THE BIG BEACH BALL 2012 - MORE ARTISTS ANNOUNCED AND THERE’S STILL MORE TO COME!

THE BIG BEACH BALL 2012
THE NORTH EAST’S NEWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

MORE ARTISTS ANNOUNCED AND THERE’S STILL MORE TO COME!

Today The Big Beach Ball festival announces their latest release of artists who make a very exciting and sizeable addition to the program of events for the inaugural festival! Today festival organisers announced the addition of not 1 but 21 new acts to the bill with many more still to be added, plus an extra surprise still to be revealed in the lead up to the event!

Joining the already unique and genre spanning bill of Heartthrob, Slam, Tiger & Woods, The Little Kicks and more, comes the release of: ONEMAN (Rinse FM / 502 Recordings), MUNGO’S HI FI (Scotch Bonnet), T.WILLIAMS , TUFF WAX FT. Bones & Money & Lockah, DSR AUDIO FT. Indra, Kokoro, Ennayess B2B D.Peace, ALI OOFT!, SHAKE A TAILFEATHER, FUAD, AMY SAWERS, KATHRYN SAWERS, MARIONETTES, DOLFINZ, A LA FU, MWX, SLOW IT DOWN, DUKE and FELIX D’ARCY. And the buck doesn’t stop there, as there are still more names to be announced in the coming weeks.

First act to be added to the line-up is the 25 year old, London born, Rinse FM DJ, and owner of 502 Recordings – ONEMAN. Representing the new sounds born out of the collision of many modern forms of UK underground music, he takes a focus on the new hybrid sounds of dubstep, grime, house and UK garage. By 2007 he’d already played two of London’s flagship clubbing institutions, while 2010 saw Oneman experience an incredible year with support from Loefah and Mary Anne Hobbs, his talent reached top levels of creativity and skill and he broke one of the top records of the year, Girl Units "Wut", and on top of that he launched his own label – 502 Recordings.

Joining Oneman, are Glasgow based sound system MUNGO’S HI-FI. The Scottish based sound system follows the original Jamaican tradition, just as well as the foursome have gone on to create the successful Scotch Bonnet Record Label, alongside writing, recording, producing and performing their own brand of reggae and dub music, and working in collaboration with other artists and producers. The talented system have also had their track “Ing” featured on Channel 4’s “Skins” and have enjoyed a historical association with the BBC stretching back to before Scotch Bonnet was publishing the music with John Peel, Mary Anne Hobbs and Steve Lamacq all promoting Mungos material in their time at Radio One. They’ve also had support more recently from legendary reggae DJ - Don Letts - who has featured tracks on his BBC 6 show and the sound system have been heard across the BBC with MistaJam and Ally McCrae of BBC Introducing adding tracks from the latest album to their playlist, Mungo’s have also hosted slots on 1Extra alongside a number of other radio shows! With numerous festival appearance already under their belt – Glastonbury, Womad and Outlook to name but a few, The Big Beach Ball is in for a sun filtered treat as the sounds of reggae, dub and dancehall make their way to Aberdeen.

Another very exciting booking has been announced in the shape of ‘Best Breakthrough DJ – DJ MAG 2011’ - T.WILLIAMS! The rising star of UK house and one of the names to watch in 2012, his track Heartbeats with Terri Walker on Local Action blew up big time reaching iTunes top 3 electronic tracks of 2010, catapulting the grime artist to a whole new house generation with Paul Woolfords rework then sending the track stratospheric. Releasing solo works on Night Slugs, Local Action, Pattern and his own Deep Teknologi imprint, Williams’ remixes for Maya Jane Coles, Ben Westbeech and Skream were also received with high regard. Not stopping at pricking the ears of fellow artists and those of the dancefloor, the end of 2011 saw T.Williams receive a DJ Mag accolade as well as being named as one of the ‘DJ Stars of 2012’ by Time Out and picked by The Guardian for his Fact Magazine mix as one of their favourites of the year. More mixes for Clash, XLR8R, Boiler Room AND touring with the world renowned Red Bull Music Academy T.Williams has already done so much but at a young age has plenty to more give.

One of Scotlands most forward thinking and ahead-of-the-curve new labels, TUFF WAX also has a home at the new festival – featuring LOCKAH and BONES & MONEY this collective are one to be reckoned with. From humble beginnings, unrelenting hard work and talent, they’ve achived exposure for the labels artists on the likes of Boilerroom.tv, XLR8R and Dummy along with a veritable network of underground blogs & publications. Working almost exclusively in the medium of low-run collectable vinyl pressings, Tuff Wax is best known for the Aberdeen Truth 7" series, featuring bass-heavy electronic cuts.

DSR AUDIO proudly present their residents ENNAYESS and D.PEACE beside bass enthusiasts and DSR favourites KOKORO and INDRA, with a few more still up our sleeve to announce!

Glagsow native and all round disco legend of the West, ALI OOFT!, is on board to hang out and share his passion for house, disco, 80s soul and more. Alongside OOFT! Partner in crime Graeme Clark (The Revenge), they’ve produced edit after edit, gaining themselves some worldwide recognition as masters of the art form taking them to the best clubs in Britain and beyond. With Ali now probably one of the most hard working and top quality editors in the game and the driving force behind OOFT! Music, Foto Recordings and Midnight Marauders, expect him to take The Big Beach Ball on a cosmic voyage through all things disco and house..

Another local addition to the bill is Liam Robertson aka FUAD, he’s one of the most hotly tipped producers and DJs from the North East in years. His early release on (Auntie Flo / Subculture resident) Esa Mervin Grangers acclaimed Rememory Music label (also home to Affi Koman, Subb-an, OOFT! Music and more) took us by storm. Another young exciting talent on show at The Beach Ball, Fuad has already performed at RockNess and T in The Park, hell be sure to deliver us all perfect summertime vibes.

Stalwart of the Aberdeen music scene - A LA FU brings his expansive experience, huge record bag and his own productions to the bill, in what can only be described as being one of the most skillfully delivered sets you may witness. He’s exhibited his work in numerous places throughout Europe, Australia, the U.S. and the Middle East, settling for a while in London after having performed at London’s Fabric where he was asked to join the Big Dada label in the role of tour and resident DJ. He held a residecent at Big Dada’s hugely missed GOSH! night at Plastic People as well as touring and performing globally with Roots Manuva, Mike Ladd and almost all the artists on the roster. He has recorded for both Big Dada and Ninja Tune with remix work for Coldcut, Saul Williams and Juice Aleem, recorded the Well Deep series, and also produces the labels official podcast. Amongst his more prestigious accolades, A La Fu was nominated for, and won, a new music award in 2008 from the BBC, has appeared several times on MTV and other networks, notably alongside DJ Kool Herc illustrating the art of DJ’ing, performed for Radio 1’s ‘In New DJ’s We Trust’ and more recently on the Mary Anne Hobbs’ Xfm show. He competed against the Scratch Perverts at the first ever DMC Team Finals, and performed at Glastonbury at the request of the Perverts, has held down residencies at Sub Club and Snafu and most recently has been working on individual projects with a box set and double cd release.

MWX is also on the line-up, with her love of Italo, Disco, House, Electro, Synth Pop and wide ranging performances and thirst for knowledge, giving people no other option but to get onto to the dancefloor. If you find yourself at The Big Beach Ball standing next to something that feels like energy, youll be near MWX.

Finishing off the latest DJ announcements comes SLOW IT DOWN, Glasgow based DJ/producers who joined musical forces through a mutual love of obscure Boogie, Disco, House and Red Stripe lager. Their unhealthy obsession with the 80s leaves them constantly reworking ignored soul and disco gems for the modern dancefloor. Their edit work can be found in the records bags of trend setters and tastemakers like Greg Wilson, Jackmaster, Hudson Mohawke and 6th Borough Project amongst others, recently getting played out on Annie Macs BBC Radio One show. The boys party philosophy is simple - have fun and get people dancing – sounds good to us!

In addition to all the DJ artist announcements, the festival has revealed the addition of PEACE & JAM... an extraordinary event. The announcement of this makes use of the upstairs Star Ballroom, which features the most spectacular views of Aberdeen and Balmedie Beach, on a glittering day the views are to die for! This charming space is set to feature a boutique indoor market courtesy of the popular Aberdeen based Peace & Jam series, which has excited customers and participants alike since beginning last year.

Jewellery, crafts, sneakers, cupcakes, vintage clothing, 2nd hand records and books are just some of the stalls that the market has featured before, on offer from local and national designers.

The latest news brings with it bands and DJs providing the soundtrack. Announced to play this new room include Aberdeen’s very own answer to she-wolf boogie and crawdady twists - SHAKE A TAILFEATHER, who bring their Motown and Soul sounds of the 50’s and 60s , alongside their expansive knowledge of the era’s musical taste and bluging vinyl crate to match.

Starring alongside is Stonehaven singer songwriter KATHRYN SAWERS with influences like Nick Drake and Martha Wainwright, Amy is a treat to behold behind the guitar and mic, so much so that she’s even had her music picked for TV and film productions, including the cult Channel 4 series – “Skins”.

Next up is another talented singer / songwriter from The Sawer Family AMY SAWERS, her curly locks and infectious laugh are a big enough draw without listing her musical magic.

Joining in on the fun of the Peace and Jam room are frantic indie pop act MARIONETTES with their melodic hook based music and recent slots alongside acts like The Joy Formidable and The Wave Pictures.

DOLFINZ, the latest signing to Aberdeen Tuff Wax label are also on board, expect the young two piece to grab you by the scruff with their lo-fi, garage, punk, (self proclaimed) sloppy performances.

Still reeling in the news of an In:Demand award nomination come the three pronged DUKE, these boys are set for big things with their latest achievement, see what all the fuss is about as they join in on the blissful Peace and Jam room and it’s views.

Finishing off today’s reveal of the Peace and Jam room is FELIX D’ARCY. Once found in many nooks and crannies round old Aberdonia, strumming verse on the old banjo and babbling about Topshop while bobbing his generously proportioned head. After a move down south, Felix returns to the Granite City for a rare show with The Big Beach Ball, pedaling his brand of pop culture laced anti-folk.

Today’s news comes hot on the heels of the incredible start to Spring that the North East has seen. Since launching the event on Tuesday 13th March, The Big Beach Ball has gathered the support of both local and Scottish wide music fans, with ticket sales showing a remarkable degree of interest!

Today Festival Director Steve Morris made comment on how the event is progressing, “It’s a really exciting time for all of the team at The Big Beach Ball. It’s our first solo venture into festival waters, although we’ve all been involved in festivals over the years as both customers and promoters alike. We love the whole atmosphere of events like this, and we’re sure that we can offer something unique to the people of Aberdeen and further afield – Aberdeen really is a great city – you just have to look for it. We hope we do everyone proud and give people something they can look forward to year on year as the event grows.”

With a Scottish wide representation of artists, The Big Beach Ball have teamed up with HAPPY BUS to offer return travel from across Scotland direct to the event gate! Departure points include - Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling. For more information see http://www.happybus.co.uk/big-beach-ball-c-234

The team are looking for volunteers and recruits to help with a number of on the day tasks. They’ll be holding an open afternoon for anyone interested in finding out more today – Friday 30th March –from 4pm – 7pm in The Athenaeum Bar and Restaurant, 5-9 Union Street. Just pop along and ask for Claire or George. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something new and exciting for Aberdeen!

Steve later spoke about the latest announcement saying “We were delighted with the first lot of artists we released and the response we received, the latest artists announced are fantastic, and represent a slightly different taste of music. And with more artists still to be announced there really should be something for everyone here! We can’t wait to have all the artists join us at the first ever Big Beach Ball.”

The ball is certainly rolling fast, as summer approaches and the North East basks in the light of an electrifying new addition to the Scottish festival calendar. And with more acts still to be revealed and a special announcement still to come, the people of Aberdeen and Scotland – music lovers and fun makers alike are in for a very tasty start to their summers. Keep an eye out for more announcements coming soon…

TICKETS



Early bird tickets now sold out!

2nd Release Tickets - £24.50 - subject to booking fee -
Available Now until close of business Sunday 15th April

In person - The Athenaeum, One-Up and Aberdeen Box Office

Online - Ticketscript via www.thebigbeachball.co.uk & www.facebook.com/thebigbeachball // Ticketweb // See Tickets // Resident Advisor

In person - Grouchos (Dundee), Tickets Scotland (Edinburgh), Tickets Scotland (Glasgow), Ripping Records (Edinburgh) - Available from Thurdsay 22nd March

3rd Release Tickets - £27.50 - subject to booking fee -
Available from Monday 16th April until close of business Saturday 5th April

In person - The Athenaeum, One-Up and Aberdeen Box Office

Online - Ticketscript via www.thebigbeachball.co.uk & www.facebook.com/thebigbeachball // Ticketweb // See Tickets // Resident Advisor

In person - Grouchos (Dundee), Tickets Scotland (Edinburgh), Tickets Scotland (Glasgow), Ripping Records (Edinburgh)

Outlet Addresses

http://www.residentadvisor.net
http://www.thebigbeachball.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/thebigbeachball
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk
http://www.seetickets.com

Aberdeen Box Office – Union Street, Aberdeen

One-Up Records – 17 Belmont Street, Aberdeen

Grouchos – 132 Nethergate, Dundee

Ripping Records - 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh

Tickets Scotland - Glasgow - 237 Argyle Street, Glasgow

Ticket Scotland - Edinburgh - 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh

The Athenaeum - 5-9 Union Street, Aberdeen

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