So Many Animal Calls Interview

Formed as a three piece in late June 2010, So Many Animal Calls  quickly set about writing.  The result was their first EP “Your House Is A Hospice” which recieved positive, and unexpected accolades from bloggers and friends alike. On the strength of the EP they were able to play shows alongside The Xcerts, Make Sparks, Trapped In Kansas, Penguins Kill Polar Bears. The EP was labelled many things including math-rockesque, emotional-punk and simply indie but they label their music, the all encompassing term, failpop.

We got a chance to Interview the band after playing the main stage at this years Rockness Festival

So guys, can you tell us where the name "So Many Animal Calls" came from?
There is a band in Washington called Q and Not U and they had a song called "So Many Animal Calls" and basically this is who we wanted to sound like when we first started out so we decided to go with that.

Is this your first major music festival gig?
This is our first festival full stop! We have been lucky enough to play at the very first festival we have been to and its amazing. The food they have served us with has been out of this world! We had a choice of what day to play also and decided on the Sunday due to Biffy Clyro playing!

How did it feel to win the Daily Record competition?
We couldn't believe it! We were up against 9 other bands who were whittled down from 100's of bands that entered so we were just glad to get down to the semi's. We never expected to win! Its really great to know someone likes the music you're making and to be given the chance to play that music on such a vast arena.

So,now you've played the main stage at a major festival, how did it feel? 
It was insane. We could hear people chanting the lyrics and bass line. Obviously, for the first couple of songs we were pretty nervous but by about song 3 we got into the whole experience and really embraced it.

So what is next for So Many Animal Calls?
Well we have a mini tour of Scotland from the 11th-14th June and we haven't done a string of shows for a while so its kinda good that we have been dropped in the deep end and the experience of playing Rockness will only help us. We play Glasgow on the 13th and we are supporting "The Carnivores" who have been a great help in giving us tips etc and they are a pleasure to tour with. We also have a few gigs in September coming up but we are also busy writing new material

And finally, in 6 words, describe the band.
Oh god that's difficult. Erm ok..Greggs Sausage Rolls (we counted this as 3),aggressive,pop and Burritos! 

So Many Animal Calls are joining Overlook Records to release their follow up EP, due summmer 2012, and debut single ‘Traps’ was released on the 14th of Febuary. 

https://www.facebook.com/somanyanimalcalls
http://somanyanimalcalls.bandcamp.com/
http://www.somanyanimalcalls.com/site/home.html

Article posted by Musicmafia

Rockness Festival 2012 - Review

Last weekend saw Rockness festival return to the beautiful surroundings of Loch Ness in Scotland. You definitely can't fault these surroundings, even if the sun decided not to make much of an appearance. Where else can you see the mist rolling in off the hills and Loch, while listening to some of the biggest names in UK music. This was especially true for Friday night headliners, Mumford and Sons, who came onto an amber lit stage, which seemed to glow against the dusk creating a truly unique atmosphere and seemed to make their folk influenced songs come even more alive and there wasn't a single toe not tapping during their set. Friday also saw, king of the sampling, Wretch 32 giving a high energy set, and being joined on stage by Ed Sheeren for an impromptu performance of "Hush Little Baby" and crowd favourites, "Traktor" and "Don't Go". Set of the day though had to go to Ed Sheeren, who even before he hit the stage had a few girls squealing at the top of their lungs, that only the high pitched feedback from the sound check matched their range. With a packed out Golden Voice tent overflowing Ed Sheeren performed a wide range of songs including "A Team", "Lego House" and "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" to name a few, and he had the crowd whipped up into a frenzy from the on set and they were all singing along with enthusiasm to everything. With a massive personality and on stage presence as well as fantastically mellow crystal clear vocals, you can see why he has such a huge following and is a festival must for 2012.

Saturday saw the main stage filled with a dance theme as all things rock were confined to much smaller tents and a whole lot of people not being able to see acts like The Pigeon Detectives, who gave a totally rocked out performance and The View because of it,which did result in The View being given the Golden Voice tent on Sunday to try to accommodate their legion of fans, next time just give them the main stage guys, it's a lot easier. Although Tim Minchin went down a storm with his blend of classical piano playing and witty lyrics, all while taking the piss out of all things ginger, including himself, the crowd and anything else he fancied taking a pop at. On the main stage, Beardyman was up to his usual tricks again of entertaining yet educating us in the ways he creates his unique style, it would have been nice of the sound guys to turn up the volume a bit as you could only hear him clearly when you got right up to the main stage. They did however sort it out for Dead Mau5, who was hidden in a box on stage, and got a total soaking when he emerged and bent to pick his big old mouse head up. Visually, the show was eye catching to say the least, well it had to be as he was hidden behind 4 massive black cubes that changed from rubix cubes, to waves to cheese and a lot of other patterns, all pulsating to the beats that Dead Mau5 was mixing up, but I was at the festival for my beloved rock, and I found it in Sound of Guns earlier on. These guys never disappoint and gave one hell of a performance. The crowd may have been small to start off with, but by the end of the 1st song, that tent was packed. With lead singer, Andrew Metcalfe's vocals displaying fantastically rounded rock tones way beyond his years, and his love crowd interaction, including the odd bit of surfing along the way all while performing little rock goodies like  " Whites of Your Eyes" and the truly amazing "Architects", this is one band who are firm favourites on any festival circuit and need to be checked out if you find them on the programme.

The last day was soon upon us and after hearing a bit of folk and a whole lot of dance on the main stage and everywhere else, we were looking forward to a little bit of rock today, and with Biffy Clyro headlining the Sunday, we were ready for it all. Starting the day off for us was Daily Record competition winners, aggressive pop band, So Many Animal Calls, who given their age and fact they'd never played a festival before looked so nervous, I found myself waiting with baited breath to see if they would be able to perform. They did and did themselves proud. Once they relaxed and got into it, they gave a fab 30 minute slot and looked like they loved every second of it, so well done guys and enjoy your 4 Greggs sausage rolls!!

Other highlights was a set from indie rock veterans, Ash, who still give a great performance after 20 years and the favourite, "Girl from Mars" went down a storm with their fans, The View's larger gig of the weekend, which drew in a massive crowd and still saw people spilling out of the tent to hear and see them and Zane Lowe who played a blistering set, getting the crowd super-hyped for  the festivals final, much anticipated headliners, Biffy Clyro. Biffy played to an eager crowd who were singing and jumping to every track and they played all the hits and more finally going off to a blaze of fireworks lighting up and signalling the end of a great weekend.

All Rockness festival Pics can be seen here ROCKNESS 2012

Article posted by Musicmafia

RockNess 2012 announce more acts and stage by stage

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!

STAGE BY STAGE ANNOUNCED

plus

CLUB SNAFU presents WiLDKATS, BIGFOOT’S TEA PARTY, FUAD and KRAZZY MARTIN

and

LUCKY ME presents S-TYPE, THE BLESSINGS and DEMA

in the new KOPPARBERG KUBE

PLUS MORE AMAZING ACTS!

THE RIFLES * GUILLEMOTS * THE INTERNET * FOXES * STEALING SHEEP * CHARLOTTE O’CONNOR

The countdown to this year’s RockNess officially begins today as the Stage by Stage line up, revealing who is playing where and when, is announced!

Getting the party started on day one of the Most Beautiful Festival In The World – is the quite excellent MUMFORD and SONS who along with NOAH and THE WHALE, THE DRUMS, MYSTERY JETS and ADMIRAL FALLOW charge the MAIN STAGE, whilst Breakthrough Star ED SHEERAN, WRETCH 32 and ETIENNE DE CRECY head up the GOLDEN VOICE ARENA. The first class electro for which RockNess is famed commences in awesome form with EATS EVERYTHING and HUDSON MOHAWKE headlining the mighty CLASH presents SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM, with Baron of Techno DAVE CLARKE and CLAUDE VONSTROKE assuming control of the new ARCADIA UFO presented by SOMA RECORDS. The HOWARDS END ARENA in association with SOUND CITY presents the finest new music including THEOPHILUS LONDON and STARBOY NATHAN, topped with the much loved ROCKNESS CEILIDH ALL STARS.

Day two of RockNess - NME award winning ‘Best Small Festival’ for two consecutive years running - promises to be a moment of quite simply epic proportions as two of the world’s biggest names in dance head to Scotland.  With what is arguably the most spectacular show out of all the major electronic headliners right now, Californian superstar DJ and producer DEADMAU5 on the MAIN STAGE precluded by ANNIE MAC and DJ FRESH will be truly unmissable.  And in a double whammy, there is no bigger act to headline the GOLDEN VOICE ARENA on Saturday night than French electro Gods JUSTICE!  Not since Daft Punk played RockNess – a moment so iconic and mind bogglingly awesome that it is now widely acknowledged as one of the most seminal moments in Scottish music history - has there been an act that so frequently tops the wishlist of fans. With an all-French support of BUSY P, JACQUES LU CONT and MADEON, the GOLDEN VOICE roof will without any shadow of doubt be blown off.

International comedy superstar TIM MINCHIN heads up a first class comedy proposition at this year’s festival and is guaranteed a full house in Saturday afternoon’s GOLDEN VOICE ARENA with fast rising Scottish star DANIEL SLOSS and a host of other supremely talented funnymen (and ladies!) on the weekend bill too.  Saturday’s CLASH ARENA welcomes Special Guests THE VIEW to what is sure to be an ecstatic home crowd welcome. THE PIGEON DETECTIVES and GUILLEMOTS precede the Dundee rockers in the CLASH ARENA.  And as day becomes night, the CLASH ARENA transforms into the hedonistic clubbing utopia of the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM with HARRI & DOMENIC headlining alongside LEVON VINCENT, IVAN SMAGGHE and SENSU. Over on the ARCADIA UFO, in a techno treat of cosmic proportions, BEN SIMS, JAMES HOLDEN and SILICONE SOUL are joined by ANDREW WEATHERALL and SEAN JOHNSTON who present ‘A Love From Outer Space’.

New music is well represented in Saturday’s HOWARDS END ARENA with BASTILLE, SAINT SAVIOUR and others, plus fun and games from BEARDED KITTEN (who also get the RockNess Express party antics going!).

From start to finish, day three of RockNess 2012 is simply heaving with quality.  Last time they played, the response was thunderous. This time they’re back and bringing the festival to an almighty close on the Sunday. Get set for the biggest finale you’ve ever seen as Scotland’s rock superstars BIFFY CLYRO bring the MAIN STAGE to a close!  Joining BIFFY CLYRO on Sunday’s MAIN STAGE is ZANE LOWE whipping the crowd into a frenzy as only he does best, the brilliant FRIENDLY FIRES, and the legend that is NILE RODGERS who along with CHIC will deliver a set of back to back all time disco classics.

Sunday’s GOLDEN VOICE ARENA is a stormer as THE KNIFE, METRONOMY and ROB DA BANK get the party well and truly rocking, while the CLASH ARENA sees ASH headline with a very special 20th Anniversary set alongside RIFLES and ERRORS.  Changing over into the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM once dusk falls over Loch Ness, the arena goes into full effect with an exclusive 3 hour set from Detroit legend JEFF MILLS.  Over on the ARCADIA UFO, MYLO brings his famed EPP Party to Dores in another amazing exclusive with YUKSEK and TIGER and WOODS joining the Skye born maestro. Sunday’s new music proposition includes FOXES, CHARLOTTE O’CONNOR and STEALING SHEEP.

Plus there’s more! As one of Scotland’s premier destinations for DJs and clubbers, RockNess is delighted to welcome back Aberdeen’s CLUB SNAFU for more exemplary beats and good times to the new intimate Kopparberg Kube. Epitomising the sublime music policy of CLUB SNAFU, the boutique space will be headlined by Hot Creation’s funk and disco groovemeisters WiLDKATS, with the outstanding BIGFOOT’S TEA PARTY back to tear up the dancefloor again after last year’s exhilarating performance. CLUB SNAFU resident (and inaugural RockNess DJ Competition Winner) FUAD is one of the most hotly tipped producers on the scene, packing out the club on a Saturday night and we’re really happy to say he too is Dores bound along with fellow CLUB SNAFU resident KRAZZY MARTIN. A key member of Aberdeen’s clubbing community, KRAZZY MARTIN has staged some of the North’s most legendary parties in recent years. So he’ll be right at home at RockNess!  

It is with much excitement we can announce our friends at the sublime LUCKY ME collective will take control of the decks in the Kopparberg Kube on Sunday. Firmly at the fore of new hip hop, RnB, house and all things musically experimental, besides releasing vinyl and clothing, LUCKY ME direct in music and fashion. Founded in Glasgow by Mike Slott, Dominic Sum Flannigan, Martyn Flyn, and Ross Birchard (aka previously announced Sub Club Sound System penultimate headliner HUDSON MOHAWKE), LUCKY ME present a triple whammy of outstanding talent with S-TYPE, THE BLESSINGS and DEMA.  

Endorsed by Paul Weller, cult cockney mods THE RIFLES are packing out venues across the land and scooping rave reviews as they go with their no nonsense, no frills approach. Recently released album ‘Freedom Run’, the Chingford band’s third, offers tracks that burst into life with the brightest of harmonies. Catch them at RockNess for as good a guitar pop set as you’re likely to hear in 2012.

Multi-national, multi-instrumentalist and multi-talented. GUILLEMOTS don’t do understatement. Mercury Prize and Brit nominated, their music is a lesson in modern brilliance. Ambitious arrangements, expansive beauty and some seriously large-scale emotion, the quartet make music that is, according to charismatic frontman Fyfe Dangerfield “to be heard across the night sky". And where more seductive than Loch Ness. Unmissable.

The most recent spinoff of the Wu Tang-like Odd Future collective, THE INTERNET is a hip hop soul duo consisting of female DJ, singer and producer SYD THA KYD and producer MATT MARTIANS of LA skateboarding hip hop collective OFWGKTA (Wolf Gang Kill Them All).  The brilliant young duo’s skeletal beats and smoothed out cooing hit the internet a few months back and RockNess is extremely pleased to be welcoming THE INTERNET to Scotland for the first time.

Arriving with her Neon Gold Records debut ‘Youth’ late last year, the resplendent synths, industrial percussion and soaring vocals of FOXES (Louisa Rose Allen) were the talk of the town.  Now the 22 year old from Southampton returns with eagerly awaited follow up EP, ‘Warrior’ on 1st July, with RockNess the perfect precursor to showcase the new material live.

The exquisite STEALING SHEEP have had an impressive rise over the last twelve months. Show stealing performances across the UK and a nod from Sir Paul McCartney has seen the all-female Liverpool trio gain a growing audience. Far from just another folk clone, the influence of 60's psychedelic rock and pop can be clearly heard across their beautifully crafted songs and unusual instrumentation.

Folky and soulful, CHARLOTTE O’CONNOR admits her musical influences are far reaching. Growing up in Blackburn with a half-Malawian/half-Indian mum and an Irish father, she was exposed to all kinds of sounds. And for that we should be thankful. Debut album ‘For Kenny’ released in March was “romantic and fun with a lot of energy” and is set to be swiftly followed up with an as yet untitled EP late summer.

Last but certainly by no means least, Inverness’ KOBI aka Steve Robertson, Gary Thain and Dave Smith have a big vision for 2012. Having spent several years honing their multifaceted, voyeuristic sound on the live circuit, which most notably included a support slot to Shaun Ryder, the recording of the trio’s debut album is soon to commence in Spain.  Catch them this summer at Dores and hear the new material in full effect.

Speaking about the official countdown to RockNess, Festival Director JIM KING commented, “So this is it. Not long to go now. Only 17 more sleeps and then the summer officially starts! Even more acts across the weekend and great that Snafu and Lucky Me are joining the party. Major congratulations to Kottis for winning this year's DJ competition too.”

TICKETS:

Friday day ticket - £59 / £85 (VIP)

Saturday and Sunday day tickets - £64 / £85 (VIP)

3 day weekend camping - £159

3 day weekend non camping - £149

3 day weekend camping / non camping student ticket - £145

3 day VIP weekend camping ticket - £209

3 day VIP weekend non camping ticket - £199

3 day Disabled weekend camping - £79.50 – please email access@aeglive.co.uk

3 day Disabled weekend non camping - £74.50 - please email access@aeglive.co.uk

The RockNess Express - £225

Additional travel packages available.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OfficialRockNess

@RockNessFest

Article posted by Musicmafia

RockNess line-up expands even more

RockNess line-up expands with more live acts and DJs confirmed for the Scottish festival

The countdown to this year’s RockNess is on and festival organisers today have announced yet even more fresh and exciting talent, plus an absolute blinder of an electro treat, to the already heaving-with-quality line up.

As one of the biggest names in techno, it is impossible to love the genre and not be familiar with the name JEFF MILLS. And if there wasn’t a word like “Wizard” to describe him it would be necessary to invent one. A founding member of the noted Detroit techno collective Underground Resistance, along with “Mad” Mike Banks and Robert “Noise” Hood, as well as past resident of New York’s legendary Limelight, signed artist on Berlin’s acclaimed Tresor label and creator of Chicago’s Axis Recordings, plus countless other groundbreaking achievements of note, JEFF MILLS is revered as a demi-God by electro purists the world over.

Now in a very special appearance, an absolute must for techno connoisseurs, RockNess is thoroughly delighted to announce the maestro will join the exceptional line up of this year’s SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM 25 Years celebrations. Expect an unforgettable set as JEFF MILLS, under the moniker of ‘The Wizard’, whips up a storm of unparalleled ferocious intensity playing a set of funk, soul and extremely rare early electro classics.

Inspired at the outset by the likes of Nirvana, Mudhoney and The Pixies, Irish rock group ASH have notched up five studio albums (and a mini album) and countless top 40 hits. ‘Girl From Mars’, ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Burn Baby Burn’… ASH make great pop songs. Heralded as the ultimate singles band, the 3-piece turned their back on the traditional route of recording an album every couple of years and set up their own studio and label, Atomic Heart Records. This newfound freedom enabled the band to record and release songs at will. Thus was born the A-Z Series – a collection of 26 songs released fortnightly for an entire year. 2011 saw Charlotte Hatherley return to join the band for a one-off tour to much acclaim. 2012 sees the 20th anniversary of ASH with an appropriate celebration stop off at Dores.

RockNess favourite ROB DA BANK is Highlands-bound again this year too, back to thrill as always no doubt with a big heaving box of stupendously tasty audio delights. ROB DA BANK’s shows are a colourful corner of the musical universe where you're as likely to stumble into stripped down techno as you are woozy weird folk, bootleg covers, brand new dubstep to oddball electronic so expect the unexpected!

The rise of Yorkshire indie rockers THE PIGEON DETECTIVES is one based on strength of tunes - launched with hit drenched debut Wait For Me, and a relentless approach to touring. Feted by the likes of Steve Lamacq and Jo Wiley, three albums in and with a fourth scheduled for an autumn 2012 release, the platinum selling five piece are set to bring their sound of sculpting guitars and scudding choruses to the festival following a highly successful European tour.

ERRORS is a four piece band from Glasgow with a unique take on dance music. Signed to the brilliant Mogwai’s Rock Action label, they have to date released a series of singles, EPs and their debut album “It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever” and these releases have brought them acclaim across the board from MTV, Zane Lowe and Vic Galloway along with sessions at Maida Vale for Mary Anne Hobbs, Rob Da Bank and Huw Stephens, magazines such as NME, Dazed and Confused and Rock Sound as well as tours and live dates with bands as varied as Underworld, Franz Ferdinand, Explosions In The Sky, Gary Numan and Mogwai. NME has hailed them as “one of the most interesting bands in the country”. Don’t miss ERRORS at RockNess this June.

SOUND OF GUNS return to RockNess once again with their sure-fire power and raw energy. Hailing from Liverpool, SOUND OF GUNS have blazed a trail since they formed in 2008 cementing their deserved reputation for delivering searing rock with their second album, Angels and Enemies picking up support  from Zane Low and Xfm along the way.

THE CORRESPONDENTS take a large helping a swing, jazz, cha-cha-cha and much more from the history of music and add a large helping of fat drum and bass and electro beats to create something that’s unique in the current musical landscape. And with frontman Mr Bruce’s high voltage performance depicting the trials and errors of love, lust and loss they have consistently destroyed crowds on the festival circuit marking them out as a must see act.

A plethora of exciting new breakthrough talent is announced for the line up too. Young Scottish singer songwriter NINA NESBITT has been generating much interest after being spotted by ED SHEERAN and Example (both of whom she subsequently supported on tour). With comparisons to Laura Marling and Kate Nash, check out her set to see just why all the fuss.

Former Groove Armada collaborator Becky Jones AKA SAINT SAVIOUR has a captivating vocal style that has seen her compared to Kate Bush and Sinead O’Connor. Having recently toured with Hurts, she has her debut album ‘Union’ due for release a fortnight after her appearance at RockNess.

ALL THE YOUNG are Britrock revivalists whose sounds ooze the feel good factor of classic 90s indie. Mixing brains and brawn the band have come to smash 2012 into a brave new frontier of indie rock n roll, honing their craft with a series of support slots for the likes of Morrissey, Kaiser Chiefs, The Courteneers, The Wombats, Hard-Fi and The Pigeon Detectives.

Brooklyn rapper THEOPHILUS LONDON built his reputation with a series of must-have mixtapes making him one of the biggest buzz acts on the planet.  His debut album Timez Are Weird These Days was critically acclaimed when it was released last summer and Theophilus is sure to rock the crowds with his take an alternative hip-hop.

Commenting on these latest announcements, Festival Director Jim King said: “We're delighted with this announcement. Jeff Mills closing his stage on the Sunday night is going to be something special”

TICKETS:
Friday day ticket - £59 / £85 (VIP)
Saturday and Sunday day tickets - £64 / £85 (VIP)

3 day weekend camping - £159

3 day weekend non camping - £149

3 day weekend camping / non camping student ticket - £145

3 day VIP weekend camping ticket - £209

3 day VIP weekend non camping ticket - £199

3 day Disabled weekend camping - £79.50 – please email access@aeglive.co.uk

3 day Disabled weekend non camping - £74.50 - please email access@aeglive.co.uk

The RockNess Express - £225

Additional travel packages available.


OFFICIAL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OfficialRockNess

Article posted by Musicmafia

RockNess 2012 New Acts Announced

ELECTRO HEAVEN AS ROCKNESS ANNOUNCES
SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM 25 YEARS
SOMA RECORDS
MYLO EPP PARTY
PLUS
THE ROCKNESS ARCADIA UFO

In an announcement of cosmic proportions, RockNess today confirms a constellation of electronic acts guaranteed to unleash an unearthly level of dancefloor devastation this June. What’s more, the stratospheric celebrations are set to land on the Scottish Highlands for three days in a brand new stage concept - THE ARCADIA UFO - the likes of which Scotland has never seen!

Brought to RockNess by Arcadia, originators of the now legendary Afterburner, THE ARCADIA UFO is a 360 degree rave machine from outer space, based on a flying saucer, and guaranteed to get the party people well and truly moving! Loaded with an armoury of brand new high powered effects and a thunderous sound system, this incredible new sculpted arena, which replaces the Afterburner, will crash land into the festival radiating fire, light, lasers and intergalactic vibrations. Head there as dusk falls for a truly space age experience for 2012! And the soundtrack to THE ARCADIA UFO is suitably galaxy-spanning too.

Having thrown the mother of all birthday parties at RockNess last year to celebrate an output of outstanding electronica spanning 20 years, our friends at SOMA RECORDS are back with an almighty bang for 2012, assuming control of THE ARCADIA UFO on Friday and Saturday and with a line up set to eclipse last year’s now legendary birthday euphoria.

First up is an artist who enjoys one of the most loyal & die-hard fanbases of all, JAMES HOLDEN. Founder of the Zeitgeist Border Community label, and hugely in demand as a remixer extraordinaire, HOLDEN’s record releases – including his recent rave reviewed DJ Kicks compilation on the K7! Label - plus packed out globetrotting DJ sets are as forward thinking as house and techno gets. It is a great honour and pleasure to have him on the bill.

Known as the '3 Deck Master' and 'The Machine', BEN SIMS is an unstoppable force on the global electronic circuit. His Theory Recordings imprint, much of which enjoys cult status, is highly regarded by the scene’s mightiest players, and the skill and dexterity of his mixing knows no bounds. With a signature of tough funk and hard grooves, it is with much excitement that RockNess and SOMA RECORDS welcomes BEN SIMS to play his first ever set in the Scottish Highlands.

ANDREW WEATHERALL is one of the world’s most respected and dedicated DJs, an exponent of consistently cutting edge, genre defying music. Throughout the decades he has been a driving force at the heart of the most seminal movements. Where WEATHERALL leads others follow. His set last year as part of the SOMA RECORDS birthday party was of such blistering repute that, by popular demand, he’s back for more. And what a treat we have lined up as ANDREW WEATHERALL and SEAN JOHNSTON present ‘A LOVE FROM OUTER SPACE’ – a five hour set incorporating cosmic disco and house in its many different guises but never exceeding 122 BPM. Having started life in an intimate East London basement (The Drop) to showcase "an oasis of slowness in a world of increasing velocity", ‘A LOVE FROM OUTER SPACE’ has built its reputation as London’s best mid-week club night. Now in a Scottish festival exclusive, SOMA RECORDS bring the maestros to Dores for what will be the perfect start to the party.

Picking up the pace after the sun sets with their deep and warming house sound will be Glasgow legends SILICONE SOUL aka Craig Morrison & Graeme Reedie. Expect an abundance of new tracks dropping at RockNess as the duo will have just released their Soma20 Remixes album complete with reworks from the biggest names in house music, plus a much anticipated new EP this summer.

This sublimely curated line up join the other recently announced SOMA RECORDS acts; ‘Baron of Techno’ DAVE CLARKE, Dirty Bird and Mothership boss CLAUDE VONSTROKE and the fast rising forward thinking ANIMAL FARM.

Speaking about this year’s proposition on the brand new UFO, Soma Records boss DAVE CLARKE said "it's almost time for more unforgettable experiences around the Soma stage at RockNess. Last year was truly special and we aim to make this year's shenanigans even more so. Bring your stomping boots. Make no mistake, this is going to Rock."

Twenty five years ago the SUB CLUB opened in Glasgow. Since then, it has carved a reputation as one of the greatest clubs on the planet, always at the forefront and never compromising on its ethos of exceptional music. Now, following its inaugural landing on Dores last year, the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM is back as we celebrate the club’s 25 YEARS with a line up oozing quality and class and more incredible names still to be revealed.

Formerly known as Ramadanman and head honcho of the esteemed Hessle Audio label, PEARSON SOUND pushes the boundaries from garage to deep house vibes with a masterful execution and clarity that has seen him hailed one of the most influential producers around. A regular at Fabric where his blinding sets never fail to demolish the dancefloor, PEARSON SOUND at RockNess is not to be missed.

Credited as one of the key figures to have pushed the NYC house music scene of the 00’s into a new era with a consistently unmatched vitality and coherence, LEVON VINCENT’s star continues to rise. Although anything but a newcomer. VINCENT’s recent fame can be seen only as welcome payoff. Through his outstanding imprints, Novel Sound and Deconstruct Music (with Anthony Parasole) and alongside Jus-Ed’s Underground Quality stable, VINCENT’s raw sound epitomizes the very essence of house music. Early arrival strongly recommended. LEVON VINCENT will smash the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM.

Hailing from Paris, and one of France’s most wanted radio hosts and selectors, IVAN SMAGGHE has the ability to play music like a raw conduit between his famously obscure records and the dancefloor’s strobe-soaked bodies. Belonging to a top table often described as “The DJ’s DJs, SMAGGHE’s genre defying/defining production work originally in Blackstrobe and now in ‘It’s a Fine Line’, sees him injecting something of himself seamlessly into every mix. Having held residencies at both Fabric and The Rex Club in Paris, IVAN SMAGGHE commands respect of the highest order and RockNess is extremely pleased to be welcoming him this year.

Bristol boy EATS EVERYTHING (aka Dan Pearce) loves solid booty shaking beats and basslines, house "with a little more grunt". Continuing to set the pace for heavy releases in 2012 through San Francisco’s tech funk Dirtybird label, and winning support from the likes of Seth Troxler, Claude VonStroke, Pete Tong along the way, EATS EVERYTHING will descend all guns blazing on the SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM this summer.

Regarded as one of the most forward thinking club nights in the world, the Sub Club’s weekly SUBCULTURE residency is an institution that reigns supreme. HARRI and DOMENIC are revered by the electronic music fraternity the world over and week in week out bodies are well and truly jacked at this over two-decade-strong residency. Expect a storming party at RockNess as we celebrate 25 years of exemplary house music from the much respected duo, and toast the prospect of many more future treats.

Serving up lashings of deep, soulful house against a tech laced, percussion driven set, the brilliant SENSU comprises of Barry Price, Esa Williams and Chris ‘Junior’ Ingram. The trio nearly blew the roof off last year’s inaugural SUB CLUB SOUND SYSTEM as they unleashed a sensational live performance to a packed out audience. This year promises to be every bit as special, remaining true to the SENSU motto of good music, good people and good times.

THUNDER DISCO CLUB provide a stylistic disco-infused aphrodisiac to Glasgow’s brimming scene that clubbers will have been hard pressed to have missed. As one of the most recognisable brands in the city, and now a monthly fixture at the SUB CLUB, the collective brings a succession of on-point bookings, inspired themes and an ever-lasting lust for all things devious to its audience. Expect a set brimming with sunshine grooves come June.

Armed with Serato, two quick hands and the most diverse crate of dance floor fillers you’re likely to hear, BOOM MONK BEN is a frenzied fanatic of all things bass. From hip hop, dancehall, funk and breakbeats to house, dubstep and drum and bass if it makes the BOOM BEN move you’ll be hearing it this summer at RockNess. His monthly HYP? night at the Sub Club welcomes the foremost exponents of all things electronic and his Mixed Bizness music promotion agency is much respected.

Sub Club director MIKE GRIEVE commented “Rockness 2012 provides the perfect platform for the Sub Club to take the underground overground. With 25 years under our belt and a line-up of exceptional quality ready to represent in our anniversary year, we are raring to go - can't wait!!"

Finally, for now at least, taking to the ARCADIA UFO decks on Sunday as part of MYLO’s very special one off EPP PARTY will be mysterious duo TIGER and WOODS. The pair have been causing a commotion of late through the strength of a series of hand-stamped white labels and outrageously groovy mixes largely pulled from the disco boogie universe, so it with much excitement we await their sonic treats.

Joining the EPP PARTY is French DJ and producer YUKSEK. Ladled with sumptuous, buzzy electronic vibes, heard in all their glory on excellent recent album ‘Living on the Edge of Time’, a sublime soundtrack of top notch tunes await the RockNess crowd.

And bringing Sunday night’s UFO experience to an almighty superlative-defying climax will be MYLO. Expect a full scale hip wiggling, nu disco inferno mixed up with trademark genius throwbacks as we welcome Scotland’s beat loving electro wizard back to RockNess for his first appearance since the very first RockNess seven years ago.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Festival Director JIM KING said, “It’s birthday greetings all round at RockNess this year and there are some must see DJs coming to celebrate with Soma and the Sub Club. The Arcadia UFO Stage is brand new and takes off from where the Afterburner left last year. The Arcadia have promised it’s even better than the Afterburner and we know it’s one of the best stages at the festival and the perfect place for Weatherall to return with ‘A Love from Outer Space’. Tiger & Woods and Ivan Smagghe are super hot and I can’t wait to see them as well. Sub Club is already looking really great and good news is there is still more for them to announce.”

INFORMATION

RockNess 2012 takes place 8-10 June, 2012 in the village of Dores, close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The festival won the NME AWARDS 2011 ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’ for the second consecutive year and ‘LINE UP OF THE YEAR’ at the UK FESTIVAL AWARDS 2010.

TICKETS:

Friday day ticket - £59 / £85 (VIP)

Saturday and Sunday day ticket - £64 / £85 (VIP)

3 day weekend camping - £159

3 day weekend non camping - £149                                                                                                                                                                          

3 day weekend camping / non camping student ticket - £145                                                                                                            

3 day VIP weekend camping ticket - £209                                                                                                                                                      

3 day VIP weekend non camping ticket - £199

3 day Disabled weekend camping - £79.50 – please email access@aeglive.co.uk

3 day Disabled weekend non camping - £74.50 - please email access@aeglive.co.uk                         

The RockNess Express - £225

Additional travel packages available.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OfficialRockNess

@RockNessFest

Article posted by Musicmafia

More RockNess acts revealed: Friendly Fires, The View, Tim Minchin, The Drums & many more added to the line-up

8th, 9th and 10th JUNE, 2012
LOCH NESS, SCOTLAND

ROCKNESS 2012 ANNOUNCES MORE INCREDIBLE ACTS

FRIENDLY FIRES * DAVE CLARKE * THE DRUMS * JACQUES LU CONT * THE RAPTURE * ANNIE MAC * MYLO * ZANE LOWE *  KNIFE PARTY  * KASSIDY * ADMIRAL FALLOW * MYSTERY JETS * JAKWOB * CLAUDE VON STROKE * ANIMAL FARM * JAPANESE POPSTARS * LITTLE COMETS * LUCY ROSE * PORTER ROBINSON * BASTILLE * TO KILL A KING * THE DRAYMIN

SPECIAL GUESTS
THE VIEW

PLUS FIRST COMEDY ANNOUNCEMENT
TIM MINCHIN

Fresh from winning ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’ for the second consecutive year at this week’s star studded NME Awards, and hot on the heels of MUMFORD & SONS, DEADMAU5, BIFFY CLYRO, ED SHEERAN, JUSTICE plus many more already having been announced, the good times keep on rolling as RockNess today confirm the latest names for the award winning line up.

First up and with tunes that say ‘party’ in a way this year’s RockNess audience will find hard to resist, FRIENDLY FIRES bring together a sound coated in melody with nods to nu- and old rave, the right measure of poppy brevity and slick vocals by disco dancing frontman Ed MacFarlane. Like a bringing together of all the great parts of an indie disco in one place, expect the perfect Loch-side soundtrack.

Joining the RockNess bill as special guests, THE VIEW are one of the most exciting young rock bands of their generation.  A debut album that blasted straight into number one, multi million sales and two excellent follow up albums, massive radio and media coverage, Mercury Music Prize nominations…and a level of notoriety that only adds to their authentic bona fide star status. With a hugely anticipated fourth album set for release this summer – rumoured to be their finest yet and recorded in Nashvile with Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon) and Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys) – Loch Ness is officially on standby as THE VIEW prepare to unleash their electrifying sound to a guaranteed rapturous response.

TIM MINCHIN is a comedy rock superstar whose sell out live performances are a juggernaut of potent, grandiose showmanship. As one of the most commanding figures on the global comedy circuit, Minchin’s unique signature of intellectually provocative wit set against a sweeping musical backdrop, led by the barefoot balladeer on his grand piano, is irresistible. Expect a suitably huge affair at Dores as RockNess continues to offer outstanding comedy across the weekend.

Known as The Baron Of Techno, a moniker given to him by the late great John Peel, DAVE CLARKE is a bonafide veteran of electro and the first headliner announced for this year’s much anticipated SOMA RECORDS proposition at RockNess. With peerless sets that straddle tracks from the dawn of house through to gothic punk, the man in black’s gritty rock n roll anarchist energy is second to none. Revered by techno connoisseurs the world over for his sonic integrity, as Clarke says, “I may be established but I’ll never be establishment”.

Glistening tunes and insanely catchy riffs have made New York indie rockers THE DRUMS one of the most brilliant breakthrough bands of recent times, largely due to excellent second album Portamento. Fronted by Jonathan Pierce, and with a sound of carefully constructed gems that draw influence from a gamut of artists most notably The Smiths, 2012 promises to see the band’s career trajectory continue.

JACQUES LU CONT (aka Les Rythmes Digitales, Man With Guitar, Thin White Duke, Pour Homme, Zoot Woman, Paper Faces…and Stuart Price) is a three-time Grammy-winning electronic maestro who counts New Order, Madonna, Missy Elliot, Scissor Sisters and The Killers as fans who have enlisted his sublime production expertise. He is also one of the most respected names in electro, devoid of pretension but never failing to deliver killer beats. LU CONT’s contribution to the Fabriclive series is widely regarded as one of the finest ever, and awesome new track ‘Church’ – the first we’ve heard in a long time – marks a stunning return to form.

THE RAPTURE were forerunners of the early 2000s post-punk revival, mixing influences from acid house, disco, electronic and punk rock.  A stream of excellent releases and high profile tours followed  – most notably as the support for Daft Punk’s wildly successful North American assault. Now, after a five year hiatus, the New York trio are back and in rude health.  Recent fourth album In the Grace of Your Love sees the band underpin their art-rock credentials but still with ample funky slabs of synth to keep the RockNess crowd dancing.

Always guaranteed to deliver the very best parties, RockNess is delighted to welcome BBC Radio 1’s ANNIE MAC and ZANE LOWE back to Dores. As two of the nation’s foremost exponents of cutting edge new music – Annie with her magnificent ‘official start to the weekend’ Friday night dance show and Zane with his fast paced nightly unleashing of the freshest new sounds – both are sure to be given a rousing welcome when they hit up the festival.

It is with huge excitement that RockNess can announce the appearance this June of an artist who will without any doubt be one of the festival’s highlights, MYLO.  In a very special treat, MYLO will, for one night only, be bringing his famed EPP party to The Highlands. With a host of guest DJ friends to be revealed, expect a full scale hip wiggling, nu disco inferno mixed up with trademark genius throwbacks from the beat loving electro wizard.

KNIFE PARTY – the side project of Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillem – has been touring and tearing up dancefloors in clubs across the world for the last year playing remixes of Swedish House Mafia, Nero, Porter Robinson as well as a load of their own heavy hitting material with Skrillex and Mistajam.  Recently released EP No Modern Talking is a smash, brimming with energy-packed madness and the wackiest beats you’re likely to hear. RockNess kids get ready!

Also confirmed are Glasgow rockers KASSIDY. The guitar wielding, four piece’s joyous harmonies draw on a range of influences most notably Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Grateful Dead, and their part folk, part hippie sensibility, captured to gorgeous effect on debut album Hope St unashamedly spans evocative and rousing Americana in equal measure.

Scotland’s ADMIRAL FALLOW know what they’re doing. Songs that are heartfelt, honest and as pure as the Scottish snow, harmonies that can’t help but raise a smile, melodies that blossom into glorious anthemic hooks, debut album Boots Met My Face, recorded at Glasgow’s famed Chem 19 studio with Paul Savage (former Delgados drummer) is probably the best example of orchestral indie folk-pop as you’re likely to hear. Magnificent.

Inheritors of Britpop and exponents of what could be loosely termed British guitar indie, London’s MYSTERY JETS are that…and so much more. Their inventiveness and output of ideas means they operate on a plateau far above most of the competition, with their most obvious peers being Super Furry Animals and British Sea Power. Three albums in, culminating in the triumphant third Serotonin, and a much anticipated fourth due for an April 2012 release, RockNess awaits their Highland arrival with fervour.  

Minimalist and menacingly reggaetronic, JAKWOB transcends the genres of dubstep, electro, ghetto-tech and breakbeat and is one of the hottest new producers and DJs around. Aged 22, he is already one of the go-to guys in remixing – Lana Del Rey, Little Boots, Empire of the Sun, Frankmusik, Lily Allen, Coco Sumner, Temper Trap and Ellie Goulding have all received the JAKWOB magic. However it is for his forthcoming album that expectations are high. Using his multi instrumentalist skills (he plays nine), and collaborating with writing and vocal partner Rocky, a sound rich with variety and inspired by flavours from his life so far is anticipated.

On the party trip CLAUDE VON STROKE is a name synonymous with good times, and is announced as the second SOMA RECORDS act for 2012. Expect genre busting grooves, wonky beats and gear changing brilliance from this San Francisco-based maestro as he asserts control of the sensory extravaganza that is the ARCADIA AFTERBURNER.

ANIMAL FARM are four friends Darren Quail, Chris Lamb, Charlie Turtle and Ronin Vallelly. Influenced by early Detroit and Chicago techno, the boys have spent the last seven years perfecting their sound as residents at one of the planet’s most revered clubs, the SUB CLUB.  The boys have brought many of their electronic heroes to Glasgow including Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Regis, Sandwell District, Ryan Elliott, Marcel Fengler and Mark Henning to name a few…plus a host Glasgow’s young talent including Harvey McKay, Gary Beck, BCR Boys, Mr. Copy and Simon Stokes. ANIMAL FARM also broadcast weekly on the city’s lead student radio station, Sub City.

Championed by Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens amongst many others, LITTLE COMETS are an indie-pop troupe to behold. Hailing from the North East of England, marvellous debut album In Search of Elusive Little Comets was a joyful collection of some of the catchiest tunes of 2011 and shining follow up EP Worry should see this excellent young band move into well deserved regular playlist territory.

Hailed by VOGUE as one of indie’s breakthrough stars of 2012, LUCY ROSE is an English singer songwriter whose full capacity, live performances are fast commanding a proper sense of occasion. Likened to Joni Mitchell and tipped as an English Suzanne Vega, ROSE, who has contributed vocals on Bombay Bicycle Club’s two most recent albums, exudes a quiet determination with a clutch of deceptively sweet songs that make her appearance at RockNess well worth the effort to check out.

Often called a prodigy of the electro genre, PORTER ROBINSON is a 19 year old producer who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the international electronic music scene, captivating audiences with his ability to skilfully blend genres into his own unique sound that's complex yet catchy, and classic yet cutting edge. He’s performed with Deadmau5, Moby, Afrojack and A-Trak. Check him out at RockNess to see why.

By all rights, BASTILLE should have a record deal and chart success such is the beautiful potency of their material. Festival slots at Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, Glade and Great Escape aside, the four piece from London have been marching on and growing their fanbase. Through this steady promotion, and the recent release of a thoroughly decent EP containing notable gems Icarus and Flaws.it now finally looks like BASTILLE’s moment could be arriving.

With a one off single released on the Communion label of Ben Mumford of RockNess headliners MUMFORD & SONS, and a well received EP My Crooked Saint, rousing folk rockers TO KILL A KING are an exciting new five piece whose poetic lyrics and gritty music has them as ‘ones to watch’ this year.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Festival Director JIM KING commented, “We’re delighted to announce these latest Acts for RockNess. Friendly Fires are one of my favourite bands and they’re going to light up Sunday night. Tim Minchin is simply a genius. Brett’s been working hard for two years to get Tim up to The Highlands and you’ve all got to make sure you see his show, it’s going to be one of the highlights of the weekend. The View are going to kill it on Saturday and we have some very special activity lined up with the band in the coming months ahead of RockNess. Watch this space!. I can’t wait to see Kassidy and The Drums as well.

Mylo was there with us at the very start and it feels really great to have one of Scotland’s finest electronic artists back at Dores. Dave Clarke is a legend in every sense of the word. He personifies everything that needs to be said about quality techno and it’s an absolute honour to have him back too.  We have more announcements coming very soon including both the Sub Club Sound System and the full Soma Records lineup so stay tuned!”

NOTES:

RockNess 2012 takes place 8-10 June, 2012 in the village of Dores, close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.   

The festival won the NME AWARDS 2011 ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’ and ‘LINE UP OF THE YEAR’ at the UK FESTIVAL AWARDS 2010.

TICKETS:

DAY TICKETS GO ON SALE 9AM FRIDAY 2ND MARCH.

NO BOOKING FEE APPLIES ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY OR SUNDAY DAY TICKETS PURCHASED UP TO 9AM ON FRIDAY 9TH MARCH.

FOR DETAILS ON TICKET AGENTS GO TO WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK

Friday day ticket - £59 / £85 (VIP)

Saturday and Sunday day ticket - £64 / £85 (VIP)

3 day weekend camping - £159

3 day weekend non camping - £149 

3 day weekend camping / non camping student ticket - £145

3 day VIP weekend camping ticket - £209

3 day VIP weekend non camping ticket - £199

3 day Disabled weekend camping - £79.50 – please email access@aeglive.co.uk

3 day Disabled weekend non camping - £74.50 - please email access@aeglive.co.uk

The RockNess Express - £225

Additional travel packages available.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER:

WWW.ROCKNESS.CO.UK

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OfficialRockNess

@RockNessFest