Tag: music festivals

Togetherfest

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Featuring female artists from across the globe, Togetherfest is one of the most vibrant and engaging festivals around, and it promises an outstanding line-up for 2017. Here are just a few of the acts you can expect.

Brazzabelle

Exploding onto the music scene after the success of her Haddaway‘s dance classic “What Is Love” cover, Brazzabelle was named an “Artist to Watch” by BPM Network and the DJ List, and she has become known as one of the industry’s most promising new DJs.

Dani Deahl

DJ, producer, journalist, and blogger, Dani Deahl is an electro powerhouse. Apart from interviewing legends like David Guetta and Tiga, she’s played Lollapalooza three times and a produced a Billboard charted track.

Little Boots

Since emerging in 2008 and leading the BBC Sound Of poll just one year later, Little Boots has become known for her first white label release ‘Stuck On Repeat’, and she’s since worked with some of the biggest names around.

UNiiQU3

The leading lady of the Jersey Club movement, UNiiQU3 has worked with Givenchy, Red Bull Sound Select, H&M, MTV, and Boiler Room, quickly cementing her status across the world’s most prestigious festival and club sound systems.

TT The Artist

An emerging female recording artist able to engage with visual language just as easily as she does with catchy tunes.

Club Aerobics

This LA-based collective has made fantastically received premieres via Anna Lunoe’s HyperHouse on Apple’s Beats1 Radio, Complex UK, NestHQ, and Dummy Mag, and there’s no better trio to get you moving on the dancefloor.

Von Kiss

Von Kiss is a true crowd-pleaser, with a gift for spanning genres as diverse as Tropical Bass and Classic Throwbacks across a single unique and inimitable set. Having electrified crowds in New York, Miami, Toronto, Las Vegas, Paris, Korea, just to name a few, Von Kiss is set to be one of the most eagerly-awaited performers at this year’s TogetherFest.

Blimes Brixton X Micahtron

Micahtron brings influences such as Janet Jackson, M.I.A, Nas, Andre 3000, and Santigold to create powerful pieces of music that epitomise an exceptional approach to the musical medium. As a lyricist, singer, and songwriter with a contagious passion for her art, Blimes Brixton is the perfect musical teammate.

BITCH PLZ

From the MC skills of MISS HAZE to the madcap creativity of CORRINE, these internationally recognised DNB GIRLS throw hard basslines and ragga jungle, so expect a lively dancefloor.

London Remixed Festival

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The London Remixed Festival just took place from 3rd-4th February, and it showcased an eclectic mix of ghetto funk, reggae, hip-hop, and folk music for the capital, ultimately engaging crowds with the finest emerging showstoppers and a number of further events.

Over the festival’s two days, people were served a creative helping of anything from brass band hip hop to electro swing, a feast perfect for those who enjoy sampling the more innovative edges of the musical world. As a centre of musical revolution, London is perfectly suited to play host to The London Remixed Festival, and visitors enjoyed performances from over 25 pioneering bands and DJs across four stages, all set within the vibrantly beating heart of happening Shoreditch.

The 2017 line-up featured:

Friday Night

  • Brass Off (Curated by Continental Drifts) delivered Bring Your Own Brass VS The Brass Funkeys, DJ Chris Tofu, and Count Bassy.

Saturday Night

  • Tropicarnival (Curated by Wormfood + Movimientos + Vibes & Pressure) supplied Beating Heart + Afriquoi, Mango Rescue Team, Matuki, JJ SoulX, and Me and My Friends.
  • Polka Club (Curated by Continental Drifts) brought Gypsy Hill Ft Koby Israelite, Hallouminati, Kefaya, Op Sa!, DJ Kobayashi, Penny Metal
  • Folk Ghetto (Curated by Two For Joy + Woodburner) fetched up The Elephant Sessions, Ruth Theodore, Screamin’ Miss Jackson, Faith I Branko.

The festival delivered on all cylinders, bringing together a diverse array of up-and-comers alongside seasoned industry legends. Previous bands that were once just getting their start at The London Remix Festival have included Florence and the Machine, MUSE and Mumford and Sons, all of who can claim The London Remixed Festival as their first ever festival stage, so we can’t wait to see which acts emerge from the 2017 line-up to become household names.

We also saw the Remix Fair taking off. Organisers teamed up with Community Music (CM), a youth and community music organisation, to provide an excellent selection of remix workshops completely free of charge. Remix studio sessions showed the basics, with live demonstrations from the likes of DJ Kobayashi and Gareth Small. Brand demos showcased the latest music production gear and software, and there was even a panel discussion on the ways funding can be made available for young and promising artists.

The London Remixed Festival once again solidified the city’s reputation as a thriving musical centre, and we’re already looking forward to hearing about London Remixed 2018.

Roundhouse Rising 2017

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The Roundhouse Rising Festival 2017 will take place on Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th of February, and promises to introduce visitors to tomorrow’s headliners.

Following the phenomenal week enjoyed by the 2016 event, this will be the seventh iteration of The Roundhouse Rising Festival, which will bring you nine days’ worth of live music spanning numerous genres, from the popular to the niche. No matter your interests, you’ll find yourself taking in the work of some of the country’s most exciting fresh talent, and there are even a whole host of further events. If you ever need a break from the music, just take in one of the panels, live demonstrations, workshops, and talks from some of the biggest names in the business.

Select acts include:

  • Catholic Action: This Glaswegian four-piece will be kicking off the festival.
  • Swimming Girls: Delivering dream-pop.
  • Calva Louise: Purveyors of ferociously inventive modern grunge
  • Mista Silva: MOBO nominee and noted afrobeat artist.
  • SumoChief: Outstanding hip hop collective.

Even better, this will be the first every Roundhouse Rising Festival to look back on its roots and celebrate the success currently enjoyed by some of the artists that helped the event make a name for itself. Returning guests include rapper Little Simz. Little Simz will be coming back with special guests, such as hip hop sensation Mick Jenkins.

Of course, the Roundhouse Rising Festival difference is the kind of exposure that these acts are able to benefit from. The Roundhouse has ever been a hotbed of creativity through which emerging artists can find inspiration and find their feet. Giving young people the opportunity to engage with the arts through music, performance pieces, and media has been central to their message from day one.

Founded by Sir Torquil Norman CBE, the Roundhouse Trust had been helping to foster the creative spirit in 11 to 25-year-olds for years, providing particular support for those young people who have felt marginalised, disadvantaged, or excluded. During 2015/16, over 55% of those who took advantage of the program had experienced personal, social, or economic disadvantages in one form or another, so it’s great to see the Roundhouse Trust encouraging their burgeoning talents through the Open Access Programme, International Youth Programme, partnerships with local schools, and the Roundhouse Youth Advisory Board.

When you attend any Roundhouse event, including the fantastic Roundhouse Rising 2017, you’ll be able to witness the raw power of talent that these young artists have been able to harness, so this one should definitely be on the calendar of any music fan interested in where the industry is heading next.

London Jazz Festival

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Bringing over 2000 artists to 300 gigs across 50 venues, the 2016 London Jazz Festival is a sprawling and diverse celebration of sound across 10 days, starting from Friday 11 November. The event is now in its twenty-fourth year, and close to a quarter-century of development has seen it emerge as one of the most unmissable festivals on the planet.

Providing everything from internationally renowned acts to improv to hot new talent, the London Jazz Festival finds its home all across the city, and it all kicks off at 7.30pm on the 11th with the signature opening-night gala.

An integral part of the festival for nine years now, the opening-night gala will be held at the Royal Festival Hall, and tickets are now on sale between £15 and £45. Attendees will be treated to a stunning cast of voices accompanied by Guy Barker’s 42-piece orchestra. Hosted by Jay Rayner, this year’s acts will include Jacob Collier, Polly Gibbons, Allan Harris, George Benson, and Gladys Knight.

The enormous line-up makes it next to impossible to provide a complete overview of what’s happening throughout the city, but hot acts include:

  • Christian Scott: New Orleans native Christian Scott offers gritty sounds that pay homage to the very beginnings of jazz. He’ll be performing at Scala in St Pancras on Wednesday November 16th.
  • Robert Glasper Experiment: Mixing fluent technique with hip-hop rhythms, Glasper follows on from mentor J Dilla. Expect lightning interaction with explosive drummer Chris Dave. Catch both at Koko in Camden Town on Monday November 14th.
  • The Bad Plus: Bringing a cool fusion of alt.rock and piano trio jazz, TBP features pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson, and virtuoso drummer Dave King. They’ll be playing original music from their latest album at Scala in St Pancras on Sunday November 13th.

You’ll also be able to foster the musical tastes of your tykes at the ever-popular Jazz for Toddlers workshop. Bassist Dave Kane and saxophonist Oliver Dover will play a friendly set for young ones, and the event only costs £5. Suitable for children aged 2 to 5, it takes place on Friday November 11th.

For a different kind of entertainment, head to Wordless. Celebrated cartoonist Art Spiegelman will present an array of slides and talks along with a musical act developed in collaboration with legendary jazz composer Phillip Johnston. Tickets start at just £20 for the Friday November 11th event.

Bestival 2016 Review

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Ever since kicking off in 2004, Bestival has stood as one of the most unique and celebrated events of the British festival season. Standing out thanks to its mix of sounds and ability to foster a sense of adventure and escapism, Bestival makes the ferry ride to the Isle of Wight seem like the start of a sojourn into another world, and the 2016 event was just as impressive as we hoped.

Things kicked off well before the first note was even sung thanks to this year’s future theme. From glitter-clad Stormtroopers to glowstick-attired spacemen and a whole host of dystopian get-ups, the crowd was an energetic mass of fireball creativity, though the festival’s top acts this year were decidedly nostalgic.

It’s a bit trite to call the headlining act the biggest draw, but The Cure, who headlined for the second time in five years, really made the main stage their own on Saturday night. Despite having to navigate their way through epic downpours and sludgy mud, the crowds packed in to enjoy the band’s phenomenal two-and-a-half-hour set. Starting off with a few lesser-known tracks from the early 90s, Robert Smith and company utterly engaged with bouncy bass numbers like In Between Days and crowd-winners such as Friday, I’m in Love and Boys Don’t Cry.

The other most talked-about act at this year’s Bestival was The Human League, who took to the Big Top tent on Sunday night. Philip Oakey, Susan Ann Sulley, and Joanne Catherall delivered rousing renditions of Mirror Man and Tell Me When, then bought things to a stunning peak with the infamous Don’t You Want Me.

Then there was the much-publicised headline sound-clash between Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa. Khalifa‘s battery of hip-hop classics turned on the crowd, but it was Sean Paul who people couldn’t stop talking about when Bestival had wrapped up for another year. The Jamaican superstar electrified with hit dancehall tracks such as Gimme The Light and She Doesn’t Mind.

The arenas were up to scratch this year, though more than a little disappointment was levelled at the overhyped Spaceport Stage. Meant to be a renovated version of The Port to fit around this year’s futuristic theme, the Spaceport didn’t quite live up to expectations, though it was closed perfectly by Fat Boy Slim.

Bestival 2016 turned out to be a place for old stars to shine. We’re definitely thinking that similar acts will be booked for next year, and we just can’t wait.

Secret Garden Party Dates Announced for 2017

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The Secret Garden Party, or SGP if you’re in the know, is one of the most unique arts and music festivals around. Located on part of the grounds of a Georgian farm house, it boasts its own lake, river, and landscaped gardens, and was launched as an alternative to established mainstream events. Truth be told, it’s getting a little more mainstream itself, at least in terms of numbers. From 1,000 visitors in 2004 it has grown to play host to 35,000 revellers during 2016.

Fans shouldn’t worry though –  SGP has certainly retained its own kooky appeal. This was the first time in years that the event didn’t sell out, but a fusion of fantastic weather, great acts, and a perfect theme all ensured that the 2016 event hit the ground running and never let up.

The theme this year was ‘Gardeners Guide to the Galaxy’. As you might expect, the event was crowded with plenty of aliens, spacemen, astronauts, and a dazzling array of other intergalactic wonders given human form. Other concerts might encourage a little make believe, but SGP stands out thanks to the enthusiasm of its attendees; those costumes were really something.

Thursday started this year’s SGP off with unexpected energy, with Hot Since 82 and The Martinez Brothers delivering some lively house and techno. Friday saw The Skints taking to The Great Stage and utterly charming the crowds with ska and punk overtones; the Little Comets and the Future Disco takeover were also standout hits of the 2016 SGP. The By the Rivers were highlights of Saturday, and Hot 8 Brass Band provided a welcome set on Sunday, even bringing their extended version of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing.

Even without the musical acts delivering so magnificently, SGP would have been one to remember. True to form, there were plenty of eye-catching additions to the grounds, including a red-eyed, robot-tailed fox, a plane wreck next to the Next Stage, claws digging out from the ground near the Great Stage, and, towering above all of them, an immense tricoloured pyramid that shot lasers up into the sky. Finally, The Paint Fight – an SGP signature – saw the whole venue infused with colour.

All this bodes well for The Secret Garden Party 2017. The dates have just been confirmed as Thursday 20th– Sunday 23rd July, and early-bird tickets are now on sale. Expect it to be just as immensely entertaining as 2016’s phenomenal event.

Soundclash Festival

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Soundclash is quickly coming to represent the last hurrah of the great British festival line-up. Taking place in Autumn instead of at the height of summer, it’s the perfect chaser to take away the post-season blues, but it still offers plenty in its own right.

Soundclash is really going to appeal to those who wouldn’t think of missing festivals like BoomTown and Awakening. Edging away from the rock you might find at Leeds or the pop you’d get from Party in the Park, Soundclash is mainly a techno, hip-hop, dance, and garage affair. In fact, it feels like a one-day version of your favourite underground festival, and, at a scant £40 each, tickets come at a fraction of the price.

This year’s Soundclash took place on October 1st at Somerley House in Ringwood, Hampshire. Despite the small budget, it provided music fans with plenty of bang for their buck. 20,000 people took in the talents of 75 DJs across 6 different stages. House music was definitely the focus, but you could also kick it at the retro stage. The festival even offered an array of fun fair amusements to liven up your day during breaks from the tunes, and production was truly top-notch. Think laser, light, and LED shows aplenty.

That makes you wonder just how the organisers pulled off such an event without jacking up ticket prices. They certainly didn’t cut any corners when it came to the acts. Soundclash has developed a reputation for drawing top talent, and 2016 was no exception.

Headliners for the night were Groove Armada, who took to the main stage to deliver a phenomenal show highlighted by dazzling effects. They got the stage as warm as possible for British DJ and Radio 1 presenter Mistajam, who entertained with fresh hip-hop and grime. Other top acts included DJ Fresh, who currently has over 2.5 million record sales under his belt, plus a score of top acts drawn from Southampton and Bournemouth nightlife.

You might be forgiven for being a little disappointed when you hear that the music all ended at 1am, but fret not. Soundclash teamed up with the nearby Switch nightclub; anyone with a Soundclash wristband was granted free entry. It’s a pretty perfect match since the nights of October are rarely as pleasant as those in July or August.

With Soundclash 2016 a resounding success, it seems more than likely that the festival will return again for a 5th time. In fact, tickets are already available for their 2017 Springtime kick-off event, which will take place on Sunday 30th April.

Leeds Festival 2017 Dates, Line Up, Tickets and Map

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Leeds Festival organisers have just announced early bird tickets for the 2017 event. Leeds Festival 2017 will be taking place at Bramham Park from 25th – 27th August, and you can snag your weekend pass right away starting at just £213. If you’re hoping that Leeds Fest will be the first thing you mark on your 2017 calendar come Christmas time, you’re not alone. The 2016 event just wrapped up to general acclaim.

Of course, Leeds will never want for attendees. With 12 stages and a whole host of acts to grace them each year, the festival has become a rite of passage for anyone in the North who likes music. The likes of Oasis, Green Day, and the Foo Fighters have topped the line-up over the years, and the headliners continue to be drawn from rock’s A-List.

Never say that Leeds doesn’t roll with the changes though. One of this year’s most popular acts was Disclosure, representing the ascension of hip-hop and dance with the younger generation. Other stand-out acts included Little Simz, Anderson, and Bugzy Malone, and there were plenty of big name bands to steal the show.

Blossoms were chief among them. They’ve just launched an incredibly successful debut album, so these guys have really been turning things up across the festival circuit this summer. Coming to Leeds on Sunday afternoon, they entertained a capacity crowd with tracks such as Honey Sweet, Charlemagne, and At Most A Kiss.

Anyone who checked out Blossoms were surely in attendance for The 1975, who topped the bill on Friday night and cranked out single after single from I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It.

Attendees were able to transition from young up-and-comers to legends of music thanks to the festival’s diverse line-up. The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nas both put on phenomenal shows in front of immense crowds. Nas blended a selection of classics with fresh new tracks, while the LA funk rock icons offered generations of hits to a field of fans who all seemed to know every word by heart.

Leeds 2017 is expected to draw the same fusion of old and new, and you can get there via coach, TransPennine Express, car, or by train and shuttle. Make sure you grab your pass early for the best deal.

Apple Music Festival

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Apple have just announced the line-up for this year’s Apple Music Festival, and it’s safe to say that you should get excited. We knew that this was going to be a big one since it marks the event’s 10th birthday, but the list of stars that will congregate at London’s legendary Roundhouse this September is jaw-dropping nonetheless.

From September 18th to 30th, you’ll be able to enjoy the following live acts:

  • September 18th: Elton John
  • September 19th: The 1975
  • September 20th: Alicia Keys
  • September 21st: One Republic
  • September 23rd: Calvin Harris
  • September 25th: Robbie Williams
  • September 26th: Bastille
  • September 27th: Britney Spears
  • September 28th: Michael Bublé
  • September 30th: Chance the Rapper

Of course, the best thing about the Apple Music Festival remains the fact that you don’t even need to buy a ticket in order to attend. Those 10 spectacular nights will be available both live and on-demand; all you need is a membership to Apple Music to enjoy the show from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC, Apple TV, or Android mobile.

Beats 1, the Apple Music radio station, will let fans get even more involved in the action during the Festival by offering exclusive playlists, artist news, and backstage interviews, so remember to listen in throughout September in order to hear everything that’s been going on.

With legendary luminaries from Britney to Elton taking part, this year’s Apple Music Festival is more than expected to live up to expectations. In the words of Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of International Content: “This year’s Apple Music Festival builds on that incredible legacy and we couldn’t be more excited to have another amazing line-up to celebrate our 10th birthday.”

Schusser wasn’t alone in his enthusiasm. Thousands of fans have taken to Twitter to celebrate the line-up and predict playlists. The stars themselves have also expressed their passion for the project. Here’s just a little of what they’ve been saying:

  • “I love London and performing at the Roundhouse! I can’t wait to see you there. It’s going to be magic!” – Alicia Keys
  • “I’m so excited to go back to London, which is a special place for me to visit and I’m really looking forward to performing at the Apple Music Festival.” – Britney Spears
  • “I am so excited to be playing at the Roundhouse. I love London and can’t wait to share this fantastic experience at the Apple Music Festival with my fans.” – Elton John

Remember to get your membership and get involved before the Apple Music Festival kicks off later this month.

Bestival Camplight Program

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Ask most people what their favourite part of attending a festival is, and you’re unlikely to hear anyone waxing poetic about pitching their tent. Bestival has always been a forward-thinker, and they’ve stayed true to form by developing the CampLight program. When you show up on the Isle of Wight this year, you’ll have the option to pre-book a pre-pitched tent that will be ready and waiting by the time you arrive.

That means no messing around with tent-pegs or squatting down in the mud before you can start enjoying yourself, and you can leave your own tent at home or skip the expense of buying a new one. With simple pop ups for one or two and tents that can accommodate as few as one or as many as nine, there’s bound to be an option to fit your needs.

For added convenience, you can opt for a package deal that provides a roll mat and sleeping bag along with the tent itself. Still not satisfied? Try booking one of the following extras:

  • Phone Charging Device: A USB charge device will let you top up your phone’s battery from the tent. You have it all weekend, and one of the Bestival team members will recharge it and bring it back if ever you drain the battery.
  • Shower in a Bag: If you start to feel a little ripe after a day or two of dancing, jut use this kit’s special body wash and shampoo to give yourself a wash in your tent.
  • Storage Tent: Need some extra room for all your stuff? No problem, just add a storage tent.
  • Travel John: This pocket size portable urinal can be used with ease by both girls and boys. Silica gel crystals in the bag soak up and disinfect urine.
  • Flag Pole: Nothing’s worse than losing your tent in the crowd. Just bring your own distinguishing flag and then fit it to the pole provided.
  • Camp Chair: Whether the ground is wet from mud or the sun is shining down on you, we bet you’ll appreciate having some comfy camping chairs to sink into.

If you’re travelling with a couple of friends who are bringing a tent of their own, there’s no need to worry about getting separated. Just add a guest pitch to reserve a patch of ground right next to your own Camplight spot.