Club Life: August 2012

Let It Roll 10–11.08

Tarnowskie Góry
tagged: drum n bass

Drum & bass has been noticeably absent from the summer festival line-ups this year (admittedly, it is a little unfashionable at the moment), so the people of Let It Roll simply took it upon themselves to bring the dnb superstars of the world to their own outdoor fiesta in nearby Tarnowskie Góry. On the main stage: London Elektricity, Danny Byrd, Ed Rush & Optical, Aphrodite, Matrix & Futurebound, and many more. Incidentally, Tarnowskie Góry will also host another fun weekender this year – Plener Festival, which will combine local musical talent with sports competitions (16-19.08).

Soundtropolis 11.08

Dolina Trzech Stawów, Katowice
tagged: techno, minimal, progressive, hard techno

Every year, Soundtropolis harks back to the 90s hey- day of Euro dance music, and the time when Detroit techno massively influenced the sounds of artists like Westbam, before it all spun out of control and we were left scratching our heads wondering what happened. Yes, Soundtropolis will see plenty of progressive and hard techno acts. But the whole affair is anchored in the solid sounds of Westbam himself, as well as artists like Speedy J, a techno producer who has released on Warp, and Richie Hawtin & John Acquaviva’s Plus 8 Recordings. Sure, this event’s a cheese-fest on the surface, but there are some real gems to be found on the inside.

Coke Live Festival 11–12.08

Aviation Museum airfield, Krakow
tagged: rock, pop, hip-hop

Krakow’s largest summertime festival is not much to brag about (considering the abundance of August activity in and around neighbouring Katowice), but Coke Live does provide the masses with some much-needed headliners. This year’s line-up is frankly, stellar – well, apart from the inclusion of Placebo (does anyone apart from Poland seriously still care about Placebo? Do they have some sort of annual quota of Poland concerts that they must fulfill?). Now, here are some real headliners to admire: The Roots, The Killers, Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg! In Krakow! What an absurd and magical concept to wrap one’s head around. Other exciting prospects: Mystery Jets, Crystal Fighters, and the inimitable Canadian house music group Azari & III. Of course Polish support is solid as well with concerts from the likes of Keira is You, Muchy, and Iza Lach. Not mentioning the dreaded P-word, this Coke Live looks like one of the best editions to date. Full passes 200 PLN, with single day tickets at 125 PLN. Details at livefestival.pl

Tauron Nowa Muzyka 23–26.08

Dolina Trzech Stawów, Katowice
tagged: electronic, pop, techno, bass

While Off Festival takes the cake as best festival of indie-guitar-led music, Tauron Nowa Muzyka reigns supreme in the category of indie-electronic music summer festival. This year’s line-up is a beautifully crafted sight to behold. Virtually every electronic artist worth listening to in 2012 can be experienced at Tauron, from the instrumental techno of Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble to the whacked-out squidgy bass of up-and-coming duo TNGHT (a collaboration between Lunice and Hudson Mohawke). Of course there are many old reliables on the menu as well, including Hot Chip, Jimmy Edgar, Clark, The Black Dog, Madlib, Mouse on Mars, and a DJ set from Four Tet & Caribou. But we don’t plan on missing much, particularly not the performances of Sepalcure, Beach House, Scuba, Rustie, John Talabot, The Gaslamp Killer, Eskmo, Lucy, Morphosis, or DJ Rashad & DJ Spinn. Full details of independent opening and closing concerts have yet to be announced, but we can expect appearances by King Krule and Chilly Gonzales. Full 2-day passes will set you back 150-170 PLN, with individual daily tickets going for 90-110 złoty. Full details at festiwalnowamuzyka.pl

 

 

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