Friday, 28 May 2010

Latitude festival - Nigel Kennedy

Latitude 2010 colour logo
Music Addition: 26th May 2010

THE LAKE STAGE

~ NIGEL KENNEDY ~
A night of Duke Ellington

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

Over the past 5 years, Latitude has been home to some truly special performances and 2010 looks set to be no different with the exciting news that multi-award winning and world-wide renowned violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy will be performing on the beautiful Lake Stage on Thursday night. This will undoubtedly be an exceptional and unique show with which to kick start the weekend’s festivities.

Especially for Latitude, Kennedy will be presenting ‘A Night Of Duke Ellington’ - a bold excursion into non-classical repertoire. Playing with his brand new ensemble of exceptional young musicians, ‘The Orchestra of Life’, and his jazz outfit, 'The Nigel Kennedy Quintet', made up of the violinist and four of the most dynamic musicians on the Polish jazz scene including special guests Orphy Robinson on marimba and Doug Boyle on guitar – they will celebrate this American composer, pianist and prominent figure in the history of Jazz, who’s music stretched over 50 years creating an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, and world tours.

For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin maestros and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His skilful technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire making him the best selling classical violinist of all time. He has been presented with many awards including, amongst others, Outstanding Contribution to British Music and Male Artist of the Year at the UK Brit Awards. Most recently Kennedy has released two albums with The Nigel Kennedy Quintet; 2009’s ‘A Very Nice Album’ and this year’s ‘SHHH’ highlighting his incredible ability as composer, improviser and player.

Invited to be Artistic Directorship of London's South Bank Centre Polish Weekend in May 2010, Kennedy will be playing at this weekend’s event celebrating Polish culture, bringing together musicians and artists from a wide range of backgrounds and styles.

Catch this once in a life-time chance to see one of the world’s most charismatic musicians at Latitude’s exquisite Lake Stage.

Latitude is dedicated to giving you only the best and most eclectic ensemble of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for three spectacular days and as ever, this focus has delivered a line-up like no one else.

Other musical highlights over the weekend include Obelisk headliners Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend as well as The National, The XX, Empire Of The Sun, Laura Marling, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jonsi, Midlake and Spoon to name just a few.
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy: the comedy stylings of Emo Philips, Phill Jupitus & Friends Improv Show, Richard Herring; literary musings from the ever-popular Robin Ince’s Book Club with Kevin Eldon, Jo Neary, Robyn Hitchcock, Josie Long & Gavin Osborn as well as a playwriting session with Polly Stenham; leftfield poetry from Eddie Argos; and dramatic performances courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough.

~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

ALL WEEKEND & DAY TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT

For further Press info contact: 020 7792 9400 - info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

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Thursday, 27 May 2010

The Xcerts - Support The Get Up Kids on their forthcoming UK tour and play 2000trees, Guilfest, Rockness and Sonisphere!

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Currently bombing their way up and down the UK headlining the Xtra Mile High Club Tour, THE XCERTS have just confirmed a run of dates in support of cult heroes The Get Up Kids. The dates will offer the band an opportunity to showcase material from their forthcoming Mike Sapone (Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Crime in Stereo…) produced second album and follow up to 2009’s ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’. Catch the band supporting the The Get Up Kids at the following shows:

JUNE
24th – Underworld, London
28th – Glasgow, Cathouse
29th - The Cockpit, Leeds

The Xcerts spent much of last summer playing the festival circuit and this year they will be doing the same but making their debut appearance at Sonisphere and on Rockness’ Main Stage.

JUNE
13th - Rockness Festival, Inverness (Main Stage)

JULY
2nd - The Watershed, Wimbledon
16th - 2000trees Festival, Cheltenham
17th - Guilfest, Rocksound Cave
24th – Rhythms of the World Festival, Hitchin

AUGUST
1st - Sonisphere Festival, Strongbow Stage
13th - Inn on The Square, Barnstable supporting The King Blues

SEPTEMBER
18th - Southsea Festival, Southsea
26th - Underground Festival, Gloucester Guildhall

The Xcerts second record shows an angrier side to the band’s music which harks back to the early days of 90’s Grunge. It has a brilliantly sinister, dirty and earthy quality without turning its back on the pop-sensibilities and catchy melodies that the band captured so well with their debut. New single ‘Slackerpop’ and its video which depicts the band dismembering mannequin torsos is a perfect, if not slightly twisted, example of this.

Slackerpop’ will be released on 7th June through Xtra Mile Recordings (Frank Turner, Reuben, Far…) with the album following later in the year. With the singles video being played on NME TV, Kerrang TV, MTV Rocks and recent packed out headline performances at The Great Escape and London’s Borderline their sights are set firmly skyward.


The Xcerts debut album ‘In The Cold Wind We Smile’ is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings! Here’s what the press had to say:

“Charged with youthful hope and exuberance, every riff and anthemic chorus points to a bright future for these talented lads." - Kerrang! 4/5
“...this debut is inch-perfect, merging heartstring-tugging delicacy with buoyant distortion... If you're searching for pop with balls but no bullshit, look no further.” - Rock Sound 8/10
"'In The Cold Wind We Smile' is a triumphant, life-affirming classic" - Big Cheese 5/5

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Friday, 21 May 2010

Latitude Festival - Music additions - Crystal Castles, Paul Heaton, Losers...

Latitude 2010 colour logo
Friday 21st May
MUSIC ADDITIONS

OBELISK ARENA
~ Crystal Castles ~

THE WORD ARENA
~ Paul Heaton ~ Joshua Radin ~
~ The Antlers ~

SUNRISE ARENA
~ Losers ~ The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart ~ Luna Belle ~
~ Arno Carstens ~ Lauren Pritchard ~ White Belt Yellow Tag ~
~ Holly Miranda ~ The Hundred In The Hands ~ Michael Kiwanuka ~

THE LAKE STAGE
~ The Supernovas ~ Cevanne ~ The Cads ~ These Ghosts ~

DJs
~ White Wedding DJs ~ The Vinyl Vendettas ~ Moshi Moshi ~

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

The now sold out Latitude Festival continues to hold its position as a strident and unique summer event with a bill that defies the traditional. Upon the backdrop of the incomparable Suffolk countryside, Latitude incorporates the very best of music, theatre, comedy, literature, film, poetry, dance, art, fashion and cabaret for a memorable weekend of bliss and adventure as well as inspiration and education. Four music arenas are host to a tantalising blend of musical talent from new bands, rising stars and a global outlook, whilst the arts programme spills over into thirteen arenas and areas providing something for everyone – no matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find it. Once again Latitude is the finest destination for your summer.


~ OBELISK ARENA ~

Continuing the tradition of world famous artists packed onto one stage the Obelisk Arena's princely location overlooking the site provides a true headlining space for the array of artists performing. Florence + The Machine, Belle and Sebastian and Vampire Weekend are atop this towering bill while Empire of the Sun, Laura Marling, The Maccabees, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Midlake, Spoon, Dirty Projectors and Mumford & Sons embellish this already glittering line-up. Added to this unbeatable bill is:

After their extraordinary 2008 Sunrise Arena headlining appearance, Canadian duo Crystal Castles proudly return for their performance on the Obelisk Arena at this year's Latitude. The hard task of following up their massively hyped debut and high-wire performances has been demolished by their second self-titled effort. These effortlessly cool Ontarions have bolstered their electronic battery and scathing vocal assaults with anthemic melodies and energy. Sure to be electrifying and one of the most intense performances all summer.


~ THE WORD ARENA ~

The Word Arena is an expansive but intimate pavillion where artists of breathtaking variety will brandish their wares for your delectation. With The National, The xx and Grizzly Bear adorning the top of the bill and Jónsi, Noah and the Whale, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Yeasayer and Frightened Rabbit all playing during the weekend, there aren't any better places to be for a diverse selection of the best alternative music around. Joining this incredible line-up are:

Paul Heaton is synonymous with classic British songwriting. An ex-member of both The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, he has contributed massively to the UK's collective musical consciousness with songs like ‘Caravan Of Love’, ‘A Little Time’, ‘Rotterdam’ and ‘Don't Marry Her’. With the wealth of his back catalogue and his third solo album ‘Acid Country’ due later in the year, this set – Heaton’s second for Latitude – will be full of highlights.

Joshua Radin is Ohio's leading musical light. A singer-songwriter indebted to James Taylor and Stax, his modern take on elaborate and lushly layered pop is best represented on the album ‘Simple Times’. Finally released in the UK after modest success in the US, his Top 10 single ‘I'd Rather Be With You’ follows his full range of acoustic compositions, from laid back strumming to hectically picked numbers.

Brooklyn folkies The Antlers released their album ‘Hospice’ late last year to almost blanket praise, including coming 37th in Pitchfork's albums of 2009. The intricately strummed guitars, coupled with Peter Silberman's trembling voice, give melancholy pathos to Hospice's conceptual tale of pain and death. Despite the themes, the music reaches a pitch that's almost celebratory.


~ SUNRISE ARENA ~

The fragrant, gorgeous woodland just beyond the lake is host to the Sunrise Arena. Here a host of musical hopefuls from across the spectrum make their first tentative steps towards greater recognition. With Girls, Archie Bronson Outfit and Darwin Deez leading the pack, the off-kilter delights of Jesca Hoop, These New Puritans, Egyptian Hip Hop and First Aid Kit will make sure your stay under the leafy canopy is extremely enjoyable.
Also revelling in the forest with them is:

Ex-Cooper Temple Clause multi-instrumentalist, Tom Bellamy and Prodigy/Pendulum tour DJ, Eddy Temple-Morris are Losers. A cheap gag maybe but there's nothing gauche about this duo’s heavy power-dance ensemble. Having remixed The Prodigy, Placebo and Rage Against the Machine, they have a debut album ‘Beautiful Losers’ packed with pounding tunes of their very own set for release later this year. One hot girl drummer plus guest vocalists make their live show formidable. Losers are the Sunrise Arena headliner adrenaline shot for your Friday night party. Don't miss out.

Pitchfork darlings The Pains of Being Pure At Heart had a fantastic 2009. Along with their self titled debut being lauded by the ubiquitous US indie website, reception was positive from both critics and public. Their wash of fuzz-guitar has drawn favourable comparisons with My Bloody Valentine and their live shows produce riveting gushes of noise and glistening pop. Bring ear plugs and your finest, daintiest dancing shoes.

Recently snapped up by Island Records, Luna Belle is the pop songwriting project of Talullah Bell. Ably backed up by her four-piece band, they revel in the jangly indie-pop stylings of The Sundays with a nod to the tone of hit-maker Adele. It's early days, but this brilliant opportunity to showcase their songs on Latitude’s Sunrise Arena will surely unveil the hype that has been built up around the band.

South African singer songwriter Arno Carsterns has had considerable critical success both as a solo artist and in previous band The Springbok Nude Girls. He has won five South African Music Awards for his various works as well as supporting The Rolling Stones, Paul Weller, The Police and Meat Loaf on European jaunts. His third album ‘Wonderful Wild’ is produced by legendary The Verve producer Youth and promises more of the romantic pop Arno has made his name with, making the beautiful Latitude setting a perfect place for Casterns to showcase his songs.

Lauren Pritchard's piano-led balladry draws from a classical palette as well as modern R&B songstresses such as Alicia Keys. Her angelic looks hide her secret weapon – her mature vocal timbre. Bold, striking and distinctive, she uses her voice's natural power to build her songs into effortless crescendos.

With the might of former yourcodenameis:milo guitarist Justin Lockey, White Belt Yellow Tag build atmospheres with shimmering melodic lines and echo. With last year's ‘You're Not Invincible’ EP, and the lead track being Q's website track of the day on release, this trio have built a steady following. The release of their debut full-length ‘Methods’ should bring them the attention they deserve.

As sparse, spacious electronica encroaches increasingly on singer-songwriter territory, Holly Miranda makes a point of utilising it to its eerie fullness. Her second solo album ‘The Magician's Private Library’ was release on XL back in February and further establishes her shadowy, incandescent mood music as distinctive and self-assured. Under the canopy of trees in the lush surroundings of The Sunrise Arena will be a fitting place to enjoy her performance.

Renowned electronic label Warp have brought us another excellent signing with indietronica-pop duo The Hundred In The Hands. Blending contemplative dark with melodic light, with a svelte synth or a popping staccato guitar, they envelop themselves and their audience in echo and irresistible rhythms.

Blues and soul strummer Michael Kiwanuka is bringing his summer lilt to Latitude. Playing traditional R&B guitar figures with a smooth croon, his moving love songs have a sunny tinge that prevent them being too sombre or sad. Polydor have seen the value in his tunes, and the Sunrise Arena audience will have the chance to sample Michael's eloquence.


~ LAKE STAGE ~

A few metres away from the crystal waters of Latitude’s core landscape feature; The Lake Stage provides tantalisingly early glimpses of Radio 1’s DJ and champion of new music Huw Stephens’ freshest tips. Latitude audiences are treated to a full parade of diverse and exhilarating bands about to be splashed across magazines up and down the country. Latitude is excited to announce the following rising stars to the line-up:

London four-piece The Supernovas dish out catchy and spiky Libertines style rock. With that urban squalor drawl and tales of cocaine dealers in pubs, they pack a punch while still staying on the right side of cheeky. They've already played Camden Crawl and SxSW as well as releasing first single ‘Ace Face’. Catch them before they explode.

A band composed of drums, bass, cello, trumpet, harp and vocalists Cevanne's palette is broad and eccentric. From reggae ska rhythms to Middle Eastern melodies across ominous strings, there's something for all tastes in this quintet's music. The key is always in Cevanne's sense of space, of a desire not to be repetitive. They will be playing compositions from forthcoming debut ‘Big Ears’ on The Lake Stage.

With less than a years experience under their belt, The Cads have already made a distinct impression. Their sprightly upbeat indie pop is full-on summer fare which prompted their first song to be played on BBC Ipswich a mere two days after sending it in. With a self proclaimed "tropical" approach to melodies, their slinky saccharine bursts are sure to usher in a beautiful afternoon in the sun.

These Ghosts have an ambitious sound, with lashings of reverb and swimming melodies. Growing out of the local Norfolk and Suffolk area, a continuous hotbed of musical activity, they're releasing a debut album ‘You Are Not Lost, You Are Here’ in the summer and look set to turn heads with their radio friendly, intelligent sound. Catch them in their stomping ground whilst you can.


~ DJs ~

After the bands pack up for the day The Lake Stage transforms into a nightclub under the stars with revellers partying well into the night. Presenting the veritable cream of disc-spinners, The Lake Stage will host:

White Wedding DJs who have pristine blanco equipment upon which their blend of cheese and nostalgia imitates the finest celebratory hoe down you can imagine. Anyone who joined in the conga magic last year will be heading straight back for this hilarious party night with celeb DJs frocked up in their best wedding garb.

The Vinyl Vendettas meanwhile are a quintet of female style and taste makers. They reach into the dusty archives and the shiny metallic disc boxes of the future playing everything from MC5 and The Slits to Les Savy Fav and Metronomy. They're also Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff's resident Saturday night DJs.

Moshi Moshi will also be providing the festival soundtrack. The cutting edge label that has brought us Slow Club, James Yuill, Silver Columns and Florence + The Machine of late, along with the excellent selections from their legendary Singles Club, will be dishing out the tunes they feel represent the last decade or so of quality. There won't be a duff track amongst them, unless of course they're taking requests.

Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy: the comedy stylings of Emo Philips, Phill Jupitus & Friends Improv Show, Richard Herring; literary musings from the ever-popular Robin Ince’s Book Club with Kevin Eldon, Jo Neary, Robyn Hitchcock, Josie Long & Gavin Osborn as well as a playwriting session with Polly Stenham; leftfield poetry from Eddie Argos; and dramatic performances courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Opera House and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in association with Paines Plough.

It really is a place like no other; an intimate world away from reality that encourages you to be all that you’ve ever wanted to be whilst indulging in the spirit of exploration and discovery.


~ TICKET INFORMATION ~

Weekend and day tickets are now completely sold out.

For further Press info contact: 020 77929400 - info@presscounselpr.com

Latitude Festival - Cut out by Night - Marc Sethi

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