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| tags: | vodafone tba | the feeling | sugababes | vodafone | vodafone live music awards | t4 | more... |
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We bring you exciting news, to quell you from a day of misery. The honeymoon is indeed over; put the BBQ away and don’t even think about wearing that Hawaiian t-shirt and shorts combo you bought from TK. It's all down hill from here. Alas, salvation comes in the form of the South-East’s first ever outdoor festival, taking place over the August Bank Holiday. Hoorah! The future’s looking brighter already!
Beachdown will take place the outskirts of Brighton, and promises to deliver "a whole lot more than its peers” in the way of music and entertainment. In a nut-shell we’re talking an inimitable range of music genres, featuring big name acts and a host of upcoming talent.
No surprise that we’re assured “quality is the name of the game,” meaning that as well as some of the darn finest acts around and an eagle eye for talent, the food will be to the healthiest standard.
All food will be locally produced, organic, and extremely hygienic. Good news - as evidence of the countless TV documentaries show we’re turning into a nation of lard-arses, intent on eating ourselves into oblivion with fried chicken buckets, 40lb burgers and Monday night kebabs.
Many of the acts will be locally produced too, with Beachdown set to be a platform for the Brighton music scene. And we’re not just talking bands either; oh no, we’re talking about the involvement of local club nights, record labels and DJs too!
Beachdown will also reflect the “cultural diversity” of the South-East (which predominantly means Brighton), giving it a unique identity not seen at any other festival. Oh, and did we mention that Beachdown aims to be one of the most carbon neutral festivals around; we’re talking a lean, green, eco-friendly, pollution-killing-machine.
Beachdown, taking place in acres of farmland at the aptly named Devil’s Dyke, will be a 15,000 capacity festival with 11,000 allocated camping spaces. A limited number of day tickets will be on sale priced at £30 whilst a weekend ticket will cost a mere £85. Blink and you’ll miss it, but early bird tickets are available at an even lower price of £75. There’ll also be a fleet of shuttle buses running in and out of Brighton. Splendid!
For further information visit: www.beachdownfestival.com
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| tags: | beachdown | devil's dyke | more... |
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Straight 8’s philosophy on shooting film is simple. Budding filmmakers go onto their website and ask for a super 8mm single cartridge of film. They then shoot a short film about anything they like; the catch being that, because it’s on a film cartridge, tracking back to rerecord is out the question. In a nut-shell what you film is what you get, warts and all. Furthermore, there’s no editing. See? Simple.
Alas, after taking the Cannes film festival by storm last year - and with a return rapidly approaching next week, Straight 8 have been handed four 7:55pm prime-time slots for Channel 4’s ‘3 minute wonder’. This is the finest bit of news we’ve had since learning that a £70 bottle of wine is no different to a £10 bottle. Hoorah!
The directors of the Straight 8 ‘3 minute wonder’ films originate from the Netherlands, Mexico and the UK. Their films will be shown on Channel 4 to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival and, as an added incentive, the directors have yet to view their product. We’re literally talking about premieres! The complete schedule is as follows:
Monday 19th may: ‘Springlove’ – set in Amsterdam, using a ‘stop-motion’ technique, two people are seen to hover above the ground and they meet up for a date.
Director: Herrjaapmans
Tuesday 20th May: ‘Looking for Marilyn’ – an intimate portrait, in black and white, of a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like. When the whole neighbourhood dresses up the same, the paparazzi get out of hand. A clever story about celebrity.
Director: Anna Blandford and Anna Valdez Hanks
Wednesday 21st May: ‘The Last Trip’ – a charming tale of the wannabe first Welshman in space and how his village work together on a home-made space programme to take his ashes up there.
Director: Malcolm Finlay
Thursday 22nd May: ‘A Piece of Heaven’ – an epic, dark tale, from the Mexican countryside. A strange eyeglass arrives in the village giving people a troubling snapshot of heaven.
Director: Felix Alejandro Barbosa Vazquez y Yuri Misael Barbosa Vazquez
If you’d like to get involved with Straight 8 which, after you’ve seen the films next week, you probably will, visit www.straight8.net . You can request a single cartridge super 8mm film which means you won’t be able to do re-takes (as aforementioned). Soundtracks are to be submitted separately. The finest films will be hand-picked to be shown at events including Cannes, Soho Shorts Festival, and loads of other film festivals.
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| tags: | straight 8 | more... |
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Brighton-based ‘Klaus Says Buy the Record’ fended off competition from three other acts to claim the Red Stripe Music Award (RSMA) at the Kentish Town Forum on Monday night.
As well as winning the prestigious award, the band will receive long-term support from Red Stripe – kicking-off with a slot on the Red Stripe stage at the Brighton Coalition for The Great Escape Festival.
Over 1,000 bands entered the RSMA, with fifty gigs taking place across the country to determine the four finalists. As well as ‘Klaus Says Buy the Record’, the final acts were Glaswegian band The Down and Outs, Edinburgh’s Kiddo, and Leeds’ Fracas.
Headlining the RSMA at the Kentish Town Forum were Dirty Pretty Things, singer Carl Barat leading a judging panel which included Music Week’s talent editor, Stuart Clark, Coda’s Oli Hodgson, The Fly’s Will Kinsman, and Paul Noble of artist management company Normal Management.
Speaking of the day that saw him crowned the RSMA winner, Jon Klaus commented: “It was a surreal day. I've been gigging quite a bit since November, but never really had the chance to play anywhere special...or at least somewhere that holds more than 50 people!
“The whole experience really got my heart beating. The other three finalists were great. They all had what it took to win. I think an advantage I had was that I was probably the odd one out as I didn t sound anything like the other bands! It could have gone any way. Either I won or got laughed off stage.”
Last years RSMA winners, The Runners, awarded ‘Klaus Says Buy the Record’ with the prize. It’s been a good year for last years champions, having played sets on Steve Lamacq’s Radio 1 show, released two singles and toured Europe since their win.
‘Klaus Says Buy The Record’ will play The Great Escape in Brighton (15-17 May), Lovebox Weekender (19-20 July), headline the second stage at Blissfields, and has also won his very own tour bus to keep.
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| tags: | red stripe music award | more... |
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Estelle is the latest artist to sign-up to Hugo Fragrances' music programme Hugo Urban Rules, the competition that uncovers the finest new talent and connects them with heroes of the urban music field.
RnB sensation Estelle used to be one of those artists who released songs to minimal but steady acclaim, in the same way that someone with bad B.O tries new deodorant in the hope of popping their cherry.
As is common in the music business people started to recognize Estelle’s talent; she collaborated with well known artists, including Megaman and Faithless, and found herself reaching superstar, nay – diva status, single ‘American Boy’ spending four weeks at number one. It featured Kanye West, don’t you know?
Hugo Urban Rules gives talented singers the opportunity to have their music professionally produced and released. This year’s winner will also perform live with Estelle at a show in Sankey’s, to be broadcast live on MTV.
Estelle will work alongside a panel of experts including Sony BMG’s Mervyn Lyn, Galaxy FM’s Steve Sutherland, and Radio 1 Xtra’s Twin B, to judge the finalists on Thursday 4th and 5th of June at the Manchester nightclub.
Speaking of her involvement in the event, Estelle explained: “I wanted to get involved with Hugo Urban Rules because I feel that the urban music scene in the UK needs the support. For talent to be developed in the UK, we need to invest in it. Getting involved with Hugo Urban Rules is my way of supporting that future.”
Upcoming artists have until Friday (16th May) to enter the competition by uploading their music to the Hugo Urban Rules website . Approximately 15 of the most talented will be asked to attend the auditions in front of the judges.
Over the two day period finalists will receive expert tuition, including vocal-coaching from producer Don-E (Beverley Knight, Grace Jones), stage-coaching from Isaac ‘Turbo’ Baptiste (Will Smith, Madonna), and an artist Q&A session with Estelle.
Those wanting free tickets to the event have until Friday 23rd May to register through the Hugo Urban Rules website . Just 500 fans will be invited to attend where they’ll receive complimentary drinks and special Hugo Fragrance Collection goody bags.
Estelle isn’t the first diva to have joined Hugo Urban Rules, with Amy Winehouse, Jamelia, and Amerie having taken up the position in previous years.
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| tags: | hugo fragrances | more... |
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Have you heard about the upcoming film from director Richard Kelly, the brains behind cult phenomenon Donnie Darko? Well it’s going to be about greed and death, starring Cameron Diaz, with a musical score by Arcade Fire! It’s kind of like a mafia morality tale, only without the men in suits; shotguns in their closets, lines of coke on their tables, and Tony Bennett on their stereo.
Apart from rallying for Barack Obama in the race for the American presidency, Arcade Fire have been out of the public-gaze since returning to Montreal, keeping schtum on questions of a third album and shunning concert requests.
On the other hand, director Richard Kelly has been keen to talk about his latest venture ‘Box’, the story of a couple who find a box with a mysterious button on it. They press the button and they get tons of money. The catch? They press the button and someone dies.
To cut to the chase Kelly hinted on his MySpace blog that “We’re starting working with a very famous band honouring us with being the first film-makers they’ve ever scored a film with”.
Sure, Kelly could be talking about anyone, right? The Rolling Stones, Oasis, the Sex Pistols – the list is endless. Enter music producer Markus Dravs, who revealed that “having finished Coldplay’s latest album [I’m] now off to Canada to work with Arcade Fire on a soundtrack for the forthcoming Richard Kelly film.”
So there we go. The cat is out the bag… Or Box. Arcade Fire are due to make their movie soundtrack debut, in a film starring one of the sexiest actresses known to man, from one of the finest cult-classic directors since the turn of the millennium. Brilliant!
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| tags: | arcade fire | richard kelly | more... |
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MOBO award winning hip hop artist Sway met volunteers of an innovative scheme yesterday, which aims to help developing countries and raise awareness of poverty both abroad and in the UK.
Platform2 allows 18-25 year-olds, who wouldn’t normally be able to go abroad due to financial difficulties, experience life in other countries whilst helping fight a worthy cause.
All in all 2,500 young people will be sent to countries around the world, including Ghana, India and Peru, to work on projects with local communities.
Ghanaian born Sway met the first batch of volunteers at Lambeth College’s Vauxhall Centre on Monday, and spoke of his support for the scheme. “Platform2 is giving young people the opportunity of a lifetime,” the hip hop artist and producer explained. “This experience will change their lives forever.
“I would have loved to have done something like this when I was younger. They will be able to make a huge difference to these communities they work with, plus it’ll help them understand how they can do their bit when back home.”
The first set of eight volunteers are due to set out for Ghana today and will document their ten week experience through film, photography and music. Upon returning the volunteers will raise awareness of global development with a series of events across the UK, showcasing their findings.
Sway will be showing his full-support for Platform2 by visiting the volunteers halfway through their stay, as a new batch of ten set-out to South Africa. If you’d like to apply as a volunteer and to find out further information on Platform2 visit: www.myplatform2.com
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| tags: | sway | platform2 | mobo awards | more... |
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Glastonbury headliner Jay-Z has hit back at Noel Gallagher’s claim that hip hop has no place at the festival.
As previously reported on Planet Notion, Noel Gallagher is far from happy at Jay-Z’s inclusion as a headliner, commenting that “I’m not having hip hop at Glastonbury. It’s wrong.”
Noel’s comments sparked quite a debate in the media and on festival messageboards, with many leaping to the Oasis stars defence.
Speaking to The Sun’s ‘Bizarre’ column, Jay-Z hit back directly at Noel, explaining: “We don’t play guitars, Noel, but hip hop has put in its work like any other form of music.
“This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving. From Afrika Bambatta DJing in the Bronx and Run DMC going platinum, to Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince winning the first rap Grammy, I’m just next in line.”
And speaking of rumours that he would pull-out of the festival and the reaction his inclusion has garnered, Jay-Z seemed unfazed: “I’ve never ever had a show that’s caused so much of a stir,” the New York rapper explained, “so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve never been involved in anything this controversial. What’s the big deal about doing a show? The world has to change. It just can’t be one thing – and that’s the beautiful thing. That’s why people feel so passionate about an event. But the world changes and we have to embrace the change.”
Jay-Z will also be headlining the O2 Wireless Festival and will be supported by Mark Ronson in July for an arena tour of the UK.
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| tags: | glastonbury | jay-z | more... |
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Celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, Finger Lickin' Records have been confirmed as hosts of the fourth and final stage at Get Loaded in the Park.
The annual one-day festival, taking place at Clapham Common on August 24th, has already announced a Main Stage, the XFM Stage and the Together/Timeout Dance Stage.
Known as ‘the king of breaks,’ Finger Lickin’ Records’ stage will have a rich roster of DJs from the label playing on the day, as well as special guest DJs.
Regarded as one of the finest breakbeat acts in the country, and widely respected as such worldwide, Plump DJs have been confirmed to play - their only festival appearance of the summer.
The London duo will be joined by fellow label talent and international DJ, Krafty Kuts, who blends breakbeat, electro and hip-hop to Finger Lickin’ effect.
Krafty Kuts ‘Trickatechnology’ album, viewed as one of his finest, was recorded with funk and hip-hop mash-up luminary A-Skillz, who’ll also be playing the Finger Lickin’ stage.
Funky breaks DJs and producers, Soul of Man, 90s legends Utah Saints, and Drum Attic Twins make up the wealth of talent from Finger Lickin’ Records.
Returning for a second consecutive year will be special guest and hip-hop spinning legend, DJ Yoda, who’ll also be showcasing his renowned visuals fresh off the back of his ‘Magic Cinema Show’.
With everything from drum n bass, dancehall, ragga and dubstep in their repertoire, The Nextmen will be continuing the party in their own inimitable style; whilst former Beatbox Champion Beardyman will also be making a surprise guest appearance.
The Main Stage will feature acts including Gogol Bordello, Plastic Little, The Hives, Supergrass and the legendary Iggy and The Stooges, their only UK show with tickets still available.
Playing the XFM Stage will be the likes of Reverend and The Makers and Kate Nash, whilst the Together/Timeout Dance Stage will include performances by Gossip, Soulwax and a Mylo DJ set. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk and for full line-ups, updates and further ticket information visit www.getloadedinthepark.com .
Get Loaded have also announced that the Finger Lickin’ 10th Anniversary Stage will be attempting to set a new world record on the day. As a tribute to the Utah Saints’ video for ‘Something Good,’ they’ll be attempting to set a record for the total number of people doing the ‘running man’ at any one time. Sick! Check out the video!
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| tags: | get loaded in the park | more... |
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Youth Music and Rough Trade are giving young musicians the opportunity to play in a band at this years Glastonbury festival.
The competition, Build a Band, is open to 14-18 year-olds of any musical genre, who have trouble meeting other musicians due to sociological or geographical difficulties. The individual winners will meet their winning band mates for the first time at the start of Glastonbury and receive four days of coaching from renowned leaders and artists on the music scene.
This will involve writing and rehearsing an original track, before performing it live on The Left Field undercover stage at 8pm, Sunday the 29th June. Should the performance and quality of the song be of a respectable standard, Youth Music will publish the track as single to be sold through Rough Trade.
Speaking of the Build a Band competition, Stephen Godfry, director of Rough Trade retail commented: “Rough Trade’s ethos is very much rooted in the DIY culture of music, having championed new talent and musical innovation ever since we first opened at the birth of punk.
“Working with Youth Music gives us the opportunity to convert our knowledge into an educational experience, helping empower talent and inspire creative expression at an age when it can make a real difference.”
To enter the competition musicians aged 14-18 are asked to upload a demo of their music on the Rough Trade, Build a Band website www.roughtrade.com/buildaband08 by May 19th. Auditions in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol will follow before the winning band is selected. All winners will be selected from one city giving them a chance to continue playing together, should they choose, once the festival has finished.
Youth Music have given those without access to recording equipment the opportunity to submit a track by visiting their local Youth Music Action Zone or making use of the facilities on the BBC Blast tour truck. Locations can be found at www.youthmusic.org.uk and www.bbc.co.uk/blast .
Last years winners Revolt will be embarking on a national and international tour later this year. Check out their performance at last years Glastonbury (below) and visit their MySpace page for further information.
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| tags: | build a band | glastonbury | more... |
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Music Matrix and Arts Council England have announced news of the first ever London Songwriters Week in the lead-up to the 53rd Ivor Novello Awards.
The event is being billed as a celebration of the art of songwriting, showcasing the talent of some of the world’s finest songwriters through seminars and performances.
Launching on Thursday 15th May, with events running until Friday 23rd, the event will coincide with this year’s prestigious Ivor Novello Award ceremony on the 22nd of May.
The launch of the London Songwriters Week will take place at Ronnie Scotts in Soho, with live performances from singer-songwriter The CocknBullkid and Ivor Novello nominees Ben’s Brother.
Highlights of the week will include a lyricist session and performance from British rapper Kano, and a live jazz improvisation workshop with respected British alt-saxophone jazz performer Soweto Kinch, as well as other leading jazz musicians.
Performers including James Morrison and Kelly Rowland have already shown support for the event; BRIT Award winning solo-artist Morrison commenting that “Anything that focuses on the art of great songwriting and its importance within the industry should be applauded.”
Many of the events will be free to attend with the whole week accessible to the public. It’s hoped that the various seminars, showcases and performances will inspire, educate and entertain audiences, whilst raising the importance of songwriting and providing opportunities for networking and developing.
Key issues will include making money from songwriting, writing music for film and television, and the progression of producing to writing song. Attendees will be given the opportunity to see a live publishing deal being negotiated between a songwriter and music publisher, whilst a photography exhibition of former Ivor Novello winners accompanied by the lyrics to their songs will also be accessible.
Nominees for the 53rd Ivor Novello Awards, which recognises outstanding songwriting and composing within the music business, include Mika’s ‘Grace Kelly’ and Beyonce and Shakira’s duet ‘Beautiful Liar’ for the best-selling British Song award.
Amy Winehouse has three nominations including the best-selling British song for ‘Rehab’, and best-song for ‘Love is a Losing Game’ and ‘You know I’m No Good.’
For more information on the London Songwriters Week, including ticket registration and a schedule of events, visit: www.londonsongwritersweek.co.uk
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| tags: | london songwriters week | more... |
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American rapper DMX was arrested on Friday for drug offences and cruelty to animals, his second arrest in the space of a week.
Last Tuesday DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was arrested for speeding 144mph on a freeway. His latest charge, on Friday, came after the rapper’s Phoenix home was raided by a SWAT team.
Last year authorities took away 12 pit-bulls from the rappers house and three pit-bull carcasses were found buried on the property, one of which had been burned. However, no arrest was made.
During last weeks raid it’s reported that the American rapper attempted to barricade himself in his room before agreeing to cooperate. The SWAT team uncovered five pit-bull pups, drugs and weapons.
Murray Richman, DMX’s lawyer in New York, has expressed doubt that the charges of pit-bull abuse could be sustained. The rapper, who has sold over 20 million albums, faces seven misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, and four felony drug possession charges, reports the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
DMX is no stranger to animal cruelty charges; as well as his arrest last year and the latest incident the rapper was charge for animal cruelty in 1999. The charges were eventually dismissed.
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| tags: | dmx | earl simmons | more... |
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Festival news is coming at us from every angle like a flock of raven’s on a deadly warpath; people running about, screaming and covering their eyes with hands. A little known fact is that birds attack the tongue as well as the eyes; so a word of advice is to keep your mouth shut, close your eyes and roll-up into the fetal position until the flock surpasses - Screaming could be fatal. Anyway, the ‘Lounge on the Farm’ festival has some more exciting news!
Yes, added to the three-day festival - taking place at Merton Farm in Canterbury, Kent, from the 11th to 13th of July - are a whole host of blinding acts. Mystery Jets will be keeping the sun-a-shining with their blend of Indie-pop, and they’ll be joined by the dark-electro beats of Canadian outfit Holy Fuck, whose live sets are fast becoming renowned.
Bringing a touch of folk to proceedings will be Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit. Thought-provoking lyrics with a modern twist, mixed with good ‘ol fashioned folk music; a perfect match for any festival, especially when it’s in the idyllic surroundings of a farm... In Kent!
Other acts added to the line-up include The Specials legend Terry Hall - records in hand to spin ska-ridden rhythms for the masses. Glam-funk revivalists, Glam Chops, will join the likes of ‘Future and the Boy’ and The Subliminal Girls, whilst Jonquil will be joining the Folk Farm stage.
Lounge on the Farm’s ‘Further Tent’ which showcases the experimental sounds of Canterbury’s past and present has announced the additions of breakbeat wizards Pest, and Bonobo and Polar Bear.
Add to this a whole host of acts hailing from Kent, including Underground Heroes, Zombie Met Girl, and Lupen Crook & The Murderbirds, and you’ve got quite the festival. For additional information and line-up details, including Lightspeed Champion, Dub Pistols Sounds System, and the Black Kids, visit www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk .
Ticket Prices:
Full weekend £85
Child weekend £40
Adult Day £35
Child day £20
Family weekend £180
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| tags: | lounge on the farm | merton farm | more... |
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Ah, it’s a special year for Cream, what with Creamfields 10th Anniversary, the success of the 15 Years of Cream album, and now the announcement of a stellar line-up for Cream Ibiza 2008.
The award-winning Cream is revving up for sixteen parties on the island, with Paul Van Dyk leading the race as Amnesia’s exclusive resident, showcasing the finest in global talent,.
Speaking of his return to Amnesia, Van Dyk commented: “The Cream Ibiza parties at Amnesia are known to be one of the best parties in Ibiza every year.
“It’s always a fantastic atmosphere there and I’m very much looking forward to being resident DJ in the upcoming season again.”
Amnesia and Cream are a match made in heaven, Amnesia winning the ‘Best World Club’ Award and Cream scooping ‘Best Club Night’ for the last three years on the trot.
Top names playing the revamped Amnesia Terrace, hosted by Mixmag, include Kissy Sell Out, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Annie Mac, Mylo, Touché, Dirty South, Deadmau5 (live), Klaxons and many more . Exclusive sets will come from the likes of Eric Prydz, Simian Mobile Disco and the legendary DJ Sasha .
Nick Stevenson of Mixmag beamed: “The Mixmag Terrace will feature DJs like Annie Mac and Klaxons and Amnesia’s Terrace has had a complete rebuild so expect the Mixmag Terrace to be even louder, sharper and shinier for summer ’08.”
In other news, Cream will continue their collaboration with fashion brand Gio-Goi with an exclusive Cream Ibiza clothing range available on the party island.
For further information and line-up details visit the Cream website or to purchase tickets visit www.ticketline.co.uk or www.clubtix.co.uk
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| tags: | cream | cream ibiza | more... |
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Babyshambles are heading into the studio to record a third album following the release of Pete Doherty from Wormwood Scrubs, says drummer Adam Ficek.
Ficek, whose solo side-project, Roses Kings Castles, has been creating intense media interest, today released a statement revealing Babyshambles latest plans.
“The most important thing now Peter has been released is to get back in the studio and knock together our third album,” Ficek’s statement reads.
“Obviously Peter still has to put the finishing touches to his solo venture (mine is finished), but the plan is for all of us to decamp to Marlborough and put some time and energy into what has to be our biggest and best record to date.
“The songs are there, we just need to hone and ‘ play in’ the ideas to the point where we have a concise body of work. As always, we owe huge amounts of respect to the fans and record company for supporting us through these recent dark times. ”
Ficek, whose revered work as a rock and Indie DJ has earned him call-ups to major festivals this summer, will be announcing release dates for Roses Kings Castles debut album and first single, Sparkling Bootz, within the next few weeks.
www.myspace.com/roseskingscastles
www.myspace.com/djadamdicek
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| tags: | babyshambles | adam ficek | more... |
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