Buzzin Music

Latitude Festival 2009

This year’s Latitude Festival 2009 includes headline acts Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Pet Shop Boys and Grace Jones.

Other music acts already confirmed to play include Doves, Editors and Bat For Lashes.

Latest additions to be added to the three-day festival line-up include White Lies, Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders, Little Boots, Ladyhawke and Squeeze.

White Lies are having an incredible year with the release of their debut album ‘To Lose My Life’. It topped the UK Album Chart in the first week of its release making them the first British band to top the charts this year. Following the album’s successes the band has gone on to perform on the Late Show with David Letterman, South by Southwest industry showcase and numerous tours across the world. The band opened the Obelisk Arena at last year’s Latitude Festival and the band will make a triumphant return with a higher billing at this year’s event.

Renowned rock stalwarts The Pretenders need little introduction as their blend of punky new wave and pop melodies have meant chart success since their inception in the late seventies. The prolific song-writing talents of Chrissie Hynde has produced such classic hits as ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, ‘I’ll Stand By You’, ‘Brass In My Pocket’ and ‘Back On The Chain Gang’ plus countless others in a career that now spans over several decades and nine studio albums. Expect their performance on the Obelisk Arena to bring together new material from their recent album ‘Break Up The Concrete’ and past hits for what will be in a very special Friday night set.

Hailing from London and Brighton, Flashguns are a young indie rock band inspired by the likes of Talking Heads and The Cure. Their talents have been quick to catch the eyes and ears of the record industry and after releasing a single on Rough Trade with former Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler on production duties, the band are now working on their eagerly awaited debut EP which is out in June. With a media buzz, much justified, catch these bright young things as they open the Obelisk Arena on Friday afternoon.

Irish upstarts The Chakras will be opening up the Arena on Saturday afternoon. Inspired by the early nineties psychedelic noises offered up by My Bloody Valentine and The Verve, The Chakras have an ethereal sound with soaring melodies and a pounding rhythm section. It’s a winning formula which has garnered critical acclaim. They are currently writing new material for their debut album due out later this year.

The impressive structure of the tented Uncut Arena houses a line-up of alternative, leftfield music; a hotbed of genre-spanning artists all offering something unique. This year will once again host a myriad of musical musts from the fields of folk, world, experimental, electronica, rock, indie and any other musical style you can think of. It’s all on offer at the Uncut Arena.

Friday evening in the Uncut Arena will be a mass of nostalgic glee as legendary New Wave quintet Squeeze treat Latitude to their wealth of classic tracks. ‘Cool For Cats’, ‘Up The Junction’ and ‘Tempted’ are just some of the musical gems that Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford’s prolific writing partnership has produced in a career spanning 30 years. After a decade of only tours and festival slots, the band are currently working on brand new material so expect a mixture of both old and new in a set which is sure to be one of the weekend’s highlights.

Danish alternative progressive indie outfit Mew join the Uncut Arena line-up. Their simply bewildering complex arrangements and time changes lead to powerful, beautiful songs that soar with ethereal melodies and enchanting lyrics. They are currently working on their fifth album which is due out later this year, so their set will be a captivating mix of old and new.

Riding high on breakthrough hits ‘My Delirium’ and ‘Paris Is Burning’ released last year, Ladyhawke has been wowing everyone with her catchy brand of nostalgic 80’s electro-pop. Nominated for an NME Award for Best Solo Artist, her work has even caught the attention of Christina Aguilera who has covered ‘Paris…’ for her upcoming album. Her performance at Latitude will be a feel-good synth-tastic dance-along, don’t miss it!

Scandinavian singer songwriter, Teitur writes poetic music. His direct storytelling, subtle humour, and musical minimalism, found on his recent third album ‘The Singer’ creates quiet, beautiful, harsh and contemplative music – loosely described as “a less depressing Nick Drake”. His arrangements and vocals are unique and incomparable and his live performances, where he’s often joined by a full orchestra, will be magical as he kick starts the Uncut Arena on Friday afternoon.

Los Angeles 3-piece Music Go Music evoke the pop sensibilities of ABBA and Electric Light Orchestra with wistful dreamy vocals, Euro beats and cheesy synths. Their fantasy-filled 80’s pop spirit is currently causing a stir in the British music press, and rightly so. This is dance-floor filling stuff that will set Latitude alight. The perfect way to start your Saturday.

Opening up the Uncut Arena on Sunday morning is the orchestral brilliance of Icelandic band Hjaltalin. Crafting beautifully written songs this band have come out of nowhere and made a huge impression. Endearing pop melodies that are fresh, bright and breezy this collective from Reykjavik are destined for great things.

Take a stroll through Latitude’s fairytale woods with art exhibited within the trees and dappled sunlight shining through the leaves and you will stumble across the most exquisite space of all; the Sunrise Arena, home to tomorrow’s biggest stars. With a full schedule still to be announced, this cosy and cherished arena is the place to find the most exciting new talent. Discover the next big thing at Latitude’s stunning Sunrise Arena.

Synth-pop queen Little Boots will be headlining the Sunrise Arena on Friday night. Winner of the BBC New Sounds of 2009, Little Boots, a.k.a Victoria Hesketh brings together her love of David Bowie, Kylie and Gary Numan to create space-y disco pop. Her live shows are infectious and she dances about the stage, accompanied only by a Japanese gadget called the Tenori-on, a flashing music box that she plays which has now become her trademark instrument.

London three-piece Band Of Skulls are currently riding high on the digital successes of recent single ‘I Know What I Am’ – a catchy, pounding bass-driven rock gem. Their bluesy rock ‘n’ roll, reminiscent of White Stripes set apart with perfectly layered interchanging lead singers makes this outfit an exciting addition to the Uncut Arena.

Boston pop giants Yes, Giantess are the next great hopes for electronic pop. Having won over their home country they are on their way over here to unleash some of the biggest pop jams you’ll hear all year. Debut single ‘Tuff ‘n Stuff’ is a slice of spiralling synths, infectious hooks and uplifting pop choruses which is destined to set the summer alight.

Glasgow-based electro duo Sugar Crisis join the Sunrise Arena line-up. With catchy, dance-floor fillers their infectious hooks are guaranteed to get the crowd bopping and grooving to their enthusiastic fun-filled synth-pop.

Dear Reader hail from South Africa but their beautiful brand of acoustic folk is making waves worldwide. Signed to famed indie label City Slang, their debut album ‘Replace Why With Funny’ is due out in May and is already generating quite a buzz.

Catherine A.D. is a London multi- instrumentalist, song writer and ‘professional malcontent’. Her inspirational style of music and her particularly dramatic voice make an interesting combination, described by NME as: “If Kate Bush died and went to hell, she might sound like London gothic folk chanteuse Catherine Anne Davies…kooky and spooky and very good.”

London born singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah’s music is a warm combination of acoustic guitars and orchestration influenced by the likes of James Taylor and Cat Stevens. After recording his debut album ‘Fool In Love’, Jonathan is gracing the Sunrise Stage on Friday with a wonderful blend of folk, soul and blues.

The beautiful lo-fi vocal stylings of singer songwriter Alan Pownall is coming to Latitude. His original voice and intriguing lyrics have won him support and praise from the likes of Adele who took him on tour with her and will no doubt lead him to mainstream successes when he releases his debut album later this year. Catch him play an intimate set at the Sunrise Arena while you can.

Although only 16 and 19 years-old, Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, aka First Aid Kit infuse the riches of Fleet Foxes, Devendra Banhart, Bright Eyes, Joanna Newsom and Leonard Cohen; pure music that speaks of bygone times and old souls. The emphasis is on narrative lyrics accompanying playful melodies with intense, dense harmonies. With their highly anticipated debut album due out later this year catch this incredible talent on the intimate Sunrise Arena before they hit the mainstream.

The open-air Obelisk Arena has been the stage of some epic performances over the past three years and Latitude 2009 will be no different. Lay out your picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine and get down to some of the best music around.

Epic lush guitars and driving drums, Liverpool’s Sound Of Guns are an immense rock band in the making. They exude a swagger and presence with anthemic choruses and unashamed rousing guitar riffs; an ambitious band with a big sound, catch their main stage appearance before they really go off!

With the shimmering lake as a stunning backdrop The Lake Stage is an open air hub of rising stars handpicked by Radio 1 DJ and new music aficionado, Huw Stephens. A place for discovery and recognition The Lake Stage brings you the freshest new acts before they even register on the radar of the music press. It is a place for up-and-coming creativity from across the musical spectrum to be unearthed and given a chance to shine. Come witness the next generation emerge at Latitude’s wonderful Lake Stage.

Headlining Friday night are North London trio Golden Silvers. Uplifting Beach Boys-esque harmonies and delightful 80’s imbued melodies make this sunny retro fun. But don’t be fooled by the feel-good qualities, there’s an edge. Often dark lyrics and sad subject matters lie menacingly under that glistening pure-pop making it all the more interesting and enticing.

Headlining Sunday evening, Sheffield’s boy-girl duo Slow Club bring their impossibly sweet and honest mix of folk melodies with the occasional upbeat roll of rockabilly to the Sunrise Arena. With percussionist Rebecca jumping and skipping about the stage playing drums, water-filled bottle and the spoons whilst Charles plays guitars and lets his voice soar, their live sets are really something to behold.

Disco-rock trio We Have Band have been causing quite a stir with their pop/dance/electro stylings, reminiscent of 80’s synth legends such as Human League, Depeche Mode and even Kraftwerk. Not to be restricted by just one genre of music, their ability to also write anthemic guitar-led songs with piano hints at something rather epic to come.

Four-piece Post War Years have built up a reputation for ferocious live performances after supporting the likes of Lethal Bizzle, MGMT and Does It Offend You, Yeah? Their clever bleeps and synth-lines, arch time signatures and edgy drums tie together to make unique catchy pop that will win over any one lucky enough to catch them live at Latitude.

The XX will be bringing their hazy dreamy new wave pop to the Lake Stage. Debut single ‘Crystalised’ and a fantastically soulful cover of Womack and Womack’s ‘Teardrops’ have meant all eyes are on this South London four-piece, and rightly so.

Shouty rock with filthy riffs, Leeds quartet Pulled Apart By Horses are a raw manic breed creating a real buzz in the underground scene. Their live shows are frenetic experiences; their ear-bending post-hardcore is played with real passion and energy leaving audiences all over the country gasping for more.

Brother and sister duo, Joe Gideon & The Shark offer dark, ragged blues with chugging riffs and an enigmatic atmosphere. Formerly members of Bikini Atoll, in their short two years history they have already played with The Duke Spirit, Seasick Steve and our Latitude headliners Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Their oddball surrealist music, so different to current trends, will be shining brightly on the Lake Stage on the Saturday afternoon.

Born in Southern California but now residing in Stockholm, brother and sister act Dag For Dag present nomadic melancholy, wistful echoed vocals and layers of distorted guitar. Their dreamy soundscapes will soar high into the sky at Latitude, so lay back in front of the Lake Stage and set adrift.

2 Hot 2 Sweat describe themselves as ‘Wonky Electro Pop Garage Rock Shouty Weirdness’; which neatly sums the London duo Matt Leuw and Mia Lane up nicely. It’s a combination that has wowed the industry and their peers alike, bagging radio sessions and supporting Rolo Tomassi, The Brownies and Golden Silvers to mention a few. Catch them on Saturday afternoon.

With a name like The Late Greats, this four-piece from Eastbourne have a lot to live up to. Luckily their hook laden, fuzzed lo-fi post-rock tunes are charming, catchy and accomplished nuggets of music sure to set the Lake Stage alight when they play on Friday afternoon.

These new additions join Obelisk headliners: electronic dance pioneers Pet Shop Boys, iconic disco queen Grace Jones, and the decadent rock noir of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, plus Doves, Editors and Regina Spektor with many more bands, across all music arenas to be announced soon.

Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk’s stunning sea-side town of Southwold, and now in its fourth year, Latitude continues to inspire and innovate offering the very best from the worlds of music, film, comedy, theatre, cabaret, dance, poetry, literature and art.