Anna Calvi by Emma Nathan
We’re counting the days until Victoria Park’s Field Day festival on August 6, ELL takes a quick look at this year’s highlights
By all accounts, it has been a really great year. Underground music genres was championed by the mainstream press, exciting new blood made it to London’s music stream and everything seems to be moving forward. That’s exactly the spirit that Field Day seems to encapsulate, showcasing the work of artists who dare to be innovative while carrying the promise of a rock star longevity.
Just a glimpse at the line-up will show the strength and depth of Field Day as they bring an unbeatable mix of unknowns and those that have been plastered across magazines and newspapers all year.
LA’s girl band Warpaint, dubstep wonderboy James Blake and Brian Eno-mentored Anna Calvi are just a snapshot of the musical delights on offer this August.
We’re really looking forward to seeing Zola Jesus, whose eerie electro counts fans from a wide spectrum of genres. After her “dark masterpiece”, the sophomore Stridulum II, Zola is preparing to release her third album Conatus in September.
Synth fans will also enjoy Twin Shadow, whose debut Forget reinstated new wave sensibility into the global hype-machine and left retro lovers craving for more.
Indie fans are also blessed, and will be on the lookout for Wild Beasts, who released their latest album Smother in May by Domino Records. Warp Record’s Born Ruffians and Horrors who also have a fresh record (Skying) out, will be responsible for the more raucous moments of the day, while Glasser will sooth our hearts with their female vocals.
Dubstep fans will be summoned in front of Pearson Sound, Roska, Oneohtrix Point Never, L-Vis 1990, Darkstar, Benga & Youngman and the masterful Jamie XX. James Blake, Jamie Woon and Mount Kimbie rightfully deserve their own stage since they have come to represent the most soulful branch of the most talked about genre of the time.
Carl Craig
Technoheads will pay homage to Actress, the evergreen Matthew Dear and Michael Mayer of the esteemed German Kompakt label. One of the festival’s highlights is the presentation of Carl Craig’ s 69 project exclusively for Field Day. As Philip Sherburne’s feature on the legendary producer indicates, 69 was the project that initiated Planet E, a label that this years celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The Dance floor regulars will surely catch up with Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) spinning back to back with his long-term partner on the wheels of steel James Holden. While Erol Alkan, Casper C are also UK favourites, Vampire Weekend’s bassist Baio will illuminate Victoria park with the light of a tropic disco mix.
But this year’s festival hides some more unexpected guests. Be sure to check out Omar Souleyman, the Syrian artist who had the privilege of remixing Bjork’s Crystalline. Musos should attend the performance of Sun Ra’s Arkestra that faithfully continues the work of the landmark artist who gave it its name.
Omar Souleyman
Field Day also is the perfect chance to check out About Group, the band Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor formed with Spiritualized’s John Coxon, Charles Hayward and Pat Thomas.
Last but not least, those on the hunt for the critically acclaimed need look no further than Turner winner Martin Creed’s live, which is bound to attract the artistic community of East London and beyond.
Field Day line-up:
2.54, About Group, Actress, Alitrec, Anika, Anna Calvi, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Baio (Vampire Weekend), Benga & Youngman, Bloggers Delight DJs, Born Ruffians, Carl Craig Presents 69, Casper C, Chad Valley, Chimes, Clock Opera, Cloud Control, CocknBullKid, Connan Mockasin, Creep, Darkstar, Dollop, Double Denim Records, Ducktails, Echo Lake, Eat Your Own Ears Djs, Electrelane, Erol Alkan, Factory Floor, Farnborough Concert Band of the Royal British Legion, Faust, Givers, Glasser, Greenwich Tea Party, Gruff Rhys, Huw Stephens, Hype Williams, James Blake, Jamie Woon, Jamie XX, Jen Long, John Cale, John McIvor, Jon Hopkins DJ Set, Junip, Justin Spear, Kieran Hebden B2B James Holden, Konono No.1, Leather Boy, Mark Kozelek, Martin Creed, Matthew Dear, Matt Walsh, Michael Mayer, Mount Kimbie, NikNikNik, No Pain In Pop, Omar Souleyman, Oneohtrix Point Never, Pearson Sound, Roska, SBTRKT, S.C.U.M., Skull Juice, Spectrals, Stanley Schtinter, Star Slinger, Still Corners, Sun Ra Arkestra, The Bookhouse Boys, The Coral, The History of Apple Pie, The Horrors, The Sea and Cake, Tribes, Trophy Wife, Twin Shadow, Veronica Falls, Villagers, Visions of Trees, Warpaint, Wild Beasts, Willy Mason, Zola Jesus..
Tickets:
Tickets £39.50 from:
seetickets.com 0870 264 3333
ticketweb.co.uk 08444 771000
hmvtickets.com 0843 221 0100
Gigantic / Big Green Coach / Resident Advisor / We Got Tickets
Stargreen / Last Minute / View London
Get Your Tickets In Person:
Rough Trade East, Dray Walk, London E1. 020 77392 7788
Lock Tavern, 35 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1. 020 7485 0909
