Latitude Festival Additions

• 12th May 2009

The pioneering, award-winning Latitude Festival returns to England ’s Sunrise Coast for another spectacular year. Taking place on 16th – 19th July, near Suffolk ’s stunning seaside town of Southwold , organisers Festival Republic are promising Latitude will be the perfect British summer destination.

OBELISK ARENA
The open-air Obelisk Arena has been the stage of some epic performances over the past three years and the line up for Latitude 2009 will continue in this success. Lay out your picnic blanket, bask in the sunshine and get down to some of the best music around.

Avant-garde, multi-instrumentalist Patrick Wolf joins the line-up on the Obelisk Arena. Fusing experimental electro, techno and samples with classical romanticism, Wolf has created new dimensions of music. His new album ‘The Bachelor’ is released this year. Originally a political album, it shifted focus to the depression he had felt during touring of his third album ‘The Magic Position’. However just before entering the studio he fell in love and ended up writing enough material for two albums. The second, ‘The Conqueror’, will surface next year. This wondrously quirky talent seem to have no limits and claims that he’s the new Bowie may be justified.

American rock band The Airborne Toxic Event named after a section of the book ‘White Noise’ by Don DeLillo, incorporate moving and often morose string instruments and keyboards alongside anthemic and epic rock standards. Dividing opinion on both sides of the Atlantic this is a band that refuses to bow to industry pressures and instead write music that’s emotive, intense and when played live is incredibly powerful.
Irish singer songwriter, actress and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Hannigan joins the line-up. Her music has led to a wealth of successes, critical praise, airplay and award nominations in her native land and more recently, in America . But her collaborations with singer-songwriter Damien Rice and duet with Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol are starting to increase her popularity and reputation. Her ethereal voice and beautifully arranged folk music is a welcomed addition to the Obelisk Arena.

Hotly tipped Brooklyn band Amazing Baby are currently putting the finishing touches on their debut album, which they are releasing this summer. From the same scene as MGMT, Amazing Baby produce simultaneously epic and anthemic tunes with a richly detailed sound incorporating psych, folk, prog, funk and pop elements.

Wild Beasts, who come from Kendal near the Lake District, live in Leeds but sound like Antony Hegarty fronting a group of musicians from Mars or Noel Coward warbling aphorisms as Vampire Weekend jam in the distance. Their delightful and romantic music following in the footsteps of White Rabbits or Fleet Foxes.

UNCUT ARENA
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.
Brooklyn based Chairlift come to Latitude and bring along their melodic evocations of plinky new wave. The electro pop trio have had a huge hit with ‘Bruises’ from their debut album ‘Does You Inspire You’, and this seems to set the path for the future to come. Lyrical complexities combined with exquisite vocals have established a dreamy, irresistible bed of noise to inspire all.
Self-acclaimed day dreamer The Mummers will play the Uncut Arena. Debut album ‘Tale To Tell’ is a record of fairytales, escapism and quirky quixotic atmospheric pop. Delicate single ‘March Of Dawn’ caresses the listener’s imaginations into a world of fantasia and live their exquisitely otherworldly Bjork-esque pop is sure to be a weekend highlight.

White Belt Yellow Tag are a North-east duo with pounding drums, soaring guitars and impressive harmonies. Debut E.P ‘You’re Not Invincible’ is laced with mechanical fuzz-pop with a huge sound that is sure to have spine tingling results on the Uncut Arena. With falsetto tones and smooth samples they are already causing a media buzz with an album still to be released. Catch them at Latitude before they hit the big time.

The Invisible will be bringing their light-filled, groovily insistent electronic soul-pop to the Uncut Arena. Connecting previously considered irreconcilable genres on ‘Thee Uninvited’ their sophisticated fabulous funkality is conjured up by dexterously rhythmic melodies and unusual layers of music achieved with great success. Ones to watch out for over the weekend.

SUNRISE ARENA
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.

!!! will bring their dance-punk to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena. Acclaimed to be one of the most original and awe-inspiring live acts around, !!! are definitely ones to watch as their music incorporates post-punk bass patterns, spaghetti western guitars, African polyrhythms, spaced out disco and vintage Philly soul. It’s all about the funk, the groove, the bit of music that makes you want to move – be prepared to dance.
Skint & Demoralised is a UK lyrics-based, Northern Soul-influenced pop act fronted by Matt Abbot, who began his onstage career as a stand-up performance poet. Forming a song writing partnership with MiNI dOG that would put music to Abbot’s poetry, the duo would finish writing and recording a demo and upload it to the internet. These demos caught the attention of Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens who played them on their radio show and a record deal with Mercury Record soon followed.

Scottish three-piece 1990s were signed to Rough Trade after only six shows and the band’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Cookie’ caused quite an industry stir. This year saw the band’s return with second album ‘Kicks’, which is another delightful slab of bright sunny indie anthems.
Animal Kingdom’s laid back melodic indie has recently secured them support slots with the incredible Silversun Pickups and Red Light Company. With the band’s debut album out later this year they will be taking their incredible live show to Latitude’s Sunrise Arena and are surely an act not to be missed!

Texan blues outfit Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears are a rich amalgam of primal blues, soul, R&B and funk, a modern-day James Brown. Their album ‘Tell ‘em What Your Name Is!’ establishes Lewis’ deliciously greasy grooves and gritty attitude that the blues demands, and the eight-piece band power home the funk grooves in what will be an incendiary performance.
Dublin four-piece Fight like Apes are causing quite a stir in their homeland winning Meteor Awards for Best Live Band and Best Irish Band. Their spikey paint bomb of electro-punk and synth-laced post-hardcore is delivered in a frenetically unhinged live show that’s as explosive as it is infectious.

One of the most talked about new bands on the scene at the moment, London Kurran and the Wolfnotes have only played a handful of shows, and already their moody Americana-tinged songs are sounding huge. Echoing the likes of Johnny Cash, Elliot Smith, Bright Eyes and Fleetwood Mac this alternative folk band are proving to be a must see this year.

Previously known as the Keytar playing frontwoman of Hello Stranger, the charismatic Juliette Commagere has also played and sang with Avenged Sevenfold and Puscifer. But it’s her solo project – a vividly orchestrated pop-art project – that will be coming to Latitude. Her songs are full of radiant glamour that range from wistful elegies to otherworldly epics.

THE LAKE STAGE PRESENTS
BBC Introducing…
curated by Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens
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 .

With their long awaited debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’ released only a few weeks before the festival, Bombay Bicycle Club are sure to set pulses racing at Latitude’s Sunrise Arena this year. The band won the ‘Road to V’ competition on Channel 4 in 2006 and have been steadily building an army of fans ever since. Make sure you see these titans of the indie scene with their catchy sing-a-long choruses and indie-rock anthems.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne four-piece Little Comets have been wowing audiences around the country with their percussive mix of clanging pans and blues-y indie guitar. Unconventional in every way, they often play gigs in lecture theatres and hang kitchen pots from the rafters, refusing to be pigeon-holed. Expect something very special from this fast rising band.

Old analogue and trashy keyboards, pop melodies and a digital shadow puppet theatre make up the Norwegian electro-troupe that is Casiokids. Often sung in their native language and influenced by afro-beat, techno and out-and-out pop the music draws similarities and takes inspiration from Paul Simon's ‘ Graceland ’, Ivor Cutler, New Order, Cornelius and Fela Kuti.

Feisty, eccentric and theatrical Marina and the Diamonds is a classy act veering between simple keyboards-based ballads and catchy, quirky new wave, with hollering whooping vocals. Her off-kilter pop is reminiscent of Kate Nash, Kate Bush and Regina Spektor but this Welsh talent has a sound all of her own.

Taking hip-hop into a new direction Speech Debelle’s warm, youthful rapping style is layered over offbeat folky productions that draw the listener in. Her honest and direct lyrics speak of personal demons and make the music all the more heartfelt. Potent and poignant she is a superstar in the making.

London based dance-pop trio Chew Lips have been together for barely a year but have already scored amazing praise from the UK press with the NME claiming “they've already got the capital in their pockets and have produced one of the most exciting singles of the year”. With the band writing ten songs in their first rehearsal and their debut single ‘Solo’ out now, things seem to be moving rather quickly for Chew Lips so catch them while you can!

Formed at the tail end of last year, duo Django Django join the Lake Stage line-up this year at Latitude. Despite their short time together they’ve written astonishing songs, some of the most exciting, weird and clever pop music you’ll hear this year.

The world’s most sensational singer/sitar player Bishi is confirmed for the Lake Stage . Solo artist and multi instrumentalist Bishi blends traditional, ethnic musical qualities with upbeat, electronic beats. Unique and definitely one to catch over the Latitude weekend.
The Agitator are a duo who are all about no holds barred music; direct, visceral, uplifting and loud. Stripped back music, with no gimmicks, just a powerful voice and driving beat, they are generating a buzz worthy of their stunning live performances.

The Cheeks, formally Cheeky Cheeky And The Nosebleeds may have shortened their name but lost nothing in their sound or style. Their brand of energetic, hook-heavy pop rock is still as catchy as ever but with a moodier and sleeker tone.
Belfast four-piece Not Squares bring visceral, jagged kraut-punk and repackage them with obtuse, leftfield ideas and make songs you can dance to. Two bassists, four vocals a mix of exciting squawks and yelps creating intriguing disco, thrash to jump around to.

TICKET INFORMATION
Weekend tickets £150 plus booking fees • Day tickets Fri, Sat, Sun £60 plus booking fee. Weekend tickets prices include car parking and camping • Days include car parking only.
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