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Japanese Popstars
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Rock da bank
‘LOCH NESS, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO PLAY'
Henry Northmore looks north as Rock Ness prepares for its biggest festival yet in the company of Basement Jaxx, Orbital, The Flaming Lips, The Prodigy and Placebo
Ness has staked its claim as a major Scottish ' festival. This year’s event boasts big names 5
Starting life as a Fatboy Slim gig in 2006, Rock
such as Basement Jaxx, Dizzee Rascal. Orbital. Soulwax and The Prodigy.
And, while it’s still mainly dance-orientated, the .
programme is ushering in more rock. Across the three f
days, Placebo, Biffy Clyro and The Flaming Lips are adding guitars to the mix. As we‘ve all come to expect, there’s also a strong
DJ line-up with several stages devoted to the art of -
mixology. David Guetta, Pete Tong, DJ Yoda and Pendulum put in sets across the main stages, while
Rob da Bank presents Sunday Best with Erol Alkan .
and Kissy Sell Out.
The Rizla Arena features Jazzie B (SoulZSoul). Andrew Weatherall, Riton and Jon Carter among others, while SoCo Social showcases Yousef, Mylo. Dub Pistols and more.
Soma Records, Ed Banger and the Sub Club are taking charge of the Bollywood stage on each successive day. ‘Everyone at the Sub Club is really excited to be part of Rock Ness,’ says Sub Club director Mike Grieve. ‘The spectacular backdrop and the brilliant atmosphere make this unique festival something Scotland can be really proud of.’
The festival takes place on the banks of Loch Ness, an idylic location no other festival can match. ‘Last year was just amazing fun,’ says festival director Jim King. ‘The bands loved the site and had a great time
playing to an amazing audience. Word must have got 2
around as we've been blown away by the amount of
40 1’". LIST 11—25 Jun 2009
bands who want to play at Rock Ness this year.‘ After only just missing the festival last year. Japanese Popstars are one of the younger acts looking forward to rocking Rock Ness. Specialising in ‘stadium rave-tech' this Northern Irish three-piece
play dazzling electronic pop and partially owe their
existence to the world of festivals.
‘We were at Oxegen in lreland.’ says (iary (‘urran who is joined in the trio by Decky Hedrock and Gareth Donoghue.‘We saw a few live dance acts and we thought, “We could be doing that rather than sitting about watching." So that‘s where it kicked off.‘
Since their inception in 2006. they’ve forged their
own identity in dance music. defying neat categorisation with an indie edge.
‘I say we sit more in the world of dance.’ says Curran. ‘But people don‘t seem to be sure where to fit us. We can be booked to play with lirol Alkan one night and with Eric Prydz the next.‘
Being nominated and winning several awards over the last few years (including best breakthrough producers at the I)! Mag Best of British Awards). they have landed several high profile remixes. ‘lt‘s a privilege to be asked to do remixes on that scale. but it’s weird sitting with Beyonce's vocals in the studio..
With their love of outdoor partying they‘re suitably excited to be playing this year‘s event. ‘We‘d heard about Rock Ness since it began. so it’s great to be there this year and the location. right beside Loch Ness. what a beautiful place to play.’
Flock Ness, Loch Ness, Fri 12-Sun 14 Jun.
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* QueerBash Gender- skewing London electro- poppers No Bra (pictured) guest at this new gay and lesbian club. Flying Duck, Glasgow, Thu 77 Jun.
ti: Ballers Social Club Presenting Cooly G (Hyperdub). Brixton's new princess of the dubstep and UK funky sounds.Stereo, Glasgow, Fri 20 Jun.
>i= The Summer Revel A circus theme this year as live music and DJs take over the ECA for huge summer party. The Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh, Fri 72 Jun.
=§= Balkanarama Two nights encompassing Dds. films and live music. all based around the Balkan-sourced gypsy styles of music. Arches, Glasgow, Fri 72 Jun; HMV Picture House, Edinburgh, Sat 73 Jun.
$1 Rock Ness Three days of beats in the sun (we hope) with a DJ and dance-heavy line-up featuring the likes of The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Orbital. Andrew Weatherall, Dub Pistols and more. Dorres, Loch Ness, Fri 72—Sun 74 Jun. 5i: Subculture One of the superstar DJ era’s more credible artists, Danny Howells. squeezes his house sound into this famous venue. The Sub Club, Glasgow, Sat 73 Jun.
3§< Wildlife Huggy and Dean Newton’s new club night at a new venue as they christen the decks (laptops and ix) with their own brand of driving tech- house launching their latest release. ‘747‘, on Subliminal Records. Electric Circus, Edinburgh, Sat 73 Jun.
3%: Rectify Hotly-tipped young Scottish producer Will Atkinson takes to the decks at the techno night. Soundhaus, Glasgow, Fri 79 Jun.
ti: Wasabi Disco The uber- cool Xvectors showcase material from their forthcoming album with an addictive set of throbbing bass and guitar funk. Sneaky Pete '3, Edinburgh, Sat 20 Jun.