COUNTDOWN:
17th - 20th July 2008
MUSIC
ARENA
As the first
signs of summer begin to shine through, the line-up for this year’s
Latitude Festival is starting to fill up. The very best actors, writers,
directors, dancers, musicians and performers are flocking to the sunrise
coast to be a part of this festival of inspiration and enchantment . With
so much more to be announced across all of the arenas, this is really
shaping up to be the arts and music event of the year!
Welcomed to Latitude are Nada Surf of whom you will find fewer bands with as dedicated a following, The New York based American Indie legends have toured relentlessly throughout their career spanning 16 years and the band’s 1996 debut album ‘High/Low’ is a cemented in history as ‘Surfer Rosa’ by the Pixies or Mudhoney’s epic self titled debut. Having released new album ‘Lucky’ in February of this year the band are still staying true to their name and playing as many gigs as is humanly possible and thus, the ever growing Nada Surf faithful remains as strong as ever. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a piece of musical history in Latitude’s Obelisk Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The menacingly named Murder By Death met and reside in Bloomington, Indiana where they create dark and rumbling, drink hazed scenes of sin, redemption and guilt with an insouciant musical swagger and whiskey soaked lyricism. Their gothic snapshots of middle Americana, laced with a hint of blue grass, are threaded through with glorious vignettes of the underbelly of life. If Deadwood’s saloon had a band, it would be Murder By Death. Dark, sultry, rock n roll to love, dance and drink to in the Obelisk Arena on the Friday.
After a considerable hiatus of twelve years, many were surprised to see the return of The House Of Love in 2005. Instead of writing just another reformed Indie band record, they came up with one of the most critically praised albums of the year with ‘Days Run Away’. Since their reunion the band have gone from strength to strength, playing gigs across the UK and Europe, bringing back to life what made them great in the first place. Sing-along moments are going to be plentiful at Latitude this year but it will be hard to find one louder than when the band breaks into their greatest hit ‘Shine On’; be sure not to miss them on the Saturday in the Uncut Arena.
In the Uncut Arena Bristol quartet Gravenhurst will be bringing their dark and highly atmospheric sound to Latitude on Friday forming part of the festival’s soundtrack to the Summer sunshine. Having built up a large back catalogue and joining the ranks of the Warp records roster a few years ago demonstrates this act’s diversity and it will be very entertaining to see what the band bring to the Suffolk coast.
Electro-punk outfit Heloise & The Savoir Faire have had their live shows described by Disorder Magazine as a “great big flying disco ball swerving through a relentless shower of pink glitter and synth-lasers,”. Recently signing to Elijah Wood’s Simian Records the bands electrified collision of late-70’s disco-infused dance punk and 80’s synth-pop is backed up by two dancers who certainly know how to shake their thang! Heloise & The Savoir Faire have gained popularity in the UK after making TV appearances on The Graham Norton Show and The Friday Night Project. Their debut album features guest vocals by Debbie Harry (headlining the Uncut Stage on Sunday night as part of the legendary Blondie) who called Heloise & The Savoir Faire one of her favourite underground bands. See what all the fuss is about in the Uncut Arena on Friday.
The Uncut Arena standing tall on top of the hill looking down over the beautiful site of Latitude will host the utterly fantastic Martha Wainwright. Wainwright who has been making waves in the Country and Folk community for some time now, will bring her sweet sounds to Latitude on the Friday. Since releasing her debut EP ‘Factory’ in 2002 she has gone from strength to strength.Her self titled album release of 2005 brought strong praise from all sides of the music community with a cross-over appeal that stretched far beyond the traditional folk audience. As sister of Rufus Wainwright and daughter of country legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Martha certainly has a rich heritage and is cementing herself firmly in the history books alongside her heroes. The heart and warmth in her performance will keep you smiling all through the night.
Eccentric and visionary rock musician, modern antiquarian and one time frontman of post-punk Liverpool outfit The Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope will be performing in the Uncut Arena on the Friday night. Since the fame and success of The Teardrop Explodes, Cope has added to his legacy with a prolific solo career releasing over 20 albums and writing four non-fiction books including ‘Krautrocksampler’ and ‘Japrocksampler’ as well as two critically acclaimed autobiographies. A cult hero, Cope’s live performances are a formidable experience – dipping into his vast back catalogue that features the solo Top 20 hit ‘World Shut Your Mouth’ and classics such as ‘Try, Try, Try’ and ‘Trampoline’ as well as legendary Teardrop tracks ‘Reward’ and ‘Treason’.
Welcomed to Latitude are Nada Surf of whom you will find fewer bands with as dedicated a following, The New York based American Indie legends have toured relentlessly throughout their career spanning 16 years and the band’s 1996 debut album ‘High/Low’ is a cemented in history as ‘Surfer Rosa’ by the Pixies or Mudhoney’s epic self titled debut. Having released new album ‘Lucky’ in February of this year the band are still staying true to their name and playing as many gigs as is humanly possible and thus, the ever growing Nada Surf faithful remains as strong as ever. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a piece of musical history in Latitude’s Obelisk Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The menacingly named Murder By Death met and reside in Bloomington, Indiana where they create dark and rumbling, drink hazed scenes of sin, redemption and guilt with an insouciant musical swagger and whiskey soaked lyricism. Their gothic snapshots of middle Americana, laced with a hint of blue grass, are threaded through with glorious vignettes of the underbelly of life. If Deadwood’s saloon had a band, it would be Murder By Death. Dark, sultry, rock n roll to love, dance and drink to in the Obelisk Arena on the Friday.
After a considerable hiatus of twelve years, many were surprised to see the return of The House Of Love in 2005. Instead of writing just another reformed Indie band record, they came up with one of the most critically praised albums of the year with ‘Days Run Away’. Since their reunion the band have gone from strength to strength, playing gigs across the UK and Europe, bringing back to life what made them great in the first place. Sing-along moments are going to be plentiful at Latitude this year but it will be hard to find one louder than when the band breaks into their greatest hit ‘Shine On’; be sure not to miss them on the Saturday in the Uncut Arena.
In the Uncut Arena Bristol quartet Gravenhurst will be bringing their dark and highly atmospheric sound to Latitude on Friday forming part of the festival’s soundtrack to the Summer sunshine. Having built up a large back catalogue and joining the ranks of the Warp records roster a few years ago demonstrates this act’s diversity and it will be very entertaining to see what the band bring to the Suffolk coast.
Electro-punk outfit Heloise & The Savoir Faire have had their live shows described by Disorder Magazine as a “great big flying disco ball swerving through a relentless shower of pink glitter and synth-lasers,”. Recently signing to Elijah Wood’s Simian Records the bands electrified collision of late-70’s disco-infused dance punk and 80’s synth-pop is backed up by two dancers who certainly know how to shake their thang! Heloise & The Savoir Faire have gained popularity in the UK after making TV appearances on The Graham Norton Show and The Friday Night Project. Their debut album features guest vocals by Debbie Harry (headlining the Uncut Stage on Sunday night as part of the legendary Blondie) who called Heloise & The Savoir Faire one of her favourite underground bands. See what all the fuss is about in the Uncut Arena on Friday.
The Uncut Arena standing tall on top of the hill looking down over the beautiful site of Latitude will host the utterly fantastic Martha Wainwright. Wainwright who has been making waves in the Country and Folk community for some time now, will bring her sweet sounds to Latitude on the Friday. Since releasing her debut EP ‘Factory’ in 2002 she has gone from strength to strength.Her self titled album release of 2005 brought strong praise from all sides of the music community with a cross-over appeal that stretched far beyond the traditional folk audience. As sister of Rufus Wainwright and daughter of country legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Martha certainly has a rich heritage and is cementing herself firmly in the history books alongside her heroes. The heart and warmth in her performance will keep you smiling all through the night.
Eccentric and visionary rock musician, modern antiquarian and one time frontman of post-punk Liverpool outfit The Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope will be performing in the Uncut Arena on the Friday night. Since the fame and success of The Teardrop Explodes, Cope has added to his legacy with a prolific solo career releasing over 20 albums and writing four non-fiction books including ‘Krautrocksampler’ and ‘Japrocksampler’ as well as two critically acclaimed autobiographies. A cult hero, Cope’s live performances are a formidable experience – dipping into his vast back catalogue that features the solo Top 20 hit ‘World Shut Your Mouth’ and classics such as ‘Try, Try, Try’ and ‘Trampoline’ as well as legendary Teardrop tracks ‘Reward’ and ‘Treason’.
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Eerier than Twin Peaks and spookier than an abandoned Old
West, the beguiling melodies of Howling Bells are making everyone sit
up and take notice. Formed in Australia and now based in the UK, the band
lurch from blues fuelled rock to country-rock lamentations, it showcases
the mesmerising, silky voice of vocalist Juanita Stein perfectly as it
switches between sudden calm, creeping range and immaculate pop. A definite
must see for the Uncut Arena on Friday at Latitude.
Last year you may have spotted Sam Isaac playing early on the Lake stage
at Latitude. This year he will be lighting up the Uncut Arena on the Sunday
complete with his full backing band. The last twelve months have seen
Sam move to the forefront of the music press’ minds with the release
of critically acclaimed singles ‘Sideways’ and ‘Fire
Fire’ which both found big fans at Radio 1. With heartfelt, honest
lyrics and poppy hooks that will be spinning around your head all day,
Isaac is a singer songwriter perfectly suited to the lush surroundings
of Henham Park.
The hotly tipped White Lies will play the Obelisk Arena on Saturday afternoon. From London, these young upstarts have caught the attention of all sections of the music industry earning a place on the current NME New Noise tour and a major record deal before the release of their debut single. Drawing influences from the epic anthems of Echo & The Bunnymen as well as more current influences from Editors – their take on soaring and atmospheric rock has made them ones to watch out for this summer.
Joining them on the Obelisk Arena is the psychedelic rock/folk fusion of Anglo/Icelandic band, Fields. Combining a harmony pop sensibility to rival The Magic Numbers with My Bloody Valentine style soundscapes, Fields are an intriguing outfit who have been causing a bit of stir since the release of their debut album last year. Now with a second record ready for release that has been claimed by main writer Nick Peill to be a more hopeful and optimistic album, Fields are worth checking out on the Sunday afternoon of Latitude. The beautiful Sunrise Arena, already home to current faves Crystal Castles, will now feature Reading via Brighton based singer/songwriter Nic Dawson Kelly. Having blown audiences away touring his 2007 debut album ‘The Musician’, Kelly has built up quite a following across the country and with many comparisons to the likes of past Latitude headliner Antony and the Johnsons, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, it seems as though 2008 is going to be a good year for this young talent. A successful tour with Jamie T and a slot on the Camden Crawl 08 has given him the chance to showcase new material and attract new fans along the way - his performance on Saturday is definitely worth making the effort for.
Drawing on influences from Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Joni Mitchell, London based songstress Tallulah Rendall will be bringing her soulful acoustic sound to the Latitude Festival come Sunday morning. Last year saw her release her debut EP ‘Without Time’ which brought high praise from high places and earned her an acclaimed performance at Dame Shirley Bassey’s 70th birthday at Clivesden. With her full debut album ‘Libellus’ confirmed for release this year, Rendall’s performance on the Sunrise Arena will be the perfect opportunity for a preview.
Headlining this year’s event on the Obelisk Arena, Scottish art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand play their only English festival show exclusively at Latitude on the Friday night; the majestic and soaring Icelandic post-rock outfit Sigur Ros head up Saturday’s line-up and New York titans Interpol close the arena on the Sunday with their unique brand of powerful and atmospheric inventive indie rock. Friday night over on the Uncut Arena will see an incredibly special performance from “Africa’s funkiest band” (Evening Standard), the remarkable Amadou and Mariam and throughout the rest of the weekend the Obelisk and Uncut Arenas will host stunning performances from Nick Cave’s Grinderman, the epic The Mars Volta, the charming Death Cab for Cutie, the superb Elbow, legendary alt rockers The Breeders and grime, hip-hop, electro pop queen, M.I.A.
As Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best in emerging talent, the Sunrise Arena will host a line-up of tomorrow’s stars.
Broken Records have only been a band for just over a year but have already released their critically acclaimed debut EP, toured with the likes of Editors, Idlewild and Sons and Daughters and played a sold out 750 capacity hometown show! Drowned in Sound have described the band as ‘magical, engrossing and wholly enveloping, genuinely and excitingly bursting with commercial potential’.
Anya Marina whose debut record ‘Miss Halfway’ earned a San Diego Music Award for Best Recording with select tracks ending up on TV’s Grey's Anatomy as well as the show's soundtrack, and MTV's The Real World. The multi talented Marina DJ’s for her much loved San Diego radio station and can also be seen in her first feature-length comedy film ‘100 Girls’ in which she plays the eccentric and trichotillomaniac eyebrow-plucker, Rhonda. With material ranging from her upbringing to ex-boyfriends and all the after-effects, Marina’s razor sharp pop songs and beautiful voice will enrich your Latitude experience.
The mysterious troubadour Billy the Kid and his Barbaylios Brothers preach full-blooded tales of tough love, hard luck and the triumph of romance against the odds.
Their gritty urban folk from Teeside has already been snapped up by the same management as Oasis and are definitely ones to watch in 2008. See what you think of them on the Saturday afternoon in the Sunrise Arena.
The Beggars fuse all the best bits of La’s esq raspy voiced scally jingle jangle and wrap it in a poetic delivery that could be at some points be likened to Morrissey. You’ll be able to feel the bands declamatory wail on their cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘The Future’ which they’ll be playing at Latitude in the Sunrise Arena on the Sunday.
Southampton’s Thomas Tantrum features chiming guitar which effortlessly blended with jerky rhythms and soaring melodies. Their enchanting sparkle is a breath of fresh air in an indie scene saturated with electric guitars and synth lines, and Megan Thomas’ distinctive vocals will swirl around your head for days.
Brighton four piece Hold Fire inspire the same sense of wellbeing as a brisk walk on the seafront on a sunny day with their upbeat summery pop rock. They've also made a few friends at Radio 1 and XFM, having gained exposure from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Claire Sturgess and John Kennedy as well as being one of the most requested bands on local radio.
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The hotly tipped White Lies will play the Obelisk Arena on Saturday afternoon. From London, these young upstarts have caught the attention of all sections of the music industry earning a place on the current NME New Noise tour and a major record deal before the release of their debut single. Drawing influences from the epic anthems of Echo & The Bunnymen as well as more current influences from Editors – their take on soaring and atmospheric rock has made them ones to watch out for this summer.
Joining them on the Obelisk Arena is the psychedelic rock/folk fusion of Anglo/Icelandic band, Fields. Combining a harmony pop sensibility to rival The Magic Numbers with My Bloody Valentine style soundscapes, Fields are an intriguing outfit who have been causing a bit of stir since the release of their debut album last year. Now with a second record ready for release that has been claimed by main writer Nick Peill to be a more hopeful and optimistic album, Fields are worth checking out on the Sunday afternoon of Latitude. The beautiful Sunrise Arena, already home to current faves Crystal Castles, will now feature Reading via Brighton based singer/songwriter Nic Dawson Kelly. Having blown audiences away touring his 2007 debut album ‘The Musician’, Kelly has built up quite a following across the country and with many comparisons to the likes of past Latitude headliner Antony and the Johnsons, Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, it seems as though 2008 is going to be a good year for this young talent. A successful tour with Jamie T and a slot on the Camden Crawl 08 has given him the chance to showcase new material and attract new fans along the way - his performance on Saturday is definitely worth making the effort for.
Drawing on influences from Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Joni Mitchell, London based songstress Tallulah Rendall will be bringing her soulful acoustic sound to the Latitude Festival come Sunday morning. Last year saw her release her debut EP ‘Without Time’ which brought high praise from high places and earned her an acclaimed performance at Dame Shirley Bassey’s 70th birthday at Clivesden. With her full debut album ‘Libellus’ confirmed for release this year, Rendall’s performance on the Sunrise Arena will be the perfect opportunity for a preview.
Headlining this year’s event on the Obelisk Arena, Scottish art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand play their only English festival show exclusively at Latitude on the Friday night; the majestic and soaring Icelandic post-rock outfit Sigur Ros head up Saturday’s line-up and New York titans Interpol close the arena on the Sunday with their unique brand of powerful and atmospheric inventive indie rock. Friday night over on the Uncut Arena will see an incredibly special performance from “Africa’s funkiest band” (Evening Standard), the remarkable Amadou and Mariam and throughout the rest of the weekend the Obelisk and Uncut Arenas will host stunning performances from Nick Cave’s Grinderman, the epic The Mars Volta, the charming Death Cab for Cutie, the superb Elbow, legendary alt rockers The Breeders and grime, hip-hop, electro pop queen, M.I.A.
As Latitude is dedicated to bringing the very best in emerging talent, the Sunrise Arena will host a line-up of tomorrow’s stars.
Broken Records have only been a band for just over a year but have already released their critically acclaimed debut EP, toured with the likes of Editors, Idlewild and Sons and Daughters and played a sold out 750 capacity hometown show! Drowned in Sound have described the band as ‘magical, engrossing and wholly enveloping, genuinely and excitingly bursting with commercial potential’.
Anya Marina whose debut record ‘Miss Halfway’ earned a San Diego Music Award for Best Recording with select tracks ending up on TV’s Grey's Anatomy as well as the show's soundtrack, and MTV's The Real World. The multi talented Marina DJ’s for her much loved San Diego radio station and can also be seen in her first feature-length comedy film ‘100 Girls’ in which she plays the eccentric and trichotillomaniac eyebrow-plucker, Rhonda. With material ranging from her upbringing to ex-boyfriends and all the after-effects, Marina’s razor sharp pop songs and beautiful voice will enrich your Latitude experience.
The mysterious troubadour Billy the Kid and his Barbaylios Brothers preach full-blooded tales of tough love, hard luck and the triumph of romance against the odds.
Their gritty urban folk from Teeside has already been snapped up by the same management as Oasis and are definitely ones to watch in 2008. See what you think of them on the Saturday afternoon in the Sunrise Arena.
The Beggars fuse all the best bits of La’s esq raspy voiced scally jingle jangle and wrap it in a poetic delivery that could be at some points be likened to Morrissey. You’ll be able to feel the bands declamatory wail on their cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘The Future’ which they’ll be playing at Latitude in the Sunrise Arena on the Sunday.
Southampton’s Thomas Tantrum features chiming guitar which effortlessly blended with jerky rhythms and soaring melodies. Their enchanting sparkle is a breath of fresh air in an indie scene saturated with electric guitars and synth lines, and Megan Thomas’ distinctive vocals will swirl around your head for days.
Brighton four piece Hold Fire inspire the same sense of wellbeing as a brisk walk on the seafront on a sunny day with their upbeat summery pop rock. They've also made a few friends at Radio 1 and XFM, having gained exposure from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Claire Sturgess and John Kennedy as well as being one of the most requested bands on local radio.