Chase & Status, Skrillex, Carl Cox, Skream & Benga. Not only a dream for talent train spotters, but just some of the revered names providing August’s aural assault on Clapham Common. Earmarking this year as our most eclectic and engaging, an unprecedented early interest has sent ticket sales soaring. With fervent enthusiasm from all involved, this quality quintuple is most qualified to engage your senses. However that is the just the tip of the iceberg. A warm SW4 welcome to Saturday stars Knife Party and Zane Lowe. Then last but not least, Sunday’s surreptitious ambassadors of Clapham carnage; Jack Beats, Foreign Beggars, Rudimental and Dread MC.
The cutting edge Knife Party duo consists of powerhouses Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, from last year’s headliners Pendulum. A privilege to welcome their sharp, succinct sound to SW4, following a musical direction away from Pendulum’s D&B mould. Their huge collaborative effort with Swedish House Mafia titled ‘Antidote’ debuted at number four in the UK Singles Chart, whilst their appearances at Space Ibiza and for UKF Bass Culture at Alexandra Palace have quickly proved what a sure fire hit Knife Party has become. Hinging primarily on an electronic house sound, it’s guaranteed to hit SW4 for six.
 
Zane Lowe is arguably the best specialist Radio1 DJ since the late great John Peel. His award winning Radio 1 show features the hottest new music and in the process has received numerous awards. He also heads the acclaimed MTV show ‘Gonzo’ and is heavily involved in Ibiza Rocks, the party which has ripped the White Isle rule book to shreds. Having played alongside the likes of Kasabian and Oasis at Wembley Stadium, plus The Prodigy at Milton Keynes Bowl, Zane is an outstanding DJ whose enthusiastic, fast paced and sometimes rowdy style always fires up the crowd.
Then the multiple DMC Award winning DJ duo, made up of Niall Dailly (DJ Plus One of Scratch Perverts fame) and Ben Geffin (The Mixologists). Jack Beats have had an immediate and profound effect on the club scene since teaming up in 2007, producing transcendent remixes for La Roux and Florence & The Machine amongst others. Citing influences as diverse as Timbaland and A Guy Called Gerald, the two began to hone a style fusing House, Hip Hop, Drum & Bass and Dubstep with Electro and Baltimore Club. The ensuing support from major industry players like Zane Lowe and Annie Mac, has accelerated them to stardom as evident in their latest red hot production ‘All Night’.
The Foreign Beggars don’t need begging, to showcase their underground repertoire of rousing rap, dubstep and grime. The beggars’ own ‘Dented Records’ has become the cornerstone of a meteoric rise to fame, combining these urban sounds with dance music cuts. This underpins a packed itinerary of energetic live shows, widely regarded as changing the face of UK hip hop in the last decade. So no surprise the Foreign Beggars, orchestrated one of the highlights at the recent UKF Bass Culture show. Recent collaborations with trendsetters Skrillex and Flux Pavilion is further proof of a raw unrivalled talent.
We’re not finished yet, all hail rising stars Rudimental! This North London collective have given the ever changing electronic music scene a rude awakening of late. Melding soulful house with acid, disco and deeper influences, results in a rudimentary sound for rocking any festival. New track ‘Spoons’ has been serving up just this, its blissful vocals having seduced BBC Radio One stalwarts Pete Tong, Annie Mac and the aforementioned Zane Lowe. Also proving Rudimental’s unique production versatility, a hot remix of ‘Drunk’ by Ed Sheeran. An addictive drum and bass lead is exacerbated by a vivacious melody – intoxicating all by itself!
Finally to complement a bulging bill Dread MC. Cranking up the atmosphere to dangerous levels this homegrown MC has perfected his trade performing alongside the biggest names in bass music. A talent which is effortlessly adapted to any genre, he will be performing exclusively alongside the brilliant Redlight. Makes us dread if SW4 can contain his madness!
So there you have it. Six further SW4 artists that encapsulate all genres – defying known definitions for every sonic style. Guaranteed to bring dancing delight to the Clapham faithful, there really is something for all tastes.
 
A warm Clapham welcome for Skrillex, his complex bass orientated sound set to rumble the hotly anticipated UKF Bass Culture main stage. Londoners are already familiar with his mystical melange, following two recent sell-out shows at the iconic Brixton Academy. The rousing reaction of ten thousand electronic enthusiasts meant Skrillex for SW4 became an absolute necessity. Hence making this even more mouth watering, an EXCLUSIVE London festival appearance! A real musical coup for Clapham, continuing South West Four’s heritage of showcasing the most revolutionary DJs. Scheduled to close Sunday’s alfresco action, Skrillex’s set will be a frenetic homage to cutting edge dubstep, electro, glitch and grime.
For the first time in our nine year history, the Clapham carnage will cease at 10pm. That’s an extra hour to indulge in the scintillating sights and sounds of the UK’s premier inner city music event. So with an extra sixty minutes to play with, this year’s line-up will be our biggest ever, showcasing an array of prime international artists on a scale never before experienced at SW4. Inspirational talent synonymous with South West Four’s success, are joined by a host of DJ debuts and manic live acts. Furthermore with improved sound levels, a freeze on 2011 ticket prices and numerous other enhancements, SW4 2012 will bring to the English summer an even greater festival experience.
Sven Väth will bring his world famous techno imprint Cocoon to SW4 for the very first time this summer, as he celebrates his personal milestone of 30 years behind the decks. His infectious, vibrant and fun loving attitude is sure to attract the crowds to his arena, which boasts a line-up featuring some of the finest names in underground music. This includes the incredible Loco Dice who over the past few years has seen his stature rise to become one of the most devastating and respected DJs on the planet. Adding a live element to proceedings we’re delighted to welcome Tiefschwarz. Whether it’s in the studio or in the club, this duo constantly turn heads with timeless productions, remixes and live performances. Also playing live is Guy Gerber. The Israeli tech-house star is no stranger to the world’s biggest events, so the green grass of Clapham Common will suit him down to the ground. The legendary Josh Wink returns to the Common this summer after his sensational performance at last year’s SW4. He is joined by Cocoon’s very own Tobi Neumann and the UK’s hottest rising underground house star Tim Green. We can’t wait.
Global trance sensations Above & Beyond are set to take their Group Therapy album showcase across Europe this summer with festival appearances across the continent. But none get the juices flowing more than their arena at SW4 2011. The trio will be joined by fellow trance giant Ferry Corsten. A mainstay in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll over the past ten years, Ferry is a true international DJ having worked with and played with, the biggest talent on the planet. He’ll be joined by Radio 1’s Judge Jules who is no stranger to SW4 having played on numerous occasions. The Judgement Sundays head honcho remains one of the world’s most in demand DJs with bookings coming in from the world’s
Together returns to Clapham Common this August after its unforgettable arena at last year’s South West Four. Heading proceeding is a man that needs no introduction, M_Nus label boss Richie Hawtin. One of the leading pioneers of the techno scene across the world over the past twenty years, it’s no wonder that this man is recognised as one of the greatest electronic artists of all time. Modeselektor bring their widely diverse sound to the Together arena, as they wow the SW4 crowd with a number of genres all compressed into a style that is all of their own. Another leading name in the electronic world, SW4 welcomes Gaiser, one of the most revered artists in Richie Hawtin’s Minus collective. Sub Focus will bring his everything goes mantra to SW4 along with his usual blend of air-punching, dancefloor dismantling drum & bass. Andy C, another stand out performer at last year’s SW4, plays under the Together banner once again and the Ram Records boss will be joined by dubstep star Joker and the brain child of Drums of Death and Mumdance, Mums of Death.
One of the most respected and seminal record labels in the industry, it is a great honour that Adam Beyer has chosen South West Four to host the next instalment of Drumcode in the capital. The uber techno lord will be joined by VERY special guest and fellow Swede Eric Prydz, playing under his Cirez D guise for the very first time. Legendary UK techno duo Slam have travelled far and wide in the past but debut at SW4 this summer with a live performance that is sure to get the pulses racing. The techno showcase continues with the brilliant Paul Ritch. His DJ sets and production have seen his popularity rise the world over, much like Ben Sims who also plays. The ‘3 deck master’ is one of the UK’s biggest techno exports and we’re delighted to have him flying the flag. Drumcode’s very own Alan Fitzpatrick also joins the line-up with a much anticipated live performance, whilst Ida Engberg completes the bill bringing her relentless passion to South West London.
“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
In 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.