OFF Festival Katowice 2018: From rap to noise
Oxbow will blow your mind, Bishop Nehru will make you think, King Ayisoba will pick you up, and Jacques Green will make you groove. The artists in the latest batch of announcements are as consistently excellent as they are diverse.
Oxbow
Oxbow broke their prolonged silence last year with the excellent album Thin Black Dude. Even today, when hardly anything in music is discouraged and practically everything is welcome, the California act remains among the most original guitar bands on the scene. Because what other label could you use to describe music that flows freely between hardcore punk, noise, and blues, with the odd blend of baffling jazz, twisted metal, and other unnameable experiments? This music has everything going on, and thanks the charismatic and unpredictable frontman Eugene Robinson, anything can happen at live shows.
Bishop Nehru
He’s won praise from Kendrick Lamar and grabbed a chance to tour alongside the Wu-Tang Clan. Nas signed him onto his label, and MF DOOM teamed up with him to produce a whole album: NehruvianDOOM. Who is the 21-year-old rapper that earned the seal of approval from practically all the big names in American hip hop? His real name is Markel Scott. Hailing from the town of January, New York, Scott is a true child of 21st-century eclecticism, taking inspiration from jazz, rock, pop, and hip-hop classics to produce albums that are surprisingly mature and original. This is what the future of hip hop sounds like.
King Ayisoba
In his home country of Ghana, King Ayisoba does in fact reign supreme. Playing along on his two-string kologo, he belts out hypnotic lines in his trademark raspy voice. In keeping with the balanced African tradition, his lyrics deal with tough issues like the fight for a better future for himself and others, but are sung to the rhythm of happy, thrilling music that's bursting with energy. A frequent guest on European stages, King Ayisoba has plenty of friends over here, including Arnold de Boer of the legendary Dutch act The Ex, who produced the King’s last two albums, Wicked Leaders and 1000 Can Die. No surprise here: if punk were invented in Ghana, this is what it would sound like.
Jacques Greene
A Montreal-based DJ and producer whose 2017 debut album Feel Infinite delivered on its title, proving that the house music format is in fact boundless, especially when combined with the emotions of soul and sprinkled with talent and imagination. And that’s something Philippe Aubin-Dionne has plenty of: just check out his production work for Katy B, Tinashe, and How To Dress Well.
This year’s OFF Festival lineup also features: Grizzly Bear, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performing Some Loud Thunder, Marlon Williams, John Maus, Big Freedia, Turbonegro, Egyptian Lover and Aldous Harding.
The 2018 OFF Festival Katowice will take place August 3–5 at Three Pond Valley.
Tickets
Three-day passes are now available at the OFF Shop for 260 PLN. This price lasts until February 18 or until the first batch of tickets is sold out! Campground tickets are also available for 70 PLN.
Contact
Hurts, Robin Schulz, Ofenbach, Disciples and many more for Sea Star Festival in Croatia
Last year's premiere edition of the Sea Star Festival, the new Croatian star organized by EXIT Team, managed to surpass all expectations straight from the start, attracting more than 50,000 people to the magical Stella Maris lagoon in Umag. This year's festival, which will take place from 24th to 27th May at the same location, is bound to be even hotter, at least according to the sales – the first batch of 5,000 early-bird tickets were sold out the very day the festival was announced. The first wave of music sea stars are lead by one of the best concert bands of the day, Hurts, and the killer hitmaker Robin Shulz, shaking the main stages of festivals around Europe! Hits numbering in dozens will be taken care of by the hottest London trio, Disciples, as well as Ofenbach, the hot French duo! In order for the party to be even more intensive, apart from the dance tunes, the hip-hop beats will surely shake the stage, lead by Zagreb heavyweights, Tram 11, godfather of Balkan rap, Edo Maajka, the only true lady of regional hip-hop scene, Sajsi MC, everyone's favorite Dječaci of Dalmatia, and the absolute street trap warrior, Krešo Bengalka from Split.
British duo Hurts very successfully evoke the romanticism of the 80s in a contemporary format, leaving no one indifferent, including the Glastonbury audience who said they are the best live band! Their Exit performance in 2014 and Sea Dance in 2016 blew the minds of dozens of thousands, singing along their greatest hits, such as ‘Wonderful Life', 'Miracle', 'Stay', 'Sunday', 'Illuminated', 'Lights', 'Some Kind Of Heaven', and many other. Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson had the fastest selling British album of 2010 with their debut, 'Happiness', cooperating with Kylie Minogue and Calvin Harris. The follow-up, 'Exile', repeated the success, entering the top 10 albums in Europe, while the third one, 'Surrender', expanded their audiences towards the rest of the world. Their recent album, 'Desire', with the last single 'Ready To Go' collecting millions of YouTube views, takes the phenomenon from Manchester to a new world tour arriving to Croatia in May.
Master of today’s dancefloors, German DJ and producer Robin Shulz, is a man with a golden touch. The gifted German is a star of today's main festival stages, and the list of people he cooperated with includes Moby, David Guetta, James Blunt, Akon and other big names who have nothing but praise for Robin. His last album, 'Undercover' (2017), continues to grab top spots with the hit single 'OK', while the new and fresh track 'Unforgettable' is quite an introduction for his Sea Star Festival performance. Disciples, the London trio, exploded with their hit track 'How Deep is Your Love', created in cooperation with Calvin Harris. The trio consisting of Duvall, Luke Mac and Gavin Cool get points for being authentic by writing, singing and producing their own music, while their 2017 single 'On My Mind' achieved great positions on top lists. What it feels like to hear your song played at every corner is well known to the French duo Ofenbach, whose hit “Be Mine” marked the summer. The idea of mixing rockabilly with house music brought the much-needed freshness into summer months, while their current hit-single, “Katchi” is keeping the winter days quite warm!
EXIT Freedom 2018 presents 5 festivals in 5 countries!
After the EXIT Summer of Love gathered the four festivals in a row last summer, EXIT Freedom 2018 will represent not less than five festivals in five countries: EXIT, Festival 84, Sea Star, Revolution i Sea Dance. 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
Music PR | Event PR | Festival PR
Lowlands Announce Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa, Bonobo, Grizzly Bear, Rag'n'Bone Man, Stormzy, Bicep and more!
The 26th edition of "A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise" will take place at Walibi Holland in Biddinghuizen from 17 to 19 August. Today the first 25 confirmations are announced including Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa, Bonobo, Grizzly Bear, Rag'n'Bone Man, Stormzy and Bicep (live). The ticket sales start Saturday 10 February at 11:00 via Ticketmaster.
Taking place next to the Walibi Fairgrounds just over hours drive or train journey from Amsterdam A Campingflight To Lowlands Paradise is exactly what it promises to be: a true backpacker’s Garden Of Eden and Holland’s most adventurous cultural outdoor event, with an extensive program with over 250 acts offering only the best in alternative music, film, theatre, comedy, visual arts literature and science.
For three days in August, a township with thousands of inhabitants arises in the middle of the country. The Lowlands festival features heavyweight headliners, impressive installations including the new armadillo featuring the renowned chimney stacks and no less than twelve stages (among which a cinema and theatre), going by the names of Alpha, Bravo, Heineken, Lima, Juliet, X-Ray, Echo. All stages are covered too, so you can enjoy all the music and entertainment come rain or shine.
Lowlands also prides itself in supplying top notch facilities for it’s visitors, There’s a wellness village with saunas, hot tubs and sports facilities, dozens of restaurants from all corners of the earth, food and drink stalls, a large market with everything from clothes and vinyl stores to a barber’s shop, its own currency, a local radio station, a daily newspaper (Dutch only) and, last but not least: seven luxury campsites with flushable toilets and hot showers. A Campingflight To Lowlands Paradise really is the ultimate summer holiday extravaganza!
Lineup
Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa
Bonobo, Dropkick Murphys, Fatima Yamaha, Gavin James, Grizzly Bear, Rag‘n’Bone Man, Spinvis, Stormzy
Bicep (live), BROCKHAMPTON, David August, Floating Points (solo live), Ho99o9, Joost, Jordan Rakei, Lauv, Little Simz, Protomartyr, Rhye, $uicideboy$, Zeal & Ardor
More acts will be announced soon with over 250 acts in total performing at this years event.
Watch the 2017 Aftermovie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BMQaqscEYE
Tickets
The ticket sales start Saturday 10 February at 11:00. Tickets available via Ticketmaster (direct link: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Lowlands-Festival-tickets/artist/1672455) and include festival entry, camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad.. 3 days tickets from £165 available at www.lowlands.nl/english
Camping and Gllamping
Your festival ticket includes camping at the seven luxury campsites with flushable toilets and hot showers. There are also plenty of affordable camping and gllamping options from basic tent packages to teepees, wooden huts or caravans. Perfect if you don’t want to carry all your camping gear with you and for a stress free festival experience Book now here: http://gllamcamp.nl/en
Connect
Website www.lowlands.nl/english
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LowlandsFest
Twitter @Rapid_Razor_Bob
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lowlands_fest
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
8 festivals to try instead of Glastonbury in 2018
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2018: 8 FESTIVALS TO TRY INSTEAD OF GLASTONBURY
From dancing poolside or on a beach, partying in a fortress or experiencing the surreal midnight sun, wallet friendly European hotspots and amazing city festivals to combine with long weekends of culture, gastronomic delights and sightseeing, there’s something for everyone. Who needs Glastonbury? Get ready for a festival holiday of a lifetime in 2018!
There’s a festival something for every festival adventurer, are you ready? Here’s 8 unforgettable festivals not to miss in 2018.
ENJOY THE POOLSIDE PARTIES AT SEA STAR FESTIVAL IN CROATIA
After an electric premiere edition Sea Star festival is set to return to beautiful Stella Maris laguna in Umag on May 25th and 26th, while the opening day will take place on May 24th and the after party on Sunday, May 27th. Put together by the team behind EXIT Festival, the first Sea Star festival closed with rapturous applause, firmly proving that it is worthy of the nomination for 'Best European New Festival' at the prestigious European Festival Awards. Stunning location, 6+ stages, more than 70 world renowned artists and outstanding productions make this festival a must see. Umag is a beautiful Istrian town, rich in Mediterranean spirit, historical baroque and renaissance buildings and narrow streets that lead to numerous authentic restaurants making it the perfect place to chill out after dancing all night.
Sea Star takes place from 24 - 27 May 2018. More info available at seastarfestival.com
EXPERIENCE THE SURREAL MIDNIGHT SUN AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN ICELAND
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, 2018 promises to be Secret Solstice’s biggest edition yet! Taking place in Reykjavik from 21-24 June during the surreal summer solstice (meaning the sun never sets), the festival has firmly established itself on the bucket list for every true festival-geek wanting to be a part of this truly unique experience. Secret Solstice is Iceland’s premiere music festival, each year welcoming an eclectic lineup to the naturally breathtaking country for main stage sets, glacier raves, midnight sun boat parties and secret lagoon blowouts. By combining a high caliber of music talent alongside side events that showcase the incredible Icelandic landscape, Secret Solstice have created a not-to-be-missed festival experience in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.
Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at secretsolstice.is
PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul!. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.
Exit takes place from 12-15 July 2018. More info available at exitfest.org.
ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA
Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013.
Positivus takes place from 20 - 22 July 2018. More info available at positivusfestival.com
DISCOVER THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE
A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia. OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. As well as discovering new music festival goers can also discover the city of Katowice with plenty of art and culture to soak up and a huge choice of bars and restaurants to delve into.
OFF Festival takes place from 3-5 August 2018. More info available at off-festival.pl.
PARTY WITH THE DUTCH AT THE LEGENDARY LOWLANDS FESTIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
Get ready for A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise 2018. Taking place next to the Walib Fairgrounds, Biddinghuizen Lowlands features some of the biggest headliners, impressive installations including the new iconic armadillo food and drink area, plus unique covers for every stage so you can enjoy all the music rain or shine. Just over an hours drive from Amsterdam you can easily mix your festival trip with a few days city break in Amsterdam. As well as all the amazing artists, Lowlands has so many others things to do from enjoying a soak in the hot tubs, to taking part in science experiments! The festival has also been shortlisted for several awards in the European Festival Awards including ‘Best Major Festival’ and ‘Best Line Up’, Tickets include festival entry, camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad. Save the date now!
Lowlands takes place from 17 - 19 August 2018.. More info available at lowlands.nl
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over 395,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate music festival for fans of electronic music features more than 2,500 international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most celebrated venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE Festival, the ADE Conference also offers music enthusiasts and artists a large and varied day program featuring a wealth of dance music-related seminars, artist Q&A’s exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases and gear master classes, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising historical locations and unique venues across the city.
ADE takes place from 17-21 October 2018. More info available at amsterdam-dance-event.nl.
DANCE ON THE BEACH AT SEA DANCE FESTIVAL IN MONTENEGRO
Award winning Sea Dance festival gathers party people from all over the world to dance together on the beautiful beach in Budva, Montenegro. Voted best European medium-sized festival, Sea Dance has proven much within just three short years. With a stunning beach location and impressive line up of more than 100 hottest international music stars. Sea Dance is one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations. Recently listed by Skyscanner as the number 1 cheapest holiday destination this country is well worth checking out. Montenegro has towering mountains perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well as some of the world’s best unspoiled beaches on the Adriatic Sea. And if that wasn’t enough Montenegro featured in the James Bond Film Casino Royale and if it’s good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for us!
Sea Dance dates will be announced soon.. More info available at seadancefestival.me
FESTIVAL GUIDE: 8 FESTIVALS TO TRY INSTEAD OF GLASTONBURY
From discovering the best new bands, to dancing poolside or on a beach, partying in a fortress or experiencing the surreal midnight sun, wallet friendly European hotspots and amazing city festivals to combine with long weekends of culture, gastronomic delights and sightseeing, there’s something for everyone. Get ready for a festival holiday of a lifetime in 2018!
There’s a festival something for every festival adventurer, are you ready? Here’s 8 unforgettable festivals not to miss in 2018.
ENJOY THE POOLSIDE PARTIES AT SEA STAR FESTIVAL IN CROATIA
After an electric premiere edition Sea Star festival is set to return to beautiful Stella Maris laguna in Umag on May 25th and 26th, while the opening day will take place on May 24th and the after party on Sunday, May 27th. Put together by the team behind EXIT Festival, the first Sea Star festival closed with rapturous applause, firmly proving that it is worthy of the nomination for 'Best European New Festival' at the prestigious European Festival Awards. Stunning location, 6+ stages, more than 70 world renowned artists and outstanding productions make this festival a must see. Umag is a beautiful Istrian town, rich in Mediterranean spirit, historical baroque and renaissance buildings and narrow streets that lead to numerous authentic restaurants making it the perfect place to chill out after dancing all night.
Sea Star takes place from 24 - 27 May 2018. More info available at seastarfestival.com
EXPERIENCE THE SURREAL MIDNIGHT SUN AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN ICELAND
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, 2018 promises to be Secret Solstice’s biggest edition yet! Taking place in Reykjavik from 21-24 June during the surreal summer solstice (meaning the sun never sets), the festival has firmly established itself on the bucket list for every true festival-geek wanting to be a part of this truly unique experience. Secret Solstice is Iceland’s premiere music festival, each year welcoming an eclectic lineup to the naturally breathtaking country for main stage sets, glacier raves, midnight sun boat parties and secret lagoon blowouts. By combining a high caliber of music talent alongside side events that showcase the incredible Icelandic landscape, Secret Solstice have created a not-to-be-missed festival experience in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.
Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at secretsolstice.is
PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul!. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.
Exit takes place from 12-15 July 2018. More info available at exitfest.org
ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA
Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013.
Positivus takes place from 20 - 22 July 2018. More info available at positivusfestival.com
DISCOVER THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE
A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia. OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. As well as discovering new music festival goers can also discover the city of Katowice with plenty of art and culture to soak up and a huge choice of bars and restaurants to delve into.
OFF Festival takes place from 3-5 August 2018. More info available at off-festival.pl
PARTY WITH THE DUTCH AT THE LEGENDARY LOWLANDS FESTIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
Get ready for A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise 2018. Taking place next to the Walib Fairgrounds, Biddinghuizen Lowlands features some of the biggest headliners, impressive installations including the new iconic armadillo food and drink area, plus unique covers for every stage so you can enjoy all the music rain or shine. Just over an hours drive from Amsterdam you can easily mix your festival trip with a few days city break in Amsterdam. As well as all the amazing artists, Lowlands has so many others things to do from enjoying a soak in the hot tubs, to taking part in science experiments! The festival has also been shortlisted for several awards in the European Festival Awards including ‘Best Major Festival’ and ‘Best Line Up’, Tickets include festival entry, camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad. Save the date now!
Lowlands takes place from 17 - 19 August 2018. More info available at lowlands.nl
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over 395,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate music festival for fans of electronic music features more than 2,500 international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most celebrated venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE Festival, the ADE Conference also offers music enthusiasts and artists a large and varied day program featuring a wealth of dance music-related seminars, artist Q&A’s exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases and gear master classes, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising historical locations and unique venues across the city.
ADE takes place from 17-21 October 2018. More info available at amsterdam-dance-event.nl
DANCE ON THE BEACH AT SEA DANCE FESTIVAL IN MONTENEGRO
Award winning Sea Dance festival gathers party people from all over the world to dance together on the beautiful beach in Budva, Montenegro. Voted best European medium-sized festival, Sea Dance has proven much within just three short years. With a stunning beach location and impressive line up of more than 100 hottest international music stars. Sea Dance is one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations. Recently listed by Skyscanner as the number 1 cheapest holiday destination this country is well worth checking out. Montenegro has towering mountains perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well as some of the world’s best unspoiled beaches on the Adriatic Sea. And if that wasn’t enough Montenegro featured in the James Bond Film Casino Royale and if it’s good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for us!
Sea Dance dates will be announced soon. More info available at seadancefestival.me
ESNS 2018 successfully breaking borders in European music
Last night ESNS ended in the city of Groningen, The Netherlands. Taking place from January 17-19, 2018 the European Music Platform stayed true to its ethos of stimulating the circulation of European music by showcasing 352 European acts, among which 22 acts from this year’s focus country Denmark. During the day 4,092 international professionals from 42 countries participated in the ESNS conference in order to network and discuss all the latest developments in the European music industry.
Breaking Borders
Eurosonic Noorderslag kicked off on Wednesday evening with the European Border Breakers Awards. The award ceremony was hosted by Jools Holland and celebrated 10 European acts who broke borders with their music over the past year. The Head of Unit Creative Europe Barbara Gessler handed out the Public Choice Award to the Bulgarian singer Kristian Kostov.
On the same day ESNS announced the incorporation of streaming data in the airplay-based European Border Breakers Charts. This weekly set of charts will monitor new European artists who are receiving airplay outside of their country of origin even more accurately than before.
Festivals and European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP)
In 52 venues in the city of Groningen 352 promising acts presented themselves to an audience of music professionals and other music lovers. At the conference the ETEP festivals presented their first selection of acts to be booked for their upcoming events. The acts with the most mentions were: IAMDDB (gb), Zeal & Ardor (ch), Meute (de), Superorganism (gb), Jacob Banks (gb), Tamino (be), Agar Agar (fr) and Altin Gun (nl).
Conference
During the ESNS conference the present state of the European music industry was covered from several perspectives. EPIC handled relevant topics such as safety, sustainability, volunteering, event technology and production innovations. Buma Music meets Tech dealt with topics such as blockchain, streaming services, bots and start-ups in tech. Additionally, diversity and women’s position in the music industry was highlighted in panels about the Keychange and Take A Stand projects.
Awards
Next to the European Border Breakers Awards the European Festival Awards and the A Greener Festival Awards were also handed out during ESNS. Amongst the winners at the European Festival Awards were Roskilde Festival, Sziget, MENT Ljubljana, ATC Live agent Alex Bruford and Lollapalooza Berlin festival director Fruzsina Szép. The A Greener Festival Awards applauded some of the best green initiatives which were presented by Das Fest, Roskilde Festival, Ilosaarirock, Metal Days, Welcome to the Village and Liberation Festival Utrecht.
Media
This edition also gained a great amount of attention in the media. The showcase festival and conference were attended by 479 journalists from all over the world. Due to the partnership with European Broadcasting Union 37 public radio stations from Europe participated in the event. The festival was covered by public radio stations from 12 countries, making 30 live broadcasts with a total of 41 hours.
Official numbers ESNS 2018
Total number of visitors: 40.288
Conference visitors: 4.092
Nationalities: 42
Acts: 352
Number of venues Eurosonic: 52
Number of venues Noorderslag: 10
Media & journalists: 479
EBU radio stations: 37
Live broadcasts from ESNS: 30 from 14 stations (a total of 41 hours)
International festivals: 420
ETEP festivals: 103
The next edition of ESNS will take place from January 16-19, 2019 in Groningen, The Netherlands.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
EXIT Festival announce Ziggy Marley, Alice Merton, Jax Jones, Idles, Slaves and more
Shortly after EXIT gave glimpse at its starstudded techno lineup including Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer, Ida Engberg, Ben Klock and Amelie Lens, the major music festival from Serbia continues to fill the gargantuan Petrovaradin Fortress with more acts. They are lead by the Jamaican reggae king, Ziggy Marley, 8-time Grammy winner whose father and undying icon Bob inspired EXIT Freedom, the festival's 2018 theme. From 12 to 15 July some of the world's hottest hits will be brought by Alice Merton, Jax Jones, Ofenbach, Mahmut Orhan and Burak Yeter. The fortress will also get raided by the punk, hardcore and metal bands, such as Dog Eat Dog, Slaves, Grave Digger, Slapshot, Idles, Asphyx and many others for both Fusion and Explosive stages.
The first to announce this years rich and diverse program of the Main Stage at the Petrovaradin fortress will be the living reggae king, Ziggy Marley! Even though his father, the eternal king Bob reigns supreme from above, his eldest son David Nesta, whom he nicknamed Ziggy after Bowie's alias, enlarged the family heritage with 27 albums and 8 Grammys, like none reggae artists had won before him. Main Stage will host the unstoppable new generation rock artist, Alice Merton, whose “No Roots” anthem has conquered European and American top lists. The Canadian, who was brought up in Germany and England, has changed her address 12 times in her 24 years, and she turned the story of this nomadic existence into music, which has changed her life overnight.
Jax Jones is a house hitmaker, whose BRIT-nominated single “You Don’t Know Me” has kidnapped the radio waves throughout the whole year. The tireless Englishman continues with “Instructions” featuring Demi Lovato and the current single “Breathe”. What it feels like to hear your song played at every corner is well known to the French duo Ofenbach, whose hit “Be Mine” marked the summer. The idea of mixing rockabilly with house music brought the much-needed freshness into summer months, while their current hit-single, “Katchi” is keeping the winter days quite warm! Straight from the Sea Star and Sea Dance festivals Mahmut Orhan arrives at EXIT with megahits “Feel” and “Save Me”, along with the Game of Thrones main theme remix, the inescapable beach bar track from the last summer. He will be joined by the equally popular Dutch hit-maker, also of Turkish origin, Burak Yeter, whose club anthem “Yesterday” keeps the global dancefloor in constant hypnosis for almost a year now!
Fusion, one of the favorite stages of the EXIT Festival, will echo the punk sound of guitar bands of today! The young Kent punkers Slaves, were best described by The Guardian – a band that appeared with “primal songs that throw together punk existentialism, sketches of suburban life and absurd narratives about manta rays and sasquatches in noisy three-minute bursts". They bring their energetic punk-torpedoes to EXIT in the form of “The Hunter” and “Cheer Up London” etc. Bristol punk sensation, Idles, exploded last year, conquering the audiences and the critics with their first album, “Brutalism”. The Guardian called them furious and thrilling, "an inchoate cry of rage, with guitars that could raze the city", while BBC included their album among their choice of albums of the year! Just how much of a “boom” they created can be seen from the fact that Foo Fighters invited them to be their only opening act in the London O2 arena!
Explosive stage has always been known for its furious program, but this time the audience will be shaken to the core by the hardcore rap of Dog Eat Dog, German heavy-metal pioneers Grave Diggers, as well as the world-famous Bombers – a Motorhead tribute band, whose members are the stars of the world black metal scene – Abbath from ex Immortal on bass, Tore from Old Funeral on guitar and Pez on drums! Among the explosive bands to conquer this stage is the legendary Boston hardcore pioneers – Slapshot, death metal icons Asphyx! EXIT Festival will host one of the ultimate psychobilly bands The Hellfreaks, Slovenian industrial metal Noctiferia, Russian gothic doom band Little Dead Bertha and the local mainstays The Stone, The Bloody Earth, Pogonbgd and Nemesis!
EXIT Freedom 2018 presents 5 festivals in 5 countries!
After the EXIT Summer of Love gathered the four festivals in a row last summer, EXIT Freedom 2018 will represent an even greater festival achievement, putting together five festivals in five countries: EXIT, Festival 84, Sea Star, Revolution i Sea Dance. Tickets are sold via exitfest.org, while the official tourist agency of the festival, exittrip.org, offers tourist packages containing tickets, as well as accommodation and transport options!
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Watch the European Border Breakers Award Show Online
The opening night of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) will see the presentations of the European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA) to the most successful European acts of the moment. The TV show can be seen live at Wednesday January 17th at 7.15 PM (CET) through the EBBA website. This will include performances of Alice Merton, Alma, Blanche, Kristian Kostov, Off Bloom, Sigrid, Skott and Youngr among others. On top of that the winner of the Public Choice Award will be revealed.
The EBBA ceremony is presented by musician and BBC TV host Jools Holland. During the show he will announce the EBBA-winning artist that has attracted the most votes and thereby wins the Public Choice Award. Last year it was Dua Lipa who won the award. You can watch the show live through the European Border Breakers Awards website (www.europeanborderbreakersawards.eu).
15th edition of the EBBA
EBBA celebrates new and groundbreaking artists who create the music of today and tomorrow. The list of EBBA winners features many remarkable European artists of the last few years, like: Adele, Christine & the Queens, Dua Lipa, Stromae, Gabriel Rios, Hozier, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Aurora, Disclosure, John Newman, C2C, Tokio Hotel, The Script, Years and Years, Robin Schulz, Carnival Youth, MØ and Melanie di Biasio.
From enthusiastic music fans to an industry that devotes itself to making the music that you love; ‘Music Moves Europe’. The EBBA is one of the ways in which the EU celebrates European musical diversity and unites fans, artists and the industry.
Each year ten European artists receive an EBBA for the success of their first release outside their home territory. This success is measured by airplay, sales and live shows in Europe and the position on the European Border Breakers Charts. Artists that qualify for EBBA 2018 have experienced groundbreaking success with their first international release in Europe between August 1 2016 and July 31 2017. Alongside that, they have to come from a country that participates in the EU’s Creative Europe programme.
EBBA, now in its 15th year, is an EU prize, set up by ESNS in co-operation with the European Commission (Creative Europe) and the European Broadcasting Union, supported by Buma Cultuur, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the province of Groningen, the city of Groningen and MartiniPlaza.
EBBA website: http://www.europeanborderbreakersawards.eu/
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Welcome to the new era of the EXIT Festival Dance Arena with the ultimate Techno line-up!
Last summer, all eyes were pointed at the new, spectacular Dance Arena with it’s new awe inspiring stage design and light show. The world renowned stage at EXIT Festival celebrated its first 15 years of existence that were filled with historical moments created by the party insatiable audience together with all the greatest DJs in the world. This year, the Dance Arena will display even more innovations at the magnificent site of the colossal Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. Techno titans scheduled for Thursday, July 12th confirms the rumors of the most star-studded list of performers so far. Techno Thursday will include the pioneer and leader of the global techno movement, Richie Hawtin, techno power couple Adam Beyer and Ida Engberg, the absolute symbol of Berlin scene, Ben Klock, rising star Amelie Lens and the great techno talent Anastasia Kristensen! Regional and local support will include the rising Croatian DJ Jock, while Dušan Nikolić and Runy, the hometown duo from Novi Sad will ignite Arena's spectacular machinery!
After a year of touring with his live concept "CLOSE”, which was previewed exclusively at EXIT 2016, Richie Hawtin is coming back to the venerated Serbian festival, but this time for a morning session and a closing set! In a recent interview, the techno heavyweight known also under his Plastikman moniker, announced that he will be taking a short break at the start of this year before continuing to develop this live concept further, which was already voted Best Live Performance by the Ibiza DJ Awards 2017! The greatest techno couple of all time, Adam Beyer and Ida Engberg, are coming back to the stage they know very well. With three kids and two huge careers, the world media has proclaimed them “the first techno family” and “the coolest couple on the scene”, and everyone wrote about them leaving for Berlin’s Berghain’s dance floor straight from their wedding. One of the symbols of this techno temple will await them at the Arena! After his spectacular “Photon” show left in awe both media and fans alike, the techno titan Ben Klock arrives at the Dance Arena at the point when he can be considered the most accomplished to this date! Since his last performance at EXIT Festival, he won the “Essential Mix of the Year” and headlined incredibly long list of major events all over the globe.
Still, if someone can write a film-worthy story about sudden success, it is by all means the unique Amelie Lens! The Belgian scene heroine was dubbed the future of techno by the likes of Richie Hawtin and Adam Beyer, and her in-demand status is best described by the 27 flights boarded in October alone, plus three sets at ADE 2017, and just as many in the New Year's Eve with sold out performances all around Europe as well as Australia and New Zealand, while finishing the year with four hits in the Top 20 techno releases on Beatport! Only a year ago she was considered an upcoming act, while today she is by all means a true headliner to some of the greatest events, while being also the resident of the increasingly popular Labyrinth club where she hones her impecable mixing skills in all-nighters. The Russian-Danish rising star, Anastasia Kristensen, has been going through a very similar experience, being already proclaimed the Best Breakthrough Artist by the Mixmag, while her sets are creating a lot of traction with both the media and the rapidly growing number of fans. The Croatian DJ Jock can also join to tell what it feels like when Carl Cox plays your demo on Ibiza, then publishes it by his label and invites you to perform alongside him. No wonder the Croatian DJ is invited to play the Arena after being chosen as the Best Regional Producer! The honor to open this year's edition and start the new era of the EXIT's Dance Arena goes to homegrown duo Dušan Nikolić and Runy, who both are rising local stars whose days are yet to come.
EXIT Freedom 2018 presents 5 festivals in 5 countries!
After the EXIT Summer of Love gathered the four festivals in a row last summer, EXIT Freedom 2018 will represent an even greater festival achievement, putting together five festivals in five countries: EXIT, Festival 84, Sea Star, Revolution and Sea Dance. Tickets are sold via exitfest.org, while the official tourist agency of the festival, exittrip.org, offers tourist packages containing tickets, as well as accommodation and transport options!
FESTIVAL GUIDE 2018 - FESTIVALS NOT TO MISS IN 2018
From discovering the best new bands, to dancing poolside or on a beach, partying in a fortress or experiencing the surreal midnight sun, wallet friendly European hotspots and amazing city festivals to combine with long weekends of culture, gastronomic delights and sightseeing, There's something for everyone. Get ready for a festival holiday of a lifetime in 2018!
There’s a festival something for every festival adventurer, are you ready? Here’s 8 unforgettable festivals not to miss in 2018.
GET YOUR FIX OF NEW BANDS AT EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG IN THE NETHERLANDS
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is the place to discover and access the very best emerging European music talent. The event has a proven track record of helping to break new acts on the international music scene, with now well-known names such as Aurora, Blossoms, Dua Lipa, Hozier, Mø, Lost Frequencies, Royal Blood, and the XX having played at ESNS as up and coming talents.
The B2B side of the event attracts more than 4,000 entertainment industry professionals from all sections of the industry, including representatives of over 400 European festivals, managers, agents, publishers, labels, tech companies and event suppliers. Each year, ESNS stages more than 350 showcases all over the city of Groningen as well as offering a comprehensive and focused conference programme of around 150 panels and keynotes. The event also hosts multiple networking opportunities, annual meetings by music associations, pitch sessions, dinners, parties and dedicated areas featuring the very latest thinking and technical innovation in the music, media, interactive and production industries. At this year's edition Denmark will be the ESNS focus country.
ESNS takes place from 17 - 20 January 2018. More info available at. eurosonic-noorderslag.nl
ENJOY THE POOLSIDE PARTIES AT SEA STAR FESTIVAL IN CROATIA
After an electric premiere edition Sea Star festival is set to return to beautiful Stella Maris laguna in Umag on May 25th and 26th, while the opening day will take place on May 24th and the after party on Sunday, May 27th. Put together by the team behind EXIT Festival, the first Sea Star festival closed with rapturous applause, firmly proving that it is worthy of the nomination for 'Best European New Festival' at the prestigious European Festival Awards. Stunning location, 6+ stages, more than 70 world renowned artists and outstanding productions make this festival a must see. Umag is a beautiful Istrian town, rich in Mediterranean spirit, historical baroque and renaissance buildings and narrow streets that lead to numerous authentic restaurants making it the perfect place to chill out after dancing all night.
Sea Star takes place from 24 - 27 May 2018. More info available at seastarfestival.com
EXPERIENCE THE SURREAL MIDNIGHT SUN AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN ICELAND
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, 2018 promises to be Secret Solstice’s biggest edition yet! Taking place in Reykjavik from 21-24 June during the surreal summer solstice (meaning the sun never sets), the festival has firmly established itself on the bucket list for every true festival-geek wanting to be a part of this truly unique experience. Secret Solstice is Iceland’s premiere music festival, each year welcoming an eclectic lineup to the naturally breathtaking country for main stage sets, glacier raves, midnight sun boat parties and secret lagoon blowouts. By combining a high caliber of music talent alongside side events that showcase the incredible Icelandic landscape, Secret Solstice have created a not-to-be-missed festival experience in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.
Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at secretsolstice.is
PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul!. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.
EXIT takes place from 12-15 July 2017. More info available at exitfest.org.
ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA
Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013.
Positivus takes place from 20 - 22 July. More info available at positivusfestival.com
DISCOVER THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE
A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia. OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. As well as discovering new music festival goers can also discover the city of Katowice with plenty of art and culture to soak up and a huge choice of bars and restaurants to delve into.
OFF Festival takes place from 3-5 August 2017. More info available at off-festival.pl
ENJOY THE BIGGEST HEADLINERS AT LOWLANDS FESTIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
Get ready for A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise 2018. Taking place next to the Walib Fairgrounds, Biddinghuizen Lowlands features some of the biggest headliners, impressive installations including the new iconic armadillo food and drink area, plus unique covers for all stages so you can enjoy all the music rain or shine. Just over an hours drive from Amsterdam you can easily mix your festival trip with a few days city break in Amsterdam. As well as all the amazing artists, Lowlands has so many others things to do from enjoying a soak in the hot tubs, to taking part in science experiments! The festival has also been shortlisted for several awards in the European Festival Awards including ‘Best Major Festival’ and ‘Best Line Up’, Tickets include festival entry, camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad. Save the date now!
Lowlands takes place from 17 - 19 August. More info available at lowlands.nl
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over 395,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate music festival for fans of electronic music features more than 2,500 international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most celebrated venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE Festival, the ADE Conference also offers music enthusiasts and artists a large and varied day program featuring a wealth of dance music-related seminars, artist Q&A’s exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases and gear master classes, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising historical locations and unique venues across the city.
ADE takes place from 17-21 October 2018. More info available at amsterdam-dance-event.nl.
DANCE ON THE BEACH AT SEA DANCE FESTIVAL IN MONTENEGRO
Award winning Sea Dance festival gathers party people from all over the world to dance together on the beautiful beach in Budva, Montenegro. Voted best European medium-sized festival, Sea Dance has proven much within just three short years. With a stunning beach location and impressive line up of more than 100 hottest international music stars. Sea Dance is one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations. Recently listed by Skyscanner as the number 1 cheapest holiday destination this country is well worth checking out. Montenegro has towering mountains perfect for hiking and mountain biking as well as some of the world’s best unspoiled beaches on the Adriatic Sea. And if that wasn’t enough Montenegro featured in the James Bond Film Casino Royale and if it’s good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for us!
Sea Dance dates will be announced soon.. More info available at seadancefestival.me
CONTACT:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk