When it comes to Festivals, we’ve always held a well publicised & long standing affinity with the capital’sLovebox Weekender. From our earliest experience back in 2012 (see here) – one that will be forever remembered for the infamous 30 minute Skream show which resulted in a now fabled stage invasion, there’s a multitude of reason’s why Lovebox continues to outdo itself year on year. Looking at its beginnings 14 years ago, there’s a distinct reason for enbaling a Festival can grow and develop from an initial one day affair into a weekender! By understanding what you’re primarily out to achieve and consistently blending brilliantly diverse line up’s that will undoubtedly set tongue’s wagging you are almost certain to become a success, and that’s exactly what Lovebox founders Groove Armada have done since it’s inception, and hats off to them.
Although it’s heritage lies traditionally within the Dance scene there’s no question it’s home of Victoria Park has seen it’s diversity transcend with some of the biggest name’s in Indie, Hip-Hop & Pop having graced it’s stages over the years. With this years weekender being curated by Secret Productions, the co-organiser’s of the notoriously popular Secret Garden Party, the 2014 line up is quite simply a who’s who of massive names & in our view, is it’s biggest to date.
Having had the honour of witnessing the East Coast Rapper previously, the news Nas will be headlining the Saturday with M.I.A on co-headline duties is a huge coup. The 40-year old rapper has released eight consecutive platinum & multi-platimun albums & sold over 25 millions records worldwide. This year really is a must see with the 20th anniversary of ‘Illmatic’ being celebrated revellers will get to see the album performed in it’s entirety, in what is his only UK performance of 2014. If that’s not an enticing draw-in then we’re unsure what is.
With Matangi Warrior & fearless queen of rap M.I.A bringing her typically explosive show to proceedings, it’s up to Drum & Bass’ finest Chase & Status to fly the traditionally dance led flag on the main stage for the Friday. Touching down in their home city, London boys Saul Milton & Will Kennard’s usually spectacular live show will no doubt set the main stage alight with their dusty trip-hop grooves and jungle infused garage.
Also on show will be Harlem rapper Rakim Mayers, otherwise known as A$AP Rocky. A$AP’s magnetic live show of East Coast rhymes & hard-hitting anthems will run alongside Brooklyn’s up & coming lyrical dynamoJoey Bada$$. Rapper experimentalist Madlib, fresh off the release of the Pinata release with Freddie Gibbs (review here), will perform with London born Knytro gracing proceedings also.
Doing what Lovebox does best, as you’d expect it’s a who’s-who of premium selector talent showcasing their skills, with Annie Mac, Red Bull, Basslaced, Noisey & Crack Magazine just some of the stage hosts over the weekend. After last year’s hugely successfull Ram Jam, Sir David Rodigan will be spinning those timeless festival favourites alongside legendary D&B duo Shy FX & Stamina MC.
For the House, Tech & Bass heads Breach, Huxley, Joy Orbison, Paul Woolford, Route 94, Duke Dumont, Hannah Wants, Bondax, Mount Kimbie & the legend that is Kenny Dope are just some of the names bringing their talents to the fore. For a masterful showcase in experimental electronica be sure to catchBonobo, who never fails to put on an unmissable show. Remaining tickets for both Friday & Saturday are available here, for complete line up information press the image below or head over to the Lovebox site for a complete rundown.
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Lovebox Festival 2014 from Lovebox Festival on Vimeo.
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