World class DJs line up at Radio 1’s Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1 has announced the rest of the line-up for Radio 1′s Big Weekend, at Lydiard Park, Swindon on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May. Kicking off this year’s festival season, the station’s annual free flagship event gives 40,000 lucky music fans the chance to enjoy music from four arenas in the park – the Main Stage, the Outdoor Stage, the In New Music We Trust Stage and the BBC Introducing Stage. In addition to the Main Stage and In New Music We Trust stages whose line-ups have already been confirmed, there’s the Outdoor Stage – featuring a world class line-up of DJs and a fantastic line-up of unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musical talent from around the UK on the BBC Introducing stage. Radio 1’s Zane Lowe revealed who will be on the Outdoor Stage during Scott Mills’ show today; and Huw Stephens named the bands that will perform on the BBC Introducing Stage in Zane’s programme.

Saturday 9 May
Outdoor Stage, Tim Westwood,Rob Da Bank , Zane Lowe, 2ManyDJs, Pete Tong ,vs, Vernon Kay, Eric Prydz,
Kutski, Nerm and D-Code, Annie Mac.

Sunday 10 May
Outdoor Stage, Trevor Nelson, Jaguar Skills, Zane Lowe (on the picture left), Mistajam featuring Wiley, Bashy, Chipmunk, Skepta & Boy, Better Know, Fabio & Grooverider, Chris Moyles v Tim Westwood, David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland,
Chase & Status (DJ set) , Kissy Sell Out, Jaymo and Andy George, Judge Jules

Radio 1’s Pete Tong says: ‘I play at festivals all over the world but I have to say that the Outdoor Stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend is on another level – truly amazing atmosphere, just massive, and the line up for this year looks like it’s going to stay that way.

The BBC Introducing Stage is back at Radio 1’s Big Weekend after its debut last year. Hosted by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens the stage will showcase nine bands a day across the weekend.

Saturday 9 May
BBC Introducing Stage
Stornoway
Baddies
The Temper Trap
Master Shortie
Bombay Bicycle Club
Swound
Goldteeth
Wretch 32
Kazz

Sunday 10 May
BBC Introducing Stage
Thee Vicars
Gallops
Kid Love Lies
Marina & The Diamonds
Little Comets
Sound of Guns
Double S
Elephants
BeatBullyz

Huw Stephens says: ‘Radio 1’s Big Weekend was raised up a gear with the BBC Introducing Stage last year, and it’s great that we’ll be there at Swindon. The stage showcases some of the best new up and coming artists from across the UK and from the Swindon area – it’s new music a go go!’

The Aliens and Just Jack confirm Rock Ness

Scotland’s wildest party this summer Rock Ness has been boosted by the addition of homegrown heroes The Aliens.

Set in the Highlands, Rock Ness combines a breathtaking natural amphitheatre with a stunning line up. Grabbing some exclusive performances, Rock Ness has emerged in just three short years as one of the best festivals around.

Amongst the latest additions to the bill are Scottish indie heroes The Aliens. Formed from the ashes of The Beta Band, The Aliens released their second album late last year to acclaim from both fans and critics alike.

Joining the Fife group on the bill are Just Jack, Australia’s Sneaky Soundsystem and Glaswegian newcomer Tommy Reilly. One of ClashMusic’s ’9 For 2009′ Baddies are sure to impress on the mainstage while festival legends The Cuban Brothers are also set to perform.

Further down the bill hot new DJ Annie Mac has been confirmed alongside Radio 1′s brightest new stars Jaymo and Andy George. Manchester group The Whip are set to bring their sleek live show to Rock Ness, and will be joined by Scottish rustic rockers Frightened Rabbit.

As always, Clash will be there to add a little spice to the affair. Clash hosts the Wonderland Arena, where previous headliners have included The View and French electro legends Daft Punk. This year the organisers have secured a major coup with rave heroes Orbital set to play a rare live set.

The Hartnoll brothers disbanded in 2004, but are set to bring their legendary live show to the Highlands along with a sure fire party atmosphere.

Rock Ness takes place in Dores, near Inverness between June 12th – 14th.

Annie Mac Presents tour is back bigger and now international

Annie’s got her motley crew together, a few special surprises and her passport packed and is taking this fourth tour around the country and across the waters to the U S of A for a right royal ruckus, stopping in Miami for the WMC at the Gansvoort Hotel, then onto the legendary Webster Hall in NYC, rounding it off Westside to LA to the world famous Avalon. Its gonna be big!

Plus, the London date on this tour has grown into an almighty show taking place at Camden’s Koko. This gig features Little Boots, Chase & Status feat. Takura, Rage & Plan B, The Count & Sinden, Mujava, and the mighty Toddla T.

Once again the AMP camera crew, Us3 Productions, will be there every step of the way, stopping for no man.

Dates are:

March 20th OXFORD – Simple @ Academy
Annie Mac, Hervé, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

March 21st GLASGOW – Death Disco @ The Arches
Annie Mac, Mystery Jets DJ Set, Optimo, Frankmusic

March 27th MIAMI WMC – Gansvoort Hotel
Annie Mac, A Trak & DJ Mehdi, Fake Blood, Rusko, Toddla T, Riton

April 10th NEW YORK – Webster Hall
Annie Mac, Crookers, JDH & Dave P

April 11th LA – Avalon
Annie Mac, Axwell, plus more to be announced

April 18th LIVERPOOL – Chibuku @ Barfly
Annie Mac, A Trak, Andy C, Toddla T, London Elektricity, Brookes Brothers

April 23rd DUBLIN – Mr Jones @ Twisted Pepper
Annie Mac, plus more to be announced

April 25th LEEDS – Wax:On @ Stylus
Annie Mac, DJ Mehdi, Rusko live, Doorly, Plastician

April 30th LONDON – KOKO
Annie Mac, Little Boots, Chase & Status feat. Takura, Rage & Plan B, The Count & Sinden, Mujava feat. MC Mzura, Toddla T, Rachel Barton

May 2nd DERRY – Deep Fried Funk @ The Nerve Centre
Annie Mac, Rusko (live), Toddla T

May 3rd BIRMINGHAM – Eclectricity @ The Custard Factory
Warehouse: Calvin Harris (Live), Friendly Fires (Live), Annie Mac, Boys Noize, Rachel Barton. Marquee: Steve Angello, Scratch Perverts. Factory Club: Chase & Status, Fabio (Radio 1), Mary Anne Hobbs (Radio 1)

Annie also has a new mix available for download through the www.anniemacpresents.com site. Its called Annie Mac’s Man Mix, and here is how Annie explains it coming together.

‘This mix was done one hundred per cent live in my little studio. There were lots of ups (raving around in my dressing gown) and downs (throwing CDs at walls and potty mouth expulsions of frustration) but I’m generally happy with it. The title came from a conversation with Toddla T after I DJ’d at the Warehouse Project in Manchester where he asked me why I ‘man’ it. You can hear the conversation at the top of the mix. It’s also a little audio rant on how there’s ‘too many men’ and not enough girls in the dubstep raves. Thanks to MC Spitfire for gracing the cover with his tattoo. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.’

Annie’s Biography
Born and bred in Dublin to a family immersed in musicality, Annie left home at 17 to attend Queens University in Belfast, where she was bitten by the clubbing bug after visiting the city’s legendary Shine club nights. Inspired to purchase her first set of decks, Annie taught herself to mix using old funk and soul records bought from local charity shops. Following a stint as part of Shine’s marketing team and four months living in Manhattan, Annie made the move to London, working simultaneously as a TV & Radio plugger, a freelance Broadcasting Assistant and a presenter for the SBN, before she approached Radio 1. Initially employed as a BA, her natural flair got her noticed by management and she was soon standing in for Mary Anne Hobbs.

Annie’s show on Radio 1 began in July 2004, when, working as a assistant producer on Zane Lowe’s show, she impressed Radio 1 bosses with her demos and her determination.

Since then her show has gone from strength to strength. Annie Mac’s Mash Up on Friday nights on Radio 1 has attracted a host of loyal followers from around the world and sees Annie play the cutting edge dance music which she has become known for. Annie has established herself firmly as part of Radio 1′s specialist output.

Annie is also a talented club DJ and is booked regularly to play the UKs most credible clubs. Annie has just completed her annual DJ tour ‘Annie Mac Presents…’ which she has hosted for 3 years running. Annie personally chooses the line-up of DJs for her tour, both established and up-and-coming to play in her favourite clubs across the UK. 2007 has seen Annie DJ at more festivals than ever, plus regular dates in Ibiza and around the world.

Her TV work has seen Annie contribute regularly to BBC2′s The Culture show, reviewing new music releases. She has also done work for MTV2 presenting ‘Gonzo’. In October 2007 Annie helped launch BBC Switch, the BBC’s offering for 12-16 year olds. It was announced that Annie would front Switch, a brand new Sunday night Radio 1 show, and co-host a new weekly music TV show ‘Sound’ alongside Nick Grimshaw on BBCTWO every Saturday afternoon.

Since her show began, Radio 1 have been working Annie hard. She has stood in for Jo Whiley, Pete Tong and most recently Zane Lowe in January 2008 co-hosting alongside the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Kasabian and Radiohead. From the end of February 2008, Annie Mac will host Saturdays and Sundays 1pm-4pm, covering the slot during Sara Cox’s maternity leave.