Creamfields vs SW4

Friday 27 August 2010 at 19:10
This bank holiday weekend is not only host to the Notting Hill Carnival but two huge dance events are going head to head. Being a neutral and not going to either I'm going to compare them the True Mess Head way and see who comes out on top.

Creamfields

Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside an hour away from Liverpool and Manchester it is one of the few full on dance festivals this country has to offer in summertime. It has a great reputation and has international branches all across the world. It has the pulling power to attract the top names in electronic music to showcase their talents to 60,000 + revellers.

The line up is superb. Artists representing all corners of dance music are here. The likes of Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Plastikman, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Sven Vath, Major Lazer, Annie Mac, Andy C, Tiga, Tom Middleton, Riva Starr, Evil Nine and many more. The full line up can be found here.

The price of a ticket is a bargain at £100 so no wonder it sold out a couple of weeks ago. The logistics of the festival are my only problem. Camping only opens on Saturday and you have to be out by early Monday morning. The music also stops at 11pm on the Sunday night. I suppose by that time one would be worn out from so much music.

True Mess Head Rating:

Line-Up: 9
Location: 9
Price: 10
Timing: 7

Overall: 35/40

SW4

Since becoming a more electronic orientated festival in 2009, South West Four has established itself as a worthy rival to Creamfields. Being held within London at Clapham Common, means no camping but it does allow for after-parties all across London to occur.

The line is really good, not as many artists as Creamfields but those that are playing are the best of the business. Armin Van Buuren, Erick Morillo, Sasha, Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Mark Knight, Fatboy Slim, Carly Cox, Boys Noize, Skream & Benga and many more.

The price of each day is £45 but again is sold out. Time restrictions mean that it does have to finish at 10pm but that's why there are official and unofficial afterparties all across London town. Ministry of Sound is hosting the official after party with the likes of Pete Tong and Layo & Bushwacka across the two nights.

True Mess Head Rating:

Line up: 8
Location: 8
Price: 8
Timing: 8

Overall: 32/40

I believe that Creamfields triumphs over SW4 as it is a big stand alone dance festival. Being in that field surrounded by all that good music just raises the atmosphere to another level. SW4 is good but there is so many different events occurring in London that weekend the shine of it is taken away a bit. Still both would be amazing.

Mega Mega Mega

at 11:41
As of Monday 23rd August, The Count & Sinden's long anticipated debut album hit the stores. Ever since their huge club hit Beeper rocked the dancefloor's I especially have been waiting for further collaborations between the two. Mega Mega Mega flows in a crazy pattern through the album moving from one style quickly to another. What it does keep solid throughout is its disco vibe and insatiable beats that cant stop you from tapping your foot along. There are the already released tracks in there such as Elephant 1234 and Mega but its songs such as After Dark (feat.Mystery Jets) & Addicted to You (feat Bashy) which really stand out for me. They show the range of talent that these two great producers have at their disposal.

This album could be the staple for where the Uk's main music trends are at now. The Count & Sinden are making their way to the top.

Check the album here: Amazon or Beatport

Carnival!!

Thursday 26 August 2010 at 21:52
Wow. Its been so long since I have blogged anything. I feel so out the loop. There's one principal reason and that SKY not giving me internet in my new house. All is good now and I have too much to blog at my fingers.

First up its Notting Hill Carnival this weekend. The streets of Notting Hill are taken over with carnival fever for a great party atmosphere run on rice and peas!

If your down there for either Sunday or Monday there's loads going on with soundystems pumping out delicious reggae and dub beats. There's loads of parties and nights happening as well. Here are some of the highlights:

Saturday: Urban Nerds vs Bigger Than Barry - Secret Shoreditch Warehouse

Taking place at a Secret Shoreditch Warehouse, both sets of promoters have put on a stellar line for carnival this year.

Line up is:
Toddla T & MC Serocee
Doorly
Lady Chann
Supra1
Katy B
Rattus Rattus & Klose One
Tomb Crew
Sticky
Jayou
& Many more

Check out event here: Urban Nerds vs Bigger Than Barry


Sunday: Two Bears and Girls Music Present A Super Secret Carnival Spectacular


For a measly fiver you get this line up. It is ridiculous. It is super secret but now ya know, don't hesitate before its too late.

With the likes of A-trak, Bot from Crookers and Jaymo & Andy George one does wonder who the very special guest is?

Get tickets here: Corsica Studios










Monday: Red Bull Music Academy Presents: Major Lazer Soundsystem #3


Saving the best till last, Red Bull return to host the best party at Notting Hill Carnival. Major Lazer made their England debut at it last year and rocked the skate park turned outdoor club to its core.

This year there back with a host of hot talent in the likes of RODIGAN, Joker, Drop The Lime & more. There's more artists in the crowd and backstage than there are performing.

Tickets flew out in a first come first served manner a while back in under a minute. True Mess Head luckily snared themselves some so will be repping from down the front.

You can find out more information about the soundsystem and listen to the live podcast here: Red Bull Carnival.



Whatever your doing this Bank Holiday Monday make sure you enjoy the end of summer! True Mess Head certainly will.