Lady Gaga in that infamous video for Telephone

“And after he’s been hooked I’ll play the one that’s on his heart…”  A line from a modern day love song, à la pop’s current first lady, Gaga.  The Poker Face card metaphors are charming – and catchy.  But then, gasp, she lets us in on her real desires – “I’ll get him hot, show him what I’ve got…”

Lady Gaga and her contemporaries, adored by kids as much as adults, have recently come under fire for provoking the young audiences they pull in.

But let’s start from the beginning.  “I’m no schoolboy, but I know what I like – you shoulda heard me, just around midnight”.  So howled Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones in Brown Sugar from their cheekily named release, Sticky Fingers, in 1971. In 1991 the Divinyls told listeners in no uncertain terms, “I don’t want anybody else, when I think about you I touch myself…”  And before Stefani “Gaga” Germanotta, the Pussycat Dolls instructed us to “loosen up my buttons, babe.”

A scan of the blogosphere finds artists such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna a hot topic amongst mamma bloggers like ‘A Mommy Story’ (American Christina).  She muses, “I guess I can’t be too hard on myself. I remember being a little kid and singing along to Madonna’s Like a Virgin. I didn’t even know what it meant at the time, but hey, it was a catchy song and she was pretty and dressed so cool. And I turned out OK, right? Right?”

Supposing that children of the noughties don’t actually comprehend what their idols are singing, there’s the always the videos to accompany them.  However, the question is – is music really more sexualised now than before?

Rihanna – “Rude Boy”

“Come here, rude boy, boy; can you get it up?” Drawing on her Caribbean roots, post-Chris Brown, Amazonian Rihanna uses her best, albeit blatant, line to draw in a suitable lover.  Director Melina Matsoukas represents the song’s “90s dancehall” style with gaudy tones, theatrical costumes and classic dances from the period.

Visually, the video doesn’t seem particularly provocative save for the close up of one of Rihanna’s seven costumes bearing a startling resemblance to…cleavage!  However, commentators are reacting to Rude Boy’s lyrics.  Admittedly, it would be rather disturbing to see ten year old girls singing along to “So giddy-up; time to get it up, you say you a rude boy, show me what you got now.”

Katy Perry ft Snoop Dogg – “California Gurls”

Katy Perry’s lead single from her latest album is a response to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind.  With “Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top” as Perry’s outfit of choice, not to mention her charismatic sass and Snoop Dogg, it comes as no surprise that the video is suitably naughty.  Perry treats us to her well-sculpted naked physique perched atop a cloud, while featuring some tongue-in-cheek cupcake bras which don’t leave much to the imagination.

Reviewer Jennifer Sale has a point – Perry and Snoop could have done something “funny and actually edgy going more with the contents of the song…[But] I got Snoop playing bizarre Candyland and a bra squirting whipped cream.”

The Pretty Reckless – “Miss Nothing”

Gossip Girl’s Jenny, a.k.a 16 year old actress Taylor Momsen is also the frontwoman of otherwise masculine The Pretty Reckless.  Her undeniable talent, offset by a rebellious sense of style has gotten tongues wagging amongst conservative mothers in the US.  See Momsen’s trashiest fashion moments (including her on-stage antics), chronicled by The Fab Life’s Lauren Deiman to help make up your mind.

Justin Timberlake/Ciara – “Love Sex Magic”

Justin and Ciara’s collaboration evokes the cockiness of SexyBack with some obvious chemistry in the video.  Director Diane Martel does a pretty good job adapting the tune visually; Digital Spy’s review stated, “Quite frankly, the whole thing could make a nun have impure thoughts”.

Britney Spears – “Slave 4U”

Back before anyone sobbed, “Leave Britney alone!” the girl was taking care of herself – depending on how you look at it.  With lyrics that weren’t exactly screaming feminism and independent women, Brit sang sensually about pleasing her man.  The video was a new level of “sexy” with g-strings as outerwear.

Lady Gaga – “Telephone”

The second single from Gaga’s album The Fame Monster, this video may be up there with Madonna’s Justify My Love (see below).  Released on the back of fem-bot infested Bad Romance, the video for Telephone was much anticipated.  And it didn’t fail to deliver – at least in controversy.  A melee of girl-on-girl, sexy, outlandish costumes and Tarantino-esque poisoning, the concept has Beyoncé bailing Lady Gaga out of jail, and follows the ladies on a homicidal road trip.  Director Jonas Åkerlund’s full version includes extra material such as Gaga flashing her genitalia at the prisons guards – an amusing nod to transvestite rumours about the singer.

Female talk show host Sandy Rios didn’t see the funny side however, claiming Telephone is “poison for the minds for our kids, and for our minds for that matter.”

Madonna – “Justify My Love” 

The mother of sexy music videos, Madonna caused a stir in 1990 with her dreamy erotic-hetero-bisexual sequence dotted with nudity and S&M.  Co-written by Lenny Kravitz, the resultant ban of “Justify My Love” on MTV was upstaged by the decision to release the clip as a ‘video single’ – an unprecedented move.  She even went on to defend the video and its hedonistic female sexual themes on US television – girl power!

Surely there is no denying the purpose of controversial videos, even for the artists.  At the core, they are made to sell albums.  Ciara stated that her and Timberlake’s goal was to “make the best video we could and to give the fans something a little fun and a little unexpected”.

So it seems music and sex have a long relationship – for artists, but also our memories.  We’ve all had that “OMG, I never realised those were the words!” moment.  The Media Awareness Network has a viable solution – challenge kids to analyse music videos – when they’re old enough.

Perhaps Madonna sums it up in her interview.  “It’s about a woman who’s talking to her lover and she’s saying… ‘Tell me your stories, I’m not afraid of who you are. These feelings are true and I’m just dealing with the truth here in my video.”  And sometimes we need to hear it – as long as it’s at the right age.

Elliott Smith aka Mr Misery...

When it comes to artists, a volatile temperament can be just as much part of the image as untended, outgrown haircuts and fingernails caked with paint. Where the expression ‘artistic temperament’ conveys a relatively romantic idea of a creative soul dedicated to his or her art, for most creatives, life can be a hotch-potch of acceptance and rejection; inspiration and inactivity; affirmation and insecurity; triumph and dejection; despair and insatiable focus. It’s a tricky road to navigate and being the only person who’s capable or qualified to realise their own imagination, artists’ moods can range from being up and down, to pretty unpredictable, right through to serious rollercoaster rides.

But what about those who genuinely grapple with depressive disorders? Like many creatives, musicians in particular can bear association with depressive episodes that comprise what’s centrifugal to their creativity. For others, getting cuffed by ‘the black dogs’ means downing instruments and taking time out. For the more unfortunate, it can mean the end of their career and, at times, themselves. Furthermore, could it be argued (albeit controversially) that depressive disorders are in themselves a prerequisite of sorts? After all, there remains ongoing speculation that links bipolar disorder to genius… Or are they more oftentimes a consequence of pressurised, hedonistic lifestyles spent on the road, accumulating adulation and tastes for alcohol or illegal substances? Running In Heels takes a look at musicians, their music, their relationship with depression – in many guises – and whether it’s helped or hindered their career.

Elliott Smith

Despite being Oscar nominated in 1998 for his song, Miss Misery, Smith never shook off the melancholy and depressions that shaped his music. As Garrick Duckler said of him, “When he was depressed he felt, as he would often say, more like himself than when he was not depressed.” Self-deprecating and taunted by an irrational paranoia that someone would invent a ‘robotic hand’ to enable anyone to play a guitar, Mr Misery, as critics came to refer to him, died in October 2003 by apparently self-inflicted stab wounds to his chest. In 2004, his family organised the release of his posthumous album, From A Basement on A Hill. With track titles such as A Fond Farewell, Twilight and The Last Hour, it’s difficult not to read the ominous into his final work.

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix’s name isn’t so widely associated with his alleged manic depression, as it was called back then. Sure, there was his 1967 record of that very name, but many refute any relation to depression as the story behind this song. However, there are accounts that Hendrix did indeed suffer depressive moods, a result of an unstable and torturous childhood, but suppressed their pinch through heavy drug use and escapism through music. Advocates claim that he channelled his depression effectively, pouring his focus and emotions into his work – yet inexplicitly so. If this was the case, Hendrix’s depression drove his career into interstellar realms. His untimely death at 27 in 1970 was the result of drug use, but whether this was to blunt low spirits at the time will remain unknown.

Silverchair's frontman Daniel Johns

Daniel Johns

The Silverchair frontman’s battle with anorexia took a very public stance in 1999, when the band released, Ana’s Song (Open Fire) as their second single off the album Neon Ballroom. The track explicitly illustrates Johns’s relationship with the illness, and the album itself pivots around the negative side to fame and success. Where Johns became gravely unwell with anorexia, it appears his development of the eating disorder was the culmination of depression, which took hold as the stresses of fame took their toll. In an interview with MTV in 1999, Johns summed up why: “I felt that my life was out of control and it was kind of out of my hands, I couldn’t do anything about it, I guess I took control of food intake, because it was the only thing that no one could really take charge of.” He overcame anorexia, got to grips with depression and continues makin’ music.

Shirley Manson

Best known as the enigmatic and angelic grizzler fronting Garbage, Manson has also been the face of Calvin Klein. Yet where she’s known as one of the UK’s hottest female exports, Manson was plagued by low self-esteem and insecurity about her unusual appearance. As a youngster, bullying led her to self-harm and a spiral into a battle with esteem related depressions. Thankfully, Manson aimed high and has ended up having the last subtle laugh.

Richey Edwards

The former guitarist and lyricist for Welsh alt-rock band, The Manic Street Preachers, went missing in 1995. Although his car was found abandoned by the Severn Bridge, Edwards’s body – neither dead nor alive – was ever found. Reports say that in the run up to his disappearance, his battle with poor mental health became fiercer as he overtly self-injured using razor blades and knives and displayed signs of suffering from anorexia. Although he’d willingly checked into rehab, it seems that his debilitating state of mind won in the end. The band he left behind never gave up hope that he was still alive and continued paying royalties into his bank account. Yet in 2008, 13 years after his disappearance, Edwards’s family decided to issue his status as deceased. The Manics’ 2009 album, Journal for Plague Lovers, is exclusively comprised of lyrics Edwards wrote before his disappearance.

Radiohead

Not so much an individualistic relationship with depressive disorders, Radiohead’s 1997 album, OK Computer, has been casually cited as the sound of modern depression. The band enjoyed No.1 acclaim with the album; surprising in that it’s far from ‘feel good’. Its sentiments illustrate a burgeoning despair of consumerism and alienation from an out of control ‘android-like’ society. Indeed, singles off the album include Paranoid Android, where pre-OK Computer, amongst Radiohead’s credible singles are Creep and Street Spirit (Fade Out), all of which are pretty melancholic to say the least.

Kurt Cobain: subdued sentiments...

Kurt Cobain

Despite Nirvana’s propulsion to cult status in the early ‘90s, Cobain’s death brought the Nirvana machine to a grinding halt. Little secret has been made of his relationship with drugs and their possible involvement in his seeming suicide, yet speculation – as with many musicians’ drug use – abounds as to why. A crutch? Since his death in April 1994, Cobain’s friends and family have come forward with accounts of his double-life with depression since his teen years. In an interview with his cousin, Bev Cobain, rumours of manic depression / bipolar disorder have been by-and-large confirmed: “Kurt was diagnosed at a young age with Attention Deficit Disorder, then later with bipolar disorder… Unfortunately for Kurt, compliance with the appropriate treatment is also a critical factor.” With tracks such as Lithium expressly intimating at least some kind of relationship with bipolar disorder, Cobain’s pendulous episodes of extreme inactivity played off against subsequent bouts of manic over-productivity. Where many-a-teenage audiophile was able to relate to the subdued sentiments of much of Nirvana’s work, few guessed exactly what gravity it bore.

Gordon Anderson

The former Beta Band inceptor has had a tough ride with depression and psychosis. In the late 1990s, he was hospitalised when the condition took unbearable hold. In an interview with Andrew Perry for MOJO in 2007, Anderson himself recalls, “It was a hellish period. I was in hospital constantly from 1996 to 2000. Everyday, just to get up in the morning and get through the day was my main aim. The band life was far from me.” But when the Beta Band split in 2004, Anderson was far from defeated, releasing material under his alias, Lone Pigeon, and subsequently going on to form The Aliens with ex-Betas, John Maclean and Robin Jones. Anderson doesn’t seem to dwell on his relationship with depression, but instead realises its presence and role within his life as a musician. Writing for Time Out prior to the release of Astronomy for Dogs, Chris Parkin said, “…Rather than a confused journey, [it’s] an adventurous ride that give a nod (and a wink) to Anderson’s condition. And it’s this positive frame of mind that makes for a disc of psychedelic pop at its sunny, inspirational best.”

Other musicians who’ve had first hand experiences of depression and related disorders are Fiona Apple, Sting, Bobby Brown, Marilyn Manson, Lisa Loeb, Peter Gabriel, Randy California, Syd Barrett, Axl Rose, Geri Haliwell, DMX, Sheryl Crow, Roky Erickson, Alanis Morissette and Brian Wilson. Whatever the degree or affect of each of these individuals’ story, one thing we can be certain of is they’ve all produced landmark music, whichever channel they’ve run it through.

Paloma Faith by Gary Wolstenholme

There has never been a better time to have an insatiable thirst for discovering music you haven’t heard before, be it old or new. But the glut of information we know as the internet can be a baffling place, full of misinformation, misguided opinions and hidden agendas, especially where music is concerned. Running In Heels is on hand with a guide to what we think are the best music blogs on the world wide web.

Best for Indie/Rock/Electro Music

Drowned In Sound

Drowned In Sound is the daddy of UK music sites. Spawned after muso Sean Adams and his equally obsessed pal decided to take their emailed musings into the public arena of internet forums, the site has remained fiercely editorially independent through various major investments and proudly retains a community feel through its social boards and comments sections. Its reviews hold a Pitchfork-like authority in the UK music scene and the live section is accompanied by outstanding photography. Highlights include columnist Wendy Roby’s excellent singles round-up and a weekly Spotify playlist.

The 405

Boasting a slick, magazine-like layout, The 405 is a UK-based online culture blog which focuses primarily on music, though there are features on film and the arts in general too. They always have excellent interviews and reviews, but one of the things that really sets them apart is their daily Mix/Cover/Live which, as the name suggests, rounds up the best remix, cover and live track as well as MP3 of the day and offers them as a free download for a limited time. The tracks are consistently varied and interesting, and you’re bound to uncover some indie gem you’d never heard of before.

Best for New Music

Gorilla Vs Bear

Like your cool big sister who always knows the best places to go, this Brooklyn-based music blog never puts a foot wrong when it comes to recommending new and exciting music. The site features innumerable free MP3 downloads of very new bands. and is usually spot on with tipping small acts for the big time.

Living Ears

There are countless MP3 blogs out there, but this one fulfils its promise to bring you the music ‘your friends will be listening to six months from now’. Written by a Utah-based radio DJ, it is often a step ahead and always worth a look for exciting new leaks and downloads.

Best for Pop/Chart Music

Popjustice

Popjustice, as the name suggests, covers pop music. More specifically, it delivers intelligent, well written pieces on a wide spectrum of chart music; if we’re to judge by the current front page, from Lady Gaga, to Manc band of the moment Hurts. It’s refreshing unpretentious and ‘The Daily Pop Briefing’ feature is a must for anyone interested in any incarnation of pop music.

Daytrotter's sketch of Vampire Weekend

Best for Live Content

Daytrotter

Stellar editorial content waxing lyrical about obscure indie bands is all very well, but sometimes the music should speak for itself. Daytrotter posts daily sessions recorded by established artists as well as up and coming bands in a barn in Illinois. Tracks are available for streaming or download, alongside jaunty drawings of the artists and eloquent comment pieces on their music. Previous sessions include Vampire Weekend and The National, and there is always something in the archive that you’re bound to be excited by. The site also features videos and the opportunity to pay for higher quality session downloads. It’s a little like a more hifi version of the UK blog Black Cab Sessions, which is also definitely worth a look too.

Baeblemusic

Baeble is a comphrensive resource for recordings of live performances. It’s US-based, which is good for non-American music fans, as it’s a great insight into venues and audiences across the pond. The site is predominantly focused on indie music.

Best for Classical Music

The Arts Desk

Good classical music blogs are reasonably hard to come by, probably thanks to the genre’s lack of reliance on the wildfire spread of MP3 and streaming hype propagated by pop, indie and dance music. Founded by an Independent arts writer, this site stylishly fills a niche for classical music fans looking for quality features and reviews of all kinds of arts events and releases.

Best for World Music

Mondomix

With a rather broad focus on the rather all-encompassing genre of world music, Mondomix offers reviews, features and free downloads of a huge variety of music from all corners of the globe.

Best for Jazz Music

All About Jazz

With both editorial content and listings, as well as a daily free MP3, this is a consistently good site for jazz fans.

Mondomix’s recording of Oudaden at the Festival Musiques Métisses 2010

Kelis – Acapella (Acid Washed Remix)

Kelis’s triumphant return was heralded by the irresistibly marvellous anthem ‘Acapella’, a song which looks set to topple ‘Milkshake’ as the song synoymous with the singer. This remix doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it just tweaks the backing track and builds synths here and there for a brilliantly danceable track. Kelis will be rousing dancefloor rabbles at the following festivals: Glastonbury (UK) , Slottsfjell (Norway), and Pukkelpop (Belgium).

Caribou – Sun (Altrice’s Only What You Gave Me Remix)

Even ignoring the frenzied hype around this band, and solely concentrating on how great their latest album ‘Swim’ was, Caribou look set to provide some of the must-see festival sets of the summer. The perfect soundtrack to a cider fuelled summer sunset in a field. Catch them at: INMusic (Croatia), Field Day (UK), La Route du Rock (France), Summer Sundae (UK) Pukkelpop (Belgium), Into The Great Wide Open (Netherlands) and End Of The Road (UK).

Gorillaz – Stylo (Alex Metric remix)

Gorillaz are perhaps one of the most interesting and innovative pop bands around, though, dare I say it, not the only ones quite chuffed that U2 have pulled out of Glastonbury. ‘Plastic Beach’, released earlier this year was lauded by critics claiming a return to form last seen in their debut album, and this remix of the first single released off it is a great listen. As well as Glastonbury, Damon Albarn’s cartoon troupe will be at Roskilde (Denmark), Benicassìm (Spain), and Secret Garden Party (UK).

Booka Shade vs M.A.N.D.Y – Body Language (Tocadisco’s Remix)

Body Language, which came out in 2005, and was dubbed one of the biggest releases of the year by Resident Advisor, should set the tone for the Berlin-based electro house duo Booka Shade’s festival appearances this summer. They’ll be playing at Selector (Poland), Rockness (UK), Parklife (UK), Sònar (Spain), Optimus Alive (Portugal) MELT! Festival (Germany), Lovebox (UK), Dance Valley (UK), and Electric Picnic (Ireland).

Crystal Castles – Celestica (Thurston Moore Remix)

Crystal Castles are a dance trance Skins-friendly outfit, with vocalist Alice Glass’s ferocious howling prompting trendy kids to fall in love with her left, right and centre. Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore ‘doesn’t do remixes.’ How on earth could these facts be related, other than Moore has remixed this track from Crystal Castles’s latest album. And he’s created something rather beautiful and surprisingly melodic. To see Glass et al in their feral glory, grab a ticket to Rockness (UK), Exit (Serbia), Reading and Leeds Festivals (UK), Rock en Seine (France) and Electric Picnic (Ireland).

Hot Chip – I Feel Better (Den Haan Remix)

I never thought that everyone’s favourite geeks and unlikely dance pop heroes would ever top ‘Over and Over.’ But ‘I Feel Better’, from this year’s ‘One Life Stand’ is great, a song that you immediately feel you’ve known and loved for years. This remix ups the tempo and makes is perfectly for dancing to on balconies on precious sunny days. Hot Chip are set for a festival-crammed summer, with performances at Sònar (Spain), Glastonbury, Open’er (Poland), Calvi On The Rocks (France), T in the Park (UK), Oxegen (Ireland), Benicassìm (Spain), Super Bock Super Rock (Portugal), Lovebox (UK), Frequency (Austria), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Electric Picnic (Ireland) and Bestival (UK).

Uffie – Difficult

It just doesn’t feel like the summer without Ed Banger, and the first lady of the hip French label, Uffie, is here with a perfect slice of attitude-laced vocals neatly aping P. Diddy over an almost reggae-like piano backing. Not strictly a remix, but produced by labelmate SebastiAn, this track should kick off her festival sets in style. She’ll be at Selector (Poland), Sònar (Spain) and Dour (Belgium).

Deadmau5 – Faxing Berlin (Grifta Dubstep Remix)

Already fairly legendary on the dance scene, Deadmau5 looks set to finally break into the mainstream this year, with festival performances at  Sziget (Hungary), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Frequency (Austria), Lowlands (Netherlands), and Creamfields (UK). NB: This remix won over even a dubstep-sceptic like myself.

LCD Soundsystem – You Wanted A Hit (Ryan Nexus Remix)

I’m fascinated by James Murphy and his endless, tireless crusade to calculate the exact formula for being cool. As far as most LCD Soundsystem fans are concerned, Murphy should have stopped worrying about it fairly early on, though it’s probably a good thing that their latest LP ‘This is Happening’ is reportedly their last, as being a bit old probably isn’t very cool at all. This is a great remix of a great track, enough said. LCD Soundsystem are playing at Sònar (Spain), Southside (Germany), INmusic (Croatia), Open Air St. Gallen (Switzerland), Roskilde (Denmark), Wireless (UK), Les Eurockéennes (France), Optimus Alive (Portugal), Way Out West (Sweden), Leeds and Reading (UK), Rock en Seine (France), Electric Picnic (Ireland) and Bestival (UK).

Kele – Tenderoni

2010 so far has seen the Bloc Party frontman take a sabbatical from his hugely successful band, spending it mostly learning to box and DJing in East London. Oh, and recording a truly brilliant dance pop album. I’m not sure what my 16 year old self, who adored Kele Okereke and for whom Silent Alarm was quite simply era defining, and who also abhorred dance music of most kinds, would have made of this, but I’m older and wiser and have been to Ibiza now, and I’m telling it to her straight: Tenderoni is BRILLIANT. So brilliant, in fact, that in my humble opinion, there has yet to be a remix that does it justice. So here it is in its pure and unadulterated form. Enjoy, and try to resist the temptation to sing Bodyrox over the top. He’s playing at Glastonbury, MELT! Festival (Germany), Pukkelpop (Belgium) Leeds and Reading Festivals and Rock en Seine (France).

But Professor Cox isn’t just a scientist. He was on our airwaves long before he was bigging up the Big Bang and hyping the Hadron Collider. In what must seem like another life, he toured the world drumming for the band D:Ream, whose most high profile single, ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ was none other than the Labour Party’s theme song of choice in their landslide election victory of 1997. His recent success as a television presenter dealing with a subject matter most of us leave behind at 16, along with quadratic equations and Pythagoras’ notorious theorem, could be largely attributed to the fact that he doesn’t look or behave like a scientist, but instead, well, like a rock star.

Inspired by Brian Cox’s wide-ranging achievements, we imaginewhat the school reports of other notable multi-tasking musicians might look like…

Alex James and his Little Wallop cheese

Name: Alexander James

Subject: Home Economics

Perhaps it’s a little predictable, but no article on musicians whose achievements range beyond the admittedly restrictive parameters of selling out the odd 20,000 capacity stadium and going platinum is complete without professional multi-tasking Blur bassist Alex James.

Not content with having been ‘the second drunkest member of the world’s drunkest band’ as well as really quite a reasonable bass player, James published his excellent autobiography A Bit Of A Blur in 2007. In it, he details his many and varied talents as well as just being utterly charming in print. He now produces his own range of organic cheeses at his farm in the Cotswolds. Oh, and he’s a qualified pilot.

Headteacher’s remarks

Not just the best all-rounder, but also the coolest kid in school.

Name: Daniel Snaith aka Caribou

Subject: Mathematics

Last month, Elephant and Castle’s Corsica Studios was packed to the rafters with hipsters, journos and plain old musos, for a sold out gig by Caribou, alias Dan Snaith. The Canadian born multi instrumentalist’s fifth album, ‘Swim’ has just been released to critical acclaim and both the band’s long players and live show have received rave reviews, the mathematical precision of their carefully ordered electronic chaos winning over critics and music fans alike.

Although not a native Londoner, Snaith probably got to know the city pretty well during his time as a PhD student at the prestigious Imperial College, culminating in the publication of a thesis, catchily entitled ‘Overconvergent Siegel Modular Symbols.’ Perhaps that’s why all the tracks on ‘Swim’ are monosyllabically named…

Headteacher’s remarks

In a decade’s time, perhaps we’ll be glued to BBC2 for a hugely popular series decoding those pesky modular symbols and making maths super cool – fronted, obviously, by ‘model mathematician’ Snaith. I’ll be starting the ‘Dan Snaith can overconverge with my symbols!’ Facebook group myself…

Name: Zooey Deschanel

Subject: Drama

Zooey’s musical endeavour She & Him, an endearing collaboration with musician M.Ward, is the very incarnation of her character in (500) Days of Summer; unbelievably cute and harmonious, but more than a little bit bitchy. The duo have just released their second album and played a stonking set at Coachella a few weeks ago. LA has been turning its nose up at ‘mattresses’ (model-turned-actresses) and other portmanteaus for the celebs’ less than perfect transition from one performing art to another, but Deschanel has a great set of lungs on her and a genuine talent for songwriting. Nothing like competence to silence the critics.

Headteacher’s remarks

Take notes for 30 Seconds to Mars’s next album, Jared Leto. Zooey Deschanel sets a pretty high benchmark for multi-tasking in Hollywood, surpassed only perhaps by Johnny Depp’s guitar part on Oasis’s ‘Slide Away.’

Nick Cave reading from his 2009 novel

Name: Nicholas Cave

Subject: English Literature

Apparently not satisfied with having released an intimidating discography of brilliant albums as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, as well as composing soundtracks for the likes of The Assassination of Jesse James with Warren Ellis and writing screenplays, the Australian musician’s second novel The Death of Bunny Munroe was published to critical acclaim in 2009.

Headteacher’s remarks

We would expect nothing less than a book describing Avril Lavigne’s vagina from a man who released a concept album about grisly killers and killings (1996′s Murder Ballads). Cave’s astonishing prowess as a lyricist and songwriter transfers effortlessly to fiction.

Names: Miike Snow, Owen Pallet, John Anthony Gill

Subject: Music Technology

Faced with all these across-the-board high achievers, it’s easy to forget the ones who are just really good at being in the music industry. Take Miike Snow, whose single ‘Animal’ was pretty much the catchiest single of last summer. The band were also the Grammy-winning super-producers behind Britney Spears’s killer single Toxic.

Owen Pallett, the loop pedal obsessed violinist formerly known as Final Fantasy and now playing sold out shows under his real moniker, wrote most of the string arrangements that made Arcade Fire’s debut album ‘Funeral’ so unforgettably stunning.

John Anthony Gill, more commonly known as Jack White, the maybe-sibling axe and keys man of the White Stripes, is not content with being in the most famous two piece of the last ten years. His two successful supergroups, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, are both signed to his record label ‘Third Man’, and he has produced material for, among others, country legend Loretta Lynn and his supermodel wife Karen Elson. And he used to upholster furniture for a living…

Jack White’s collaboration with Loretta Lynn

A dizzy turn of events for Florence at the Brit Awards

Once upon a time, the artists who dominated the charts hunted predominantly in packs of four or five, complete with dance routines and matching outfits. The bands of the last twenty years have evolved and disbanded; the Spice Girls are reality TV stars or judging ice skating competitions and Take That may still be the best boy band around, but with so few competitors, it’s hardly a tough call. What happened to pop music? Did we just hit the noughties and suddenly decide we were too cool for ‘mainstream’ music, or are manufactured bands still out there?

Surely music contests, such as  The X Factor, with its 13 European branches, are clear evidence that ‘pop’ music – in all its cheesy, manufactured glory – is still at large? On an internation level, the charts are still very much driven by bands that have their songs written for them, but yet undeniably in recent times, there has been a rise in ‘independent music’. Boy bands have abandoned their dance moves for skinny jeans and drum kits and with only a few exceptions, ladies have abdicated their groups and taken to the stage alone, with bite back lyrics and feminism.

How has this happened? Ten years ago we knew nothing about power femmes and ‘indie bands’, unless you were a regular subscriber to the NME and listened to John Peel. Nowadays, everyone and their dog can name a music group beginning in “The” and featuring a member who wears granddad clothes in a non ironic way.

One reason could be the mass featuring of ‘underground bands’ on the soundtracks of TV shows produced for the young cultural consumer amongst us. Programmes for the MTV generation such as One Tree Hill, The O.C., 902010 and Gossip Girl play out against a background of La Roux, The XX and The Shins. And prime time radio shows have begun to air unsigned music more regularly. This exposure slowly filters onto our airwaves, and before we know it, everyone’s humming the next big thing.

Bands who were ‘under the radar’ for so long have had chances to be the acts that everyone is talking about: Florence and the Machine, La Roux and Little Boots were all little known ladies with big voices, who, riding on a crest of opportunity and individuality, made their way onto our iPods and into our heads, all in the same year.

Despite their quiffs and quirk, the ‘anti mainstream’ of today’s music is just as much, if not arguably more popular than those bands produced by figures like Simon Cowell. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a merger of the two; Dizzee Rascal and Florence Welch singing a Glee- esque mash up to many not a surprise at the 2010 Brit Awards. Florence, looking slightly awkward next to Mr Rascal, probably never dreamed that one day her ‘Lungs’ would get her up next to one of Britain’s biggest acts, at an event she attended the previous year as a newcomer. Unsurprisingly, the song was released and entered the UK charts at number two, a move orchestrated from the beginning?

Alexa and Alex: hip to the indie groove...

Either way, the underground is coming up to the high street in all senses. On the playlists of flagship fashion stores are not chart toppers, but more unheard of bands, to match many of the clothes on the rails. The style icons we have today are no longer socialites but more avant garde figures; Alexa Chung, notably dating the lead singer of an indie band, has just been voted Vogue’s most stylish lady.  Her fashion inspires clothes lines, not the other way around, and arguably whether or not you care about new music, Alexa Chung is an inspiration to many in her garments.

And many boys might have scorned the idea of wearing a cardigan, but thanks to some of the figureheads of today’s guitar bands, buttons have been done up, and trouser widths have shrunk.  As ever, music and fashion are inextricably linked, but whether or not the individuality of artists is being sucked away with the more credibility they receive is a debate with no easy answer.  We have only to become accustomed to the new ‘cool’- not shiny, skinny girl groups, but women with original lyrics, and boy bands who play their own instruments and write their own songs.

A lot of my memories are intertwined with ‘Classical’ music, various youth courses, trips abroad, orchestral tours and moving to London. The Smetana and Strauss on the play list were two pieces I played in youth orchestra, four weeks of summer that I looked forward to all year long, free from my parents and school. Other pieces I’ve chosen for their portrayal of that different side of summer. The floral beauty, the lazy days in the garden and if we’re lucky, the warmth of the sun.

Classical music covers such a huge range of genres that I wanted to include something for everyone and resist an urge to just stick with the romantics such as Tchaikovsky (for whom I could do a personal summer play list!)

Hopefully these snippets will give you a chance to decide whether or not it’s something you enjoy and if so, why not listen to the full piece. (Nabucco is about 3 hours long by the way!) The pieces, containing many parts and stories won’t always continue in the summery style of the excerpt but you may just discover something amazing. The playlist is available to listen to on Spotify or watch the videos on Youtube.

Symphony No. 6 (2^nd Movement ‘Allegro con Grazia’) – Tchaikovsky

A master of the ballet, Tchaikovsky is definitely one man who can get you up to dance. Perhaps less familiar than ‘The Nutcracker’ (which always reminds me of Christmas!) but just as energetic and uplifting. His final work, he died shortly after its premiere in 1893.

Ma Vlast  (2^nd Movement ‘Vltava’) – Smetana

Depicting the river flowing through his beloved Czech countryside, Smetana captures movement and light to the point where you can picture yourself right there. Sadly though, having become deaf in 1874, Smetana never actually heard this piece performed and the complete cycle wasn’t premiered until 1882.

Lakme (The Flower Duet) – Delibes

Obvious, I know but despite being overused on British Airway adverts, this really is a beautiful duet. Delibes was highly regarded by his peers and his work had much influence on many composers such as Verdi and Tchaikovsky. First performed as a small part of Lakme in 1883 it was instantly popular and remains the most recognisable piece of the whole opera!

Trois Gymnopedie (No.1 Lent et douloureux) – Satie

This makes me think of long summer evenings in the garden with a glass of wine. Satie often had the reputation amongst his contemporaries of being eccentric but musically innovative and these pieces became increasingly popular since they were composed in 1888, so much so that they were later orchestrated by Debussy.

Nabucco (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) – Verdi

1942 saw Verdi’s third opera reveal one of the most popular choruses ever written. I’m not sure why it’s summery but it just is so uplifting it makes me feel happy. ‘Fly, thought, on wings of gold’.

La Mer (Jeux de vagues) – Debussy

This may take more than one listening and was not instantly popular in 1905, but Debussy masterfully describes the playful waves with sun bouncing off them. Impressionism can often feel like a wash of sound but I think that’s perfect for lazy hot summer days.

Four Seasons (Spring) 1723 – Vivaldi

I know I should put ‘Summer’ down here but I really think ‘Spring’ is the lighter, more upbeat movement. Vivaldi, we must remember was, after all Italian and portrays his summer as searing, dry heat rising relentlessly, which is not quite my childhood memory of summertime in Ireland!

An Alpine Symphony (1-8) 1915 – Richard Strauss

Known for his evocative tone poems this is Richard Strauss at his best. The beginning of this piece draws in the listener at night time and takes us on a journey from the epic dawn through the day. We stroll into the woods, past the wandering stream to the waterfall and into a meadow where you can hear happy alpine cows grazing to the gentle ringing of their bells. So real you can almost smell the flowers when you listen to it. But if you do press on further than track 8 prepare yourself for a storm!

Die schone Mullerin (Das Wandern) 1823 – Schubert

One of my favourite song cycles, though this particular song is perhaps misleading as it doesn’t remain this jolly throughout the Miller’s journey. However at the beginning when all is well, the Miller sings of how he likes nothing better than to wander around freely like the water in the mill. ‘Wandering is the Miller’s joy.’ A very summery attitude!

Pini di Roma – Respighi

Composed in 1923, the Pines of Rome was part of Respighi’s Roman Trilogy which depicted places and images of Rome. Strangely now though most people think of the whales from Disney’s movie Fantasia which featured the piece accompanying sea life and underwater worlds!

Leaving the dry shampoo? Try a wig!

As much as we’d all like to swan off to Miami and do festivals in the sun, in reality, will be indecisive about which festival we want to go to and then make a wrong last minute decision which results in a very wet weekend – that’s how it normally works for me anyway.

Based on this assumption, these ten golden rules should get you through a summer of fantastic festivals, whatever the weather…

Get over it!

This means you. Drop whatever little fussy niggles you have about toilets or personal space or cleanliness. You need to suck it up and get involved. If someone pushes you in a lake then just fucking enjoy – how often does that stuff happen in real life? If your boyfriend is talking to an amazingly fit Brazilian model in a bikini then let him. Everyone is there to have fun; so should you.

Get a spray tan

I know, you thought bin liners would be first on the list, they’re not. A spray tan will make you look fricking fantastic, even when covered in mud and will make sure that however rough you feel, the photos will look amazing. Make sure for God’s sake that you rinse before going to the festival otherwise this could all end in tears.

Wear shorts and layer up

This isn’t necessarily a conventional choice. However, in my view, wet shorts dry quicker than wet trousers and are therefore preferable in the rain. Of course you can take as many pairs of tights as you like – layer them and swap them all weekend. Just make sure your legs stay dry. Take an absolute shed load of layers with you so that you can always be dry. And pack  the best waterproofs you have – beauty may go out the window depending on the conditions.

Buy a Camelbak

‘What on earth is a Camelbak?’ you may be wondering. The enigmatically-named gadgets are possibly the best investment you can make. These nifty and rather cute little backpacks have a hidden 2-10 litre space for liquids which you drink through a valve attached. Oh yes – that means you can make a fancy cocktail and drink it all day. Forget queueing and forget shelling out for an unreasonably-priced plastic glass of  something you don’t really want to drink.

Bin Bags

Here they are! These are an absolutely essential festival item and you should take around twenty of them. Bin bags really are a wonderful invention; they can be used as seats, sleeping bags, spontaneous fancy dress, ice containers and, of course, to clean up. It is vital that you leave no trace so make sure you’re well prepared.

Wet wipes, dry shampoo, chewing gum and a mirror

Do not leave home without these. Wet wipes will clean you and your friends and your tent – amazing; dry shampoo might save you from looking like you haven’t washed in a few days; chewing gum will fill the gap between morning and morning (who remembers to brush at festivals?); and unless you’re headed toward Glastonbury (where they confiscate glass products on entry) the necessity of a mirror needs no explanation.

Camp high, bring fire and stash water

No, I am not your grandfather, I am serious. Camp as high as you possibly can and make sure you are a good distance from the toilets. This will have its down sides at 5am when you need a wee, but is much preferred to lying in other people’s shit. Same goes for flooding – aim high and walk further to avoid total tent wreckage. Bring torches and lighters galore – you will need them when it gets dark! Water will be the only thing on the planet you will want when you wake up – have it ready.

If you must get naked, take sun cream...

Go and see some frickin music

I mean it. Get out of the organic falafel and nice G&T area and get some decent music in you. The sound will probably be touch-and-go and if they’re popular, you will have to fight your way in but it is totally worth it. Start a mosh pit!

Take toilet roll – everywhere

Do not expect the toilets to have loo roll: they won’t. And take enough to cover the place in tissue – come the last day you will not want to think about what you are sitting on.

Do something you would never normally do

I say this, but some people I know have absolutely no limits anyway, so they’re exempt from this one. Go wild, drink gin from a teapot, do the chicken dance standing on a wooden pole, climb Everest, do whatever – just do it.

Did I say ten? Well don’t forget these either:

● Sun cream – nursing sunburn will seriously affect your festival experience.

● Sleeping bag  and pillow – your tent won’t be a home from home, but these will improve things!

● Waterproof black eyeliner and mascara – essential for the rock’n'roll look without Kiss-style make-up!

● Wind-up phone charger/spare phone battery – if your mobile dies, it won’t be a total catastrophe.

● Disposable camera – spontaneous pics are much better than posed digital photos.

● Cash – keep this somewhere safe.

Depreciation can be created by inflation.

The Donau Festival takes place in Krems, a small city on the Donau River, about an hour away from Vienna by train. The extravaganza happens over two weekends (28th-30th April and 6th-8th May) and promises an eclectic selection of music from all over the globe. This year’s festival theme is ‘Failed Revolutions’, and for the first time, the event will also feature a programme of short films alongside the concerts.

I believe the curators of this festival possess a kind of psychic genius, for two good reasons. Last year when the festival took place I was in Italy and an artist I knew from Australia was appearing in a music theatre sports gang called called Slaughterin’ Slobbersville. However, when I saw that Goblin where playing I almost tripped over the border in excitement. Goblin are an incredibly talented Italian progressive rock band, famed for their eerie instrumental soundtracks to cult 1970s horror films by director Dario Argento. They reformed in 2005 to produce a non-soundtrack album and play the occasional live show. In 2009, the organisers at Donau paid attention and booked them to play.

For this move I believe that the Donau crew have some kind of psychic maturity that allows them to sense the right acts to choose for a festival, even if they are not currently in press. And I maintain this belief because this year the Donau Festival team have choosen to showcase the music and art of Iceland. No really, in a project called “Iceland hits Danube”, the festival will showcase artists and musicians with the enchanting moodiness of the “volcanic island from the North Atlantic”.

Did they predict Eyjafjallajoekull? Are they planning to ship these artists from Iceland for the ultimate theatrical entrance – off a boat on the Danube River? And how do they have they manage to find and organise artists as diverse and obscure as múm, Sigur Rós, long-time Björk-companions Matmos, Hildur Gudnadóttir & BJ Nilsen, and Kristján Gudmundsson? And those are just the names on the bill from Iceland!

Highlights from the first weekend from Wednesday 28th April – 1st May include experimental instrumental band Fuck Buttons, Xiu Xiu, Rufus Wainwright and Deichkind.  During second weekend from 6th – 8th May you can see everything from alternative American hair rocking fantasists Dinosaur Junior to múm, Peaches, and an incalescent electronic healing séance by Cobra Killer from Berlin.

There are many artists that you may never have heard of but would definitely be worth checking out ahead of the masses, however these are the five (and a half) I’d recommend as must-sees!

Fuck Buttons

Do not be turned off by the name, Fuck Buttons are like an electronic lullaby without the self indulgence, and judging from their tour schedule they must put on a good live show. Critics tend to put them in the same category as Portishead, but they have nothing to do with trip hop, they are progressive and instrumentalist to the point of being psychedelic. This is music for thinking and imagination.

The Cobra Killer girls on stage

Cobra Killer

The show by these two girls from Berlin has evolved into a particular style of theatrical electronics which is defiantly musical if occasionally strange. Cobra Killer play two samplers to sound like everything from surf rock to garage up into something like pop and down into something heavier – but always with a hook. They have attractive stage tricks such as pouring red wine over each other, but their music supports rather than undermines them.

múm

Formed in Iceland in 1997, band members claim their name means nothing. múm’s music may appeal to people into light trip hop or melodic electronic music, yet it’s more thoughtful than a lot of the music produced in these categories. Their electronic music stops and starts and goes back and forth while being maintained by steady tones or sweet vocals. Their live shows are characterised by experimentation on stage with a variety of unconventional musical instruments.

Deichkind

A little bit dirty, Deichkind are a hip hop band from Hamburg, Germany. Before you run away, take note – this band produces some catchy tracks, and if their energy onstage is anything like what they capture in their recordings then they have a lot of potential to create a really fun dance hip hop party next to a lake. Plus they are boys in costumes. Worth a look.

Sigur Rós

An Icelandic slow rock band formed in 1994; they are supposed to be on hiatus, so how the organisers got them on the lineup is a bit of a mystery. Their music is less self evidently electric than many of the other acts here, as the lead singer Jónsi Birgisson sings falsetto and the arrangements often involve a variety of stringed instruments. In fact, Sigur Rós sound like they have taken a small string orchestra and pushed it off a cliff whilst recording. It’s music that starts slow and pushes you along without letting you become too worked up or distracted.

Dinosaur Jnr

You have probably heard of them but I have to tack them on the end here because Dinosaur Jr are one of those solid rock bands that just never seem to stop or change or end. And they tell geeky stories with their music.

You have to trust the Donau people. They are either psychic, or extra sensitive, for they can hear the rumbling of mysterious and beautiful sounds from a long way away.

All the information about getting to the festival from Vienna, the program and any other practical details are available on the Donau Festival website, with tickets available here. You can also fins the Donau Festival on Myspace, Twitter and Facebook.

Fuck Buttons’ mind-blowing Surf Solar

2010 is all about living it up: more clubbing and less crusty; more hair straightener and less hoody; more bikini and less barber; more sexy less squalour – I think you’re beginning to get the picture.

So for those of you who like the music but hate the mud, we’ve selected some of the best non-camping European festivals for you to get your end away this summer and party like it’s 1999. If you make your way through this calendar of events you will have danced yourself beach fit by the time the British summer arrives. You could, I suppose, swap your gym memberships for festival passes. Now there’s a thought!

One of last year's Springfestival events

Springfestival – Austria: 12th – 15th May

For the all-round electronic beats and culture vulture, Springfestival links electronic music with art and beautiful surroundings, and has, we are told, become a global forerunner of ‘clubture’.

The festival takes place in Graz, the second largest city in Austria. Nestled around a lush green hill and a sparkly river, it combines Old World/Middle European charm with cutting-edge architectural feats in a most delightful way. Throw in cosy cafes, gorgeous parks and cheap shopping and you get a city that is both cosmopolitan and intimate, tailored to the exacting demands of the 21st century urbanite.

The festival is reportedly much like the city; combining international and local, cosmopolitan and intimate, old and new,. Springfestival captures the music zeitgeist by uniting electronic classics with fresh beats and guitar riffs. DJ legends play back to back with indie darlings and emerging artists. Bands such as The Gossip, The Streets, The Whip, Roisin Murphy; legends in the ranks of Grandmaster Flash, Laurent Garnier and Goldie; drum’n’bass DJs like DJ Marky, Roni Size and Alix Perez. They’ve even got one night dedicated to ‘girrlzz’ which will include acts such as Ebony Bones and Chicks on Speed

The organisers have set-up links to the coolest hotels in town and made the process relatively pain free with a refreshingly easy to use website. With four day passes at €81 and flights still going cheap, you would have to be mad to miss this.

Find out more on Springfestival’s website.

Sonar – Barcelona: 17th – 19th June

Let’s call it Dalston-On-Sea; Sonar is going to be top of the trendiest places to be seen this summer. Combining Barcelona cool with a fantastic line-up of some of the hottest performers around, this is set to be an absolutely legendary year for Sonar. The artistic offer splits between the Sonar by Day activities (in the CCCB and MACBA venues) and Sonar by Night (Fira Gran Via M2 L’Hospitalet), together with some simultaneous gigs like the performances at L’Auditori.

More than 75,000 people headed to Sonar last year to enjoy an artistic programme which combined electronic headline acts together with hundreds of emerging artists and DJs representing the most updated music and new media trends within electronic culture.

The tickets aren’t especially cheap, but you get three days and two nights of events for €155. The Sonar website points you in the right directions for accommodation but it’s never hard to find a room in Barca – who knows, with 24 hour music and parties, you may not need to sleep at all.

More information is available on the Sonar website.

Revellers at Worldwide in Sète

Worldwide Festival – Sète: 8th – 11th July

Epitome of cool?  I think so. The incredible Giles Peterson is simultaneously putting on festivals in Singapore and Sète. The French site will see artists such as The Gaslamp Killer, dOP, Norman Jay, Floating Points ft. Fatima, Quantic & His Combo Barbaro, Dynamite MC, Jeremy Ellis, Joy Orbison, Ladybugz, Foreign Beggars, Dorian Concept, SBTRKT ft. Sampha, Jeremy Boon, Mala, Half Seas Over, Josh Wink, Kevin Beadle and Giles Peterson play out across three city-centre stages.

This event should not be missed. The team behind Worldwide have built on Peterson’s human-centred philosophy and aim to use good music to bring people together. Giles says: “Worldwide Festival is a festival for music lovers, a festival on a human scale, with a unique spirit we share with the audience. Personally I am like a kid, the WF are like the highlights of the year for me, I know I will get to experience the best live music in fantastic venues and with people I enjoy partying with, get to spend some time with the artists…You rarely get all that in the same package! So we try to make the most of it. We’re trying to develop this idea of a mini festival far from those huge events, wherever there is a scene and for whoever wants it, like in a traditional restaurant. That’s it, we’re a small restaurant where we take care of the food we serve, to give our customers the best dishes.”

The website is not particularly useful, but then we wouldn’t want the world and his wife to come along would we?! 4 day ‘Gold Passes’ are selling for €126 including tax.

Information and tickets are available on the Worldwide website.

LoveBox  – London: 16th – 18th July

Taking a London vibe to the park, Love Box brings the capital together for one weekend a year, offering up some of the finest talent on the pop scene. Having tripled in size since the first Love Box seven years ago, organisers are thrilled to be able to put on a much wider selection of acts which now span Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Lovebox is a proper ‘let-loose’ festival smack in the middle of Hackney. Expect music from Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding, Noisettes, Mystery Jets, Paloma Faith, Rox, Roxy Music, The New Young Pony Club, Horse Meat Disco, Grace Jones and Disco Bloodbath. It’s a three day partay in the city and it will rock.

On the downside, there’s not much about accommodation, Love Box is pretty London-centric, and, from experience the toilets were, mm, underperforming compared with other similar events – let’s hope they get that sorted this year! Tickets are £45 to £99 for 1 to 3 days.

For more information on Lovebox, see the festival’s website.

Faithless will be playing at B'est Fest 2010

B’estFest – Bucharest: 16th – 18th July

Less indie, more mainstream. B’est Fest is a bit like a ‘party only’ version of Reading and Leeds festivals, with a more Euro-feel, set in the centre of Bucharest, split into the three main (and connected) areas of the Romexpo grounds.

Expect to see massive acts such as Faithless,Alanis Morrisette, Cyprus Hill, Unkle, Nelly Furtardo, Manic Streets, Kaiser Chiefs, Nouvelle Vague, Manu Chao and Stereophonics.

With organization reminiscent of Benicassim, the organizers already have a schedule available on the website, and as well as good accommodation and travel info, the organizers have planned a giant  ‘sleepover’ which involves locals being asked to share their spare rooms and blankets to make friends with the descending masses.

It will be big, but if that’s your thing then it will be amazing. On the down-side, I was completely confused by the tickets and the pricing structure – maybe you can do a better job!

Check the B’est Fest website for more information.

Soundwave -  Croatia: 23rd – 25th July

My summer highlight, Soundwave is set to be incredible this year. A collection of Europe’s most beautiful and discerning music lovers collecting on beaches and boats, in caves and clubs, living it up on the festival circuit’s most beautiful venue for the party of the summer – Soundwave is going to go off.

The festival sells itself on the prime beach location and crystal-clear waters and has been referred to as the big chill on sea but could equally be a mini Goa. Think sunsets and hazy, happy vibes combined with plenty of beautiful bodies partying day and night at this ultimate holiday and music experience.

Expect to see acts such as Broke’n’£nglish, Channel One Sound System, DJ Format, DJ Vadim, gentleman’s Dub Club,  and Laura J Martin. I f I close my eyes I’m already there.

The website gives information about accommodation in the village which is said to be a mix of hotels, apartments, villas and boats!