all set to take the stage.

With a legacy that speaks for itself, Pixies will be making a long and eagerly awaited return to the area for what promises to be one of the defining moments of the weekend. As undisputed legends of alternative American rock and with a canon of huge hits including ‘Debaser’, ‘Where Is My Mind’ and ‘Here Comes Your Man’ as well as last year’s widely acclaimed new material, the band remain one of the most enduring and influential groups on the planet.

Fresh from the release of their new album ‘Music Complete’ and with a revitalised lineup of both new and old faces New Order will be bringing their signature new wave to the festival. From classic cuts like ’Blue Monday’ to future classics like ‘Tutti Frutti’, Bernard Sumner and co are not to be missed.

Sure to soundtrack some of the dreamier moments of Bilbao BBK Live this summer are Grammy nominated synth pop band M83. As the brainchild of french electro hero Anthony Gonzalez, the group pair the huge anthemic sounds of hit single ‘Midnight City’ with the tender, heartbreak pop of ‘Wait’ to incredible effect. Making their debut at the festival, Hot Chip will be flying the flag for the UK’s incredible electronic music scene. Since returning this year with new album ‘Why Make Sense?’ the band have gone from strength to strength and with a live show surely unrivalled within their genre they make the perfect addition to the lineup.

Swedish singer-songwriter José González’ profile has never stopped rising since the release of his debut album ‘Veneer’. From his breakthrough cover of The Knife’s ‘Heartbeats’ through to this year’s self produced full length ‘Vestiges And Claws’ he has positioned himself as one of Europe’s finest talents. Former Fleet Foxes drummer Joshua Tillman’s critically acclaimed second album under his Father John Misty moniker, ‘I Love You Honeybear’ is one of 2015’s undisputed albums of the year. This summer the troubadour’s incredibly personal indie-folk will undoubtedly see the cult of FJM grow even further.

Also confirmed is witty Australian rocker Courtney Barnett who over the last couple of years has turned heads with her ramshackle, heartfelt and at times hilarious songs and energetic live show. Debut album ‘Sometimes I Sit And Think And Sometimes I Just Sit’ is one of the landmark releases of 2015, met with widespread critical acclaim the record has earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Closing the first wave of announcements for this year is Spanish four-piece We Are Standard who will be bringing their trademark fun indie vibes to their hometown.

Peter Hook and The Light, Craig Charles and more join Wychwood Festival lineup

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Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook and his band The Light, are set to play Wychwood's opening night. The foursome have become a live tour-de-force since their formation back in 2010 and, as well as playing their own critically acclaimed tracks, have been known to perform mesmerising renditions of classic Joy Division and New Order material. 

One of the country's leading lights in folk for over 20 years, Kate Rusby will grace the mainstage on Saturday with her soulful vocals and unrivalled talent for musical storytelling. The Jam founding member and bassist Bruce Foxton and his touring band From The Jam join Kate on the Saturday along with TV funnyman Matt Berry, who will showcase his revered musical talents with the help of his band The Maypoles. No Wychwood Festival would be complete without the legendary Craig Charles painting the Big Top red with his stellar mix of funk and soul, fans will be glad to know that the broadcaster and DJ will join the festival once again in 2016.
 

Chrvches, Jamie XX and more set for Sweden’s Way Out West

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In 2016 the festival aims to set the bar even higher handpicking the most exciting names across hip-hop, electronic, rock and pop music highlighted by the first announcement. Jamie xx has had a stand-out year with his debut album 'In Colour' reaching number 3 in the UK charts and cementing his position as one of the most exciting producers around thanks to numerous stand out festival performances. Scottish actChvrches also finish 2015 on a high having released their second studio album second album ''Every Open Eye' to critical acclaim, whilst local songstress Anna Von Hauswolff flies the flag high for Swedish folk. UK Grime pioneer Stormzy will undoubtedly slay the crowd in his own inimitable style and French producer M83 will also be bringing his dreamy synths to the Way Out West main stage for a rare performance, and still many more artist to be announced.

Punk comes to Isle of Wight Festival with Iggy Pop, Adam Ant and more

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Punk turns 40 next year, and in celebration of four decades of this exciting and at times controversial music scene, The Isle of Wight Festival, the first major festival of the summer, today adds Iggy Pop, Adam Ant, The Damned, Buzzcocks, The Godfathers and The Sex Pissed Dolls to what is an already incredible line up for 2016. The six new acts will all joinQueen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics and Faithless to perform over the weekend of 9th-12th June in Seaclose Park, Newport.

1976 is widely seen as the year that punk was born. The Sex Pistols signed to EMI Records, and started to generate significant press coverage – not least for their infamous interview in December of that year with Bill Grundy. The Ramones released their debut album in 1976, and the year saw the formation of not only The Damned and The Buzzcocks, but also other punk legends and luminaries such as The Clash, The Slits, X-Ray Spex, Black Flag and The Adverts.

Commonly acknowledged as one of the most dynamic stage performers of all time, Iggy Pop will appear on the Main Stage after successfully touring the globe with The Stooges for the last decade. His iconic solo albums such as ‘Lust For Life’, ‘The Idiot’ and ‘New Values’ have produced anthemic sounds such as ‘The Passenger’ whilst cementing his place in punk rock history.

Adam Ant will perform the seismic Adam and the Ants album ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’, the No. 1 best selling album of 1980, which was also awarded ‘Best British Album’ at the 1982 BRIT Awards. The singles, ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ and ‘Antmusic’ both hit number 2 in the UK chart and ‘Dog Eat Dog’ reached number 4. Considered to be the record that broke the band into the mainstream, ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ forged a new look for Adam, creating one of the most iconic pop images of all time, which he will bring to life once again at The Isle of Wight Festival.

Gothic rockers The Damned, celebrating their own 40th anniversary as punk rock pioneers, will entertain fans with their showmanship and humour, performing tracks from their extensive back catalogue including ‘Eloise’ which reached the top five in the UK Charts in 1986. 

Buzzcocks will also celebrate 40 years as a band, bringing their razor sharp riffs to the Isle of Wight. The band are heralded as one of the most important influences on the Manchester music scene, as well as the independent record label movement. Founding members Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle will perform timeless tracks such as ‘What Do I Get’ and ‘Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)’ with a rhythm section consisting of Chris Remmington and Danny Farrant.

Legendary rock and roll band The Godfathers consisting of brothers Peter Coyne and Chris Coyne earned a reputation for their electrifying brand of primal rock and roll and incidenary live shows around the world. In 2013 the band returned with the much-anticipated release of their brand new album ‘Jukebox Fury’ after reforming in 2008 for the re-issue of their seminal debut album ‘Hit by Hit’.

Five-piece all girl band The Sex Pissed Dolls burst onto the scene in 2014 and have quickly amassed a committed following playing Punk, Ska and Dirty Rock music. Having completed a tour this year playing songs by The Jam, The Clash, Nirvana and The Specials they will pay tribute to the anniversary of the Sex Pistols signing to EMI records 40 years ago at The Isle of Wight Festival.

Shinedown, Killswitch Engage and more added to Download 2016

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Download Festival, in one of its biggest announcements yet confirms 33 new additions for 2016 including Shinedown, Killswitch Engage, Down, Don Broco, Architects, Neck Deep, Tremonti and more. Download Festival takes place 10-12 June 2016 in Donington Park and tickets are on sale now.

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal festival, returns for 2016 with one of its biggest lineups to date. Joining headliners Rammstein, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden for a weekend of incredible rock music are Shinedown, who played an unforgettable set at the festival in 2012. The band’s latest album Threat To Survival shot to Number 13 in the UK charts earlier this year.

Killswitch Engage, dubbed “the people’s champions of metal”, will make the floor move under your feet with a jaw-droppingly outstanding set; Down, featuring former Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo, will deliver some booming dark riffs and all out metal; Don Broco, who celebrated a Number 6 album earlier this year forAutomatic, will bring charisma by the bucketload with a chaotic and immensely enjoyable live set, and Brighton metallers Architects are confirmed for a ferocious, boundlessly energetic set ensuing some gigantic circle pits.

Neck Deep are making waves as the heroes of UK pop-punk. The Wrexham five-piece have been on tour with Bring Me The Horizon and All Time Low, and will headline their own tour next year; Tremonti, fronted by former Creed and Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti, are known for their fast and heavy headbang-worthy riffs; French band Gojira will provide some full on heavy metal throwing crowds into an absolute meltdown; bringing Satan back to the masses, Swedish six-piece Ghost are confirmed for some sticky-sweet hooks and melodies, and lots of satanic musings.

Back on British soil, Billy Talent are preparing to deliver a storming set for crowds in Donington Park. The Canadian sensations will also release a new album in 2016; Saxon will bring some classic rock and guitar heavy tunes; Australian metal-core band The Amity Affliction will put on a great live set mesmerising crowds and are bound to create a raucous mosh pit; Halestorm, led by awesome frontwoman Lizzie Hale, return with some hard, riffy rock; one of the hottest bands in the ‘alternative’ world, US band Beartooth are confirmed, and Glasgow rockers Twin Atlantic, whose last two albums scored Top 5 in the UK Rock & Metal chart, will bring their unique pop rock sounds to Download.

Californian metallers Atreyu are renowned for their high-energy and impassioned sets; self-proclaimed “party-metallers” Attila will bring a heavy-hitting set; reggae-metal group Skindred will get the pit bouncing and rocking and are guaranteed to please the crowds at Donington; former Gallows frontman Frank Carter is confirmed with his new band The Rattlesnakes; Milton Keynes five-piece Tesseract, one of progressive metal’s elite, will send the audience into overdrive with a flawless performance; and with some big, belligerent metal, Counting Days are also confirmed.

Controversial electronic punk rap group Ho99o9 will be bringing their raucous live show to Donington; Milk Teeth have rapidly been gaining widespread acclaim for their nineties grunge nostalgia. Dead! went out on tour with Young Guns this year and have established themselves as one of the hottest bands to look out for in 2016, as have Exeter three-piece Black Foxxes, who have sold out every London show they’ve played. Fort Hope have been championed by Radio 1 this year and their album Courage reached Number 8 on the UK Rock & Metal Chart.

Rival Sons have earned a name as “one of the hottest rock bands on the planet” and will bring an awe-inspiring set of raw power and soulful, bluesy rock; hard rockers Breaking Benjamin are back following a five-year hiatus and will be loud and glorious; American thrash metallers Havok will bring exactly that; Dutch synth-metal band Delain are known for their upbeat energetic performances and US rockers Skillet are set to bring one hell of a monster show. Bringing some fun and thrash metal, Lawnmower Deth are also confirmed to play next year. The band are currently battling it out for the Christmas number one spot with their version of ‘Kids in America’.

Headlining the third stage on Friday, Gutterdämmerung – the brand new rock ‘n’ roll film from Belgian-Swedish visual artist Bjorn Tagemose billed as a “loud and dark fairy tale” – will be screened at Download. The film features the combined might of Slash, Iggy Pop, Josh Homme, Henry Rollins, Lemmy, Tom Araya and many more of hard rock’s finest.

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its Main Stage, plus the best hot and new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

Benjamin Clementine Review

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It’s strange how you come to love the things you love; and stranger still is how protective you become of something you hold terribly, terribly dear.

Benjamin, I first noticed you on TV, you caught me the second I saw you. Your songs spoke of more than pain and love and loss and love again; breaking tired conscripts and song structure, you built something new, captivating me in a way I’d never even thought existed before and you, left, me, wanting, more.

I make no secret of buying my tickets for tonight. I also make no secret that I’m a lucky man who gets guest invites to see more music that any man should but tonight I wanted to be there in your audience, on your homecoming and see you, in the flesh, brought real. And do you know what? Tonight I felt embarrassed Benjamin. I felt we let you down.

You were brilliant, you were humble, you were everything I wanted you to be. You spoke directly to me; songs brought to life better than they ever are on your album. You wore your pain, your hopes, your fears for all of us; looping vocals on a beguiling range, musicality spilling out of your piano and your soul, beating heart on your sleeve. And If I’m honest, I realise this is a transitional period between coming into public consciousness and all of us falling head over heels in love with you, So maybe, just maybe, I shouldn’t feel so disappointed.

I know that everyone here tonight bought their ticket before you won the Mercury Prize and so should have know better. I know you struggled with the overwhelmingness of it all, and that touched every one of us, but tonight we weren’t the fans you deserved but I truly promise you’re going to get so much more from your audience in the future. Hand on heart, we’re going to be singing every word back at you, we’re going to be living and reliving every pain in your sorrow, we’re going to be walking with you through Edmonton, Paris & London and in return you’ll be our song, voice and soul. We just weren’t there in force tonight. And I just so wanted it to be tonight.

There is one thing being a fan of exciting British music, hanging on the coattails of what people say we should be listening to or what is ‘hot for 2016’ is but there is another type a fan reserved especially for you. Tonight we were fan type ‘A’, one that feels like they should be seen to be there rather than one that wants, desperately wants, to ‘be’ there. I, however, am that other fan Benjamin and I will follow you.

I don’t know what the future holds but I really want to be in your company again next year and the one the after that and the one after that and I promise it’s not just me that’s going to love you for so very long. We just need a little time to find strength in number, our own voice and a way to show you our, love, back.

Thank you for a great night. It’s without doubt some of the best in live music I’ve ever seen and heard.  I simply cannot wait to share more of it with likeminded people; reciprocating our understating of your art and showing a willingness to be the audience you truly deserve. We’re coming Benjamin. I just hope that when we arrive, we’re better and you simply remain the same.

Tobin James

Stereosonic Sydney: LIVE review

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Wow Stereosonic, is all I can really say. The annual electronic-dance festival is held across Australia, cropping up in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne and is currently Australia’s biggest and fasting growing music festival. This year on Saturday 28th November I was off to check out the famous dance festival I had heard so much about. A lot of it had been positive, but many people I met had warned me of the typical ‘Stereosonic crowd’, stating that the festival was notoriously rowdy, full of groups of muscled guys searching for a fight and over-made-up bikini-clad girls seeking attention.

However with a line-up boasting the likes of trance king Armin Van Burren, Swedish dance duo Axwell ^ Ingrosso and electronic music squad Major Lazer, there was no way a few Chinese whispers would sway me from dancing the night away to some of the world’s most impressive dance acts.

And as we flitted through the entry gates, donning clichéd neon paint and flower headbands, I wasn’t worried at all. Sure, there was a lot of bare skin on show, but isn’t there always at a festival? And besides, it is the start of one of Australia’s (hopefully?) super-scorching summers.

After grabbing an (extremely over-priced) can of cider, we made a beeline for the main stage to catch Swedish electronic music duo Galantis set. It was early on in the day and already the mood was electric, with the crowd dancing along to the beat rampantly. Their catchy 2014 hit single ‘Runaway (U & I) caused the whole mob of fans to sing (or scream) along to the lyrics and we all danced along ridiculously to the tune. The atmospheric was euphoric, and I couldn’t help but feel really, really happy. So far so good!

Dutch brothers Showtek took to the main stage next and they sure managed to carry the crowd along with their thumping rhythms and blinding neon visuals. Their impressive hit single ‘Bad’, produced with EDM legend David Guetta, really hit the crowd running, prompting insane amounts of rapid arm waving and extremely vigorous jumping. The music paired with the enthusiasm of the crowd, the colourful showering confetti and the rather humorous inflatables being chucked around (there was a ‘naked woman’ floating through the crowd at one point) made the scene feel absolutely surreal (no, really). Another fantastic set.

It was soon time for Australian electronic duo Peking Duk, and I was eager to have a listen. They were a pair I had only really heard about since arriving in Australia but their name had risen up a fair few times in conversation. I was quickly impressed – the music was exhilarating, feeling like the beat was running tingling through your body. Their single ‘High’ proved to be very popular, with the crowds clapping and singing along to the catchy vocals and bopping along in time. My favourite part of the set involved an incredibly interesting remix of The Lion King’s ‘Circle of life’. I honestly hadn’t heard anything like it before!

Next up was a big one – the notoriously wild EDM group Major Lazer. Having seen them live before, I mentally prepared myself for a crazy performance that may involve me being hurled through the crowd. We certainly weren’t disappointed and were treated to a concoction of exciting interactions including the likes of lead member Diplo crowd surfing across the masses in a zorb ball (!!), scantily-clad dancers dancing vigorously in time to the music and strict instructions for the men of the crowd to whip off their shirts and chuck them high, high into in the air. Ending their set with everyone’s favourite chart-topper ‘Lean on’, I felt satisfied that once again Major Lazer had proven they are one of the most fun and exciting dance acts out there – their continuous interaction with the crowd really is something else.­­

Utterly hooked into the main stage (who can blame us really with that line up), it was Axwell Λ Ingrosso (Swedish House Mafia reformed without Steve Angelo) up next. In all honestly, I was absolutely captivated from the start and their set proved to be my favourite of the whole festival. ‘Barricade’ engrossed the crowd with a long and tantalizing lead up, along with crowd favourites such as ‘On my way’ and ‘Something’. The atmosphere made me feel completely and utterly encompassed in the music and their feel-good hit single ‘Sun is shining’, teamed with fantastic visuals and sky-high flames was a highlight of the set.

Finally, it was time for trance royalty Armin Van Buuren to take to the stage. As usual he was absolutely phenomenal, treating his dedicated supporters to crowd favourites such as the catchy ‘Another you’ along with hidden gems such as the Dan Stone rework of ‘See the sun’. With eye-blindingly amazing visuals, countless bursts of confetti and insane lighting it was an absolutely amazing show to be part of, and crowds and crowds of fans had gathered to dance away to the dance legend. A suprise appearance from singer/songwriter/producter Mr Probz was also hugely welcomed and he joined Armin to treat the crowd to his massive 2013 hit 'Waves'.

Towards the end of the set we were shaken up with the psychedelic and fast-thudding ‘Vini vici’ by The Tribe, before an emotional W&W remix of ‘This is what it feels like’, arguably Armin’s most commercial and most popular hit. I found the slow and dramatic version of the hit rather mushy and melodramatic but didn’t mind too much at all. The whole crowd was singing along zealously, hands clapping and arms waving and it really did feel like the end of something truly amazing. The song concluded with fantastic flashing lights, thumping drops and a spectacle of colourful fireworks. A fantastic end to an incredibly memorable day and night.

Stereosonic – I am utterly impressed and you exceeded my expectations fully. There will always be some rough crowds at music festivals but personally I didn’t even experience that at all and to me, it seemed all about the music.

Fatboy Slim & Jess Glynne to headline Camp Bestival 2016

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Rob da Bank says: “Greeting cosmonauts and mini astro-nutters… so as we prepare for our first spacewalk in July, I’m mega chuffed to unveil two of our intrepid headline sonic explorers. I’m not sure another festival could get away with Fatboy Slim and Jess Glynne but it’s a tribute to you lovely campers that we can deliver such a diverse bill. Fatboy has always been one of the family, and Jess Glynne is quite frankly a one woman hit machine who will light up Friday night. Not forgetting our old chum Mr Tumble and, to fit with the theme, we have the amazing Aliens Love Underpants! Prepare to go extra-terrestrial”.

He’s one of our all-time favourite DJs, the ultimate party starter and king selector, so we are over the moon that Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim is joining us in Outer Space to headline Saturday night’s intergalactic action. No stranger to reaching for the stars, Norman is the real deal when it comes to hit factories with a back catalogue that will be sure to have your hips swaying and your booty shaking all night long! An absolute must-see, we can guarantee Fatboy Slim will be taking us into orbit. 

Fatboy Slim says: “As a veteran of Sunday Best, Bestival and Common People it seems a hideous oversight that I appear to be a Camp Bestival virgin, especially as a father of two. Consequently myself, Zoe and our two little smashers will be embedded for a weekend of family frolics and nocturnal adventures, be assured we will make up for lost time!” 

A bonafide superstar in the making, we are extremely pleased to announce Jess Glynne will be headlining Friday night at Camp Bestival! One of only two female solo singers to rack up five number one singles, in just over a year Jess has already become one of the UKs most successful singers ever. A frequent collaborator of former Camp headliners, Clean Bandit, Jess’s solo work has taken her beyond the stratosphere, which will make it handy for her when she joins us all in Outer Space! Yes! 

Heading straight for our universe, direct from London’s West End, we’re delighted to announce that the acclaimed adaptation of smash hit children’s book, Aliens Love Underpants will be making a very special appearance at Camp Bestival, too. A zany and hilarious tale delightfully brought to life with stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of course!) it’s a fantastically fresh and funny production that will delight the whole family. You'll laugh your PANTS off!  

The Aliens Love Underpants team told us: “Hold onto your pants Camp Bestival! We will be setting up spaceship tents and will be on the look-out for camping pants, festival pants and music pants at Lulworth Castle next July! See you in your best briefs!” 

We’re also hugely excited to announce that one of our favourite double acts of all time, Dick and Dom will be blasting back to Lulworth Castle this July to rule the main stage at Spacecamp Dorset. Never less than face-achingly brilliant, expect tongue-in-cheek slapstick, catchphrases galore, and hilarious audience interaction at warp factor 10! 

Commenting on their return to Camp Bestival Dick and Dom said “We promise to be full on luna-tics and very astra-naughty.  We can’t wait!! Three, two, one…. blast off to planet Dick and Dom”.  

And no Camp Bestival would be complete without the greatest cosmic clown known to man, Mr Tumble! The Makaton marvel will be firing the manoeuvring thrusters for one of his trademark sing-along and slapstick sets that will have the tots in a space frenzy! Always a massive draw on the Castle Stage, Mr Tumble is an institution and not to be missed!

And that’s not all! Searching the possibilities of infinite space throughout the weekend, we will also have cosmic joy with Flying Astronauts, Planetarium Shows, Cosmology Workshops, Stargazing, Space Orchestras, Rocket Building, Space Smells, Post A Space Card, Giant Rockets, Build Your Own Planet, Make Space Murals and lots more. With plenty of edifying action from the National Space Centre, The Science Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Okido, Explorer Domes and many more.