the 1975

Latitude announce more artists for 2017

by

With only a month to go, the 12th edition of Latitude Festival once again sets the bar high for summer festivals, with a host of names announced across the stages including the BBC Music Introducing Stage, The SpeakEasy, Music and Film, Solas and many more. Latitude Festival takes place on 13th – 16th Julyin the stunning grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk. Tickets are available here.
 
40,000 people will witness Brit Award winners The 1975 perform tracks from I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It for the last time, as well as a Fleet Foxes returning in a UK Exclusive after a five year hiatus, backed with the recently announced album Crack-Up, and Saturday night headliners Mumford & Sons who bring with them their Gentlemen Of The Road takeover to curate the day’s line up.


 
They’re joined by a line up brimming with huge names and exclusives across all stages, combined over 40 Top Ten albums, from the legendary Placebo in a UK Festival Exclusive to returning indie rockersThe Horrors; from Scandi indie-pop darlings The Radio Dept. (another UK festival exclusive) to the inimitable former Velvet Underground stalwart John Cale; from the iconic Mavis Staples to the all-out party that will be Fatboy Slim on the BBC Music Stage.

This year’s bill sees these marquee acts joined by a plethora of local talent including Ipswich’s Bessie Turner who plays The Lake Stage on the Friday of this year’s festival hot off the back of being described by BBC Music Introducing as a superstar in the making. Her debut single ‘Big Sleep’ was only released in April but has already gained the love of BBC Radio One and BBC 6 Music. Turned is joined by a cavalcade of Suffolk and Norfolk-based performers that include Beth Orton, Superglu, While the World Sleeps (who has a studio half-an-hour from Henham), Mullally and Rad Pitt, as well as contributions from locals on the arts side of the bill such as Gecko & Suffolk MIND, a local theatre company and mental health charity; Luke Wright, a poet and writer of award-winning verse; popular classical sopranoLaura Wright; John Osbourne, who performs his new show Circled in the Radio Times; and Mark Thompson with his The Show at the End of Universe.
 
Hot off the back of their acclaimed debut album The Witch, London’s own Pumarosa will be bringing their captivating live show straight from our nation’s capital to the Obelisk Arena on the Friday and the profoundly arresting Swedish singer-songwriter Albin Lee Meldau who will take to the Lake Stage.
 
Fresh talent joining Saturday’s already brimming bill include Scandinavian troubadour Skott who opens the BBC Music Stage, and another addition to the Sunrise Arena as part of the Gentlemen of the Road takeover: renowned folkster Beans on Toast. Sunday sees exciting from hook-heavy Humberside heroesLife on the Alcove Stage and former Let’s Wrestle frontman Wesley Gonzalez on the Lake Stage.
 
Returning to Latitude for its second year, the BBC Music Introducing Stage once again welcomes an eclectic array of talent specifically chosen for Latitude, submitted via a plethora of local BBC Introducing shows. Over the years, BBC Music Introducing has played a pivotal part in nurturing the careers of some of the biggest acts to have graced Latitude including Ed Sheeran and Florence and the Machine. This year’s stage comes presented by BBC Radio 3 mainstays Max Reinhardt (the Late Junction) and Suzy Klein (In Tune), and BBC 6 Music’s “modern day musical anti-hero”, Tom Ravenscroft.
 
Friday’s festivities are kicked off by a stellar bill that features jazz/R&B collective Solomon’s Garden, Conwy sensation Omaloma, Essex’s Sound of 2017 star Lisa Wright, alt-folk instrumental troupe Fishclaw, Scotland-via-Transylvania singer-songwriter Lizabett Russo, spoken word performer Banwo the Poet and denizens of doo-wop Be Good.
 
Flying the flag for BBC Music Introducing on the Saturday of this year’s festival are Edinburgh genre-benders Sink, ascendant hush-popper Tender Central, acclaimed Mande master Sefo Kanuteh, hotly-tipped jazz quartet Flying Machines, Glaswegian producer and composer Iona Fortune, rapidly rising hip-hop talent Piers James, and blues classicists Amanda Brown & The Common Ears.
 
Sunday is rounded off by another eclectic array of talent that includes the spellbinding Tinderbox Orchestra, the elusive House of Hippies, Welsh post-folkers Adwaith, enrapturing classical guitarist Valerie Hartzell, Sheffield mainstays Black Thorn, West Midlands multi-instrumentalist Lumi HD and composer extraordinaire Neil March. Highlights from all the sets on the BBC Music Introducing stage will be available across the network of Local Radio Introducing shows, BBC Radio 3 and BBC 6Music. To find out more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/introducing.
 
SOLAS returns to Henham Park, bringing its signature mix of transcendental experience for the Latitude audience. Whether it’s rejuvenating treatments, yoga, moments of relaxation or artistic inspiration, SOLAS has carved out an enclave of creativity, openness and excitement at Latitude. Treatments start at £30 and are available to book at www.solas.appointy.com.
 
In tandem with art and healing, the Solas Stage is an intimate venue which plays host to some of the best emerging UK and Irish talent from across the musical spectrum; from folk-tinged acoustic troubadours to ambient electro, from dark pop to the spacier end of electronic music.
 
This year sees a line-up on the Solas Stage that includes genre-straddling MC Afrikan Boy, funk-pop beach bums Parcels, folk storyteller Westerman, production wizards Blue Lab Beats, Dublin singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy, poptronic amalgam Talos, psych-dub maelstrom Pangani, Irish troubadourDavid Keenan, indie-house duo Le Boom and acoustic dreamers Into the Ark. Nile Rodgers’ favouriteBrian Deady, renowned producer and songwriter Willy Mason, multi-instrumentalist wunderkind Leo Stannard, the critically revered Seamus Fogarty, experimental pop trio White Kite and Irish sensualistsShips also join the Solas bill.
 
Dutch indie-pop dreamers Klangstof, hotly-tipped 4AD signing Aldous Harding, the bright and brilliantRosie Carney, Scandi-pop five-piece Broen, Sweden’s shimmering Geowulf, dancefloor stomperAndrew Kearney, restlessly inventive Danish quintet Lowly, the fingerstyle acoustica of John Smith, Australian singer songwriter Hein Cooper and the sprawling 9-piece funk-soul of TooFools round off the line up of up and coming acts on the Solas Stage.
 
This year we are bringing all our debate, discussion, literary & poetry events under one roof, in The SpeakEasy. From established wordsmiths to emergent talents, literary legends to radical insurgents, The SpeakEasy will host author sessions with award-winning writers, poetry performance from the brightest voices and lively discussion until late into the night.

Booker-nominated author of Brooklyn and The Testament of Mary, Colm Tóibín will come to Henham Park to discuss his latest novel, House of Names, a reimagining of the Greek classic tale of Clytemnestra's family tragedy. Also visiting The SpeakEasy for the first time, Geoff Dyer will discussWhite Sands; his creative exploration of why we travel which was recently shortlisted for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year 2017. Both Colm and Geoff will be interviewed by Guardian journalist,Alex Clark.
 
Sarah Winman, author of the international bestseller When God was a Rabbit and the Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller A Year of Marvellous Ways will be at The SpeakEasy to preview her highly anticipated new novel Tin Man, in conversation with The Bookseller’s Sarah Shaffi.
 
The Women’s Prize for Fiction, Standard Issue and Wellcome Book Prize will all return to Latitude for one-off panels with leading literary women. Chaired by Sam Baker of The Pool, Women’s Prize for Fiction will present Stories for Revolutionary Girls with Naomi Alderman, whose novel The Powerrecently won the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, author and academic Elif Shafak and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party Catherine Mayer. Standard Issue will present a lively panel with Hannah Dunleavy, Mickey Noonan, Jen Offord, Deborah Frances-White, Susie Wokoma and a special guest. The Wellcome Book Prize bring the Latitude audience their Reading Cures with Joanna Cannon, Bryony Gordon, Dr Pippa Kennedy and Di Speirs.
 
Andy Parsons will return to Latitude with his Slacktivist Action Group. Joining Andy to discuss current affairs and agree one direct action will be The Sunday Times columnist India Knight, Sophie Walker, leader of the Women’s Equality Party and Reprieve Director Maya Foa. Carole Cadwalladr (Observer),Nick Hopkins (Guardian) and Carl Miller (Demos) will be discussing the Fake News phenomenon, chaired by Dr Daniel Glaser. James Brown (Above Head Height) and Alexandra Heminsley (Leap In)will be in discussion on amateur sports.
 
Latitude-goers of all ages will enjoy Choose Your Own Jolly Adventure with Bruno Vincent, the author of the hugely successful ‘Enid Blyton for Grown Ups’ series, with Five Lose Dad In The Garden Centrecurrently top of the charts.
 
Also joining The SpeakEasy line up is Global Pillage; the brand new comedy panel show podcast all about idiom, culture, customs and norms. The panel, led by Deborah Frances-White, will include Susan Wokoma, Sarah Bennetto, Bisha K Ali and Athena Kugblenu. BBC 6Music’s Shaun Keaveny will also produce a special episode of his Middle Aged Night Out from The SpeakEasy with special guest Dane Baptiste, whilst Robin Ince’s Festival Shambles guests are Katy Brand, John-Luke Roberts, Joanna Neary, Barry Crimmins and George Egg. History Hit Live present The Art Detective at Latitude, with Dr Janina Ramirez joined by special guest Professor Alice Roberts as they uncover history and culture through a single artwork.
 
Exploring their recollections of pop culture through memoir will be Lol Tolhurst and Cosey Fanni Tutti,each interviewed by celebrated music journalist Pete Paphides. Lol Tolhurst will be discussing his poignant memoir Cured: The Tale of Two Imaginary Boys, a passionate and evocative account of his time in one of the defining bands of the 70s and 80s, The Cure, and a frank and moving look at his personal addictions and his road to recovery. Cosey Fanni Tutti will be discussing her hugely acclaimed autobiography Art Sex Music which charts her rise with era-defining COUM Transmissions through to her time with Throbbing Gristle.  John Lloyd will reflect upon his career creating some of the most iconic comedy TV shows including Not The Nine O’Clock News, Spitting Image, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Blackadder and QI, interviewed by author and TV critic, Viv Groskop. 
 
Yours Faithfully, Edna Welthorpe (Mrs), will celebrate the life of playwright Joe Orton in the 50thanniversary year of his death. A panel led by Leonie Orton, Chris Shepherd, Dr Emma Parker and Robin Ince, will discuss Orton’s life, work and perform his witty letters of complaint, written under the pseudonym of Mrs Edna Welthorpe. John Osborne, creator of John Peel’s Shed and Sky 1’s After Hours, will also present Circled in the Radio Times a new storytelling show exploring the changing nature of how we all watch television.
 
Multi-award winning poet, playwright and novelist, Simon Armitage will return to Latitude to perform from his collection of poems The Unaccompanied. Insightful, relevant and empathetic, The Unaccompanied is a bold new statement of intent. Jamaican-British dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson will call Latitude to arms with his poetry on Saturday. Linton’s highly political poetry has been at the forefront of counterculture since the 1970s and in 2002 he became the second living poet to have his work included in Penguin’s Modern Classic series. Murray Lachlan Young, who shot to fame in the mid-90s when he become the only poet to sign a contract worth £1m, will present an anthology of work in How Freakin’ Zeitgesit Are You?.
 
Recent Ted Hughes Award winner for Nobody Told Me, a poetic memoir about becoming a parent, Hollie McNish will be at Latitude to discuss her latest anthology. Plum is a genre-bending candid account of Hollie’s memories from childhood to attempted adulthood. This is a book about growing up, about flesh, fruit, friendships, work and play. Hollie will also team up with Rosy Carrick and Hannah Silva to honour the Russian revolutionary poets in The Language of Revolution. Bang Said The Gun, the team who put on poetry nights for people who think they don't like poetry, will host guests Deanna Rodgers, the youngest UK Poetry Slam Champion and voice to watch, and Kriss Foster who has won plaudits for his stories about Vimto, trains and the seaside.
 
Recently selected by London's Evening Standard as one of the exciting new and young poetic voices in London, Richard Osmond will be taking audiences on a poetic foraging walk starting in Latitude’s stunning Faraway Forest on the Saturday. Richard is a professional forager, a hobby from childhood that grew into a career and has in turn gone on to shape his life and his first collection of poems, The Useful Verse. Other poets confirmed for The SpeakEasy include: Ross Sutherland, Mark Grist, Michelle Madsen, Jonny Fluffypink, Bohdan Piasecki, BAC Beatboxers, Mark Grist, Lisa Luxx, Toby Thompson and Ian Duhig. 
 
In Pandora’s Playground, we welcome back Dylan’s Mobile Bookstore where the audience can immerse themselves in the poetry of Dylan Thomas, Swansea’s most famous son.
 
In the Music & Film Arena, Latitude is delighted to welcome MOBO founder and music industry pioneer,Kanya King to the stage for a very special interview exploring her extraordinary work to bring black music to heart of international music culture. Comedian and magician Pete Firman, known for his appearances on The Magicians and The Next Great Magician, will be joining the Comedy stage on Saturday for a performance of his trademark tricks. Hosted by Phil Ellis, London’s innovative Soho Theatre will welcome hip-hop duo Rubberbandits, Swedish musical comedian Carl-Einar Häckner, Colin Hoult performing as his alter ego Anna Mann, live art provocateur Lucy McCormick and high-octane stand-up Desiree Burch. In the Theatre Arena, National Theatre Live will broadcast the Old Vic’s hugely acclaimed production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead which stars Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire as the eponymous duo. Rave Karaoke will play karaoke classics of yesteryear in The Cabaret Theatre, presented by DJ, performer & full-time show-off Anna Greenwood.

In the Wellcome Trust Arena, Caroline Wright will present Breath Control: Osmosis, featuring classical soprano Laura Wright. Join Caroline and Laura as they lead an interactive session with the Breath Choir, exploring pulmonary health and providing a snap shot of lung capacity through song. Also joining the festival’s Wellcome Trust supported programme, giving talks at Unlimited Theatre’s Space Shed in the Faraway Forest, are endurance athlete Shu Pillinger, to speak about optimizing the body for athleticism on earth and in space, and Beth Healey, the doctor who spent a year in Antarctica in the name of space exploration.

Elsewhere in the Faraway Forest, audiences will encounter sheds, talks and installations from artists and companies including the V&A, who will preview images and an immersive chorus audio experience from their forthcoming Opera: Passion, Power and Politics exhibition in collaboration with Royal Opera House. This immersive exhibition spans 400 years, through the lens of seven premieres in seven cities, and explores the seminal forces that drive so many stories. Audience should also keep an eye out for The Hypercollider, Emily Goss’s Grow Your Own Love Revolution, and can drop in to visit the Arts Council, Amy Winehouse Foundation and Medicins Sans Frontieres. Our unseen artists in the Faraway Forest include Metro Imaging, who support the Gallery, and Jane Lennard, who will transform the Forest’s iconic Tree of Life into a mass of yellow roses.

T in the Park 2016 Review

by

T IN THE PARK kicked off on the Friday with an absolute belter. The sun was shining, The Stone Roses were headlining and un characteristically there wasn’t a mud puddle in sight – of course that didn’t last. Of course it wouldn’t be T without its trademark mud and after dodging it on the Friday the patchy rain hit hard throughout the next couple of days – festival goers brushed it off as nothing and cracked on. Situated at Strathallan Castle close to Perth, it was the festivals second attempt in its new location and 26th year overall. The festival bill was a strong one, a splutter of genres merging together throughout the three days. Blending together the new, the old and the loved by all, every age group was covered with a stella line up. 

With other headlining performances coming from Calvin Harris & Red Hot Chilli Peppers plus support acts including Major Lazer, LCD SoundSystem, Disclosure, Chase & Status, The 1975 and more, it was bound to be a good weekend of music.

The Stone Roses hit the main stage on the Friday. The bands merch floated around the festival site like nothing else and as the day progressed it began to get difficult to be difficult to spot anyone NOT in a signature bowl hat. The bands ‘second coming’ was surely seen as the whole weekends highlight. Performances by the Manchester group aren’t quite as sparse as they have been in the past with their reform back in 2011, but its impossible to ignore the effect the bands presence has on its crowds. The Stone Roses were bred for the festival set up – it is surely the definitive way to see the cult band. The band played a full set of tracks from their self titled debut album, favourites from the much under-rated second album ‘Second coming’ alongside a few new tracks including the new single ‘All for one’. The crowd followed every word of every song sung by Ian Brown, tambourine in hand, who finished the act by waving on the Scottish flag to applaud a fan base at T that he has become very accustomed to.

Disclosure opened up for The Stone Roses – a difficult transition however they easily held their own and as soon as the opening track ‘White noise’ was belted out, they had the audience in the palm of their hands. Disclosure are always capable of surprising people wherever they sit on the bill and if this set was anything to go by their headline act at Reading/Leeds festival could prove to be something huge.

Elsewhere on Friday, festival favourite whereever she goes, Annie Mac packed out the Radio 1 Dance stage with a typical fun and bouncing set.  In contrast Rodrigo y Gabriela performed at the same time in the King Tuts Tent with a smaller crowd who enjoyed the spanish infused heavy guitar riff style of music they are most famous for.  

Huge crowds swamped over to the main stage to watch Calvin Harris headline the Saturday. Quite the regular at T, Calvin is just behind Biffy Clyro for most appearances at the Scottish festival. Quite the transformation from the geeky looking artist of 2007 to the huge international DJ and producer that he is today. Its been a undeniably huge rise from the Scot who is now considered to be the face of modern dance music. He played a typically impressive set, reminding everyone just how many huge tracks he has notched up under his belt. Track after track of number one hits alongside new song Hype which included an appearance of fan favourite Dizzee Rascal.

 

Saturday's lineup also showcases Bastille, Jess Glynne, Tinie Tempah, Kaiser Chiefs and more.  With health issues in the past year, Jess Glynne is one that I was very much looking forward to seeing.  Her amazing soulful and powerful voice fills the main stage with hits like 'Dont Be So Hard on Yourself', 'Not Letting Go' & 'Right Here'.  She sounds just as good live as she does on the radio, its a great performance to head into the evening.  Prior to Jess Glynne, Tinie Tempah fresh off his new album knows how to get a crowd going.  His music is perfect for the festival atmosphere and having seen him numerous times before, I know exactly what to expect.  Hits like 'Mamacita', 'Pass Out', 'Written in the Stars' have the crowd singing throughout the entire performance.

 

Over on the Radio 1 stage, The 1975 close out the day as the rain dies down and the sun sets over Strathallan Castle.  There is nothing fancy about this performance, just a great selection of tunes which have a die hard crowd singing along to almost every track they belt out whist competing with the echoes of Calvin Harris on the main stage.  This isnt an energetic performance by all means, but its worthy of the headlining spot for this stage.

 

Red Hot Chilli Peppers topped off a superb weekend with a headline act reminiscent of their last 2006 headline appearance. Even strangely leaving hits, Californication and Dani California off the set list didn’t make for a disappointing show. The Chilli’s in full form played a huge set filled with crowd pleasers, new singles, Chad Smith solos and the occasional handstand back onto stage from Flea. The strong set was played with swagger from frontman Anthony Kiedis backed up by plenty of energy and gratitude towards the crowd from the rest of the band.

 

One of the most unfortunate festival appearances would have come from LCD Soundsystem who barley drew a crowd to the Radio 1 stage.  Major Lazer however drew a huge crowd to the Radio 1 stage with their mix of dubstep, reggae and house music.  With Diplo flying all over the stage mic in hand hyping the crowd up at every opportunity, its an entertaining set bringing all sorts of dance moves and hands in the air reactions.  Comeback king of 2016 is surely Craig David, armed with a DJ Booth and mic in hand, this is a talented performance as he single handedly mixes the music and sings.  Singing over tunes like Justin Bieber's 'Love Yourself' and mixing it with his skillful rapping, his set ensures the crowd is bouncing for the entirety.

 

Its fair to say that this years T in the Park was a marked improvement on last year.  Most of the issues that were encountered have been resolved and the event is well oiled engine that ran smooth over the entire weekend.  Regardless of the wet weather and the muddy grounds, the performances across the weekend leave us feeling satsified & happy.   We look forward to another year at the castle in 2017!

 
Photos by Kristian Lissimore

T IN THE PARK 2016

Red Hot Chili Peppers to headline Reading and Leeds 2016

by

Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to announce RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS as the first headliners for 2016.

Taking to the main stage for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set as a FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE, Red Hot Chili Peppers are; Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer. Returning to Reading and Leeds Festival nine years after their last performance there, it’s fair to say their live return is highly anticipated. When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, Chad Smith commented “the simultaneous answer was ‘Reading and Leeds’”

Melvin Benn commented:

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2016, as a festival exclusive. Their incredible live show will be an unforgettable headline performance at the UK's biggest music festival. We’ve still got some really exciting names to announce and I can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line up. It’s going to be our best year yet.”

The 1975 will be making a huge appearance at next year’s festival following the release of their highly anticipated second album. With a gargantuan new stage set up and a fiercely dedicated fan base, their appearance is going to be undeniably special.

Mancunian festival favourites Courteeners will also be returning in majestic fashion in 2016, following the release of ‘Concrete Love’ and a huge show in Heaton Park earlier this summer, priming them for a massive performance.

With a famously visceral live show, Twenty One Pilots appearance at Reading & Leeds 2016 looks set to be nothing short of mind blowing, especially in the wake of their November sold-out UK tour and their recent album Blurryface, which topped the Billboard Charts. 2015 has been a huge year for the guys and with another sold out tour under their belts in February and two nights at Madison Square Garden in the summer, 2016 is set to be another incredible year for this band and their performance at Reading & Leeds will definitely cement them as the most exciting band around right now.

Slaves embody some of the emerging talent on offer at the festival, moving into a bigger slot after storming their performance this year, not to mention their Mercury Prize nomination earlier this month.

Slaves commented: 

“It's always a pleasure to play at Reading and Leeds and it's an honour to be invited back to play again in 2016. The crowds have been good to us and we are always very grateful. The line up is always a gooden and we're looking forward to being part of it and taking things up another level this time. See you there xxx”

Another group known for their raucous live shows, HINDS have undoubtedly proved themselves as one of the finest new bands to surface this year, winning crowds over across Europe with their delightfully ramshackle performance, fans will need to look out for their debut Reading and Leeds performance. RAT BOY is also joining the line up – fresh after a summer of huge shows, including last month’s inaugural Community Festival and a recent tour supporting The 1975, hit singles such as ‘Sign On’ and ‘Fake ID’ will no doubt draw huge sing-alongs.

Rat Boy commented:

“It’s gonna be lit!”

Reading & Leeds favourites Crossfaith will no doubt see a crowd of thousands descend on the legendary Japanese rave-metal group’s performance.

Crossfaith commented:

“It is an absolute honour to be invited to legendary rock festival ‘Reading & Leeds’ three years in a row. We are always feeling your big love for us! Can't wait to party and rock with you guys! See you in da pit! Let's make history!”

Kicking off a huge dance line up, the iconic DJ EZ has also been revealed to perform. A master of his craft, EZ has played to crowds all over the world over the last decade, making him the perfect candidate to get the Reading & Leeds crowd moving.

DJ EZ commented:

"I can't wait for these festivals! Looking forward to seeing you there."

Disclosure, The 1975 and The Courteeners join T In the Park

by
Disclosure’s return to T in the Park is sure to be an epic one, after their mind-blowing headline set on the Radio 1 Stage in 2014. The electronic music duo released their second album Caracal in September, featuring guest appearances from The Weeknd, Lorde, Gregory Porter and Sam Smith, among others. It follows their no.1, platinum-selling debut Settle, which received nominations for the Mercury Prize and a Grammy. They’ll be sure to bring the party vibes to Strathallan Castle next July.
 
 
The 1975’s eponymous debut album topped the UK Album Charts in September 2013 when it entered at no.1 and last month, the Manchester four-piece announced their second studio album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It. The first single off the new record – Love Me – is currently dominating the airwaves. Their infectious indie pop anthems are the perfect summer festival soundtrack, and are sure to inspire mass sing-alongs when they make their T in the Park return.
 
Fellow Manchester lads and huge favourites with the T in the Park crowd, Courteeners have also been added to the bill. In 2014 the group achieved their highest chart position to date when their fourth record Concrete Love reached no.3 in the UK album charts. Liam Fray’s sharp songwriting combined with the band’s euphoric pop riffs has fuelled the band’s longevity, and they going from strength to strength, currently playing a string of sold out dates across the country.
 

Latvia’s Positivus Festival first lineup announcement

by

Positivus Festival is a hidden gem in the Baltic States located in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia. Taking place from 18th to 20th of July 2014, the festival brings a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent to the idyllic holiday location surrounded by woodland offering festival goers a variety of activities and plenty to explore across the three-day event. This years line-up boasts acts including; Kraftwerk, Bastille, Ellie Goulding, Elbow, Daughter, Junip, AlunaGeorge, The Kooks, Of Montrea, The 1975, Laura Mvula and many more!

Besides the music program or while you favorite band isn’t playing, you can stop for a drink at a beautiful beachside bar overlooking the Baltic Sea, have a rest at one of many lounge areas located in festival site, chillout in a hammock in the woods or get busy in the entertainment zone, on the central street of the festival.

Positivus Festival is renowned for it’s chilled out and relaxed vibe and offers a variety of activities for festival goers in the beautiful woodland surroundings. The Fashion Market is brimming with a wide variety of modern designer and vintage clothing, footwear, original accessories, stylish headwear and other artsy items, made in Latvia or in the neighbouring countries. The Cinema Tent offers festival visitors an inspiring program with the best films from the Baltic states and abroad, showing a wide variety of life stories from all around the world.  The Food Court serves up a wide range of local and organic food. One of the new catering areas will be furnished as a cosy safe harbour, with a menu designed for raw and slow food enthusiasts, as well as vegetarians; the other area will be US trailer park themed, with speedy services and a vast variety of meals for every taste.  The festival is also child friendly with the Kids Island hosting a variety of fun and exciting activities professional caretakers and teachers will supply them with safe, friendly and exciting activities for each day.

It that isn’t enough the festival even has it’s own Post Office with it’s own postcode LV-4099, enabling visitors to send their belongings to the campsite before the festival and back home after, thus making travelling that much easier.

Positivus Festival was also recognised in the 2013 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the categories for ‘Best European Festival Line Up’ and ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’.  The 8th edition will take place from 18th to 20th of July 2014.

LINE-UP SO FAR

Kraftwerk, Bastille, Ellie Goulding, Elbow, The Kooks, The 1975, Daughter, Laura Mvula, Junip, Temples, Anna Calvi, Of Montreal, Mo, You Me At Six, Future islands, AlunaGeorge, NONONO, Chet Faker, Kid Karate, Birth Of Joy, King Charles, Pompeya, FM Belfast, And So I Watch From Afar

Outkast, Manic Street Preachers and more join Sziget 2014 lineup

by

This years Sizget Festival reveal the latest names joining this years lineup at the annual Sziget press conference.  The Summer Festival Guide has latest lineup details below:

New names revealed at the annual Sziget press conference including Outkast, Manic Street Preachers and The 1975, who will join the already announced acts, including Queens of the Stone Age, The Prodigy, Macklemore, Imagine Dragons, Bastille, Skrillex, Placebo, Lily Allen and The Kooks. 

Taking place in Budapest 14 April at the well known A38 Ship the press conference also revealed many changes regarding the venue and program structure at Sziget this year. One of the most important ones is the fact that Day 0 will provide a program as strong as the regular days, presenting Anti-Flag, Ska-P and Queens of the Stone Age. And let’s not forget about the fact that Day 0 will also host the Opening Show by Deadmau5, so besides the End Show with Calvin Harris – taking place on the last day of the event – there will also be another spectacular party at the main stage to warm up the crowd for the non-stop week of fun.

A new venue, the Campfire Stage is also designed for the same purpose, providing the chance for amateur and professional musicians to apply and – if chosen – to play some inspiring acoustic songs at the big fire. This stage is also Sziget’s special way to remember Woodstock, the mother of all festivals that took place 45 years ago. Sziget Community Garden will be another venue that is fresh and new (not just for Sziget but for the whole festival scene) welcoming open-minded visitors and providing a great insight in the world of urban gardens. Sziget Beach was an instant hit in 2013 and the organizing crew is happy to announce that the chill-out beach venue will also return this year. And if we talk about special community areas on the Island of Freedom, we should definitely mention the Ruin Pubs Quarter, introducing some of the most original Budapest bars. 

2014 will also see the return of the massive fun activities at the main stage, including the Colour Party, theFlag Party, the Balloon Party, the Beach Ball Party and the Bubble Party. 

Besides Woodstock, the other important anniversary linked to Sziget 2014 is the fall of the Berlin Wall, exactly 25 years ago. Cooperation with the Berlin arts scene and also a 100 meters long wall – decorated by street artists and the Szitizens themselves – will all serve the purpose to remember this great act of freedom.

Sziget will also bring some changes for the lovers of e-music. The old Arena truly reached its capacity limits, so the organizing team decided to move some of the bigger names to the Main Stage, while also the huge tent of the A38 Stage will host many electro artists, including the newly confirmed Madeon and R3hab. Besides, there will be an even bigger Colosseum venue that is designed to take over the role of the ’party center’.

Hungarian bands will once again get an open air venue in the form of the Petofi Radio VOLT Festival Stage, presenting the best acts of the host nation and also some acoustic gigs after 11pm.

Another of the spectacular changes is the introduction of the World Village, a huge concentrated venue that presents great world music bands and also hosting Roma, Afro-Latin and Hungaricum programs.

Getting bigger and more colorful is also the concept behind the new Europe Stage, merging the former Mambo and Holland meets Hungary stages and providing a truly European alternative

The lovers of blues and Irish music will also find their favorites on one stage, with thematic days for both genres. And it’s very important to mention that this year’s Blues and Irish Stage also serves as a place to remember the great Andor Olah, an excellent blues musician and also a dedicated organizer of the Hungarian blues scene, who died recently.

Another of the new venues is the Street of Universities. If you like Hungary and could imagine yourself studying here, that’s the place to check out possibilities. And if you’re an open-minded festival visitor, you will surely visit the Sziget Art Zone as well, which is the artistic center of this year’s Island of Freedom.

Glastonbury announce 2014 lineup details

by

The Summer Festival Guide is excited to bring you one of the first official lineup for this years massive summer event Glastonbury.

Headliners announced so far include Arcade Fire and joining them on the 5 day extravaganza are some of the biggest artists on the planet including Paolo Nutini, Jurrassic 5, James Blake, The 1975, Kasabian, Jack White, Dolly PArton, Elbow, The Black Keys, Robert Plant, Lily Allen, Lana Del Rey, Skillex, Pixies, Massive Attack, Disclosure, Ed Sheeran, Jake Bugg, Crystal Fighters, De La Soul and many many more!

Massive Attack, Rudimental and more added to Longitude lineup

by

Electro pioneers Massive Attack lead the lineup additions for this years Longitude Festival.  The multi award winning duo consisting of Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall have released 5 studio albums selling over 11 million copies worldwide. Their albums Blue Lines (1991) and Mezzanine (1998) feature in Rolling Stones list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 1991’s Unfinished Symphony was voted in the Top 10 of The Guardians Greatest songs of All Time poll.

Joining Massive Attack are Rudimental, The 1975, Banks, Parquet Courts, Krystal Klear, O Emperor, Eagulls, Ry X, Say Lou Lou, Son Lux, Josef Salvat and Samaris.

Chart topping dubstep group Rudimental recently picked up Best British Single for ‘Waiting All Night’ at the Brits 2014 while Manchester indie rock band The 1975 who’s breakthrough hit Chocolate has amassed over 11 million You Tube views helping their self titled debut album achieve Gold status. 

Banks is one of the most hotly tipped acts of the year, coming third in the BBC Sound of 2014 poll and was a MTV Brand New nominee 2014.Parquet Courts, one of the finest punk rock bands to emerge from New York in years, were named #3 in Time Out’s round up of best albums for their debut record Light up Gold on its release.

Making a welcome return is last years Red Bull Music Academy stage headliner Krystal Klear, bringing the best in everything from Boogie & New Jack to Instru Hip-Hop and House to Marlay Park this summer. O Emperor, fellow Irish act and recent nominees for the Meteor Choice Music Prize for their second album Vitreous join new additions to the festival Leeds punk band Eagulls, who recently performed on Letterman and released their critically acclaimed self titled debut LP,Ry X the falsetto folk singer who’s hit song Berlin widely featured on the Sony Bravia TV commercial, Dream pop duo comprising of sisters Miranda and Elektra Kilbey Say Lou Lou, who made it onto the BBC Sound of 2014 longlist, experimental producer and composer Son Lux,Australian singer-songwriter Josef Salvat and Icelandic electro groupSamaris.

The announcement of new Longitude acts coincides with the release of day tickets for the festival along with main stage breakdown of acts across the weekend. Ben Howard will headline Friday night,Disclosure take top billing on Saturday while Massive Attack bring the weekend to a close on Sunday night.

Friday: Ben Howard, Bastille, Bombay Bicycle Club, Icona Pop and George Ezra

Saturday: Disclosure, Haim, Chvrches, The 1975, Sam Smith and Hozier

Sunday:  Massive Attack, James Vincent McMorrow, Rudimental, First Aid Kit and Banks

Ibiza & Mallorca Rocks announce massive lineup feat Skrillex, Tinie Tempah and more!

by

Having already confirmed Haim and The 1975 for Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks, some of the world's biggest artists have been confirmed to join them on the summer islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Tinie Tempah, Skrillex and Bombay Bicycle Club (Ibiza Closing Party) plus critically acclaimed champions of the live scene Rudimental, John Newman and Clean Bandit have been added to the 16 week-long line up, kicking off on 03/06. Support slots come courtesy of exciting new talents Wolf Alice, Breton and Chloe Howl, with more to be announced.

The summer long season will open in style with a headline performance from HAIM, supported by hotly tipped band for 2014, Breton. The 1975 take on week 2 with support from NME’s Best New Band nominee Wolf Alice.

Newly confirmed to keep the party vibes in full flow in June is Yorkshire lad John Newman. The 3 x BRITs nominee shot into the spotlight after writing and singing on two of the biggest dance tracks to smash into the UK charts in years: Rudimental’s Feel The Love and Not Giving In. Debut #1 solo single Love Me Again is a taste of the huge, melodic hits fans can expect from John Newman’s highly anticipated debut set, supported by BBC Sound of 2014 nominee Chloe Howl.

July will see the welcome return of Tinie Tempah, back by popular demand.  With his high-octane, high energy, explosive live sets packed with huge hits Tinie Tempah knows exactly how to work the crowd. Embarking on a UK tour in March including a show at London’s O2, Tinie Tempah will have one seriously slick set to showcase back in the Balearics.  Speaking of the shows, he said: “I am happy to be back doing Rocks for the 4th time! This is always a great show, can't wait!”

From releasing quintuple platinum debut album + in 2012, Ed Sheeran has been recognised as one of the most genuinely talented and successful singer/songwriters of recent times. Grammy Awards, Q Awards, Brits and Ivor Novellos, Ed Sheeran has clocked up them all with his all-encompassing appeal.  Huge hits fill emotionally charged sets fused with unexpected risks and surprises. From being championed by Jamie Foxx to opening Rocks in 2012, to selling out Madison Square Gardens and being hugely in demand on a global scale, Ed Sheeran knows what he loves, everyone loves what he does and he’s coming back to Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks in July to do just that.

Ed Sheeran said: "I played at the Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks opening parties 2 years ago and had a lot of fun. Looking forward to getting back out there in the sun and playing some of the new songs this summer!"

Brits British Single winners Rudimental and British Breakthrough winners Bastille pulled off an epic mash up of their huge hits Waiting All Night and Pompeii at this year’s Brit Awards and both acts are Balearic bound.   Rocks championed Rudimental long before they hit the big time and booked their debut Ibiza show in 2012 at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel where they stayed, partied and played, big time! It will be a proud moment to have these boys back, bigger than ever, for what will undoubtedly be one of the seminal moments of the summer, from one of the best live acts on the planet right now. 

Rudimental said: “We can’t wait to head back to Ibiza Rocks this summer. It’s one of our favourite venues in the world and our show in 2012 was too much fun. Don’t miss this one people, Ibiza here we come!!”

Since debuting at Rocks last year, Bastille went on to be the biggest selling new British act of 2013, with platinum-selling debut album Bad Blood topping the charts and infectious single Pompeii becoming the second most streamed song of the year (just behind Daft Punk’s Get Lucky). After smashing it stateside then being nominated for 4 x Brit Awards back on home turf, Bastille have officially been crowned British Breakthrough of the year. 

Bastille’s Dan Smith said: “We can't wait to play Ibiza and Mallorca Rocks again. The gigs were both loads of fun last summer so we're really happy to have been asked back this year."

It will be from stateside to poolside when 6 x Grammy award winner Skrillex takes to the open-air stage at the Mallorca Rocks Hotel for an exclusive headline set in August. This electronic imagineer comes with way more than an killer set – there’s shimmering LED walls, 3D lights shows, pyrotechnics and a relentless thirst to create a live experience of ever-increasing drama and spectacle.  This show takes the music landscape in Mallorca to a whole new level – a first for Mallorca, a  ‘must see’ ONLY at Mallorca Rocks and a massive statement to what Rocks brings to the resort.

Clean Bandit made their Rocks debut supporting Ellie Goulding last year and then kicked off the very first Ibiza Rocks the Snow event in Meribel In December.  They’ve since scored a UK #1 single with Rather Be, selling over half a million copies in the UK alone and staying at the #1 spot for 4 weeks running. Now one of the UK’s finest new bands move from the piste to the poolside to make their headline debut at the Rocks Hotels in August.

The Ibiza Rocks closing party will be headlined by a classic Rocks band, Bombay Bicycle Club.  The London four piece supported Biffy Clyro at Ibiza Rocks in 2010 and returned as worthy headliners in their own right the following year. Back with UK #1 album So Long See You Tomorrow, Bombay Bicycle Club will create the climax to what will be a phenomenal summer of live gigs under the Balearic stars.

Arctic Monkeys to headline Reading and Leeds Festivala

by
It’s shaping up to be a big summer for Reading & Leeds Festivals. Having already announced headliners Blink-182 in their only UK shows of 2014, as well as Jake Bugg, Disclosure, Metronomy, Of Mice & Men, Wilkinson and I Am Legion, even more names have now been revealed! Just announced to join the line-up are headliners Arctic Monkeys with an exclusive Festival headline set in England and Wales, Courteeners, The 1975, You Me At Six, SBTRKT, Warpaint, Netsky, Annie Mac, Royal Blood, Hozier,Architects, Issues, Pusha Tand Krept & Konanacross the weekend.
 
Reading & Leeds are thrilled to welcome global superstars and bonafide rock heroes Arctic Monkeys back to headline the Festivals this summer. Nominated for ‘Best British Band’ at the upcoming BRIT Awards and ‘Best Live Band’ at the NME Awards, they need no introduction to the Reading & Leeds audience. First performing on one of the smaller stages in 2005 prior to the release of their debut album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’, they took their rightful place on the Main Stage in 2006, returning to headline the Festivals with an electrifying set in 2009. Voted as NME’s ‘Album of The Year’ in 2013, ‘AM’ saw the band return more confident than ever, with hits including debut single and instant classic ‘Do I Wanna Know?’, ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’ and ‘R U Mine?’. One if the most important bands of our time, and with Zane Lowe citing the band as ‘the last defining moment in rock and roll’, this summer the Arctic Monkeys return to Reading & Leeds for an unmissable exclusive Festival headline set in England and Wales.
 
Arctic Monkeys
 
Speaking to NME about Reading & Leeds, Matt Helders said: “We’ve got a lot of history with the festival. It’s the first festival I ever went to – we all went together as kids, with Nick as well. We were 15 or 16 and it was a big deal going to a festival like that on your own”.
 
After announcing a brief hiatus back in December, Manchester’s Courteeners will be heading to this year’s Reading & Leeds for an exclusive festival performance in England and Wales. Having first burst onto the scene with 2007’s ‘St Jude’, last year saw the band release their third Top Ten album ‘ANNA’ to their devoted throng of fans, as well as selling over 100,000 tickets. Their Reading & Leeds performances in 2009 and 2012 were highlights, with the crowd going mad for hits including ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ and ‘Lose Control’, and festival goers can expect even more from their sets this year.
 
One of the breakout acts of 2013, The 1975 will return to this year's Reading & Leeds Festivals. Following their huge success last year with a string of hits – ‘Chocolate’ voted ‘Number One Hottest Record of 2013’ by BBC Radio 1 listeners, ‘The City’, ‘Sex’ and ‘Girls’ – and a Number One debut album, the band are set to continue their ascendancy throughout 2014. Having sold out every UK gig put on sale to date, The 1975 will be a firm favourite on the bill this summer. 
 
The band comment: "We grew up going to Reading & Leeds Festival. It's so humbling knowing we are going to play such a prestigious slot there this year. Cannot wait!"
 
With their incredible newly released fourth album ‘Cavalier Youth’, Surrey born rock quintet and Reading & Leeds veterans You Me At Sixhave catapulted in at Number One in the UK Album Charts this week. It would be no exaggeration to state that the band has done some growing up at Reading & Leeds over the years. 2014 marks their fourth appearance at Reading & Leeds, and this year their show will be anexclusive festival appearance in England and Wales. With three gold records full of undeniable anthems in tow, the UK's brightest young rock band may well make this their year.
 
SBTRKT is an alias used to support the concept of anonymity and has explained that he would prefer the music to speak for itself. To further support his anonymity, SBTRKT wears modern interpretations of native society ceremonial masks designed by Hidden Place. His music pulls off a series of impressive feats: it's bursting with fresh ideas, and yet sounds immediately familiar. Its influences are incorporated with subtlety and sophistication: dense enough to interpret, light enough to dance to. 
 
From their much-loved 2010 debut ‘The Fool’ through to their recently released Top Ten self-titled full length, produced by Flood and mixed by Nigel Godrich, female quartet Warpaint have positioned themselves as one of the most highly regarded indie-rock bands on the planet. The LA group create a deeply personal and ambitious mix of reverb-soaked pop and shimmering post-punk that makes them a truly exciting live prospect, a perfect addition for the Reading & Leeds audiences. 
 
One of the hottest acts in electronic music today, Belgian super producer and DJ Netsky brings his blend of uplifting melodies and potent dancefloor beats to the Festivals this summer. Netsky has risen through the ranks of drum & bass at a stratospheric pace, with his second full length record reaching No.24 in the UK Albums Chart in 2012 and a third highly anticipated album due out later this year.  Don’t miss the chance to see him transform Reading & Leeds into a rave with his summer-and-festival-ready tracks this August bank holiday weekend as he headlines the Dance Stage.
 
Netsky
 
One of the most in-demand DJ’s currently on the festival and club circuit, BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac is a globally renowned name in the world of dance music. With her finger held firmly on the pulse she is a genuine champion of true underground electronic music and her Friday night BBC Radio 1 show is a testament to that. Annie is a welcome addition to the Dance line-up at Reading & Leeds Festivals; she is sure to play to packed out crowds and will no doubt be one of the highlights of the weekend!
 
Annie adds: “Reading & Leeds Festival is close to my heart and I went religiously back before I was a DJ.  It's been a dream to play there and I'm really looking forward to it.”
 
Brighton duo Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher make up the two halves of Royal Blood. Despite their minimal line-up of drums, bass and vocals the pair create melodic, riff-heavy power rock that has, since their recent 2013 inception, seen them championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 & included in the BBC Sound of 2014 longlist. Expect this to be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
 
Hozier was raised on the building blocks of popular music: rhythm and blues, soul, jazz and the deep dark stuff stretching from Chicago to the Delta. He joined his first band when he was 15 years old, fronting a soul band with some older heads. Having taught himself to play guitar and piano, he went to Trinity College to study music, but dropped out to concentrate his talents on the creative process full time. Hozier would go on to forge a musical identity he could call his own. A place where Stevie Wonder and Billie Holiday are revered alongside James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Singer of songs, teller of tales, Hozier’s new EP is expected this spring. It all begins here.
 
Having recently announced that Daniel P Carter, host of BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show, will curate the dedicated rock stage in 2014, fans were given the chance to make Reading & Leeds history by suggesting a new name for this stage. Three fan nominated names made the shortlist – The Pit, The Lockdown and The Meltdown Stage, in addition to Daniel’s suggestion The Riff Haus and headliners Of Mice & Men’s The Hyphy Stage. With over 5000 votes cast, the winning name chosen by you is The Pit. Congratulations to the winners who were the first to submit the name, who will not only receive VIP upgrades for themselves and a friend, but will also get amazing side of stage access to watch a band on their newly named stage! 
 
Reading & Leeds are proud to welcome Brighton metalcore titans Architects to The Pit and back to the Festivals this summer. Following their signing to Epitaph, the band release their hotly anticipated sixth full-length album ‘Lost Forever // Lost Together’ this March, and will bring their ferocious vocals and complex guitar riffs to Reading & Leeds for one of the most exciting sets of the weekend.
 
Lead vocalist of Architects, Sam Carter, says: "We’re delighted to be playing Reading & Leeds again this year! Reading festival was a huge part of our musical upbringing and it was the first festival that any of us attended. It’s an honour to be part of such a huge and prestigious festival – August can’t come soon enough!"
 
Rise Records six-piece Issues will this year make their inaugural trip to Reading & Leeds. Fusing crushing metal with pop sensibilities, the band release their self-titled debut album later this month and are a truly exciting addition to the Reading & Leeds line-up.
 
Rising to prominence as one-half of preeminent hip-hop duo Clipse, GOOD Music signee Pusha T has carved a rap career all of his own. Following his astounding appearances alongside mentor Kanye West on 2012’s label record ‘Cruel Summer’, 2013 saw the ferocious Virginia MC destroy the competition with the release of his long-awaited solo album. With the release of singles ‘Nosetalgia’ featuring Kendrick Lamar and 'Numbers on the Board', Pusha T has placed himself at the forefront of real hip-hop and this summer will bring his uniquely tense delivery to Reading & Leeds. 
 
Championed by BBC Radio 1Xtra, MOBO award winning South London MC’s Krept & Konan have been making waves on the UK rap scene. Turning heads last year when their ‘Young Kingz’ mixtape entered the UK Top 20 independently with only limited promotion, the duo have been giving established commercial acts a run for their money. Be sure to catch their uniquely evocative brand of hip-hop at the Festivals.