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Into a Velvet Blowout
World Wide · 14.08.2007
By Иван Дубков
For those who don't associate the velvet season with Gelendzhik and the band "Leningrad", for those whose collection of electronic music won't fit on any single hard drive, for those who treat holidaymaking as an art, for those who have no intention of despairing at the onset of autumn. It is precisely for them, and indeed for everyone else, that 44100hz has compiled a list of the very best music festivals taking place this September on planet Earth.
Electric Picnic
31 August - 2 September
Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland
3 days - 220 euros (camping included in the price)
www.electricpicnic.ie→
If you never managed to make it to a single festival over the summer, if instead of enjoying swimming, music and sunshine you were destined to sit in a stuffy office, if you're tired of the daily grind and so long for a bit of magic — Electric Picnic is the event for you!
The line-up of this affair is so varied in genre and style that it definitely won't leave you indifferent, whether you're a fan of detroit techno, big beat or even old school hip-hop. Taking part in the festival: Chemical Brothers, Beastie Boys, Bjork, Iggy Pop, Primal Scream, Sonic Youth, Jarvis Cocker, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, The Magic Numbers, The Go! Team, Josh Wink, Derrick May.
Within the festival there will be parties, performances by theatre troupes, lectures on musical topics and esoteric programmes. A separate stage will be given over to stand up comedy.
Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland
3 days - 220 euros (camping included in the price)
www.electricpicnic.ie→
If you never managed to make it to a single festival over the summer, if instead of enjoying swimming, music and sunshine you were destined to sit in a stuffy office, if you're tired of the daily grind and so long for a bit of magic — Electric Picnic is the event for you!
The line-up of this affair is so varied in genre and style that it definitely won't leave you indifferent, whether you're a fan of detroit techno, big beat or even old school hip-hop. Taking part in the festival: Chemical Brothers, Beastie Boys, Bjork, Iggy Pop, Primal Scream, Sonic Youth, Jarvis Cocker, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, The Magic Numbers, The Go! Team, Josh Wink, Derrick May.
Within the festival there will be parties, performances by theatre troupes, lectures on musical topics and esoteric programmes. A separate stage will be given over to stand up comedy.
Bestival
7-9 September
Newport, United Kingdom
3 days: 115 pounds
www.bestival.net→
The event will take place in the most picturesque of spots, Robin Hill Country Park, which, if the British forecasters are to be believed, is the sunniest corner of the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, rumour has it — and the official site confirms — that there are practically no tickets left for Bestival 2007.
The gates of the park open on Friday at 10 in the morning and close on Monday at noon. And you're unlikely to want to leave the festival grounds even for a minute — a line-up this eclectic can only be boasted of by the Hungarian festival Sziget. As for the prospects of lounging about on the sun-drenched grass to the accompaniment of the Chemical Brothers, or leaping around with your trousers off (preferably not literally) at a performance by the living hip-hop legends Beastie Boys, I'll tactfully keep quiet, so as not to fray your nerves completely.
In short, if you're planning to have a great time and get the chance to see and hear all these acts — go to the site and buy, at last, those magical tickets.
Performing: Chemical Brothers, The Orb, Mr. Scruff, Daedelus, Luke Vibert, Beastie Boys, Primal Scream, 2manydjs, The Go! Team, James Lavelle and others.
Newport, United Kingdom
3 days: 115 pounds
www.bestival.net→
The event will take place in the most picturesque of spots, Robin Hill Country Park, which, if the British forecasters are to be believed, is the sunniest corner of the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, rumour has it — and the official site confirms — that there are practically no tickets left for Bestival 2007.
The gates of the park open on Friday at 10 in the morning and close on Monday at noon. And you're unlikely to want to leave the festival grounds even for a minute — a line-up this eclectic can only be boasted of by the Hungarian festival Sziget. As for the prospects of lounging about on the sun-drenched grass to the accompaniment of the Chemical Brothers, or leaping around with your trousers off (preferably not literally) at a performance by the living hip-hop legends Beastie Boys, I'll tactfully keep quiet, so as not to fray your nerves completely.
In short, if you're planning to have a great time and get the chance to see and hear all these acts — go to the site and buy, at last, those magical tickets.
Performing: Chemical Brothers, The Orb, Mr. Scruff, Daedelus, Luke Vibert, Beastie Boys, Primal Scream, 2manydjs, The Go! Team, James Lavelle and others.
Nous
14-15 September
Brussels, Belgium
2 days: 20 euros
www.myspace.com/nousfestival →
For lovers of the unconventional: stranger (in the good sense) new electronic music than this you'll only get to hear on Alpha Centauri, in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Especially for fans of IDM, minimal, techno and abstract music, the leading figures of Shitkatapult and Phil Pot Label are performing: Apparat Live, Shrubbn feat T-Raumschmiere Live, Anders Ilar Live, Sun Electric Live, OST Live, DJ Flush, Daniel Meteo (DJ set). The legendary German label Trapez will be represented by Florian Maindl, and the special guest announced for the festival is Jan Jelinek himself. Considering the price of the entry ticket and the relative closeness of Brussels, this festival is the ideal solution for those whose pockets aren't bursting at the seams with banknotes.
Brussels, Belgium
2 days: 20 euros
www.myspace.com/nousfestival →
For lovers of the unconventional: stranger (in the good sense) new electronic music than this you'll only get to hear on Alpha Centauri, in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Especially for fans of IDM, minimal, techno and abstract music, the leading figures of Shitkatapult and Phil Pot Label are performing: Apparat Live, Shrubbn feat T-Raumschmiere Live, Anders Ilar Live, Sun Electric Live, OST Live, DJ Flush, Daniel Meteo (DJ set). The legendary German label Trapez will be represented by Florian Maindl, and the special guest announced for the festival is Jan Jelinek himself. Considering the price of the entry ticket and the relative closeness of Brussels, this festival is the ideal solution for those whose pockets aren't bursting at the seams with banknotes.
Popkomm
20-22 September
Berlin, Germany
3 days: 350 euros
www.popkomm.de→
When a person is industrial by nature, they don't find much happiness in open-airs, tents and other Robinson-Crusoe-style contraptions. They feel truly comfortable only in a metropolis, in their favourite club, with an elaborately tricked-out cocktail in hand. Well then, welcome to the Popkomm Festival! For 3 whole days, from 20 to 22 September, from morning till evening Berlin will be gripped by a musical fever. By day it's all manner of symposia and lectures on topical musical themes; exhibitions devoted to contemporary art and the achievements of the national economy. And by night, a non-stop dance marathon — 30 Berlin clubs will open their doors to the guests of the Popkomm Festival. The full list of performers isn't being revealed yet, but it's already known that artists from labels such as M_nus, Bpitch Control, Get Physical, Sonar Kollektiv, Shitkatapult and others are unhurriedly packing their suitcases full of records and waiting for zero hour. And what are you waiting for?
Berlin, Germany
3 days: 350 euros
www.popkomm.de→
When a person is industrial by nature, they don't find much happiness in open-airs, tents and other Robinson-Crusoe-style contraptions. They feel truly comfortable only in a metropolis, in their favourite club, with an elaborately tricked-out cocktail in hand. Well then, welcome to the Popkomm Festival! For 3 whole days, from 20 to 22 September, from morning till evening Berlin will be gripped by a musical fever. By day it's all manner of symposia and lectures on topical musical themes; exhibitions devoted to contemporary art and the achievements of the national economy. And by night, a non-stop dance marathon — 30 Berlin clubs will open their doors to the guests of the Popkomm Festival. The full list of performers isn't being revealed yet, but it's already known that artists from labels such as M_nus, Bpitch Control, Get Physical, Sonar Kollektiv, Shitkatapult and others are unhurriedly packing their suitcases full of records and waiting for zero hour. And what are you waiting for?
Next Tech
20-22 September
Florence, Italy
From 12 to 23 euros
www.nextechfestival.com→
The Next Tech festival is being held for the second time this year and, judging by the photos and reviews from Next Tech 2006, quite deservedly so. For the first time it takes place at a 19th-century railway station, with sky-high ceilings and incredible acoustics. And the line-up of artists set to attend this event will delight any aesthete whose musical taste incorporates such concepts as minimal, techno and Kompakt.
Performing: Mr Oizo, Moodymann, DJ Koze, Someone Else, Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid, Isolee, Rodion, Stateless, Chic Miniature, Barem, My My, Ryan Crosson.
By the way, Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. So you can talk your sweetheart (or friends, work colleagues, or finally your parents) into keeping you company on the trip for a virtuous tour of the sights of the cradle of the Renaissance, and by night party to the full!
Florence, Italy
From 12 to 23 euros
www.nextechfestival.com→
The Next Tech festival is being held for the second time this year and, judging by the photos and reviews from Next Tech 2006, quite deservedly so. For the first time it takes place at a 19th-century railway station, with sky-high ceilings and incredible acoustics. And the line-up of artists set to attend this event will delight any aesthete whose musical taste incorporates such concepts as minimal, techno and Kompakt.
Performing: Mr Oizo, Moodymann, DJ Koze, Someone Else, Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid, Isolee, Rodion, Stateless, Chic Miniature, Barem, My My, Ryan Crosson.
By the way, Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. So you can talk your sweetheart (or friends, work colleagues, or finally your parents) into keeping you company on the trip for a virtuous tour of the sights of the cradle of the Renaissance, and by night party to the full!
Decibel
20-23 September
Seattle, USA
4 days: $100
www.dbfestival.com→
The 4th annual international festival of electronic music, contemporary art and media technology, Decibel, will take place in Seattle from 20 to 23 September. Across nine venues representing 9 countries of the world, 14 shows will be held, each of them accompanied by a special visual show. Preference is given to everyone's dearly beloved minimal techno; performing here will be: Mike Shannon, Jeff Samuel, 3 Channels, Robert Babicz, Motor. For lovers of less straight-ahead music, Diplo and Biosphere are thrown to the wolves. In all, performances by sixty artists are expected!
And one more thing: if after a wild night you have the strength left to move your own (or someone else's) body, feel free to drag it along to the numerous symposia and conferences devoted to the musical theme: to gain experience, hear the opinions of professionals, discuss topical issues — in short, to spend your time usefully and pleasantly.
Seattle, USA
4 days: $100
www.dbfestival.com→
The 4th annual international festival of electronic music, contemporary art and media technology, Decibel, will take place in Seattle from 20 to 23 September. Across nine venues representing 9 countries of the world, 14 shows will be held, each of them accompanied by a special visual show. Preference is given to everyone's dearly beloved minimal techno; performing here will be: Mike Shannon, Jeff Samuel, 3 Channels, Robert Babicz, Motor. For lovers of less straight-ahead music, Diplo and Biosphere are thrown to the wolves. In all, performances by sixty artists are expected!
And one more thing: if after a wild night you have the strength left to move your own (or someone else's) body, feel free to drag it along to the numerous symposia and conferences devoted to the musical theme: to gain experience, hear the opinions of professionals, discuss topical issues — in short, to spend your time usefully and pleasantly.
Todaysart Festival
21-22 September
The Hague, Netherlands
2 days: 25 euros
www.todaysart.nl→
Coffee shops exist not only in Amsterdam, and if you find yourself in the world's most liberal country in the early twenties of the month, set aside for a while your plans to tour the Red Light District and head to the Todaysart Festival — there are more than enough reasons for it. First, the music here is genuinely good: Mr. Oizo & Sebastian, MFO, Array, Robert Henke, Noze, Optical Machine. Second, performances by theatre troupes, a masterclass in contemporary dance, a presentation of the latest multimedia. Third, it's The Hague — the administrative capital of the Netherlands, home to the royal residence and an unimaginable amount of architectural, natural and other beauty! And finally, a more than democratic price for all the pleasures listed above.
The Hague, Netherlands
2 days: 25 euros
www.todaysart.nl→
Coffee shops exist not only in Amsterdam, and if you find yourself in the world's most liberal country in the early twenties of the month, set aside for a while your plans to tour the Red Light District and head to the Todaysart Festival — there are more than enough reasons for it. First, the music here is genuinely good: Mr. Oizo & Sebastian, MFO, Array, Robert Henke, Noze, Optical Machine. Second, performances by theatre troupes, a masterclass in contemporary dance, a presentation of the latest multimedia. Third, it's The Hague — the administrative capital of the Netherlands, home to the royal residence and an unimaginable amount of architectural, natural and other beauty! And finally, a more than democratic price for all the pleasures listed above.
N.A.M.E. Festival
21-23, 28-29 September, 6 October.
North-eastern France
From 3 to 16 euros
www.lenamefestival.com→
This festival presents the most current DJs and artists toiling in the field of "intelligent" dance music. This year at N.A.M.E. the performers are: the heroes of the Kompakt label — The Orb, Nathan Fake, Jonas Bering; the head of the Bpitch Control label — DJ, musician and all-round beauty Ellen Allien, who will be assisted by Chloe. Alex Smoke will play live. Also presenting their tracks will be Agoria, Alter Ego, Fairmont, Tractile, as well as DJ sets from Magda, Damian Lazarus vs. Jamie Jones, Martin Landsky, Matt John. For fans of intelligent electronic non-dance music a special gift has been prepared — a live performance by the legendary Pan Sonic.
Besides the music programme, N.A.M.E. will host the premiere of a film featuring Karl Lagerfeld, lectures on French philosophy, VJ & DJ contests, and a masterclass in DJing.
North-eastern France
From 3 to 16 euros
www.lenamefestival.com→
This festival presents the most current DJs and artists toiling in the field of "intelligent" dance music. This year at N.A.M.E. the performers are: the heroes of the Kompakt label — The Orb, Nathan Fake, Jonas Bering; the head of the Bpitch Control label — DJ, musician and all-round beauty Ellen Allien, who will be assisted by Chloe. Alex Smoke will play live. Also presenting their tracks will be Agoria, Alter Ego, Fairmont, Tractile, as well as DJ sets from Magda, Damian Lazarus vs. Jamie Jones, Martin Landsky, Matt John. For fans of intelligent electronic non-dance music a special gift has been prepared — a live performance by the legendary Pan Sonic.
Besides the music programme, N.A.M.E. will host the premiere of a film featuring Karl Lagerfeld, lectures on French philosophy, VJ & DJ contests, and a masterclass in DJing.
San Francisco Lovefest
29 September
San Francisco, USA
www2.sflovefest.org→
SFLovefest is the overseas little brother of the Love Parade. Besides a love of house music and of reckless raves, you'll also need strong legs here — the only way to keep up with the trucks carrying the sound systems is on foot. So hurry up and sign up at the gym and get training, there's not much time left! This year those bestowing their love will be: Paul Van Dyk, The Crystal Method, Blank & Jones, Afrika Bambaataa, and so on. At the grand official after-party the DJs will be: Sasha, Ferry Corsten, Gabriel & Dresden. Among the others you can also spot our compatriot DJ Dan — a small thing, but a nice one!
San Francisco, USA
www2.sflovefest.org→
SFLovefest is the overseas little brother of the Love Parade. Besides a love of house music and of reckless raves, you'll also need strong legs here — the only way to keep up with the trucks carrying the sound systems is on foot. So hurry up and sign up at the gym and get training, there's not much time left! This year those bestowing their love will be: Paul Van Dyk, The Crystal Method, Blank & Jones, Afrika Bambaataa, and so on. At the grand official after-party the DJs will be: Sasha, Ferry Corsten, Gabriel & Dresden. Among the others you can also spot our compatriot DJ Dan — a small thing, but a nice one!