Splendour in the Grass
News
Final Gems Added To The Splendour Sparkle
2009-06-18
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT
Giddy up! As promised, we return to present the final acts who round out the cracking line-up for the SOLD OUT SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009. With the event scheduled to take place on Sat July 25th and Sunday July 26th at Byron Bay’s Belongil Fields, these acts are guaranteed to warm the cockles of your soul and then some. Contained herewith lie the final gems who will join Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT (also in their ONLY Australian show), Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials, Sarah Blasko, Augie March, Josh Pyke, Friendly Fires, Little Birdy, Birds Of Tokyo, The Gutter Twins, Manchester Orchestra, Yuksek, Bob Evans, White Lies, Kram, Yves Klein Blue, Decoder Ring, Lost Valentinos, Leader Cheetah, Jack Ladder, The Middle East, Polaroid Fame and Glass Towers to make up the SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS class of 2009.
In their only Australian appearance, the HAPPY MONDAYS, the original "24-Hour Party People", will bring their mumbling madness down under to perform at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS. When the aforementioned single came out in 1987 it would have been impossible to predict the eventual success and cultural importance of its authors. With their unlikely combination of acid house, Northern soul, and '60s psychedelia and tripped out lyrics, the HAPPY MONDAYS provided the soundtrack for British kids' big nights out, and for a time turned Manchester into "Madchester," the epicentre of British music. There was Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches - the sound of Madchester at its peak. Then came the Mondays' next studio release, Yes, Please, The Happy Mondays disintegrated in 1993, and Shaun Ryder returned with Black Grape. Then in early August 2006, the Mondays announced that they had completed their first album in 14 years with producers Sunny Levine and Howie B. The album, titled Uncle Dysfunktional was released in 2007 and the revitalised band went on to perform at Coachella and a handful of profile festival events along with performing back in their home land before rapturous crowds! Do not miss the unmissable HAPPY MONDAYS, doing it for the kids at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009.
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS organisers are pleased as punch to welcome the return of UK trio DOVES. Jimi Goodwin and twin brothers Jez and Andy Williams have known each other since they were 15 and have been making astonishing music almost ever since. 2000's Lost Souls, a record wrought from hard-bitten experience, was released to phenomenal acclaim. Nobody could have been ready for the attention it brought them.” The Last Broadcast, a record which realised all expectations, was an unbelievably assured second LP. It was heralded as a masterpiece on release, spent two weeks at number 1 in the UK, and, like Lost Souls, was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Some Cities arrived almost three years later and now 4 years down the track comes their new long player Kingdom Of Rust, which debuted at # 2 on the UK National charts. Such is the distinctive sound they’ve crafted as a unique signature from day one, that Kingdom of Rust flies off at new tangents but is always recognisable due to a trademark passionate intensity that few can even approach. Kingdom of Rust is a record that consolidates while pushing forward and with their impeccable, world class credentials DOVES will shine like beacons on the SPLENDOUR 2009 line-up.
The joyously unpredictable ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI is set to bring their sunny pop to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS. Their ground-shifting album Places Like This was critically acclaimed and much loved by discerning pop music lovers here and around the globe. Indeed fans from all over the world have been won over by their schizophrenic, wildly fun soundscapes. The multi instrumental, multi talented Melbourne based group have now become one of our most valuable indie exports. While Places Like This was released an age ago back in 2006 they released an EP titled That Beep in November 2008 to keep hungry fans at bay. Their forthcoming album, set to be released sometime in 2009, is currently under the "project name": Vision Revision. Fresh from a massive tour supporting The Presets, and with a bunch of brand new songs in their set list ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI will be on fire come SPLENDOUR 09 time. Bring it on!
Rock n’ roll reprobates YOU AM I are set to join the SPLENDOUR 2009 line-up. After spending over a decade cranking out some of the best rock music ever made anywhere (read Sound As Ever, Hi Fi Way, Hourly Daily, # 4 Record etc) YOU AM I return to bless the SPLENDOUR stage with their tremendous sound and hip swaggering moves. The 8th studio album from these handsome rogues is Dilettantes – a record with a beguiling set of songs that have captured the imagination of old fans and new. With a reputation as a killer live band and a songwriter who has a propensity for lyrical and melodic ingenuity, YOU AM I have always sounded like a band trying to do what they want to do. If the message isn’t already loud and clear - yes. They really can play! Check out Australia’s favourite bon vivants when they take over SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS.
Emerging from a necessary break, THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS are now re-energised and demo-ing a new set of songs for an album release set down for early 2010. And they join the SPLENDOUR line-up to preview some new material. Some fans of THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS were concerned when they realised that the early part of 2009 was going to be set aside for band leader Mat McHugh’s solo project. This project saw the release of the Seperatista! album under the Mat McHugh and the Black Bird moniker. “We were always going to do another T.B.G. album,” says McHugh, “The band now have a definite sense of direction and we are working on from where we were at.” Plans are for the forthcoming album to be the statement that makes sense of the artistic wanderlust at the heart of THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS.
Fans of the beat rejoice! In what will be a huge treat for hip hop fans; two of Australia’s favourite acts are joining together for a special appearance at SPLENDOUR 09. Earlier this year, long time west coast kings DOWNSYDE teamed up with new kid on the block DRAPHT, for a take-no-prisoners performance that proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Both acts took their current albums (DOWNSYDE with All City and DRAPHT with Brothers Grimm) out on the road, on the largest tour either act has taken on for years. With a combined set that’s going to knock people’s socks off, the live show will feature a collection of killer cuts from their collective back catalogue and a long history of working together. Be sure to catch this 16-legged beast, DOWNSYDE AND DRAPHT as they get the party started at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS.
With a brand new album ‘Seizures’ just around the corner KISSCHASY return to smash it up at SPLENDOUR 2009. The follow-up to 2005’s debut, United Paper People, was Hymns For The Nonbeliever an album which introduced a fresh Kisschasy sound – more confronting, more relentless, more rockin’, more irresistible than ever. From the budding pop songwriter of a few years ago, front man Darren Cordeux has blossomed into a powerhouse songsmith, while KISSCHASY have consolidated into a special unit. Released in 2007 Hymns For The Nonbeliever captures the magic of a band approaching the summit of their powers on album number two – think Pinkerton, think Through Being Cool, think Nevermind. With production handled by Englishman Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, The Pixies, Radiohead, etc.) and mastering applied by Howie Weinberg (Nirvana, The Ramones, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, etc.), the album delivered a bold pop statement with world-class intent. A band chock full of songs with melodies you’ll be humming for a month, check out the Mornington Foursome at SPLENDOUR 2009.
Describing their music as ‘genuine garage soul/R&B with more vocal harmonies than you can poke a stick at” Melbourne outfit LITTLE RED are possibly the coolest band in Australia. And they’re set to bring their mod-soul to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS for the very first time. With their strats, harmonies and recycled suits, LITTLE RED is that rare thing - possibly Melbourne's if not Australia’s ONLY all white R&B vocal group. In the summer of 2005 five very different Melbourne musicians came together to form a band. Brought together by an unashamed love of hook and melody the five lads immediately set about playing anywhere and everywhere, honing their sound down to something classic and yet incredibly new and unique. It didn’t take long for people to catch on and it is from this point that the story of LITTLE RED was born. If their debut EP Get Ready caused significant ripples, their first album Listen to Little Red was a clarion call. Whether it's R&B, soul, or rock' n' roll, the formula is deceptively simple. Tom takes the bass note, Quang the baritone, Dominic the lead and Adrian the tenor part, while Taka provides the beat. It’s all about the feet kids’, so if you dance to it, LITTLE RED will play it!
The fantastically funky BLUEJUICE return to SPLENDOUR with their special blend of raucous cheek! The band gave us a little bit of Vitriol from their 2007 album Problems. Now, the party-makers return with their follow up album, Head of The Hawk that is full of dance-dropping tunes with hooks like heroin. The new single, Broken Leg will be hitting the airwaves shortly. Recorded in Sydney with producer Chris Shaw (Public Enemy, Weezer, Super Furry Animals), the album is in keeping with their trademark tongue-in-cheek upbeat style that defies all genres. They’ve played with Tricky, Dizzie Rascal, We Are Scientists and Souls of Mischief to name but a few and kicked arse on the stage of the Big Day Out, Splendour In The Grass, Homebake, Parklife, Pyramid Rock, Playground Weekender and many more. Jake Stone broke several bones in the process. Let’s hope he keeps his limbs in tact for what promises to be the party set of the weekend. Be sure to shake off your shackles with BLUEJUICE at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS.
Melbourne outfit CHILDREN COLLIDE formed a few years ago and have been writing and gigging relentlessly since with the likes of Grinspoon, The Horrors, The Wombats, Faker, Red Riders and Evermore. In 2005 CHILDREN COLLIDE released We Three, Brave And True, a six-track EP that didn't so much announce the group's arrival as kick the door down, featuring the brilliant We Are Amphibious, the little b-side that could - and did, turning, reinvigorated, into the a-side of 2006's equally impressive Glass Mountain Liars EP. In 2008 the band released their debut long player, The Long Now, a record that crackles with smarts and buzzes along with the undeniable sense of a band that knows where it's going. Produced by Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem, Wolfmother and Oasis) the album encompasses the many facets of the band's sound - whether sonic or thematic. They’ve created an album that is as much a coming together of everything they've been working towards as it is an introduction to the band - which is precisely how the band wanted it to turn out. With an increasing reputation for their visceral, electric live show, don’t miss the kids as they stomp all over SPLENDOUR 2009.
Performing at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS for the first time is electronic upstart MIAMI HORROR who has been cited as one of dance music’s next big things. American underground music bible URB Magazine has named the Melbourne producer as part of its ‘Next 100’ up-and-coming musicians to watch out for, ranking him alongside names like Passion Pit, Kissy Sell Out, Buraka Som Sistema, King Roc and more. Renowned for the killer remix work he’s done for bands like Faker, Midnight Juggernauts and The Presets, this accolade comes at the back end of what has been a huge couple of months. Performing with a LIVE four piece band as MIAMI HORROR LIVE, they will play live reinterpretations of remixes including Pnau, Datarock, Dirty Secrets, plus songs off the Bravado EP and previews of new songs off the album! Don’t miss MIAMI HORROR LIVE at SPLENDOUR 09.
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS welcomes ART.vs.SCIENCE the band that calls themselves a ‘psychological experiment’. With songs are crafted carefully according to principles abstracted from the study of human responses to music, each show is a test of these responses and how they differ in comparison to the manipulation of certain musical elements. Making the kind of music that can be played live in night clubs (no laptops! no backing tracks!) this band is all bass, drums, keyboards, synths and three sets of funky hands. With a breathtaking live show Sydney based ART.vs.SCIENCE breathe fresh air into the genre, with songs that sound pleasing, joy-inducing; and designed to intensify user stimulation. With truckloads of airplay courtesy of triple j and consistently strong, positive reaction to their songs, ART.vs.SCIENCE is a band to be enjoyed with arms wide open.
Best known as the enigmatic and talented frontman for Melbourne trio Something For Kate, PAUL DEMPSEY will bring his intriguing and captivating songs to SPLENDOUR 09. Stripped back and raw, Paul’s songs (both from SFK and his own material) are rendered with an intimacy and unrestrained passion that’s made him one of the most respected singer/songwriters in the country. Taking a hiatus from his Something For Kate duties, Mr Dempsey’s solo effort Everything is True will be released in August 2009. The album was recorded in the idyllic surrounds of Macmasters Beach in New South Wales, then mixed in Los Angeles and Dempsey returned home for a round of sold-out shows, airing the new material to much acclaim. Described as having “a sense of space, economy and loose-limbed acoustic verve that compliments some of the most direct lyrics he has written,” the lead single Out The Airlock certainly rings true to that description, with its follow-up Ramona Was A Waitress soon to follow in July. While PAUL DEMPSEY’s solo performances are rare, they’re unbeatable. Don’t miss him performing live at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS.
Five piece Sydney indie rockers DAPPLED CITIES (formerly "Dappled Cities Fly") have had their music described as ‘art rock’ or ‘experimental pop’. Whichever you prefer, they are set to bring their glorious guitar-based songs which combine melodies with their signature complex time signatures to SPLENDOUR 09. Dappled Cities Fly's several early single and EP releases were critically well-received and played Australia-wide on various radio stations. Their first album, A Smile, was released in late 2004 and featured as album of the week on radio stations FBi and Triple J. Their second album Granddance, was recorded at various studios in Los Angeles, California. Around the same time the band dropped the "Fly" from their moniker, simply calling themselves "Dappled Cities’. Now with a much anticipated 3rd album (Zounds) due for release in August, the pre-release word on the new album is already buzzing after amazing early support from triple j on first single The Price and the album is already being spoken of as DAPPLED CITIES highest achievement in their 10-year career. With a reputation as a killer live act, DAPPLED CITIES merge lo-fi indie rock with oddly bent pop.
After causing a ruckus at South by Southwest and being named “The Best Live Band in Britain”, DANANANANAYKROYD are now looking to unleash their live show (at Splendour 09) and debut album in Australia (via Dew Process). The six-piece from Glasgow have demolished all stereotypes of the post-hardcore/indie-rock scene to the UK in 2008. NME attempted to capture their sound by comparing the band to Sonic Youth, At The Drive-In and Fugazi after the UK-only 2008 release of their mini-LP “Sissy Hits”. Australia will be introduced to this powerful and rocking indie pop in the coming months and, if the critical acclaim in the UK is anything to go by, Aussies will be screaming for them before they can pronounce the band’s name (Dana-nana-naykroyd). The band’s ferocious excitement was captured by producer Machine (Lamb of God, Fall Out Boy) on their New York recorded debut album Hey Everyone that is set to smack our shores in the second half of this year. Having already completed a hectic support schedule sharing the stage with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Foals and The Futureheads the band have scored the kind of press that would make others weep including being called “the best fucking live band on the face of the fucking planet” by Clash Magazine. Come see for yourself when DANANANANAYKROYD hit SPLENDOUR 2009.
Since creeping onto the indie scene at the start of the 2000s, Sydney songstress HOLLY THROSBY has established herself as one of Australia’s most loved singer / songwriters. Launching her debut album On Night in 2004, Throsby quickly became a critic’s darling and her follow up Under The Town consolidated her reputation as a top shelf performer. However it was 2008’s A Loud Call that saw the media really take notice and saw her really come into her own as a songwriter. Recorded in regional New South Wales, the album melded a whimsical mix of folk, roots and pop music. Featuring guest vocals by Will Oldham a.k.a. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and guest musicians from Lambchop and Silver Jews, A Loud Call has been hailed by the Australian press as Throsby's strongest work. In July 2008 Holly toured the UK & Ireland with singer/songwriter Paul Kelly. She returned to undertake her biggest Australian tour to date, taking in 22 cities and towns. She was also nominated for the second time in the ARIA Award's Best Female Artist category. With a unique knack of hushing a crowd with whispered vulnerability, don’t miss the beguiling HOLLY THROSBY when she takes the stage at SPLENDOUR 09.
Described as ‘classical, lyrical and experimental’ Sydney band BRIDEZILLA are all this and more. A conglomeration of Idiophone, membranophone, chordophone, aerophone and lyrics, Bridezilla, also cover off on the genres of indie, folk, pop and perhaps something a little Gothic. The Sydney quintet boasts a less than conventional line-up of vocals/guitar/drums/violin/saxophone. They released their first self-titled EP on Ivy League in 2007, and now that saxophone player Millie Hall and vocalist/lead guitar player Holiday Carmen-Sparks have completed their HSC and come of legal age, the band have recently signed a deal with Inertia Recordings who are set to record the band’s first album later in 2009. Their first recording on Inertia is collaboration with Tren Brothers (Mick Turner & Jim White of Dirty Three fame) on the flip making it a double A side released to impressive reviews. With the future looking bright, be sure to check out BRIDEZILLA, this wonderful mixed bag of lollies at SPLENDOUR 2009.
Hailing from the expansive landscape of the Nullarbor desert in South Australia, DEYA DOVA is one of the only self-produced female electronica artists in the country. With influences as diverse as Lamb, Velvet Underground and The Drummers of Burundi, DEYA bursts back onto the scene with her new single Kyio. Spinning in clubs across the country, Kyio is contagious thumping dance remix blending Deya’s eccentric, luscious vocals, with Luke Chable’s progressive house production. DEYA DOVA’s mesmerizing show fuses glitch, sampling, sci-fi effects, cinematic soundscapes, phat tribal beats and her live vocal looping. Be sure to see this highly innovative artist at the SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS.
DJ’s confirmed to perform at the SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS Mix Up tent are Cut Copy doing their DJ set, Yacht Club DJ’s and Sydney broadcaster and tune spinner Jack Shit on Saturday while on Sunday Shivers & Pablo Calamari (Sweat It Out) and Canyons will hit the decks. And local Byron Shire DJ Daniel Webber will open the Mixup Tent on Sat July 25th and Sun July 26th this year. With an ongoing residency at Byron Bay’s LA LA Land expect some turbo tunes from this up and coming DJ.
The JAGER CUBE will be the perfect meeting spot to kick back and take in some of the most exciting DJ sets at Splendour. Saturday night features entertainment by indie DJ collective and Brisbane’s hottest club night Fans, a group of lads who are quite simply party throwers while the good times on Sunday night will be courtesy of the mysteriously titled Siberian Nights, presented by Midnight Juggernauts and featuring extra special guest DJs from bands appearing at the festival.
And finally, the TIPI FOREST, SPLENDOUR’s dedicated party zone for fans of local, electronic music and visual art returns to lure fans deep into the heart of Belongil Fields. With its organic vibe, colourful décor, video art and performers, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the distinctive local ambiance. The dance floor is outdoors and is filled with non-stop, back to back DJ action, interlaced with cutting edge Northern Rivers producers and sampled with local MCs, the music of the Tipi Forest resonates as the showcase of the region's irrepressible dance culture.
This year's line up commences Saturday midday, with Cenobite, producing his own expansive, funky and grinding tunes, followed by a Si Clone mix of squelchy fat techno, breaks. Mid afternoon, jump into the fun electro house (with a twist) of Zenna before the sound mashed up, funk driven breaks of Gravy take the floor. Before sunset, catch free styling wordsmith and hip hop innovator, Kaliba, followed by the dirty electro-tek of world-renowned Nick Taylor. Into Saturday night tune into the funky and quirky prog/tech house of Dave C before the innovative psychedelic trance of producer, Strange Planet. Next get a bouncing pounding dose of trance from the 'thunder down under', Double Vision before things take a twist to the techno savvy tunes of Dee Dee. Finish Saturday night with an hour of electro artistry from producer, Oshi One.
Sunday in the Tipi Forest launches with the subsonic, world music mix of Sista Ray, followed by the inspired voice of Raz Bin Sam, touching politics and the ways of humanity with his deep reggae sound. For outlandish dance floor fun, be there for Ruff Dimond's mix of trip hop, dub step and newfound sounds. Local performer Tommi Gunn joins in for a quick spell of comedic hip hop and Bayside MC action, before local stalwart, Captain Kaine rips into the sunset with a quirky, dance floor friendly frenzy. Tune into young promoter, Deegs for club style electro house, before the reflective good vibes of Pob weaving the finest house, breaks and tech offshoots. Reach for the end of Sunday night dancing to the thrilling breakbeat compilation of Slinky before a final tremendous live set as world class producer, Dark Nebula explodes with his own unique high voltage psychedelic trance sound.
At night the tipis form a colourful canvas for the psychedelic video art of the Crystal Grid studios with VJ's Tone Wonderland, Kavi & MKG. Both day and night, the tipi's themselves are a warm and welcoming reminder of why the word hippy starts with hip, they're a great place to meet friends, old and new. You can grab a cool drink or a sweet at the Sunshine Café and soak up the ambience or join in the dance floor fun. This year's Tipi Forest is curated and produced by b-a-s-e, with lights/audio from Greatworks + Set To Stage, visual arts by Hannah Fraser and artists working with Terraspatial, and performances from Strangedreams, Tuntable Falls Circus, Interact and more.
Watch this space for final event details in coming weeks!
Proudly supported by triple j, FasterLouder.com.au and in partnership with Climate Friendly
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 – THE FINAL LINEUP!
Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction, MGMT (also in their ONLY Australian show), Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials, Sarah Blasko, Augie March, Josh Pyke, Friendly Fires, Little Birdy, Birds Of Tokyo, The Gutter Twins, Manchester Orchestra, Yuksek, Bob Evans, White Lies, Kram, Yves Klein Blue, Decoder Ring, Lost Valentinos, Leader Cheetah, Jack Ladder, The Middle East, Polaroid Fame and Glass Towers are joined by Happy Mondays (in their ONLY Australian show), Doves, Architecture In Helsinki, You Am I, The Beautiful Girls, Downsyde & Drapht, Kisschasy, Little Red, Bluejuice, Children Collide, Miami Horror Live, Art vs. Science, Paul Dempsey, Dappled Cities, Dananananaykroyd, Holly Throsby, Bridezilla and Deya Dova
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 – SOLD OUT!
Sat July 25th and Sunday July 26th
Belongil Fields,
Byron Bay