ESNS to focus on Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2019
Every year ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) highlights the very best emerging acts from a different country, showcasing the diversity of musical talent across Europe. In close cooperation with Pohoda Festival CEO Michal Kaščák and Márton Náray, Director of Sound Czech / Czech Music Office, ESNS is proud to announce its first ever dual-country focus on the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2019.
ESNS booker Robert Meijerink comments, “We are keen to showcase the unique, high-quality music from these two neighbours. Although two of the youngest countries in Europe, they both have diverse and growing music scenes, a great history and lots of amazing music to be discovered.”
Coordinator of the ESNS conference Ruud Berends is particularly excited to focus on these two countries, both from an historic perspective and because this focus is in many ways the culmination of what ESNS achieved with its partners and friends in the former CEE countries between 2011 and 2016 through the CEETEP programme. “I am confident that this will be a remarkable focus, especially with CR / Radio Wave and Radio_FM, Sound Czech / Czech Music Office and the ETEP festivals Colours of Ostrava, Metronome Festival, Rock for People, United Islands of Prague (Czech Republic) and Pohoda (Slovakia) on board.”
Director of the Czech Sound music office Márton Náray comments that the music scene in the Czech Republic has grown tremendously over the past five to ten years, with over 500 summer festivals, a booming club scene and dozens of great upcoming musical talents. “We are excited about the opportunity to show European professionals how much we have to offer. I think it is the perfect moment to do that.”
CEO and booker of Pohoda Festival Michal Kaščák adds that this opportunity is perfectly timed. “It is great to be a music fan in Slovakia. The whole world knows Metallica, PJ Harvey and The Sex Pistols. And we are lucky enough to know Čad, Jana Kirschner and The Wilderness. But don’t worry - thanks to the Czech-Slovakian focus at ESNS 2019, we will be sharing our hidden treasures with music lovers around the world. They deserve it!”
Registrations for ESNS 2019, which takes place from January 16 - 19, 2019 are now available at a super early bird rate of €260 through our website.
Acts wishing to play ESNS 2019 will be able to submit an online application for a showcase at the festival from May 1 until September 1, 2018.
About ESNS
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 Alma, Ásgeir, Aurora, Dua Lipa, Hozier, HER, Mø, My Baby, Rejjie Snow, Lost Frequencies, Roosevelt, Royal Blood, Seinabo Sey and Vök, 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. 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, alongside multiple networking opportunities.
Festival Adventures for 2018
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.
Line Up: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hurts, Robin Schulz, Disciples, Ofenbach, Tram 11, and more
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.
Line Up: Slayer, Gucci Mane, Stormzy, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, Steve Aoki, Jet Black Joe, 6lack, Goldlink, J Hus, IAMDDB, Charlotte de Witte, Skream, Masego, A-Trak, Högni and more.
Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at secretsolstice.is
Press Accreditaion: https://marcatoapp.com/forms/secret-solstice/application_pressint/new
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.
Line Up: Migos, Ziggy Marley, Fever Ray, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Alice Merton, Maceo Plex,
Nina Kraviz, Richie Hawtin, Solomun, Tale of Us, Amelie Lens, Asphyx, Ben Klock, Bombers, Brujeria, Burak Yeter, Dog Eat Dog, Grave Digger, Idles, Jax Jones, Lions's Law, Madball, Mahmut Orhan, Ofenbach, Sevdaliza, Slapshot, Slaves and more
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.
Line Up: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and more to be announced
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.
Line Up: Oxbow, Bishop Nehru, King Ayisoba, Jacques Greene, Turbonegro, Aldous Harding, Big Freedia, Egyptian Lover, Grizzly Bear, Marlon Williams, John Maus, CYHSY, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jon Hopkins Live, Hańba!, Furia, the Como Mamas, Coals , Moses Sumney and more.
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!
Line Up: 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
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
Hip-hop phenomenon Migos to headline EXIT Festival!
Global music phenomenon from Atlanta and the most popular rap group in the world, Migos, are coming to the Main Stage of EXIT festival in Serbia! Absolute headliners of major festivals this year come to the officially best European festival straight from the tops of American album charts they conquered with two albums. In just one year they became one of only five rap bands who managed to achieve this in their career, and with dazzling 15 numbers which found themselves concurrently on the American top list, Migos broke the 54 year old record previously held only by The Beatles! The trio consisting of Quavo, Offset and Takeoff first dazed the world with such hits as “Versace” and “Look At My Dab”, and then in 2016 their mega-hit “Bad and Boujee” earned over 600 million YouTube views and held the world throne for the entire four weeks despite coming out at the same time as Ed Sheeran’s mega-hit “Shape Of You”! While The Guardian compared them to The Beatles, Rolling Stone said that they "have transcended hip-hop to become shapers of the culture"! With two Grammy nominations and a whole bunch of stars they cooperated with, such as Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Gucci Mane, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Cardi B and many other participants in this planetary Migomania, it is clear that the popular trio from Atlanta will rule the international scene for a long time!
No.1 Hip-Hop band Migos to headline EXIT Festival: https://youtu.be/-L-xhkOp-RU
2018 can already be called their year, with the number 1 album and the performance at the half time show of one of the biggest sports events in the world, NBA All-Stars weekend in Los Angeles. As if this wasn’t enough, at the same event, but at the All-Stars Celebrity Game, Quavo from Migos won the MVP title by playing together with such stars as Win Butler of Arcade Fire and actors Jamie Foxx and Kris Wu. Migos made a breakthrough with their first album in 2013, “Young Rich Niggas” and the single “Versace” which received gold certification in 2016 after Drake made a remix of this song and placed this band in the spotlight in America. “Bad and Boujee”, the number one single at their next album “Culture”, became an internet phenomenon of sorts and part of the “meme” culture. It has been certified 4x platinum by the RIAA and became a favorite in clubs and radio stations all around the world, but also a celebrities’ favorite! The album itself is voted among the best in 2017 by the leading music media outlets such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Clash, Consequence of Sound and many others, and after only a couple of weeks it was surpassed by the current sequel "Culture II".
EXIT festival will be held from July 12 to 15 at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia and it will present some of the best international, regional and domestic music stars such as Migos, Ziggy Marley, Fever Ray, Alice Merton, Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Maceo Plex, Nina Kraviz, Solomun, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock, Jax Jones, Ofenbach, Mahmut Orhan, Carl Craig, Tale of Us, Sevdaliza, Burak Yeter, Madball, Brujeria, Ofenbach, Slapshot, Dog Eat Dog, Slaves, Idles, Asphyx, Bombers and many others. 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
OFF Festival Katowice 2018: Aurora, Yasuaki Shimizu, Yellow Days, Sorja Morja and more
OFF Festival Katowice 2018: We’re Warning You!
Regulars of the OFF Festival know that we like to feature artists from the future of music, but we also welcome great names from its glorious past. Today’s additions represent both sides: the forward-looking Aurora and Yellow Days, along with the legendary Japanese avant garde sax player Yasuaki Shimizu. Get ready for the nostalgic visions of Sorja Morja, and cower in fear as Legendarny Afrojax takes the stage.
Aurora
The title of this Norwegian singer’s 2016 debut album, All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend, speaks volumes about her music. On the one hand, there’s her crystal-clear voice and catchy tunes, and on the other — a certain coldness and anxiety lurking below the surface. Scandinavia is the only place where they sing songs that are at once this dark and charming.
Aurora Aksnes started making music at the tender age of six and had a record deal with Decca by the time she was a teenager. She went on to enjoy one success after another, releasing a critically-acclaimed single and album, going on tour and performing at the world’s leading music festivals. She broke the loop early this year, holing up in a forest in France to complete her follow-up album, slated for release before the OFF Festival begins.
Yasuaki Shimizu
This Japanese composer, producer and saxophonist’s career spans decades. He has worked with such notable artists as Ryuchu Sakimoto, Helen Merrill, Björk, Bill Laswell and Peter Greenaway (on the soundtrack to The Pillow Book), which gives you an idea of his artistic caliber. Recent re-releases of a few of his outstanding albums (more legendary than popular) dating back to his early years have sparked resurgent interest in Yasuaki’s music among Western audiences. Its nature is hard to express in words: this sax player drifts effortlessly between jazz, classical music, pop and traditional Japanese music, but you just have to hear it for yourselves.
Yellow Days
2017 marked the year when George van den Broek reached adulthood and also achieved musical maturity. His debut Harmless Melodies is not something you’d expect from a promising artist: rather, it’s an artistic manifesto from a musician who knows what he wants to accomplish and knows how to do it. Yellow Days is a singer-songwriter for the 21st century. His dirges have the classy feel of soul hits from decades past, yet they strike you as the kind of intimate tunes people compose by themselves, for themselves. They tempt the ear with pretty melodies, only to surprise you with an utterly contemporary synth line or an unexpected psychedelic lick. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a sleepless night of heartbreak.
Legendarny Afrojax
“If I could play a show at the National Stadium…”, Legendarny Afrojax muses on the album Nagrałem to, bo nie miałem kasy (I recorded this because I needed the money). Well, we’ll find out “what if” at his OFF Festival show, though we hope it’s just a bit of poetic license on his part. Michał Hoffman, who performs under the stage name Afrojax, has proved his mettle as a singer, composer, producer and lyricist for such acts as Afro Kolektyw and Poradnia G. But his solo work takes him into realms that remained untouched in his previous projects, ones too taboo even for Poland’s boldest musical rebels. Afrojax puts us in front of a funhouse mirror, and the reflection is pretty grim, if somewhat cathartic. The title of his debut album goes: “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” We’re warning you, too.
Sorja Morja
Sleepy, bittersweet visions that blend nostalgia with the quotidian experience. At the musical level, Sorja Morja offers a fascinating juxtaposition of blunt post punk with a Stereolabesque sensibility, mixing in the influence of Polish rock classics Lady Pank and Papa Dance. Sorja, the debut record by Ewa Sadowska and Szymon Lechowicz, runs a mere half hour, but remains one of the most intriguing local releases of 2017.
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, Aldous Harding, Oxbow, Bishop Nehru, King Ayisoba, Jacques Greene, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jon Hopkins Live, Hańba!, Furia, The Como Mamas and Moses Sumney.
The 2018 OFF Festival Katowice will take place August 3–5 at Three Pond Valley. Three-day passes are now available at the OFF Shop for 290 PLN. This price lasts until April 15 or until the second batch of tickets is sold out! Campground tickets are also available for 70 PLN.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
EXIT Festival goes All Star with Nina Kraviz, Solomun, Maceo Plex and Tale of Us
EXIT goes All-Star with Nina Kraviz, Solomun, Maceo Plex and Tale of Us joining the festival!
Ever since the first announcement of techno line-up featuring Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer, Ida Engberg, Ben Klock, Amelie Lens and Anastasia Kristensen, it has become clear that mts Dance Arena is starting a new era at Serbian EXIT festival! One of the biggest and most significant stages in the entire world, decided to exceed all its historical maximums this very year when EXIT holds a title of the Best Major European festival! For this occasion, a true #Arenamageddon is being prepared at the Petrovaradin Fortress, because Nina Kraviz, Solomun, Maceo Plex, Tale of Us, Carl Craig, Rødhåd and Boris Brejcha have all confirmed their presence! The Arena will also host local techno aces Filip Xavi and Vladimir Aćić Avoid, and this historical line-up at the colossal Arena, consisting solely of headliners, will be expanded soon with more exciting surprises!
EXIT Festival awaits true Arenamageddon in 2018: https://youtu.be/Yn4GHI1ytp8
After the last year when she was responsible for perhaps most iconic moments in Dance Arena history, with the atmosphere seen only at stadium rock concerts, multiple ovations and two encores, Nina Kraviz is coming to EXIT to recreate the magic together with the audience from all around the world, whose endless trust she enjoys. There is nobody like Nina, with her dedication, uncompromising attitude and, above all, courage to constantly change things, curiosity to keep experimenting, and the wish to continuously learn and lead by example the global electronic scene, with the title of the best DJ in the world in 2017! Nina will, at the same time, be the first performer in history who will close EXIT festival with her performance two years in a row, and this will be her third consecutive performance at the fortress, the record she will share this year with an equally fascinating phenomenon of the international music scene.
This phenomenon is none other than Mladen Solomun, alpha and omega of the international house scene, for whom it has become insufficient to say that he is the most popular Balkan-born musician in the world, given that in only a couple of years he has conquered the planet with the amazing ease. His directness and charm are embedded into the charisma defined by the authenticity of the region which he not only didn’t give up on, but presented to the entire world through cutting edge musical expression. And one of the places where he started his journey to the top in 2010 was EXIT itself, which he called “one of the best things he experienced”! The connection is best felt in the fact that this year he returns for the third year in a row, with his personal wish that this is his only festival performance in the Balkans this year.
Maceo Plex, mix virtuoso and an absolute headliner of the biggest festivals in the world, said a couple of years ago in a VICE documentary that he feels stage fright only when he is about to perform in the Arena. This stage fright is apparently only helping him, because his performances have so far been greeted with the loudest cheers from the audience. Unstoppable in the studio, Maceo arrives to the Arena with plethora of new material prepared for the biggest open summer festivals, the venues which perfectly fit his extremely recognizable sound. Dance Arena will also welcome masked creator of high-tech minimal techno, Boris Brejcha, whose world-wide known tracks "Lost Memory" and "My Love" will make the notorious Saturday night at Dance Arena unforgettable!
Milan-based masters of the currently leading international sound, the unmatched duo Tale of Us, this year also wish to see the first morning sun rising above the colossal trench and the packed Arena, a well known scene which reached the furthest parts of the world! The authors of great hits such as “Another Earth”, “Northern Star”, “Monument” and others, Karm and Matteo, are returning after three years, bigger than ever with possibly the most popular club brand “Afterlife”, which they founded in the time since their last encounter with the audience at the Arena!
Detroit based revolutionary and one of the founders of the global techno movement, Carl Craig, will fill the arena with the futuristic sound which will, newly produced, receive a dimension deserved by one of the true giants. He sealed the title of the biggest innovators of electronic music last year when he published the “Versus” album in collaboration with Paris-based "Les siècles orchestra at Cité de la Musique" which blew away the critics! The Fortress of Petrovaradin will finally be able to greet Berlin-based bard Rødhåd, whose publishing house “Dystopian” is at the front of the new generation of techno artists! He comes to EXIT with the recently published album “Anxious” with which he showed why his sets are a thing in common for the best clubs in the world where he performs regularly, such as Berghain, fabric, Goa, Fuse, Concrete and our Drugstore.
The domestic support will be provided by one of the pillars of Belgrade techno scene Filip Xavi, a resident of Belgrade Drugstore club whose sound conquered such places as Tresor in Berlin, Radion in Amsterdam, and the cult stage of Exit, No Sleep Novi Sad! Another unavoidable name when talking about the regional techno scene is undoubtedly Vladimir Aćić, better known as AVOID. Novi Sad-based MVP and a host of sorts at the fortress is characterized by top precision and technique, as well as the unmistakable feel for mix weaved with his powerful recordings.
EXIT festival will be held from July 12 to 15 at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia and it will present some of the best international, regional and domestic music stars such as Ziggy Marley, Fever Ray, Alice Merton, Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock, Jax Jones, Ofenbach, Mahmut Orhan, Sevdaliza, Madball, Brujeria, Dog Eat Dog, Slaves, Idles, Asphyx, Bombers and many others. 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
Music PR | Event PR | Festival PR
Iceland’s Secret Solstice 2018 Announces Phase 2 adding Slayer, Gucci Mane, Clean Bandit and More!
Catch Slayer on their Final World Tour and Trap Pioneer Gucci Mane at The World’s Most Unique Festival.
Following on from their recent phase 1 announcement, Iceland’s Secret Solstice is pleased to announce its second wave of artists with iconic metal band Slayer who are on their Final World Tour, rapper Gucci Mane, and electro-pop group Clean Bandit who are all playing in Iceland for the first time. Now in its fifth year, Secret Solstice will once again take place during 96 hours of continuous sunlight over the summer solstice June 21-24 showcasing the best in local and international rock, hip hop and electronic music in the world’s most unique festival setting.
Two-time GRAMMY winners Slayer are long-reigning titans of punk-thrash who alongside bands like Metallica helped define the thrash-metal genre throughout their 34 year career. Touching down in Iceland as part of their final world tour fresh off their North American dates, this is a rare last opportunity to catch the legendary band. American rapper, label owner, and Billboard chart-topper Gucci Mane who’s lucrative career is soon to be the subject of a Paramount biopic, is credited as pioneering the hip hop sub-genre known as trap music. The god of trap will no doubt bring his colorful beats to the Secret Solstice main stage. British genre crossover group Clean Bandit best known for their hit single “Rather Be”, seamlessly blend classical music with pop bringing together strings, piano, percussion, vocals and electronic beats. Their refreshing take on modern pop music and reputation for incredible live shows will be sure to captivate Secret Solstice festival goers this June.
These three artists add to to the diverse list of headline artists previously announced including Stormzy, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, Steve Aoki, Jet Black Joe, GRAMMY nominees 6lack and Goldink, J Hus, Charlotte de Witte, Skream, A-Trak, Masego, IAMDBB, Högni and Gentleman’s Dub Club.
Also announced are 13 local artists including a number of Icelandic hip hop and rap acts such as bubblegum trap queen Alvia, Cell7, Elli Grill, Geisha Cartel, Landaboi$, Ragga Hólm, Sprite Zero Klan, Vala CruNk, and Yung Nigo Drippin alongside pop talent Birgir and GDRN, rock group HAM, and semi-acoustic band Vio.
For those looking to splurge, Secret Solstice is pleased to welcome back two limited availability luxury tickets: Oðinn and the Package of the Gods. With the Oðinn pass, fans will receive special treatment and amenities from arrival like priority festival access, entry to the new Oðinn pop-up lounge, complimentary food and drinks at the festival, backstage access, side event discounts and more. With only three super exclusive Package of the Gods tickets available, the extravagant festival pass is perfect for fans wanting to enjoy their favorite artists in serious style. Encompassing everything offered to Oðinn members, the luxurious pass also includes helicopter transfers to glaciers and lava tunnels, complimentary access to all side party events, luxury accommodation for two, a private Icelandic dining experience and more amazing perks still to be announced.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning natural surrounds of Iceland’s breathtaking scenery, there are many reasons to tick Iceland off your bucket list this summer. Tourist attractions abound including volcanic beaches, epic midnight sunsets where daylight reins 24/7, Game of Thrones filming locations, jaw-dropping waterfalls and the infamous Blue Lagoon. With once-in-a-lifetime add-on side events taking place inside unique and otherworldly places like glaciers and lava tunnels soundtracked by exceptional music talent, Secret Solstice caters to destination festival goers with a passion for the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
This is the second of three waves of artists to be announced for Secret Solstice Festival 2018.
Early-Bird tickets for Secret Solstice Festival 2018 start at $187 USD. Camping, VIP Early-bird tickets, limited availability Oðinn ($1,880 USD) and Package of the Gods ($14,923 USD) are also on sale through the Secret Solstice website.
Tickets to Into The Glacier on June 23, 2018 are on sale now for $318 USD via http://secretsolstice.is/side-events/
Tickets to The Lava Tunnel on June 23 and June 24, 2018 are on sale now for $236 USD via http://secretsolstice.is/side-events/
Full tour packages including flights, tickets and accommodation with Iceland’s top services including hotels, rentals, and airport transfers will also be available for the 2018 edition. More details coming soon!
Secret Solstice’s lineup as it stands can be found below, including all newly-announced names
(* indicates Phase 2 Artists)
*Slayer [US]
Stormzy [UK]
*Gucci Mane [US]
Steve Aoki [US]
Bonnie Tyler [UK]
Death From Above [US]
Jet Black Joe [IS]
6lack [US]
Goldlink [US]
J Hus [UK]
Charlotte de Witte [BE]
Skream [UK]
A-Trak [US]
Masego [US]
IAMDDB [UK]
Högni [IS]
Gentleman’s Dub Club [UK]
Agent Fresco [IS]
*Alvia [IS]
Artwork [UK]
Ása [IS]
Bensol [IS]
Between Mountains [IS]
*Birgir [IS]
Casio Fatso [IS]
*Cell 7 [IS]
Dillalude [IS]
Dream Wife [UK/IS]
Droog [US]
Earthgang [US]
Egyptian Lover [US]
*Elli Grill [IS]
Fox Train Safari [IS]
*GDRN [IS]
*Geisha Cartel [IS]
GKR [IS]
Grúska Babúska [IS]
*HAM [IS]
Hildur [IS]
Holmar [IS]
J.I.D [US]
JFDR [IS]
John Acquaviva [CA]
Johnny And The Rest [IS]
JóiPé og Króli [IS]
Klose One [UK]
KrBear [IS]
*Landaboi$ [IS]
Maher Daniel [CA]
Matt Tolfrey [UK]
Nitin [CA]
Petre Inspirescu [RO]
Pink Street Boys [IS]
*Ragga Hólm [IS]
Rhadoo [RO]
Raresh [RO]
Retro Mutants [IS]
Ryan Crosson [US]
Rythmatik [IS]
Shaun Reeves [US]
*Sprite Zero Klan [IS]
Sylvia [IS]
Úlfur Úlfur [IS]
Une Misère [IS]
*Vala CruNk [IS]
*Vio [IS]
VÖK [IS]
wAFF [UK]
We Made God [IS]
*Yung Nigo Drippin [IS]
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
OFF Festival Katowice 2018: Shame, Fury and a Massacre!
The title of this announcement might sound like a joke, but we’re dead serious: The Brian Jonestown Massacre is joining this year’s OFF Festival lineup, while bands Hańba! and Furia are back for repeat performances, alongside Jon Hopkins Live, the Como Mamas, Coals and Moses Sumney.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
rock’n’roll / psychedelic / folk rock / shoegaze
We’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while and, from what we gather, so have you and the band. The Brian Jonestown Massacre is finally coming home to their rightful place at the OFF Festival! For nearly three decades, the band has sustained our faith in rock’n’roll with their grimy, belligerent, self-deprecating, psychedelic guitar rock. From blues to shoegaze (and back), from their legendary 1995 debut Methodrone to last year’s Don’t Get Lost, the collective commanded by the charismatic frontman Anton Newcombe has yet to disappoint us.
Jon Hopkins Live
ambient / IDM / techno
Jon Hopkins must have considered a career as a classical pianist, but he threw his lot in with modern electronic sounds instead. He started out as a synth player for Imogen Heap, which led to a collaboration with Brian Eno, whom he joined in the studio to record a Coldplay album. Jon went on to work with such artists as David Lynch, Zucchero and King Creosote, scoring films while progressing in his own career as one of the UK’s leading electronic music producers. Skirting the line between dreamscapes and real life, his trademark melodies are built from clean, spacious and refined sounds, distilled to their essence on the Mercury Prize-nominated album Immunity (2013). His next record, slated for release this May, takes another step into the future of IDM, and we can only assume the tracks will feature heavily in his OFF Festival live set.
Hańba!
folk / urban folk / punk
“I remember how it used to be before the war. Those were the days…” Our grandparents’ generation can get pretty sentimental about the pre-war years. But if Hańba’s music is any indication, punk’s best years happened before World War II.
We’ve featured them at the OFF Festival before, in 2015, setting off what turned out to be a significant series of events. Their performance in Katowice’s historic Nikiszowiec neighborhood, recorded and broadcast by Seattle’s KEXP Radio, opened doors for the band, landing them a record deal that was signed onstage. With two albums (Hańba! and Będą bić) and a Polityka Prize to their name, this Kraków street orchestra is back to shake us up and warn us about the threat we pose to ourselves.
Furia
black metal / necro-folk
Since their first appearance at the OFF Festival, Furia have played three shows at Primavera and put on a visionary performance at the Guido coal mine, 320 meters underground, drawing inspiration from the paintings of Teofil Ociepka, one of the leaders of an early-20th century occult group in Janów Śląski. They released the album Księżyc milczy luty, one of the most critically-acclaimed Polish records of 2016. They played a ghostly wedding band in an outstanding play directed by Jan Klata at Kraków’s Stary Theater. What else? You know, the same old stuff: they’ve been putting on phenomenal concerts and continue to be the most unpredictable figures in the new wave of Polish black metal, and, like it or not, they’re leaving their mark on the genre.
The Como Mamas
gospel / soul / spirituals
Had enough extreme sensations? Then come to mama for a hug and a gentle song… We’ve never had a band quite like the Como Mamas here at the OFF Festival. Straight out of the small Mississippi Delta town of Como, by way of New York City, thanks to Daptone Records (who introduced us to Charles Bradley), come Ester Mae Smith, Angela Taylor and Della Daniels. Their album Get an Understanding and its promotional tour have made waves far beyond traditional gospel music audiences, and it’s no wonder: the impact and dedication of these songs crosses all boundaries.
Coals
electro / synth pop / avant pop
The Silesian duo Coals — Katarzyna Kowalczyk and Łukasz Rozmysłowski — may be relative newcomers to the scene, but this is already their second appearance at the OFF Festival. They had little more than an EP titled Homework the first time around, but their original, unique style turned heads, some of which belonged to the KEXP crew, who shot a video session with Coals in Katowice (and later another in Reykjavik). Then came concerts in Poland and stints at a number of international festivals, along with the release of their debut album Tamagotchi, which lived up to high expectations: it’s a nostalgic and eclectic product of the musicians’ myriad inspirations, from hip hop to synthpop. More importantly, though, it’s a collection of excellent and mature songs.
Moses Sumney
folk / soul
This Californian singer-songwriter, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, is a protégé of TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek. He started out as an opening act for Sufjan Stevens and Erykah Badu, a fact that tells you a lot about the unique character of his music, which borrows as much from folk (or even freak folk) as it does from soul. His debut album Aromanticism landed him on a number of year-end lists in 2017. Listening to Moses Sumney’s album is an experience so intimate that we can hardly conceive the emotions the artist might evoke in us with a live performance.
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, Aldous Harding, Oxbow, Bishop Nehru, King Ayisoba, and Jacques Greene.
The 2018 OFF Festival Katowice will take place August 3–5 at Three Pond Valley. Three-day passes are now available at the OFF Shop for 290 PLN. This price lasts until April 15 or until the second batch of tickets is sold out! Campground tickets are also available for 70 PLN.
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Art-pop artists Fever Ray and Sevdaliza confirmed for EXIT Festival opening night
The long list of art-pop acts at EXIT will continue this summer by the two sensational artists who are bringing futuristic sounds to the historic Petrovaradin Fortress where the officaly Best Major European Festival is taking place. The first is the absolute icon of 21st century music, Karin Dreijer, better known as Fever Ray! Karin is coming to the fortress at the pinnacle of her career, starring at the most important festivals of this summer such as Primavera or Melt! which placed her among the three top headliners along with Florence + The Machine and The xx. Followed by a band and a unique and very visual performance, this year’s EXIT welcomes another avant-garde pop star and leading trip-hop artist, Sevdaliza! Her latest album “ISON”, stellar live performances and authentic videos have launched the Iranian artist onto the stages of leading world festivals.
Fever Ray & Sevdaliza added to EXIT Festival 2018: https://youtu.be/R1JUw08GBew
Fever Ray achieved planetary popularity through a beloved revolutionary electro band The Knife, whose five albums have heavily influenced today’s music over multiple generations. In the meantime, Karin leant her sonorous voice to Royksopp’s greatest hit, “What Else Is There”. She collaborated with the Norwegian duo on two more equally successful songs, “This Must Be It” and “Tricky Tricky”. The first solo album as Fever Ray was published in 2009, and The Guardian and Resident Advisor both awarded it the 2nd place on their album list that year. Album birthed the colossal hits “When I Grow Up” and “Keep the Streets Empty for Me”, as well as the most famous “If I Had A Heart”, which has become quite an anthem over the years, as it is in the intro for the planetary popular TV show “Vikings”! Her performances have had a certain veil of mystery, being so few, and her last solo tour ended in 2010, so it is a small surprise that her new album “Plunge” created quite a groundswell. The album is in line with this year’s motto of “EXIT Freedom”, and Karin herself describes it as a work about “freedom and curiosity”, in which she researches the social norms of the 21st century and women that create the rules of conduct. Just like the previous one, this album scored high with all the important media outlets, such as The Guardian, Pitchfork and Resident Advisor.
Sevda Alizadeh, better known as Sevdaliza, was born in Iran, and grew up in Rotterdam. She taught herself to sing, right, direct and compose, and she is fluent in five languages. Her efforts have been recognized, and she is seen as the future, not only of the alternative scene, but the sound that is a remarkable reflection of that which makes this century what it is. Her music is characterized by the complexity of her husky and sensual RnB vocal, abrupt musical phrases and elegiac melodies on strong bass lines. Rhythmical tensions flow into chaotic climaxes, while the melodies mix punk, trip-hop, electro and grime. Her artistic expression is complete with the lyrics influenced by literature and philosophy and following her two maxi-singles “The Suspended Kid” and “Children of Silk”, the critics have already dubbed her album “ISON” the herald of a new musical era. The audience of the EXIT Festival will have the opportunity to enjoy the tracks such as “Human”, “That Other Girl” and “Sirens of the Caspian” this July at the fortress!
Fans of explosive riffs celebrate EXIT reinforcements!
Some feisty reinforcements are coming to EXIT, lead by the legendary New York hardcore band Madball, who are bringing three decades of energy, passion and positive spirit in their return to the Explosive Stage. The leading warriors of the extreme scene, Brujeria, will have their first performance in the region! The very much sought-after punks of Lion’s Law are bringing the oi! punk energy, while one of the most respected Swedish crossover thrash metal bands – Dr Living Dead – will drive the audience out of their minds on day one. Young speed-thrashers, Evil Invaders, as well as the pagan metallers, Skyforger, famous for the first metal opera ever, are also on their way. The audience of the most furious stage of the EXIT Festival will also welcome the Norwegian punk/HC band Exploding Head Syndrome, unpredictable Canadian hardcore punks Boids and, after a long break, local death metallers Bane! More local reinforcements will be taken care of by the Novi Sad’s hardcore punk band First Flame, the stoner sound will be taken care of by Mud Factory, while groove metal veterans Rhemorha are coming from far away Siberia! Oldschool speed thrash metal from Zagreb, Liv and the local thrash black metal, Terrorhammer, will complete the epic lineup of the Explosive Stage.
EXIT Festival will be held on Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, hosting some of the best world, regional, and local music stars, such as Ziggy Marley, Alice Merton, Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock, Jax Jones, Ofenbach, Mahmut Orhan, Burak Yeter, Dog Eat Dog, Idles, Slaves, Grave Digger, Slapshot, Idles, Asphyx, Bombers and many others. Promo four day festival pass at minuscule price of 99€ / £89 are available via exitfest.org, while the website of EXIT’s official tourist agency exittrip.org you can find tourist packages containing tickets, accommodation and transport options.
DAVE CLARKE PRESENTS: WHIP IT - DAVE CLARKE / THE EXALTICS / ROD / DEXTER / W1B0 / BRUTUZZ
Renowned dj and producer Dave Clarke continues his love of all things electro with 'Whip It' at Melkweg on Saturday 31st March.
The electro club night is the only one of its kind in the Dutch dance scene and to get the clubbers dancing, Clarke has whipped up a line-up that’ll have electro music lovers feet shuffling.
For the fourth edition of Whip It expect heavy 808´s, hi hats, risky vocoders en cutting synths from the German The Exaltics with a live show, next to ROD with a special electro set, old-timer Dexter, W1b0 known from the Bass Agenda label and Melkweg favorite Brutuzz. Each guarantees for a thrilling electro night!
Date: Saturday 31st March
Tickets: from 18 euros (plus booking fee)
More Info here:
http://www.melkweg.nl/en/agenda/whip-it-31-03-2018/
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity
Iceland’s Secret Solstice 2018 Announces Phase 1 with Stormzy, Steve Aoki, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, IAMDBB, Charlotte de Witte and more!
The midnight sun festival will once again showcase top international and local Icelandic artists across rock, hip hop, and electronic music
“The world’s hottest music festival takes place in the world’s most far-flung location: Iceland” - GQ Magazine
Iceland’s Secret Solstice, the world’s most unique festival held during 96 hours of straight sunlight during the summer solstice, has announced their phase 1 lineup for their fifth edition with Stormzy, Steve Aoki, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, Jet Black Joe, 6lack, Goldlink, J Hus, Charlotte de Witte, Skream, A-Trak, Masego, IAMDBB, Högni and 40+ additional international and local Icelandic artists. Taking place June 21-24, 2018 in the Nordic capital of Reykjavik, Secret Solstice will once again be a standout event of the summer festival season that combines a world-class lineup with all the amazing attractions and experiences that this beautiful bucket-list destination has to offer.
With a lineup spanning across rock, hip hop and electronic music, there is something to please nearly every music lover at Secret Solstice with many artists playing the festival and in Iceland for the first time. Fans of UK grime and hip hop artist Stormzy will be excited to catch the chart-topping artist in Iceland alongside award-winning American electro-house musician, record producer and DJ Steve Aoki. Singer and three time Grammy nominee Bonnie Tyler who became an 80s sensation with best-selling hits “It’s a Heartache” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart” will make her Secret Solstice debut, and Icelandic 90s rock group Jet Black Joe will treat fans to their signature grungy pop-rock sound. Marking their first appearances in Iceland, 6lack is one of the new generation of Atlantic rappers known for his single “Prblms” which has racked up over 133 million Spotify streams, hip hop newcomer and Grammy nominee Goldlink will grace the Secret Solstice stage alongside a frequent collaborator, trap house and jazz artist Masego. Newly crowned UK rap and hip hop artist J Hus will showcase his pop afrobeats alongside IAMDBB who is known for her urban jazz grooves. Belgium’s fast rising techno star Charlotte de Witte currently taking the underground dance world by storm is also announced as is the UK’s Skream; one of the original champions of dubstep and a Paradise favorite currently known for his chunky tech-house sound. With two headline artists representing Canada, producer and maestro remixer A-Trak who rose to fame as Kanye West’s touring DJ will be sure to please fans of his popular dance anthems, whilst at the other end of the genre spectrum punk rockers Death from Above will bring their noisy hardcore sound and gritty synths. Secret Solstice is also pleased to welcome back Högni who is one of Iceland’s leading contemporary singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.
Rounding out the international lineup, highlights include minimal techno trio [a:rpia:r] (Petre Inspirescu, Raresh, Rhadoo), Crosstown Rebels’ electronic songwriter and vocalist Ali Love, Icelandic/UK punk band Dream Wife, Atlanta hip hop duo Earthgang, early 80s vocalist, DJ and rap favorite Egyptian Lover who is playing in Iceland for the first time, British dub band Gentleman’s Dub Club, and American rapper and songwriter J.I.D. Other internationals include genre-bending DJ Klose One, Leftroom label head Matt Tolfrey, frequent Richie Hawtin collaborator John Acquaviva, No.19 label co-owner Nitin, Visionquest founding members Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves, and wAFF who is a hot pick on Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations and Paradise imprints. With such a huge pool of incredible Icelandic talents at their fingertips, Secret Solstice is also pleased to present over 25 local artists at this year’s festival. Top local acts playing include Agent Fresco, Ása, GKR, Hildur, Holmar and Úlfur Úlfur with many more still yet to be announced.
Recently included in The New York Times’ “52 Places To Visit in 2018”, there are many reasons Iceland is a must-visit for destination festival goers this summer. From volcanic black sand beaches to hot springs and icy glaciers, the otherworldly landscape has made it more than just a popular tourist destination, but also a filming location for acclaimed movies and TV shows like Batman Begins and Game of Thrones. Often referred to as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, attendees will experience natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun where the sun never falls below the horizon during the summer solstice due to Iceland’s close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Outside of the main festival programming, revellers can also take in once in a lifetime performances inside Europe’s second largest glacier Langjökull 130 feet beneath the surface or journey deep into a 5,200 year old Lava Tunnel at the magnificent lava caves of Raufarhólshellir at one of the Secret Solstice official side parties. Extremely limited tickets are available for both Into The Glacier on Saturday, June 23 and The Lava Tunnel taking place on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday June 24.
By combining the excitement and high-energy atmosphere of a world-class music festival with the stunning backdrop of Iceland, Secret Solstice has a lot to offer to both music and nature lovers in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.
More artists to be announced!
Super Early-Bird tickets for Secret Solstice Festival 2018 start at $151 USD. Camping, and VIP Early-bird tickets are also on sale through the Secret Solstice website.
Tickets to Into The Glacier on June 23, 2018 are on sale now for $318 USD via http://secretsolstice.is/side-events/
Tickets to The Lava Tunnel on June 23 and June 24, 2018 are on sale now for $236 USD via http://secretsolstice.is/side-events/
Full tour packages including flights, tickets and accommodation with Iceland’s top services including hotels, rentals, and airport transfers will also be available for the 2018 edition. More details coming soon!
More information visit www.secretsolstice.is
Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk