Eastern Electrics returns this weekend

Returning to Morden Park over ​Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August​, Eastern Electrics will include a ​pool party​, vamped up VIP area and a host of top DJs. 

These include heavyweights like MK, Goldie, Orbital, Skream, Claptone and more. 

This weekend will again see the construction of the impressive Switchyard stage and a host of other arenas catering to varied electronic tastes. 

With variety in mind, day two will have a garage vibe with legendary UKG jock DJ EZ leading the charge, joined by DJ Spoony, Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont and many more. 

This year will also feature an after party at legendary London venue, Fabric, which will feature a DJ set from M25 rave icons, Orbital. 

Weekend tickets are priced at £57.50, plus booking fee, Saturday-only tickets are from £39.95 and Sunday from £20.

Tickets are available HERE

elrow Town brings the surreal and stupendous to London

Elrow Town breezed into London last weekend in a blaze of psychedelic colour, animatronics and banging tunes.

It is now a week since the second day kicked off and the hedonistic musical mayhem is still fresh in the memory.

Great sets from Claptone, Fatboy Slim and Idris Elba were the order of the day, seven days ago.

And last Saturday saw Paul Kalkbrenner, Paco Osuna and Steve Lawler entertaining up-for-it revellers across the Psychedelic Trip and Sambodromo do Brasil arenas.

Both main stages were incredible feats, with inflatable giraffes and other critters looming over the dancefloor in the Sambodromo and awesome ‘walking’ praying mantises stalking the massive pyramidal Psychedelic Trip.

The event, in the shadow of the Olympic stadium, in Stratford, brought a hefty dose of the surreal to this corner of East London, with smiles on faces wherever you looked. It was a timely reminder not to take life too seriously.

Here’s hoping elrow Town is now a regular feature.

Eastern Electrics 2018 Review

Two years after leaving Hatfield House, Eastern Electrics may finally have found a place it can call home, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian. 

The roving festival, which has previously pitched up at Knebworth as well as in Hatfield, seemed settled in its Morden Park residence, a year after moving there.

This felt like it belonged, with room to breathe, reasonably far away from residents and with a knowhow brought about by learning from previous experience. 

Gone was the hated RFID pre-loaded payment system, which seemed to make the bar experience far more relaxed and leaving your stresses at the gate should be what festivals are all about. 

Also this year a second day was added on Sunday, featuring more urban acts to compliment the underground house and techno fayre, as EE added a third 'E' - expansion. 

But some things never change, thankfully.

The epic Switchyard arena was still a central feature and was packed full of up-for-it ravers under sunny skies.  

Also the ever-present Star of EE 'pub' was still there and always busy. 

The excellent new Defected tent was like a separate venue, with its entrance tunnel building anticipation, before a stepped dancing stage, the whole length of the marquee, came into view and quality house music filled the plush setting. 

The main stage offered some of the cream of the crop including Hot Since 82 and Jamie Jones.

But it was in the plethora of side stages where EE really excels with variety both musically and aesthetically. 

Everything just felt right at Eastern Electrics this year - long may it continue. 

Eastern Electrics 2017 review and pictures

Well what a great event Eastern Electrics was!

On the way out of the festival I overheard someone saying: “It wasn’t as good a venue as Hatfield House.”

But, I must say, I disagree.

As much as I don’t want to criticise the beautiful grounds of Hatfield House, it always seemed an odd fit to me and the whole event seemed cramped at the Hertfordshire site.

That was not the case at the latest home of EE – a sun-kissed Morden Park.

Whilst not exactly the most salubrious part of our fair capital, the expansive park offered Eastern Electrics room to breathe.

It was a triumph, with great line-ups, sensible position of arenas and an up-for-it crowd.

Sets from Steve Lawler, Carl Cox, Ninetyone, everyone in the Defected tent, Terry Farley and DJ Pierre were excellent.

This must be the biggest one-day incarnation of EE I’ve been to and it was great to have a voyage of musical discovery, as I ambled from tent to tent eager to hear more cutting edge electronic music.

I also felt there was more variation this time round, with great minimal fayre in the always brilliant Switchyard, and funkier and uplifting offerings in other arenas.

My only minor gripe was with the increasingly prevalent festival RFID wristband system (queue up to put cash on it, then queue up to get a drink using it – why?!).

That said, for a system which for me is pointless, it did run as smoothly as I’d hoped.

But I don’t want to end on a negative, so I’ll restate just how much fun Eastern Electrics was this year and how self-assured this seemingly wandering festival has now become.

It has established itself as a staple of the summer and long may it continue – wherever it is.

   

Eastern Electrics 2017 festival: stage splits revealed CLICK TO VIEW

The stage splits for this year's Eastern Electrics festival have been announced. 

See below to see who is playing where on August 5. 

EXCLUSIVE: DJ Sam Feldt speaks to TopReviews4U ahead of South West Four 2017

With the dance music extravaganza South West Four approaching, TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian caught up with one of the stars, ahead of the two-day festival on Clapham Common, on 26-27 August.

Here Dutch tropical house DJ Sam Feldt exclusively answers our questions, ahead of his set at the long-running London showpiece.

• How would you describe your musical style?

My musical style is very much rooted in the melodic or tropical style of house. I’m inspired by all different types of music and I like to take elements of different genres and put them into my own productions.

• What is different/special about playing in the UK?

The crowd in the UK is similar to the crowd back home in The Netherlands. I’d say that the English crowd is more critical than anywhere else, but they also know how to have a good time.

• ‘Show Me Love’ was a massive commercial hit, what do you think of remixes of classic tracks in general?

I like them, only when they’re done right! I enjoyed creating my own version on such a massive hit like ‘Show Me Love’, where I added my own touch and style to such a well-known track.

• With tropical house becoming mainstream, in pop songs and charts, is there any way it can reinvent itself as an underground sound, and should it?   

I think it’s all about progression. Each genre evolves over time, it keeps the music interesting and it allows producers to become more forward-thinking and innovative when creating new music.

• Who are your DJ inspirations?

Tiesto was a huge inspiration to me starting out, and he still inspires me today. My peers are also a massive influence on my music.

• What is your favourite dance track of all time?

Gigi D’Agostino – ‘The Riddle’. It’s the first single I ever bought!

• Why do you think the Netherlands is consistently at the forefront of global dance music?

We’ve had so many great DJ’ing talents come out of The Netherlands, from the likes of Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Fedde Le Grand and Hardwell, there’s too many to name! We also have great festivals in the Netherlands that specifically cater to dance music, as well as hosting Amsterdam Dance event each year. Thousands from all over the world to come and enjoy and experience dance music at Amsterdam Dance Event, the city really comes to life during that week. Dance music is very much cemented in our culture and I’m honoured to wave the flag for my country.

• You made it onto DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs - how important are these lists?

Lists like DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ’s are important because it gives fans of your music the opportunity to get their voices heard. Although it’s mostly about popularity and doesn’t say a lot about the quality of ones set, it’s a big honour to be in the list!

• Where is more important in terms of dance music now, Las Vegas or Ibiza, or elsewhere?

Las Vegas and Ibiza are two of the leading places for dance music for sure. But there’s so many different places around the world that contribute to the dance music world, like The Netherlands or London. In London, you can turn on the radio and 80% of the tracks on mainstream radio is dance orientated. You guys have a massive dance scene over here!

• What can festival-goers at South West Four expect from your set?

Festival-goers can expect a fun, energetic set and can experience my music with my live band. It’s my first time playing at SW4 this year, I’ve heard a lot of great things from my fellow DJ’s and producers, I’m really excited to play.

For tickets and more information, click here 

South West Four 2017: New Sunday acts announced

New headliners, including John Digweed, Vitalic (live) and Carl Craig have been announced for the Sunday leg of this year's South West Four festival on Clapham Common, on August 27. 

Check back for further SW4 updates.  

South West Four 2017: More main stage acts announced - including Marshmello, Tinie Tempah

More acts have been unveiled for the Saturday leg of South West Four.
Bucket-wearing confectionery fan Marshmello and urban superstar Tinie Tempah will join others including Pendulum, Sigma and Duke Dumont on the Together main stage on Saturday, August 26, at Clapham Common. 

Check back for further updates on South West Four 2017. 

South West Four 2017 Phase 1 line-up complete - includes deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Pendulum, Marco Carola and more

Phase 1 of the line-up for South West Four 2017 is complete with many more acts to still be announced, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

Early headline announcements include deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Pendulum, Marco Carola, Sigm, MK, Duke Dumont, Gareth Emery and more.

Keep checking back on TopReviews4U for more on SW4 and other top UK dance events.

   

• For more information and tickets go to www.southwestfour.com





EDC UK 2017 - CANCELLED

As someone who has not only attended, but reviewed each and every EDC UK, since the first odd affair at the Olympic Park, in London, to the (we all assumed) spiritual home at the National Bowl, in Milton Keynes, it was a real shock to learn the planned 2017 event had been cancelled, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.

An odd and intriguing statement (above) was released by the US-based event organisers, Insomniac, which appeared to blame the venue. 


It also claimed EDC head honchos were keen to "properly reimagine all areas of the experience". 


Given the sell-out multi-million pound events over the last few years this seems odd. 
EDC always drew vast crowds and had become a major feature in the summer festival calendar. 


I first began to suspect the 'Electric Daisies' might fail to bloom earlier this month when the festival's previous promoters told me they had nothing to do with the event this year, and weren't really able to tell me who was dealing with that side of things. 

And now it is clear - the answer is: no one is.


While Insomniac's vague statement could be taken at face value - they could just feel they can't put on the show they want to - I find it somewhat unsatisfactory.


From what I've seen from the travelling show's US incarnations the UK event at MK was easily on par with them - but then I always preferred the trance and house tents rather than the main Kinetic Field stage anyway.


The rumour mill has, quite expectedly, gone into overdrive. Suggestions that there are no big-name DJs available is one theory, or rather more believably, that their astronomical fees were unrealistic and rendered the event unprofitable. 

It is no secret that the likes of previous performers (and TopReviews4U interviewees) like Tiesto and Steve Aoki are raking in megabucks for festival sets. 


There is also the suggestion that the EDM bubble could be slowly deflating, in a discordant whomping parp - not unlike the 'music' itself. 


I'm inclined to believe a combination of poor ticket sales and overhyped DJ fees is at the root of the sorry mess the Electric Daisy Carnival's UK leg has become. 

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) UK 2016 line-up announced

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), UK will return to the Milton Keynes National Bowl for another year of unforgettable experiences on Saturday, July 9, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian. 

Joining the already announced headline acts, Avicii and Axwell ^ Ingrosso, are more than 30 of the biggest names in house, trance, dance and drum 'n' bass.

Eric Prydz will be performing on the kineticFIELD Stage, showcasing his highly anticipated debut album ‘Opus’. Also appearing for the first time at EDC UK are Oliver Heldens, the pop-house driven Dutchman behind chart topper ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ and Robin Schulz, whose latest album ‘Sugar’ has established him as one of the most successful German club acts to date. Electro house producer behind Madonna’s MDNA, Martin Solveig and 19-year-old EDM prodigy, Martin Garrix also join the kineticFIELD Stage.

Other DJs confirmed include trance legend Paul van Dyk and Ferry Corsten, who will bring his resurrected Gouryella guise to the party.   

Last year more than 40,000 revellers flocked to the iconic site.

Now in its fourth year, EDC UK has firmly positioned itself as one of the biggest dance music festivals to take place in 2016.

 

Full line-up so far:

Avicii

Axwell ^ Ingrosso

Aly & Fila

Andy Moor

Caspa & Rusko

Culture Shock

DJ EZ

Duke Dumont (DJ Set)

Eric Prydz

Friction

Gouryella

Goldie MBE

Galantis

Ilan Bluestone

Jauz

John O’Callaghan

Lost Frequencies

Markus Schulz

Martin Solveig

Martin Garrix

Noisia

Oliver Heldens

Paul Van Dyk

Pendulum

Philip George

René LaVice

Roni Size & Krust Presents Full Cycle

Robin Schulz

Sigma

Standerwick

Simon O’Shine

99 Souls

• ·  For tickets click here