The Heartbreaks, The Phantom Band and more for Latitude Festival

- SUNRISE ARENA –
 
 
Follow the winding path through the enchanting woodland and you will stumble upon the Sunrise Arena, a haven for the best in up-and-coming music and be the first to see tomorrow’s stars today, deep within the woods.
 
Hailing from Morecombe, The Heartbreaks are wrapped up in the typical English seaside town. Their jangling, keening indie has brought them no end of impressive support slots with the sounds of the moment like Hurts and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, as well as peers like Jack Peñate, The View and Carl Barât. With a slew of catchy singles behind them – including the most recent, ‘Jealous, Don’t You Know’ – there’s plenty to be intrigued about with these four Lancashire lads. (Sunday)
 
The Phantom Band are Glasgow’s bellowing choral minstrels. Sifting percussive rhythms and madrigal melodies, see this six-piece utilising every available instrument on stage to build a swelling striding masterwork. Intricate the vocal work and woodblock percussion may be, their tunes are never lost in the architectural wonders they’re building. Their second album, last year’s ‘The Wants’, is an engrossing listen and one they interpret on stage incredibly well. A real must-see at Latitude 2011. (Friday)
 
Mid-teens singer Dionne Bromfield was the first signing to Amy Winehouse’s Lioness Records label in 2009 and sang alongside Winehouse both at The Prince’s Trust Ball in the same year and on the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Most recently, she’s announced a collaboration with fellow pop sensation Tinchy Stryder and, using re-written lyrics originally penned by 2009 Mercury Prize winner Speech Debelle, has recorded a song for the Olympic Torch Relay; ‘Spinnin’ For 2012′. To date Bromfield has released two albums of soul covers and originals, wowing many with her powerful voice despite her young age and the short time between discovery and recording. This talent will be sharing her lung power with us at Latitude. (Saturday)
 
Devon born singer-songwriter Ben Howard has recently been selling out shows in the UK and Europe sharing his Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell influenced songs with his grass-roots fanbase.  Singles ‘Old Pine’, and ‘The Wolves’ (released  on Ben  from  Mumford  & Sons’ label, Communion) will be enhanced  in the live setting on the Sunrise Arena by a cellist, an electric and double-bass guitar and drums. Eager fans will get to hear tracks from his debut album which is due out in the autumn. (Friday)
 
Yellowire is the new project of former Wire Daisies man, Ol Beach. With a real focus on the anthemic rush provided by arena bands like U2, Coldplay and Snow Patrol, the band surrounds Ol with lashings of reverb and space-eating sound to boost his chorus vocal lines up into the stratosphere. February single ‘Last Breath’ really brought the bold, airwave-snatching sound to people’s attention as they wait for the debut album later this year. This could be your last chance to catch Yellowire in an intimate setting before they start climbing the charts. (Saturday)
 
Danish four-piece Treefight For Sunlight will dazzle Latitude Festival fans with their sunshine pop tracks; ‘Facing the Sun’ and ‘What became of You and I’ from their self titled debut album.  Soaring triple sopranos, a rising melody line and keyboards will make you smile and no doubt you’ll be humming their songs for the rest of the day when they play the Sunrise Arena. (Sunday).
 
Aaron Wright and The Aprils is primed and ready to astonish crowds at Latitude with his fantastic Scottish melodies and lyrical charm. His debut self-titled album boasts a selection of special guests who have all previously performed at Latitude – including Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura, winning him support on national radio stations.  Aaron’s Dylan and Young influences and his passion for music make the Sunrise Arena the perfect place to watch him on Sunday afternoon. (Sunday)
 
Bristol’s Yes Sir Boss began causing a ruckus in 2008 and have taken their brass-laden, ska-tinged sounds all across the country. You can’t help but stomp along to their thumping, and at times sensitive, songs. With hints of the guitar madness of The Coral, their jaunty interplay criss-crosses the vocals in an impressive latticework of melody. They’ve collaborated with soulstress Joss Stone on a live cover of The Beatles’ ‘Come Together’ showing not only their open-minded approach to music and genres, but their willingness to embrace other performers too. Expect fun, positivity and surprises when these five guys and one girl perform songs from their debut album. (Saturday)
 
Leeds troupe East Park Reggae Collective combine their love for politics and
reggae to create their unique sound and pride themselves on making the whole crowd move. With songs calling on inspiration from social prejudice and corrupt leaders through to prevailing good times, East Park Reggae Collective is as current and real as it is musical and entertaining. With Time Out claiming they ‘”Could well be the first band since The Specials to bring Reggae back to the masses” be sure to catch them before they eclipse their current billing. (Saturday)
 
Steel City Soul Club are a collection of diverse and skilled musicians who are fast becoming established within Sheffield’s musical terrain. While this collective has the potential to move within the elevates spheres of the music world, the energy and class that permeates their sound speaks far more about their enthusiasm for the music they play, than their ambitions in the music business. Their sound pays homage to an eclectic back-catalogue of musical genres: from the rough and sampled hip-hop aesthetic, to the smooth and expressive aura of soul and jazz, all juxtaposed against a helping of funk, reggae, dancehall and ska. Admitting that they originally formed as an Afro-beat collective, they credit their current sound to months spent in practice rooms and studios editing, scrapping, and rearticulating lines to create their current repertoire. And it seems this hard work is paying off. The future is looking bright for Soul Club.  (Sunday)
 
Gabriel Deep already has some of the biggest UK and European Festivals under his belt and 2011 is set to be an even more exciting year for the Londoner. Playing notoriously varied sets, he has built up a reputation through word of mouth which has seen him gain a residency at Manchester’s biggest night ‘Take The Whole Cake’ and is lined up for many festivals this summer. Expect house, reggae, soul, dub, hip-hop and much much more from his sets!  (Saturday)
 
– THE LAKE STAGE -
 
Situated on the banks of Latitude’s stunning waterfront is The Lake Stage the place to catch the very first glimpse of the next musical talents. With his finger firmly on the pulse, Radio 1’s Huw Stephens gives us his freshest tips curating a programme of diverse and exciting bands who are on the cusp of success. In the past Everything Everything, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Pulled Apart by Horses have all graced the stage and since enjoyed mainstream success making Latitude the perfect place to catch rising stars.
 
Clock Opera, a London electronic-based four-piece, have been expertly remixing notable indie and rock acts for some time. Having chopped the fine work of bands like Everything Everything into something just as exhilarating, their own work sees a similarly ‘kitchen sink’ attitude. Instruments, non-instruments and anything else that makes a sound is sampled, sliced and glued into a scintillating web of sound. With regular BBC 6Music and Radio 1 airplay and single ‘Belongings’ appearing on Moshi Moshi, Clock Opera’s dicing could well bring fans of the ethereal beat to their knees. (Sunday)
 
Sacremento’s Julie Ann Bee, known by her nom de plume Sea Of Bees, is a multi-instrumentalist in the Sparklehorse vein. Fixed to the roots of folk and country while gleefully expressing and absorbing other sounds and ideas, the core is in her soulful voice. Taking intensely personal subject matter and reeling into the songs like a lovelorn busker, her modest but expansive sounds leave aches in hearts and lumps in throats, whilst somehow never getting over sentimental. With an echoed and spacious sound, her articulate emoting is as mesmerising as it is direct. Her debut album ‘Songs For The Ravens’ will show you the way. (Sunday)
 
– DJs –
 
As the sun goes down and the moon lights the night sky, The Lake Stage transforms into the best club around. Featuring amazing DJs playing top tunes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night – the party never stops at Latitude Festival.
 
Goldierocks spends her time invading festivals and after-parties all over the world with her unique blend of festival chic, bassy remix and wonky electro. Recently making her debut presenting on Radio 1, somehow she also finds time to host her weekly international radio show The Selector, the best in new British music to over 30 countries from Indie to Grime, Dubstep to Disco, Rock to Soul and everything in-between. Anything goes and it’s the same for her theatrical DJ sets, expect Jack Daniels, expect stage diving, expect the unexpected. (Friday) 
 
Ever the trendsetters and tastemakers, Moshi Moshi have long been a fixture on the independent music scene with the label catering for singles and releases for future stars. From Bloc Party and Hot Chip to, more recently, Florence + The Machine and Clock Opera, their finger isn’t just on the pulse, they practically are. Therefore a DJ set from the Moshi Moshi crew is always full of dancefloor-fillers, future anthems and classic, half-forgotten indie stalwarts. Guaranteed to not only make your evening continue seamlessly into the night but to feather your musical nest with a whole host of new tunes. (Saturday)
 
With four bespoke arenas dedicated to music, Latitude offers an enormous selection of the finest hand-picked bands and artists to create the perfect soundtrack to a resoundingly superb weekend. With reformed must-sees to the newest essential hot tips from a variety of genres, Latitude’s music arenas have it all. With The NationalPaolo Nutini and Suede headlining the Obelisk Arena; Bombay Bicycle ClubFoals and Eels headlining The Word Arena and a whole wealth of musical talent playing across the weekend, Latitude once again boasts an exhilarating and unique line-up.
 
Meanwhile, Latitude’s unrivalled arts programme features the very best from the worlds of theatre, poetry, literary, comedy, cabaret, dance, art, fashion and film. All of these performances come together to create one spectacular summer break. Eye-opening and awe-inspiring – Latitude Festival just gets better and better.
 
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi JohnsonLouise WenerTim KeySimon ArmitageAndrew Smith andAlexei Sayle; top comics Alan CarrOmid DjaliliDylan Moran and a festival debut of Never Mind The Buzzcocks; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The GateFlawless, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from David Schneider & FriendsWill AdamsdaleIdiots of AntsBAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&As, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’ and the Misfits cast in conversation, plus Tate Britain with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari lead a visual feast inspired by Tate Britain’s Watercolour exhibition.
 
With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Top Scottish talent for T in the Park

Making their T in the Park debut on the 30th anniversary of the band are Scottish rock giants Big Country.  The band has enjoyed phenomenal success with number one albums, Grammy nominations, sold out European tours and millions of record sales worldwide. They’ve shared stages with Led 

big country

Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and are one of the truly great live outfits to have survived the roller coaster ride of the Eighties. Their star continued to shine until 2001 when frontman Stuart Adamson sadly passed away.  It took until 2010 before the band felt ready to perform again as Big Country with Jamie Watson and singer Mike Peters leading the band back to glory to perform at T in the Park 2011.  
 
The band said: “To be able to play at T in the park is a perfect opportunity for us to really celebrate our 30th anniversary in Scotland. Because the band was basically born in Fife, T is a fitting place to return to for this occasion. Stuart would have appreciated this, and we’re all looking forward to it.” 
 
jon fratelliJon Fratelli will appear solo on stage in Balado for the first time with brand new songs from his debut album “Psycho Jukebox”.  Chock full of the kind of solid gold easy action that makes you want to smile broadly, chant loudly, dance wildly, sing sweetly, grapple sweatily, drum manically, scream breathlessly and shout raucously, it’s perfect T in the Park material.
 
Jon said: “T in the Park was the first major festival I ever played and the first time I’d played in front of a circus tent full of people, that first time is still etched in my memory. I’m really happy to be going back to T, it’s always a highlight”.
 
Roddy Woomble, frontman of legendary Scottish alt-rock act Idlewild will woo the T in the Park crowd with dreamy lyrics and fully charged folk foot stompers from his latest solo album “The Impossible Song & Other Songs”.  He paints a picture of his beloved western isles with layers of tuneful instruments that complement a voice full of soul.  Known to treat fans to a travelling story or two between songs and with the chance of some Idlewild classics thrown into the mix, Woomble’s performance is set to shine.
 
twin atlanticGlaswegian boys Twin Atlantic are poised for greatness – the group of fans who once held them as their little secret is growing rapidly and this number is set to multiply when they appear at T in the Park this year. Word of mouth buzz about their intense live shows has built a rock solid base and the band has scored a sellout gig in Glasgow’s Barrowland this Friday 6th May. Ambitious debut mini-album, “Vivarium”, is packed with enormous sweeping riffs, moods that flit from light to shade, and impassioned vocals dripping with gorgeous Scottish vowels. 
 
Emma Gillespie AKA Emma’s Imagination has rarely done things the conventional way – she’s had two singles in the top ten at once, then shortly after, she signed her first recording contract. This summer she’ll make her debut at T in the Park to play to thousands of fans who voted her the winner of Sky One’s talent show “Must Be the Music”.
 
Elusive Glasgow outfit The Phantom Band released their debut album “Checkmate Savage” in 2009 and recently released current album “The Wants”.  Fans can expect to hear a myriad of different genres and hits from both during their much anticipated slot at Balado.
 
Also appearing at T in the Park this summer is Edinburgh based band Found. Recently signed to the Scottish musical institution that is Chemikal Underground, the group began life as an experimental arts collective putting on many weird and wonderful events in art galleries, warehouses and even storage containers.  Their unusual mix of garage rock, melodic pop and glitchy electronica has propelled them to the forefront of Scotland’s alternative music scene.
 
Teenage rock gods in the making Jack Townes were snapped up by record label giants Columbia on the merit of just one song and already have a tour with The View under their belt – good going for a band who have been together less than a year.  The teenagers will join a roll call of legends and idols when they appear in Balado this summer.
 
Big Country, Jon Fratelli, Roddy Woomble, Twin Atlantic, Emma’s Imagination, The Phantom Band, Found and Jack Townes will join fellow countrymen Primal Scream, The View, KT Tunstall, Calvin Harris, Slam and Silicone Soul as well as Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and Foo Fighters and a whole host of mega star talent on a knock out bill and the good news is – there’s more to come.
 
At the heart of T in the Park is the music and atmosphere that continually unites the crowd and creates a weekend of memorable moments that will last a lifetime. Brit Award and Grammy winners, multi-million selling artists, the best breakthrough talent, new music icons and legends….T in the Park 2011 has them all. Bring it on Balado.
 
A limited number of T in the Park Residence packages are still available to buy. The Residence offers festival goers a bespoke, luxury experience where all their accommodation needs are taken care of. Guests are welcomed into an oasis of indulgence to enjoy a unique festival experience in their luxury accommodation of choice. Once they have settled into their home for the weekend, festival goers can relax in the Residence Lounge Café & Bar or treat themselves to a pampering session in the spa before heading to see their favourite bands as well as accessing the festival’s hospitality area. For more information log onto www.tinthepark.com/residence