Rap Gods Wu-Tang Clan added Sea Star Festival among their 12 shows in Europe!
Envisioned by the team behind the multi-awarded EXIT Festival, its sister Sea Star Festival, settled in the scenic Croatian seaside town Umag, saw more than 80,000 international visitors in the past two years. Upcoming edition scheduled on 24-25 May on the banks of the beautiful Stella Maris lagoon will yet again kick off the long summer season. The ultimate headliners have been announced and leading the bill is none other than the greatest rap group of all time Wu-Tang Clan! This will be their only appearance for most of the Central, Southern and Eastern Europe with Berlin, Paris and Moscow being the closest cities to catch them live on their super-exclusive 12-show run in Europe this year! They will be joined by trap-jazz sensation
Wu-Tang Clan to headline Sea Star Festival 2019:
Formed in 1992 in Staten Island, New York, the American collective Wu-Tang Clan is among the greatest names in the history of hip-hop. They are responsible for some of the most important hip-hop tracks, they popularized street rap, disassembled the entire genre concept and transformed it at the business level. Ever since their gathering and the first album, they have been working on individual projects in order to reach stardom. The complete line-up, made up of the leader and visionary RZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang warriors: GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna is legendary exactly because of the power, individuality and character of each of the members whose dedication to the Clan is so powerful that they treat each other as family. Their talent has been recognized and marked with various awards, from the Grammy (Method Man) to the title of the most influential hip-hop group in the last ten years (NME). They influenced greatest artists of
Sea Star - A festival in a Magical Lagoon
Sea Star festival promoted by the team behind globally acclaimed EXIT Festival takes place in a beautiful seaside town of Umag at the mind-blowing Croatian coast. It is set in the Stella Maris resort, in a turquoise-color lagoon with most amazing sunsets. Umag represents a breathtaking combo of baroque and renaissance, and Mediterranean climate, while this entire Istrian region is known of its delicious homemade and gourmet food, olive groves, fields of tomatoes and vineyards. Sea Star Festival is a perfect invitation to initiate summer on a stunning location, with world renowned artists and an outstanding production!
The third edition of the Sea Star Festival will be held at the famous Stella Maris lagoon in Umag, on May 24 and 25, with the Welcome Party on May 23 and the closing party on May 26. Tickets for Sea Star festival are available at THIS LINK. Accommodation and travel arrangements can be found at Exit’s official travel agency, ExitTrip’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
The World’s Only Party Inside a Glacier with Martin Garrix & Marc Kinchen (MK) at Iceland’s Secret Solstice 2019
Plus, Intimate Concert Inside 5,200 Year Old Lava Tunnel
Full Weekend, Single Day Passes + Side Event Tickets On Sale Now!
June 21-23, 2019
Reykjavik, Iceland
www.secretsolstice.is
Gearing up for its sixth edition in Reykjavik, Iceland, Secret Solstice welcomes the return of its once-in-a-lifetime add-on events this June 21-23, 2019. Taking place within ultra rare and exclusive settings amongst Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, this year's nature-inspired musical side events will include Into The Glacier with Martin Garrix and Marc Kinchen (MK) as well as The Lava Tunnel with to-be-announced acts. Held over the summer solstice weekend which sees 72 hours of continuous daylight, festival-goers will have the opportunity to experience bucket-list music events while taking in the captivating beauty of Iceland.
Journeying 80 feet beneath the surface of Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull, Secret Solstice is excited to host two editions of Into The Glacier for 2019. In addition to headlining the festival's first night on Friday, June 21, Dutch dance music superstar and DJ Mag's #1 DJ, Martin Garrix will perform within the crystal cave and magnificent ice tunnel formations. On Sunday, June 23 revered DJ/producer and Area10 label head Marc Kitchen (MK) will continue the festivities within the 10,000 year old ice chamber. Limited to only 100 tickets per event, attendees can look forward to exploring over 500 meters of paths carved through layers of glacial ice while experiencing performances from two of the world's biggest DJs.
Also announced for 2019, Secret Solstice presents The Lava Tunnel, an intimate concert experience featuring rising Icelandic talent performing inside of the 5,200 year lava tunnel, Raufarhólshellir. Perfect for music and nature lovers wanting to travel underground to witness natural cave formations, the to be announced lineup will include an acoustic performance on Saturday, June 22. With only 50 tickets available, the highly-anticipated side event will allow adventurers to explore the rare beauty of caves that show the aftermath of a volcanic eruption beneath the surface forming natural subterranean tunnels.
Highlighting the country's breathtaking scenery together with top rock, dance, hip hop and pop talent from Iceland and abroad, Secret Solstice is a must-attend event this summer for adventure seekers and music enthusiasts. This year's edition will feature Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, Black Eyed Peas, Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Patti Smith and Band, The Sugarhill Gang with Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (of The Furious 5), Foreign Beggars, Pussy Riot, Kerri Chandler, Mr. G (live), Boy Pablo and more with a phase 3 lineup coming soon.
Partnering with Beats Travel to offer 8-day packages perfect for solo and group travelers looking to meet other like-minded adventurers, fans can discover Iceland's Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and more. Packages include a Secret Solstice weekend pass, accommodation and access to exclusive parties. For more details visit www.beatstravel.com.
Secret Solstice 2019 weekend passes plus Into The Glacier and The Lava Tunnel side event tickets are on sale now while supplies last!
Stay tuned for the third wave lineup announcement coming soon!
SIDE EVENTS
Tickets for Into the Glacier 2019 are on sale now from $292 USD | €260 | £222 | 34990ISK via https://secretsolstice.is/into-the-glacier-2019/
Tickets for The Lava Tunnel 2019 are on sale now from $208 USD | €185 | £158 | 24900ISK via https://secretsolstice.is/the-lava-tunnel-2019/
FESTIVAL PASSES
Weekend Pass from $133 USD | €117 | £101 | 15990ISK
Day Pass from $91 USD | €80 | £69 | 10990ISK
Youth Pass (13-17) from $83 USD | €73 | £63 | 9990ISK
VIP Weekend Pass (18+) from $250 USD | €219 | £189 | 29990ISK
Oðinn Weekend Pass (18+) from $1254 USD | €1099 | £949 | 49990ISK
Kids Pass Free for children 12 years and under
Secret Solstice 2019 line-up
Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters [UK]
Black Eyed Peas [US]
Martin Garrix [NL]
Rita Ora [UK]
Patti Smith and Band [US]
Morcheeba [UK]
Foreign Beggars [UK]
Pussy Riot [RU]
Kerri Chandler [US]
Marc Kinchen (MK) [US]
Mr. G (LIVE) [UK]
Jeremy Underground [FR]
Boy Pablo [NO]
Smash TV [DE]
Högni [IS]
ALXJ [DE]
Ari Árelíus [IS]
Ása [IS]
Árstíðir [IS]
Auður [IS]
Bensol [IS]
Birgir Hákon [IS]
*Birnir [IS]
Captain Syrup [IS]
Carla Rose [IS]
Chris Hirose [DE]
Clint Stewart [US]
ClubDub [IS]
Dilivius Lenni [DE]
Doctor Victor [IS]
Exos [IS]
Floni [IS]
Hatari [IS]
Grúska Babúska [IS]
Ingi Bauer [IS]
Joey Christ [IS]
Jóhann Stone [IS]
JóiPé & Króli [IS]
KrBear [IS]
Logi Pedro [IS]
Mike The Jacket [IS]
Monello [DE]
Nitin [CA]
Oktav DJ [IS]
Pink Street Boys [IS]
Ragga Holm [IS]
Ricoshëi [US]
Rokky [IS]
Skaði [IS]
Séra Bjössi [IS]
Sólstafir [IS]
Sprite Zero Klan [IS]
Sturla Atlas [IS]
Svala [IS]
Una Stef [IS]
Vibes [IS]
The Vintage Caravan [IS]
Vök [IS]
Vom Feisten [DE]
Warmland [IS]
+more to be announced
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
WESTWAY LAB 2019 - Artist Residencies
Westway LAB, now in its sixth year, invites eight musicians from different parts of the world for a week-long artistic residency. The festival puts together the artists in pairs and each duo presents the result of their work at the end of the week, in a showcase at the Café Concerto of the Centro Cultural Vila Flor. This year Westway LAB is excited to host the Portuguese musicians Beatriz Nunes, João Pascoal, of The Happy Mess, Sofia Ribeiro (Lince), Pedro Ribeiro (Captain Boy); the Venezuelan singer, Yosune, who lives in Porto; Italian singer-songwriter, Violetta Zironi; Slovakian indie-pop creator, Mickey, duo based in Austria; and the Canadian pop-rock band, the Tribe Royal.
At the end of the week in the Candoso Creation Centre, the eight musicians will present the results of their collaboration during
Artist Residency Showcases
QUARTA 10 APRIL, 22H30
Yosune (PT) + Tribe Royal (CA)
Captain Boy (PT) + Violetta Zironi (IT)
QUINTA 11 APRIL, 22H30
João Pascoal (PT) + Lince (PT)
Beatriz Nunes (PT) + Mickey (AT)
As well as the artist residencies Westway LAB combines in an innovative way the realization of an event based with three dimensions: Process (artist residencies), Thought (PRO Conferences) and Product (showcases and headline concerts) across 4 days from 10th to 13th of April in Guimarães. Founded in 2014 with a clear mission: to operate a cultural, social and economic transformation through music, crossing borders enabling the construction of sustainable internationalization of artists and professionals from Portugal.
Since its inception, Westway LAB has always had a strong sense of collaborating internationally and this year the event will realise this by presenting Canada as the spotlight country. On April 12th, the Canadian representation at the Westway LAB 2019 will be fueled by folk territory, which intersects with pop in compositions for female voices by singer-songwriters Sarah MacDougall and Megan Nash and the trio of boys The East Pointers. The music of the duo Les Deuxluxes will be more electrified and will make rock its strength, whereas the band Tribe Royal bases its music in the pop-rock.
On the same night, and
Similarly, the European networks (ETEP and INES) in which the festival is integrated contribute decisively to the important architecture of relationships that are propagated by bringing cultural and economic value to this particular ecosystem. This is the case of the Dutch musician Jacco Gardner who brings to Westway LAB his latest album, "Somnium", in what will be the opening concert of the festival (10 April), as well as the Italian singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi, who promises a performance where the guitar will need little more company than its powerful voice (April 11).
With the Vila Flor Cultural Centre as a base of operations, the 6th edition of the event will once again be spread to various places in the city, through the city showcases that will transform Guimarães into a great stage, taken by artists and the public, who intertwine with magic from music. During the afternoon of Saturday, April 13, it will be possible to listen to the indie-pop of Mickey, a Slovak based in Austria, the American pop of Swedish influences Elin Namnieks or the indie-rock of Izzy and the Black Trees, of Poland, three projects that are part of the selection of the INES network for 2019. From Greece comes the multi-instrumentalist and composer Theodore. The national performance is well delivered to Holy Nothing, one of the most promising national bands, creating the frontier between electronic and post-rock, as well as guitarist Francisco Sales, singer Beatriz Nunes and rock-dirty quartet Smartini.
On the last night of the festival, the music spread by the CCVF in a great celebration. Through a general pass, for the value of 20 euros, it will be possible to attend the concerts of The Black Mamba, Tashi Wada Group feat. Julia Holter, Batida
Artist Line Up (A-Z)
Beatriz Nunes (PT), Captain Boy (PT), Elin Namnieks (SE), Francisco Sales (PT),Holy Nothing (PT), Izzy and the Black Trees (PL), Jacco Gardner (NL), João Pascoal, Happy Mess (PT), Julia Holter (US), Les Deuxluxes (CA), Marta Pereira da Costa (PT), Megan Nash (CA), Mickey (AT), Mister Roland (PT), Neev (PT), Paraguaii (PT), Sarah MacDougall (CA), Smartini (PT), Tashi Wada Group feat. Batida apresenta: The Almost Perfect DJ (PT), The Black Mamba (PT), The East Pointers (CA), Theodore (GR), Tribe Royal (CA), Vaarwell (PT), Violetta Zironi (IT), Whales (PT), Yosune (VE)
More info and tickets here: https://westwaylabfestival.com/
WESTWAY LAB - PRO Conference 2019
For the upcoming 6th edition of Westway LAB, Portugal’s first showcase festival & conference expands its three main conference streams, Westway PRO, INES Sessions and the WHY Portugal Event through the addition of a central Westway LAB Lounge, a permanent networking lounge open throughout the event, offering registered delegates a space dedicated to their formal & informal networking, besides the conferences, roundtables and panels. An environment that constitutes another step forward, as the LAB monicker does not apply exclusively to the Artist Residencies: Westway is also a LABoratory for new projects, new ideas, new partnerships and new horizons. From Westway LAB’s first edition, back in 2014, to the present, this has always been an intrinsic part of the Westway DNA.
As such, in
addition to the above-mentioned three conference streams, the Westway PRO, INES PRO and WHY Portugal Event, the on-going
partnership with AMAEI, the
Portuguese Independent Music Trade Association brings to Guimarães a new
European project, Europe in Synch: a
Music Moves Europe preparatory action of “Training
of Young Professionals”. It is also
fitting in that the idea for the project was born at Westway LAB, precisely two
years ago.
Furthermore, the
partnership with the GDA Foundation
also affirms, this year, the dedication of the GDA Foundation in utilizing technologies
as tools for music circulation. The GDA panel will thus present us with two
Portuguese home-grown platforms seeking new solutions to this age-old
challenge: how to tour more. Finally, through a new partnership with Audiogest, the phonogram producers
society, we are happy to feature a Portuguese
Keynote speaker and “State of the
Art of the Portuguese Industry” roundtable, as well as host not just the
second edition of the WHY Portugal Event, run by Portugal’s export office for
music, but also a meeting of EMEE -
European Music Exporters Exchange, bringing 28 European Export Offices to
Portugal.
Full conference programme and registrations here: https://www.eventbrite.pt/e/bilhetes-westway-lab-pro-music-conference-2019-50355372274
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Solomun brings his famous "+1" Ibiza party to EXIT Festival with special guests Tale of Us!
Last summer, global music juggernaut EXIT Festival displayed a true “Arenamagedon” in the colossal trenches of its spectacular stage
After Carl Cox announced his return to one of the planet’s greatest open-air raves, he was quickly joined by Paul Kalkbrenner, Amelie Lens, Maceo Plex, Jeff Mills, Charlotte de Witte, Boris Brejcha, Peggy Gou, Dax J, Monika Kruse, Adriatique, Satori, Johannes Brecht and many others. This “galactic” team of the greatest electronic stars of today will be completed by none other than
Solomun brings his +1 to EXIT 2019 with Tale of Us: https://youtu.be/uPv55EMAzfU
During each week of the four-month summer season on Ibiza, Solomun personally picks one guest to share the DJ stand with him at the Pacha club for the whole night. This party series has seen monumental success, with Mladen’s list of guests including Sven Vath, Dixon, Black Coffee, DJ Tennis, and many other artists including Belgrade very own Vladimir Ivković! At the finale of its annual Ibiza season, Solomun invites Tale of Us, but also plays at the closing of their “Afterlife” series, causing many to dub this “back2back” as the currently hottest at the Spanish island! The Italian duo is currently at the pinnacle of their successful career, with their last year’s performance at EXIT Festival having been received as one of the best sets in recent years. Karm and Mateo have conquered the clubbing scene with tracks such as “Another Earth“, "Northern Star", "Monument", and one of the most popular labels in the past few years.
Apart from locations such as Miami, New York, Paris, Tulum and of course, Ibiza, this exclusive map will include Novi Sad this year as well, as the home of EXIT festival, which
Special EXIT ticket offer: Buy 4, Get 5!
Don't forget that EXIT's favourite group offer is back: friends who buy four tickets together receive one ticket as a present! "4+1" offer will last until a very limited number of packages are sold out! EXIT tickets are available at exitfest.org, and for those who wish to bundle them with
EXIT Festival will be held 4-7 July 2019 at Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, while the always diverse line-up will include The Cure, Greta Van Fleet, Carl Cox, Skepta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, DJ Snake,
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Dutch Acts coming to The Great Escape - Pip Blom, BEA1991, EUT, FATA BOOM, Lewsberg, Mauskovic Dance Band, Jarreau Vandal and Rina Mushonga
The Netherlands have been part of the Great Escape since the very start, and this year this Northwestern corner of Europe returns to Brighton with the latest crop of the country’s most prominent rising stars representing a variety of genres, from hip hop to 90s infused indie pop and art rock existentialism.
Recent addition to the Heavenly Recordings roster, Pip Blom leads the Dutch charge following their success on the BBC Music stage at last year’s Great Escape and recent performances at SXSW in Austin. Also part of the Dutch Impact SXSW selections, BEA1991 has already attracted critical attention from the likes of The Fader, Gorilla vs Bear and The Guardian with her special brand of louche sonic experimentalism and emotional raw vocals.
Last Januari Dutch EUT were most recommended by the media at ESNS 2019. This year, EUT are taking their youthful 90s flavoured post pop to Brighton. Describing themselves as “trippy electro hiphop lovebaby”, FATA BOOM is a collaborative project of two Dutch artists whose recent debut LP and flamboyant shows prompted comparisons to the likes of M.I.A., Die Antwoord and Gnucci.
Hailing from the port city of Rotterdam, Lewsberg’s nihilistic rock poetry is reminiscent of college rock tradition in the manner of Modern Lovers, Talking Heads and Velvet Underground. Their recent self-titled LP triumphed across the UK media, with top reviews from tastemakers like Gigwise and The Line of Best Fit. Finally but by no means least is the Mauskovic Dance Band, who effortlessly mix synthesisers Afro-Latin rhythms and slice guitar riffs to create a contemporary sound rich with cultural influence. The band have been gaining momentum with the launch of an EP coinciding with their performance at ESNS and have received praise from NTS, Worldwide FM and The Quietus.
Amsterdam-based producer Jarreau Vandal is part of independent music collective Soulection, known for his eclectic DJ sets and bangin’ edits of Rihanna’s “Work”, Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up.” and more recently sampling Kanye West’s “Sunday Service” on a new track with Denzel Curry. Jarreau has also featured in the likes of Noisey, Dummy, Clash, Highsnobiety, NTS and BBC 1 Xtra and has been confirmed to play at Sonar in Barcelona. Another artist releasing new material is London-based, Dutch-Zimbabwean pop innovator Rina Mushonga. Her recent album “In A Galaxy” has already received praise from Independent, The Times, Pitchfork, The Line Of Best Fit and weaves a glittering constellation of warped synths, Afropop rhythms and addictive, soul-lifting vocal harmonies.
The Dutch Impact Party will take place on Friday, May 10th from 12:00 - 16:00 in Komedia (Main). More info and set times coming soon.
Find out more about the bands below and if you’d like an interview or guestlist to the showcase please let us know.
The Dutch Music Export is a longstanding partner at The Great Escape festival, since year one the Dutch Impact party has been a highlight in the convention programme and Dutch artists have provided festival goers with many incredible and memorable performances from artists such as, Amber Arcades, Dope D.O.D, Jacco Gardner, Jameszoo and Klangstof,
This partnership is made possible by the coming together of Dutch Music Export, powered by Eurosonic Noorderslag, Dutch Performing Arts and Buma Cultuur, with the kind support by the embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
Dutch Impact Website: https://dutch-impact.nl/festival/586b80bb4a151f90cbf8786b
About the artists
BEA1991
Independent artist and musical polymath BEA1991 has split her time between Amsterdam, London and NYC, experimenting with a variety of disciplines that have led to the release of two critically lauded EP’s as well as tours and close relationships with musical allies Blood Orange, Porches, Kirin J Callinan and Sega Bodega. She garnered a reputation for a powerful and emotive live experience, where she has additionally received attention for her experimental art exhibitions, all whilst recording her debut album.
Website: http://bea1991archive.tumblr.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6F93aFbWjhUtjRKXYmtr1Z
EUT
Bursting onto the independent music scene with a bold new attitude, Amsterdam’s EUT bring a fresh dose of energy to 1990s nostalgia. Drawing on influences from bands such as the Pixies, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blur, Weezer, Hole, Wilco and Beck, EUT met at art college in 2016 and haven’t looked back since. Fronted by charismatic whirlwind front woman Megan de Klerk, the band crafts beautifully written songs with captivating melodies, catchy pop hooks and immediate lyrics about youthfulness and growing up. The band started to make waves internationally after playing packed shows at the last editions of Reeperbahn Festival in Germany and Les Transmusicales in France. Their sparkling new indie-pop single ‘Supplies’ was picked up by BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunder’s as a ‘Next Wave’ track.
Website: https://www.thewordiseut.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/41doMenKZkgW8DUwH3WwV5
FATA BOOM
FATA BOOM is the unborn hip hop love-baby of two
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fataboom/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GioeqLGgBkn9rRB12bor4
Jarreau Vandal (Live)
Jarreau Vandal is somewhat of a household name for those that have been binging on Soulection for the past few years. Be it Masego, IAMNOBODI or Monte Booker, the international network, friendships and collaborations Vandal has amassed through the collective have proven to be invaluable. However, his musical adventures pre-dating Soulection years are not as well known. Born in Maastricht, Vandal has been producing since the age of 16. Practice makes perfect, and, a decade later, the 26-year old is enjoying a cult following in Europe, North America and Asia.
Website: https://jarreauvandal.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6f96znq79wvlknKHHHhtTW?si=yYTLtEvHRt-TTUduAqc1Ag
Lewsberg
Rotterdam’s Lewsberg are a four-piece rock group named after writer and fellow Rotterdammer Robert Loesberg, famous for his dangerous novel Enige Defecten from 1974. Drawing inspiration from the counterculture and big-city cynicism of the 1960s and 1970s, Lewsberg released their self-titled debut LP in the Netherlands in 2018. Nine rudimentary and repetitive rock songs, full of a tough, nonchalant intensity. The English lyrics, delivered with a heavy Rotterdam accent, show a tendency towards existentialism and black humour. The album was re-released worldwide in January 2019.
Website: https://www.lewsberg.net/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49q3PS0SzgbyvWDwZj7qg5
With each band member of varying heritage, the group draws inspiration from diverse genres: primarily Afro-
Website: https://mauskovicdanceband.bandcamp.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49q3PS0SzgbyvWDwZj7qg5
Pip Blom
Indie-rock sensation Pip Blom already made quite a name for themselves in their short period of existence. They've played more than a hundred gigs rising from small pubs to the European festival circuit - as well as being asked by the likes of Surfer Blood, Franz Ferdinand and The Breeders to join them on their various European tours. The band’s energetic live show quickly pricked the ears of press and radio - with BBC 6 Music A-listing recent singles ‘I Think I’m In Love’ and ‘Pussycat’.
Website: https://www.pipblom.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zWJfH1TTmIqEi7EV35HGr
Rina Mushonga
“Man was made to hold his head erect in majesty and see the sky, to raise his eyes to the bright stars above,” the Roman poet Ovid wrote in 8AD, in his Latin literary epic Metamorphoses. You don’t need to tell this to Rina Mushonga. The London-based, Dutch-Zimbabwean pop innovator, whose new album In A Galaxy was
Website: http://rinamushonga.tumblr.com/
Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1GFkwGetxvXluztDxPShGo?si=L6qOgzyrRRSYvtxoDXi4iw
Contact:
Nikki McNeill or Anastasia Connor
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
conanastasia@gmail.com
NEVER PLAY WITH FYRE – DREAM FESTIVALS THAT GET EVERYTHING RIGHT
If recent viral disaster stories have taught us anything, it’s that festivals these days need to be more than an on-Fyre social media blitz and a hoodwinked media under the influencers.
No matter if you were watching the Fyre documentaries through your fingers in empathy, or enjoying a mainline hit of schadenfreude, it highlighted the colossal task of running any music weekender properly, in the age of insta-FOMO and rising standards.
Beyond the basics of good line-ups, quality food and a water supply that doesn’t rely on someone ‘taking one for the team’, music fans have become more savvy and discerning. We may laugh at viral pics of cheese sandwiches and disaster emergency tents at Fyre, but it’s not so many years since UK festivals evolved from grim weekenders in a field with a few burger vans and a comedy tent as the alternative entertainment.
But even as UK festivals have upped their game, an overseas weekender is still a rite of passage for the festival newbie, or a chance for a veteran to prove they haven’t seen it all.
We choose festivals these days the way we choose our holidays – as a more sophisticated quest for new cultural and social experiences.
Music tourism is hardly a new craze, but festivals are increasingly becoming a gateway to an extended break in a different country, blurring the lines between music, local history and culture, nightlife, sightseeing and gastronomic delights. Whether you’re down with a city break bustle, a beach time-out, an immersive music exploration or unique bucket list experiences, there’s a festival to suit.
From partying in a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel or a 17th century Balkan fortress, to lakeside gigs, beach raves or an urban dance marathon, here’s a selection of festivals run by teams with years of experience and excellence in the field. You know you won’t be signing up to an empty promise.
GLACIER RAVES AND SURREAL MIDNIGHT SUNSHINE AT ICELAND’S SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL
Secret Solstice is all about unique experiences – the most obvious being the fact that the sun doesn’t set for the whole 96 hours, so get used to midnight pool parties in bright sunshine.
As well as an eclectic line-up of US, European and local acts, Iceland’s premiere music festival is a bucket list party in the capital Reykjavik during the magical summer solstice. The carbon-neutral festival prides itself on using Iceland’s stunning natural spaces and rugged landscape as a backdrop – while the main stage hosts many of the blockbuster acts, you can literally have an underground vibe, at exclusive raves in a glacier and a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel. Back above ground, catch DJ sets in naturally heated lagoons or at boat parties in the midnight sunshine – and marvel at glistening waterfalls, black sand beaches, caves and vast volcanic fields on special day trips.
Secret Solstice is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and 2019 is set to be its biggest edition yet.
Secret Solstice takes place from June 21-24.
See
Acts announced: Black Eyed Peas, Robert Plant and the Sensational Spaceshifters, Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Patti Smith, Morcheeba, The Sugarhill Gang with Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio, Foreign Beggars, Pussy Riot, Kerri, Chandler, MK, Mr.G, Jeremy Underground, Boy Pablo, SMASH TV, ALXJ, Ari Árelíus, Árstíðir, Ása, Auður, BenSöl, Birgir Hákon, Birnir, Captain Syrup, Carla Rose, Chris Hirose, Clint Stewart, ClubDub, Dilivius Lenni, Doctor Victor, Exos, Floni, Grúska Babúska, Hatari, Högni, Ingi Bauer, Joey Christ , Johann Stone, JóiPé & Króli , KrBear Logi Pedro, Mike The Jacket, Monello, Nitin, Oktavdj, Pink Street Boys, Ragga Holm, Ricoshëi, Rokky, Séra Bjössi , Skaði, Sólstafir, Sprite Zero Klan, Sturla Atlas, Svala, The Vintage Caravan, Una Stef, Vibes, Vök, Vom
PARTY IN A 17th CENTURY FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE DANUBE AT EXIT IN SERBIA
For four days every summer, the 17th century Petrovaradin Fortress opens its gates for EXIT – the award-winning music festival in Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad.
EXIT began in 2000 as a student protest fighting for political change, and over the years it’s grown into one of Europe’s biggest festivals, with [thousands] partying in the stunning citadel perched high on a cliff overlooking the River Danube. The positive activism remains in the air, and each year has a specific theme (it was ‘Freedom’ in 2018).
EXIT has possibly the most diverse line-up of any European festival, with 20 outdoor stages that feature everything from death metal to pop, indie, reggae and techno – among cobbled paths, courtyards, grass verges, ramparts and underground tunnels.
The Dance Arena is the festival’s energetic hub, with 20,000 raving in the fortress moat waiting for the awe-inspiring moment when the sun rises above the ancient walls. Many DJs say the Dance Arena is the greatest place in the world to play, and after Nina Kraviz closed EXIT 2018 with an extended set until 9am, she called it “one of the most special places on Earth”.
EXIT takes place from July 4-7.
See exitfest.org.
Acts announced: The Cure, Skepta, Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, Carl Cox, Charlotte De Witte, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Desiigner, Dj Snake, Greta Van Fleet, IAMDDB, Jeff Mills, Lost Frequencies, Maceo Plex, Paul Kalkbrenner, Peggy Gou, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Tom Walker, 65daysofstatic, Adriatique, Atheist Rap (30 Years), Bad Copy, Boston 168 Live, Dax J, Hazze, HIgh5, I Hate Models, Johannes Brecht Live, Krankšvester, Krešo Bengalka, Monika Kruse, Peter And The Test Tube Babies, Sajsi MC, Satori Live, Shdw & Obscure Shape, Sofi Tukker, Soilwork, Tarja, The Selecter, Van Gogh, VojkoV, Whitechapel, 30Zona, Akioki, Ana Rs, Arcturus, Asphalt Chant, Atlas Erotika, Bajko Felix, Bekfleš, Black Lotus, Black Serbs, Blend Mishkin, Bo Badu, Bokee, Booze & Glory, Bronze, Buntai, Bush Mad Squad, Butchaa, Cake Boys, Coeus, Das Ich, Deadly Hunta, DJ/Mc Killo Killo, DJ Danjahras, DJ Laki & DJ Rokam, DJ One, DJ Spery, DJ Verso, Dfndr, Dub Duba, Dunkelbunt, Elioh, Elon, Enforcer, Entombed A.D., Fam, Global Village People, Goran Kan, Grade 2, Grimegod, Herbal Queen, I.N.D.I.G.O, Ilija Djokovic, In Da Klub, Irie Scratch & Shorty P, Ital Vision, Jahmessenjah Sound System, Joma Maja, Kk Banda DJ’s, Kaoz, Katja Rubikova, Kawiar Mangueira, Kayda May, King Calypso, Klinac, Lawrence Klein B2b Forniva, Lil Yung, Little Shuja, Luka Brasi, Marcella, Marko Vuković, Martyrium, Miloš Vujović B2b Ranchatek, Mladen Tomić B2b Siniša Tamamović, Neki, Nevena Jeremić, New Wave, October Tide, Otvoreni Prelom, Palace, Pale Origins, PLYZ, Ponor, Runy, Siberian Meat Grinder, Scandal, Shi-cu, Shuba Ranks, Sid Data, Skadam, Soft 85, Sorriso, Stas, Steppa Style, Sur Austru, Thundersteel, Tommy T., Total Chaos, Traples, Trepaj Il Krepaj, Two Pauz, Vaske, Vatra, Vitamin X, Waggles, Yung Rosh, Zguubi Dan, Zimski + Many More Soon
A VOYAGE OF UNDERGROUND DISCOVERY AT OFF FESTIVAL IN POLAND
OFF is a unique boutique festival that values experimentation and diversity above everything else – with founder and organiser Artur Rojek’s hands-on vision an inspiration to ambitious promoters and dreamers worldwide.
OFF takes place in ‘Valley of Three Ponds’, Katowice – a beautiful green hideaway in the industrial Silesia region, with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and cultural centres to explore in the city close by.
OFF ignores popular trends in favour of an expertly curated programme of esteemed artists – with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. It was created in 2006 as a way for Rojek to indulge his “dreams and passion for sharing music”, even if that means a black metal band can play next to a techno DJ, a post-punk act, avant-garde noise-rock, hip-hop, jazz, post-rock and beyond.
From the greatest international underground heroes to essential forward-thinking Polish artists, OFF is an inspirational meeting of minds.
OFF Festival takes place from August 2-4.
See off-festival.pl.
Acts Announced: Foals, Suede, Stereo Lab, Aldous Harding, The Comet Is Coming, Superorganism, Electric Wizard, The Gaslamp Killer, Loyle Carner, OM, Zespół Pieśni i Tańca „Śląsk”, Octavian, Tirzah, Lebanon Hanover, Ammar 808, Boogarins, Wczasy, Entropia, Daughters, Durand Jones & The Indications, Dezerter
MUSIC, ART AND CULTURE CLASH AT THE DUTCH CAMPING PARADISE OF LOWLANDS
A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise is the Netherlands’ most prestigious music festival that’s been a rite of passage for the Dutch since 1993. It takes place in rural Biddinghuizen – only an hour away from Amsterdam, so there’s even a chance to add in a city break either side.
It’s a true music, arts and culture weekender, featuring the world’s biggest headliners on the circuit, as well as installations, theatre, comedy, film, debates and even science workshops.
Each of the 12 uniquely designed stages are covered so you can party rain or shine, and the iconic ‘Armadillo’ area is the festival’s power station, quirky bars, DJ booths and artisan restaurant areas that surpass regular festival food stalls.
The Dutch are world-renowned as expert festival organisers, and Lowlands is a perfect smooth operator, from the intuitive layout to the lack of queues for bars, food and bathrooms – with the best campsite facilities of all the big European festivals.
It’s a proper lost weekend too – Lowlands doesn’t do day tickets, so once you arrive on the Thursday you’re on a journey with your fellow happy campers until Sunday. This vibe was picked up by 2018 headliner Nile Rodgers, who posted: “Lowlands was fire! This was an amazing f-ing crowd! Truly insane, and that’s how we like it!”
Lowlands takes place from August 16-18, 2019.
See lowlands.nl.
Acts Announced: Tame Impala, Twenty One Pilots, A$AP Rocky,
PARTY ON THE STUNNING ADRIATIC COAST AT SEA DANCE IN MONTENEGRO
Sea Dance in Montenegro is an extension of the EXIT family – a gold standard guarantee in the festival world. Like EXIT, Sea Dance is also an
EXIT’s famous No Sleep Novi Sad stage is repackaged for Sea Dance, with over 100 performers shared around numerous other stages. Evan as a relatively new addition to the festival scene, Sea Dance already has a reputation for securing the biggest names in electronic music.
Montenegro was recently listed by Skyscanner as the number one cheap holiday destination, with mountain biking, hiking and watersports available for those with energy left after dancing all night to the world’s biggest DJs.
Sea Dance takes place from August 30 to September 1.
Seadancefestival.me.
Acts Announced: David Guetta, Robin Schulz, Ofenbach, + Many More Coming Soon
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam is world famous as a hub for nightlife and electronic music, and every October it becomes the centre of the electronic music universe for five days during the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE).
Some 400,000 people hit the Dutch capital every year for ADE, which features more than 2,500 international artists performing in over 100 of Amsterdam’s most iconic venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School.
But it’s not simply a five-day rave – ADE offers an inspirational Eurosonic-style conference programme that covers all aspects of dance music culture and the industry. By day, across Amsterdam’s five main districts, there are dozens of seminars, workshops, exhibitions, artist interviews, feature and documentary screenings, DJ showcases and tech classes.
ADE is the ultimate festival for electronic music fans, who can even learn more about the culture between the parties.
Amsterdam Dance Event takes place from October 16 – 20
See amsterdam-dance-event.nl
Acts to be announced soon
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
OFF Festival Katowice 2019: Foals, Stereolab and Octavian join the lineup
Stereolab, representing Britain’s illustrious musical past, its equally excellent present in the form of Foals, and Octavian, its bright future. These are just a few of the acts joining the OFF Festival lineup today. Get ready for the usual eclectic range: everything from folk music to cosmic metal.
One of Britain’s premiere indie-rock acts, the missing link between the danceable post-punk energy of Talking Heads and Radiohead’s trippy melancholy sounds. After a four-year hiatus, Foals return as a four-piece with the excellent album Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1 (and a follow-up coming in September; will they pull back the curtain in Katowice?), a perfect reflection of the anxious zeitgeist sweeping the United Kingdom and the world. But there’s a reason why frontman Yannis Philippakis and company have consistently reaped in nominations and prizes for UK’s best live band: strap in for one of the biggest concert events of the season!
When rumors of Stereolab’s return for series of live performances swept the globe in December, many of you wrote in to tell us that they just had to play at the OFF Festival. And we couldn’t agree more. This season, for the first time in a decade, Laetitia Sadier and Time Gane will take the stage side by side, and Katowice is on their itinerary. Founded in the 1990s, Stereolab made music that was ahead of their time. Adding an experimental twist to subtle beauty, Stereolab proved that playing pretty songs didn’t mean having to put away your ambition. Today, records like Emperor Tomato Ketchup and Dots and Loops are steadfast classics. They may not have achieved the success they deserved, but could anyone even imagine the borderlands of pop and alternative music today without the influence of Stereolab?
The OFF Festival has featured music legends with careers going back decades, but this is the first time a 66-year-old act has appeared in our lineup. And that’s not the only record. Founded in 1953 by Stanisław Hadyna and Elwira Kamińska, Śląsk (Polish for Silesia) is now an ensemble of over one hundred people, and comprises a choir, ballet company, and orchestra. It’s one of the most decorated Polish folk ensembles, and has visited 44 countries on five continents, giving over seven thousand performances for over 25 million audience members. It’s time to add the OFF Festival to that list. And since they’re performing in the Silesian capital of Katowice, look forward to an extra special repertoire.
He was only fourteen when his mother threw him out of the house. “You’re either going to be in prison or you’re going to be big,” she told him as she slammed the door. Octavian Oliver Godji, a French-born citizen of London from an Angolan family, spent the next few years on the streets, but he had a goal in mind: he wanted to make music. His fortunes turned when he landed a scholarship to study at the BRIT school, whose famous alumni include Adele and Amy Winehouse. Though he never graduated, his classmates helped him out on a few mixtapes that drew the attention of people in high places. Octavian has since won the BBC Music Sound of 2019 and is collaborating with the likes of Diplo and Mura Masa on his upcoming debut album, which is likely to be released ahead of the OFF Festival.
“I’m a big fan of science fiction. These things happen in my dreams. This project envisioned as a platform for understanding the modern world and its musical identity,” says Sofyann Ben Youssef, composer and musicologist, pianist and producer, explaining his motivation for creating Ammar 808. Sofyann took the traditional songs of the Maghreb and launched them into space with some help from his singer friends from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia—and the legendary Roland TR-808 drum machine. Anyone who turns down this invitation to an Arab-futurist party… No, let’s not go there. This is one invitation you can’t reject.
She’s “breathing new life into love songs” raved a recent Pitchfork profile, and it’s hard not to agree. Tirzah Mastin sings her songs without the characteristic passion of
“I’m still dancing today, I’m still singing today, but it’ll be over tomorrow / Gotta get up in the morning, gotta go to work.” This band would be the perfect closing act for the festival, but they’ll do fine any day at any time, because Bartłomiej Maczaluk and Jakub Żwirełło have an extraordinary knack for capturing the spirit of the moment, the bittersweet essence of life at the twilight of the second decade of the 21st century, which makes shameless use of 80s and 90s props (musical and otherwise). Zawody, the duo’s debut album, boasts retro nostalgia yet is somehow totally in the here and now. More importantly, though, it’s a collection of excellent songs that we’ll hear live.
The image of Dionysus that graces the cover of their latest album, Vacuum, might evoke thoughts of indulgent revelry, but the Oleśnica-based band Entropia isn’t asking you to dance: they’re drawing you into a destructive trance. This trippy, cosmic post-black metal can’t be compared to anything on the Polish music scene, but it’ll definitely be a hit with fans of krautrock and anyone who likes to get lost in the woods while tracking down Oranssi Pazuzu and Wolves in the Throne Room.
This year’s OFF Festival also features the previously announced acts: Suede, Neneh Cherry, Aldous Harding, Superorganism, Perfect Son, Electric Wizard, The Gaslamp Killer, The Comet is Coming, IC3PEAK, Daughters, Lotic: Endless Power, The Body, Dezerter gra "Underground Out of Poland", slowthai, Black Midi, Trio Jazzowe Marcina Maseckiego, OM, SAMA‘, Jakuzi, Phum Viphurit, Durand Jones & The Indications, Lebanon Hanover, Loyle Carnes, Emerald, Boogarins oraz Bamba Pana & Makaveli.
The 2019 OFF Festival Katowice will take
place August 2–4 at Three Pond Valley, its regular venue. Three-day passes are
now available at the OFF Shop for 330 PLN. This price lasts until April 7 or
until the second round of tickets is sold out! Campground tickets are also
available for 80 PLN.
EXIT Festival adds Skepta, IAMDDB and Desiigner along with 30+ regional hip-hop acts
After EXIT announced a string of top-notch guitar
bands from all generations ranging from The Cure to Greta Van Fleet and many
others coupled with some of the greatest DJs like Carl Cox, Amelie Lens and
dozens more, one of the world's leading festivals known for its musical
diversity just added a strong hip-hop gang of 30+ acts!
They are led by Skepta, UK's king of rhymes who is seen as not just the rapper but
an activist and the only MC who managed to popularize the London sound in United
States! His fans include Mick Jagger, Pharrell Williams, Drake, Naomi Campbell,
as well as A$AP Rocky, with whom he released the planetary hit “Praise the
Lord“! The phenomenal IAMDDB is also
coming from the British Isles, after being shortlisted by the BBC on their
acclaimed Sound of 2019 list, so it’s only natural that her trap-jazz bangers
"Shade", "Drippy" and "Kurr£ncy" are a mainstay on
the best hip-hop and R&B parties. In order to keep the Main Stage’s Sunday
finale in the spirit of hip-hop, EXIT will host the master of live performances
Desiigner, the creator of the decade’s
most viral hip-hop song, “Panda”, which reached the tops of the American charts
and has over a billion YouTube views to this day! This summer, EXIT will take
place at the spectacular 18th century Petrovaradin fortress, from July 4 to 7
and still discounted tickets can be found at exitfest.org.
EXIT Gang 2019 - Hip-Hop side of the festival: youtube.com/watch?v=r4FHq3XMxxU&feature=youtu.be
At a time when the music industry was turning its back on the street
phenomenon of “grime”, Skepta became
the best-known representative of the style that many call the new punk! It has
been more than a decade since Skepta made everyone go nuts with the famous
“Rolex Sweep” dance, after which came prestigious awards in the form of Mercury,
BRIT, BET, MOBO and NME trophies, as well as the influential GQ list of
best-dressed celebs. He was also featured on the cover of the famous mag last
year, alongside supermodel Naomi Campbell, while the two were rumored to be in
a relationship. Skepta is not afraid to take on burning social and political issues,
as well as the hot topic of racism, which is why many refer to him as more than
a rapper, but an activist. His rich biography lists colabs with names such as the
great Mick Jagger, while Drake went as far as tattooing the initials of
Skepta’s record label and collective “Boy Beter Know”. With the help of the
megaproducer Pharrell Williams, he published his monumental “Konnichiwa” album three
years ago, which consequently went gold in Britain and brought Skepta numerous accolades!
Hip-hop’s influential XXL magazine dubbed Desiigner one of the next big things in its “Freshman Class” list
for 2016, and lo and behold, he published his huge hit “Panda” just a few
months later, receiving the Billboard award for the best rap song, thus leaving
Migos in the dust with “Bad and Boujee”, as well as Rae Sremmurd with his
popular “Black Beatles” number! He was noticed by Kanye West who signed him to
his record label, G.O.O.D. music, with new record-breaking tracks following,
such as “Timmy Turner” and “Liife”, where he was joined by the trap legend
Gucci Mane. Recently, he sent his fans in a frenzy thanks to brand-new singles “Soul”
and “Earned It”!
Proof that Manchester is not just a city of Brit-pop comes in the form
of a young artist dubbed IAMDDB, short
for I Am Diana Debrito, who calls herself a “lovechild of trap and jazz”. This
fearless lady found herself at the third place of the BBC “Sound of 2018” list,
while her name was also listed on the acclaimed Forbes’ “30 under 30 Europe
2019” list.
This year, just as the name suggests, all genres will be thrown in the
mix on the Addiko Fusion stage, including hip-hop, thanks to the announced
arrival of the Balkans’ rap queen Sajsi
MC and the beloved rap-trio Bad Copy!
This “hip-hop festival within a festival” will carry on to Cockta Beats, the new hotspot for all hip-hop fans which will only
feature performers of this genre! The mind-blowing line-up is currently lead by
the biggest regional rap stars, Vojko V and Krešo Bengalka, popular regional bands
Atlas Erotika, Bekfleš, Buntai, Hazze, High5, I.N.D.I.G.O, Krankšvester and 30Zona, as well as new talents, such as Klinac and Elon, whose
star-studded career is more than guaranteed. The gang at the fortress will
further gather the most popular DJ collectives and mix masters, such as Vatra, Cake Boys, FAM, Irie Scratch & Shorty P, Bajko Felix, DJ Laki & DJ Rokam, Palace, Traples, Luka Brasi, PLYZ, New Wave, In Da Klub, trepaj il krepaj, Vaske, Yung Rosh,
Zimski and Lil
Yung.!
EXIT tickets are available at exitfest.org, and for those who wish to bundle
them with accomodation and local transfer, there are also packages starting at
€135. Default accommodation is the festival camp located on the city beach,
while hotels can be booked through EXIT's official tourist agency at exittrip.org.
EXIT Festival will be held 4-7 July 2019 at Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, while the always diverse line-up will include The Cure, Greta Van Fleet, Carl Cox, Skepta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, DJ Snake, Desiigner, Lost Frequencies, IAMDDB, Sofi Tukker, Tom Walker, Maceo Plex, Charlotte De Witte, Boris Brejcha, Peggy Gou, Jeff Mills, Amelie Lens, Dax J, Phil Anselmo & The Illegals, Tarja Turunen, 65daysofstatic, The Selecter, Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Whitechapel, Atheist Rap, Arcturus, Total Chaos and many more to come soon.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
WESTWAY LAB 2019 - Guimarães, Portugal
Westway LAB, Portugal’s first showcase festival and professional music conference, will take place for the sixth consecutive year from 10th to 13th of April in Guimarães.
Founded in 2014 with a clear mission: to operate a cultural, social and economic transformation through music, crossing borders enabling the construction of sustainable internationalization of artists and professionals from Portugal. During the 4 day event, Guimarães becomes a music city, combining in an innovative way the realization of an event based with three dimensions: Process (artist residencies), Thought (PRO Conferences) and Product (showcases and headline concerts).
Since its inception Westway LAB has always had a strong sense of collaborating internationally and this year the event will realise this by presenting Canada as the spotlight country. On April 12th, the Canadian representation at the Westway LAB 2019 will be fueled by folk territory, which intersects with pop in compositions for female voices by singer-songwriters Sarah MacDougall and Megan Nash and the trio of boys The East Pointers. The music of the duo Les Deuxluxes will be more electrified and will make rock its strength, whereas the band Tribe Royal bases its music in the pop-rock.
On the same night, and similarly to last year, Westway LAB once again hosts the WHY Portugal Event, organized by the Portuguese music export office. From the pop built between guitars and synthesizers by Neev, to the traditional Fado Portuguese guitar of Marta Pereira da Costa, passing by the delicate indie sounds of Vaarwell.
Similarly, the European networks (ETEP and INES) in which the festival is integrated contribute decisively to the important architecture of relationships that are propagated by bringing cultural and economic value to this particular ecosystem. This is the case of the Dutch musician Jacco Gardner who brings to Westway LAB his latest album, "Somnium", in what will be the opening concert of the festival (10 April), as well as the Italian singer-songwriter Violetta Zironi, who promises a performance where the guitar will need little more company than its powerful voice (April 11).
With the Vila Flor Cultural Centre as a base of operations, the 6th edition of the event will once again be spread to various places in the city, through the city showcases that will transform Guimarães into a great stage, taken by artists and the public, who intertwine with magic from music. During the afternoon of Saturday, April 13, it will be possible to listen to the indie-pop of Mickey, a Slovak based in Austria, the American pop of Swedish influences Elin Namnieks or the indie-rock of Izzy and the Black Trees, of Poland, three projects that are part of the selection of the INES network for 2019. From Greece comes the multi-instrumentalist and composer Theodore. The national performance is well delivered to Holy Nothing, one of the most promising national bands, creating the frontier between electronic and post-rock, as well as guitarist Francisco Sales, singer Beatriz Nunes and rock-dirty quartet Smartini.
On the last night of the festival, the music spread by the CCVF in a great celebration. Through a general pass, for the value of 20 euros, it will be possible to attend the concerts of The Black Mamba, Tashi Wada Group feat. Julia Holter, Batida apresenta: The Almost Perfect DJ, Captain Boy, Mister Roland, Paraguaii and Whales. The first 150 passes also give exclusive access to the opening concert with Jacco Gardner.
According to Rui Torrinha, artistic director of the festival, "continuing to think about the cosmos from this unique place has made of Westway LAB a powerful world of possibilities on a human scale, in which the time and space generated have allowed us to recover the original meaning of the word ... quality. Not everything here can be said, so discover it and let yourself be discovered but do not miss out, because the spirit is of inclusion.”
Artist Line Up (A-Z)
Beatriz Nunes (PT), Captain Boy (PT), Elin Namnieks (SE), Francisco Sales (PT),Holy Nothing (PT), Izzy and the Black Trees (PL), Jacco Gardner (NL), João Pascoal, Happy Mess (PT), Julia Holter (US), Les Deuxluxes (CA), Marta Pereira da Costa (PT), Megan Nash (CA), Mickey (AT), Mister Roland (PT), Neev (PT), Paraguaii (PT), Sarah MacDougall (CA), Smartini (PT), Tashi Wada Group feat. Batida apresenta: The Almost Perfect DJ (PT), The Black Mamba (PT), The East Pointers (CA), Theodore (GR), Tribe Royal (CA), Vaarwell (PT), Violetta Zironi (IT), Whales (PT), Yosune (VE)
More info and tickets here: https://westwaylabfestival.com/
WESTWAY LAB - PRO Conference 2019
For the upcoming 6th edition of Westway LAB, Portugal’s first showcase festival & conference expands its three main conference streams, Westway PRO, INES Sessions and the WHY Portugal Event through the addition of a central Westway LAB Lounge, a permanent networking lounge open throughout the event, offering registered delegates a space dedicated to their formal & informal networking, besides the conferences, roundtables and panels. An environment that constitutes another step forward, as the LAB monicker does not apply exclusively to the Artist Residencies: Westway is also a LABoratory for new projects, new ideas, new partnerships and new horizons. From Westway LAB’s first edition, back in 2014, to the present, this has always been an intrinsic part of the Westway DNA.
As such, in addition to the above-mentioned three conference streams, the Westway PRO, INES PRO and WHY Portugal Event, the on-going partnership with AMAEI, the Portuguese Independent Music Trade Association brings to Guimarães a new European project, Europe in Synch: a Music Moves Europe preparatory action of “Training of Young Professionals”. It is also fitting in that the idea for the project was born at Westway LAB, precisely two years ago.
Furthermore, the partnership with the GDA Foundation also affirms, this year, the dedication of the GDA Foundation in utilizing technologies as tools for music circulation. The GDA panel will thus present us with two Portuguese home-grown platforms seeking new solutions to this age-old challenge: how to tour more. Finally, through a new partnership with Audiogest, the phonogram producers society, we are happy to feature a Portuguese Keynote speaker and “State of the Art of the Portuguese Industry” roundtable, as well as host not just the second edition of the WHY Portugal Event, run by Portugal’s export office for music, but also a meeting of EMEE - European Music Exporters Exchange, bringing 28 European Export Offices to Portugal.
Full conference programme and registrations here: https://www.eventbrite.pt/e/bilhetes-westway-lab-pro-music-conference-2019-50355372274
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpubicity.co.uk
Octave One to perform new AV show at Printworks London
Having recently debuted their new
Taking part in the Audio Visual Arts Festival and Conference the brothers with debut their new performance in the UK and also doing an exclusive audience Q&A.
More info on the event here: https://www.printworkslondon.co.uk/listings/ava-london-15-03-19/
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk