We love Stokeswood. Their set at TheBigUp is one not to miss, Upstronauts! We place their dance party front and center in our Artist Spotlight this week. Bringing a loud, bass filled space party to a hive of frenetic energy on stage and in the audience, the Atlanta-based band is a wholly energized sonic force of energy with layered mixtures of pumping synths, powerful vocals, and irresistible dance vibe ready to make you move.

At it’s heart, Holy Fuck is dance music that demands to be moved to. Their songs have that 4/4 measure, the driving beats, the slow build to the massive crescendo you’ll find in most modern electronica. If you had only listened to their recorded work, and had not read a single thing about them, you would be forgiven for thinking it was the work of a single person, alone in his basement, twiddling knobs and programming music on his computer for his own edification. But you‘d also be way off.

Brian Borcherdt, Graham Walsh, Matt Schulz and Matt McQuaid are absolutely breathtaking in action. It‘s quite a sight when all four of them are so amped up on their own music that they‘re all lurching up and down, coaxing the crowd to do the same, in unison. The Matts provide a complex rhythm foundation with drums and bass that at times feels like an invisible hand leading you through a dark hedge maze. Working in tandem, Brian and Graham are hunched over their equipment, blending all manner of sounds together in a seamless and seemingly impossible blend of fuzz, echo effects and hiss. In a frantic but controlled zone they hurriedly and aggressively plug in and taking out cables; feeding film through the infamous film synchronizer; banging effects pedals with the palm of their hands; and even occasionally kicking the bottom of their effects table as if it needed an extra physical jolt to cooperate the way they want it to. Seeing such harmonized creation in action makes you stop and stare while saying “HOLY FUCK” to yourself.
Holy Fuck’s newest sounds are a 3-track EP on their soundcloud, +Ghost (2011). Their most recent full-length studio endeavor, Latin (2010) was cut live off the floor during their brief downtime at home. Delivered in trimesters, Latin was engineered by Graham Walsh and mixed by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene), D. Sardy (Johnny Cash, NIN), Eli Janney (GvsB, Wilco,), Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Primal Scream) and Holy Fuck themselves. It’s the follow up to 2007’s simply titled LP which Filter described as “nine perversely noisy, mind-bogglingly ferocious freakouts” and Spin said of it “Holy Fuck play the sort of id-gripping dance rock that’s best experienced in person. Luckily (LP) retains the raw energy of the live show, even without the visual barrage.

Don’t let the long lapse in between records bring you down. “We’re overdue for a record,” Borcherdt said of Holy Fuck in an interview last summer. … Now that we’ve taken this break it was to allow ourselves to be creative again.” This is literally music to our ears:)

Holy Fuck Website

Check Them Out

Camp Bisco 2010 playlist

Full concert in Sydney, Australia 2008

Latin America

Video Interview – with Undercovers

Audio Stream

Adding to the international appeal at The Big Up, live EDM band, The Egg, hails from Oxford, England and is spearheaded by brothers Ned Scott (vocals, keyboards) and Maff Scott (drums). The twins are joined by Matt White (Guitar), Ben Cullum (Moog Bass), Drew Thane (Guitar), and Paul Marshall (Live Bass) to become more than a band, but a ball of energy that is known world-wide for their live shows. They’re not afraid to take chances and jump into the abyss, knowing they’ll all land at exactly same time. Combining massive electronic, rock, funk, hip-hop, psychedelic, ambient and house inspired dance music, the group takes those elements and integrates them with samples, live and vocoder vocals synchronized with full interactive visuals (from their own 8 & 16mm films and flash animations) to deliver the flowing, multi-sensory experience that is The Egg live and in the flesh.
The band are well known in the UK, and fit comfortably into the global EDM club scene enjoying a worldwide hit with the massive Electro House anthem ‘Walking Away’ remix by Tocadisco in 2005 and the even bigger David Guetta bootleg ‘Love Don’t Let Me Go (Walking Away)’ that followed inn 2006. The track went to No 3 in the UK and No 1 in France, Spain and Australia.

The Egg has released four albums. ‘Albumen’ (1996) was more strictly dance/post acid jazz, funk/ambient instrumentals, played live, and reflecting the live set. ‘Travelator’ (1998) was influenced by Big Beat, more heavily club orientated and produced by Tim Holmes. ‘Forwards’ (2004) saw a more reflective slower sound, but also in places heavier and rockier than anything before while more of a psychedelic warmth held different eclectic influences together.

‘Something To Do’ (2012) is their newest release after an 8 year hiatus from studio recorded material. Pulling from an all-star cast of collaborators and sampling multitracked live recordings from the previous year’s US tour, The Egg created a dance record you can really dig in to. Benji Vaughan (Younger Brother) dropped his producing prowess on 3 tracks; Greg Hunter (long-time collaborator since their time in The Orb) on ‘Fire’; and Bruno Ellingham (New Order, Goldrapp, Delphic) gave ‘Catch’ and ‘A Bit’ an LCD Soundsystem vibe. “Sometimes the best grooves are found from us playing it live, so it’s a bit like, rather than re-creating the show in the studio,” said Maff in an interview last fall.

Live performances are as much a part of The Egg experience as their recorded material. Their unique amalgamation is down to this very dichotomy, as Maff states; “We always have two processes – songs aimed at the radio and live, instrumental groove-based dance culture.”

Interview – The Egg: Something To Do Part II // Interview with Maff & Ned Scott // Twinspeak

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Album Review

Remembering things,
That music forgot to think,
While remembering.
-Maff Scott (Summing up the recording experience in a haiku with Twinspeak, November 2012)

Hailing from the coastal city of Jacksonville, Florida the trio cut their teeth on festivals in the southern end of the land like Aura Music & Arts Festival, Bear Creek Music & Art Festival and Gnarnia The Festival. Guitarist and programmer Zach Weinert leads the charge on the dance floor as Dave McSweeny’s rumbling dub basslines and Scotty Zwang’s crushing drumming skills anchor the rhythm section, creating the structure for all three to captivate the audience. They keep the crowd rocking and transition seamlessly from wailing guitar, to a spacey electronic dance track with Hip Hop samples, to slowed down space funk, to house beats and back again. Simply put, it’s always a party when GHL steps on to the stage.

Greenhouse Lounge just wrapped up their Spring Tour which brought them up to the northeast for the first time with bass invaders BioDiesel and Space Jesus Live Band. They are currently adding the finishing touches to their upcoming release, Freak Out/Now Reflect, and have a free download available of their new single, Atmosphere.

Interview with Greenhouse Lounge

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The UK-born and NYC-based producer’s sound draws many influences from old and new and has become known for being of it’s own kind, a fusion of breaks, dub, techno, trance and electro. His first album “That Much Closer To The Sun” as Abakus was released in 2004 on Liquid Sound Design, record label of veteran producer Youth (Killing Joke/The ORB). In the 6 years since releasing this album Abakus has built a devoted following of fans globally which has seen himperform at countless festivals and parties world-wide. Music from this album have been licensed to over 40 CD album compilations, on dozens of key labels including Ministry Of Sound, Cocoon & Bhudda Bar. Abakus has remixed The Orb, Our Man From Odessa, The Perishers, Roxy Music. Russ also creates progressive rock/ambient with his father Dave Davies (founder of 60s cult act The Kinks) as The Aschere Project and nu-disco and electro music under the moniker Cinnamon Chasers, which gained major notoriety with the hit tune and video Luv Deluxe, which won the award at the 2010 SXSW Conference for Best Music Video. The video has been a major viral hit on the internet with over 7 million views on the web and screened on over 30 film festivals world wide, including best Dance Video category at the UKMVAs. As Cinnamon Chasers he has toured worldwide, most notably headlining the Elektrana Stage at EXIT Festival/Serbia, with Alexander Robotnick, The Hacker & Anoraak.

If you’re not familiar, now is the time to start brushing up and get excited to explore the deeper and more emotionally complex side to electronic music with Abakus and his Live Band his August at The Big Up!

"I'm super excited to be showcasing the first ever Abakus live band performance at The Big Up this year!! This is something I've been wanting to do for years and what better place to showcase it than at my favourite festival in USA so far; I love the intimate vibe they create. I've been working hard on the setlist and will be bringing all the old classics back to life along the best of the new, and the live band is really bringing a new dimension and level to the sound. See you all in August along with Holy Fuck, Escort, Chris Keating from Yeasayer, Dopapod, Brothers Past and a ton more!!" – Russ Davies (Via FB on March 8)

Upcoming Shows

• 05-30 Wakarusa - Ozark, AR
• 06-01 Cervantes’ Other Side – Denver, CO
• 08-16 The Big Up – Claverack, NY

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New album – Silent Geometry

- “this release evokes more of a downtempo atmospheric feel, with a distinctive stripe of sci-fi. An emotional story of passion colors every note of this album. I feel that this latest creation appeals to fans of both psychedelic and chillout music.” -lost in soung.org
- Russ wrote the album using Cubase 5, with Fender Telecaster Electrics, Fender Electro Acoustics, and a SE Valve Microphone Preamp; the synths were Massive VST, Omnisphere VST, Sylenth 1 VST, JP8000, & Minimoog.

(Ghent, NY) The Big Up Music & Arts Festival has unveiled their Phase Three lineup announcement adding fifteen more acts to the festival along with a special Kung Fu Tribute Set to Prince featuring Jans Ingber of The Motet. You can also expect several other surprise guests because “We don’t give a damn, We just want to jam, Party up!”

One of San Francisco’s most sought after DJs and live performers, AN-TEN-NAE, will bring his signature Acid Crunk compilations to The Big Up stage. Also joining the festivities is the highly versatile trio, Orchard Lounge, who has enlightened dance floors from Mexico to Maine with their eclectic mixes, from sunset chill-out to bass-dropping e-funk, and an array of other futuristic sounds. Philly based EDM producer Space Jesus will introduce festivalgoers to his live band where he manipulates Clay Parnell’s (Brothers Past) bass line, layering it over his psychedelic, bass-fueled, Hip Hop-laced tracks, set to the beat of a live drummer.

Featuring a perfect blend of national touring acts and regional up-and-coming talent, the lineup is rounded out by IMANGELES, Elephant Wrecking Ball, Jahman Brahman, Dynamo and Badnutbeats, Izahead, I Yahn I Arkestra, Operation Dankstar, Jammin Toast, Baam Bada, People’s Blues of Richmond and The Untz Challenge Winners, Beat Machine and Lost Optical.

Taking place August 8th – 10th at Hemlock Hallow Farm in Claverack, NY. These artists join Beats Antique, Holy Fuck, GAUDI, Escort, the world premiere of Abakus live band, a DJ set from Chris Keating of Yeasayer, Nerve, The Egg, host band Higher Organix, Dopapod, Brothers Past, DrFameus and more.

Stay tuned for details on large-scale multimedia installations, workshops ranging from music production to hands-on sustainable living, greening initiatives, yoga, farmers market and collaborative art.

“Countdown” weekend tickets that include all performances and three nights of camping are available for $120. VIP upgrades and RV passes are also available at http://thebigup.com/tickets/. Space is limited at this intimate, boutique music festival, so grab your tickets before they sell out! Party Up!

Phase 3 Artist Additions:

AN-TEN-NAE


Orchard Lounge


Kung Fu Prince Tribute set ft. The Motet’s Jans Ingber

Space Jesus Live


IMANGELES


Elephant Wrecking Ball


Jahman Brahman


Dynamo and Badnutbeats


Izahead


I Yahn I Arkestra


Operation Dankstar


Lost Optical


Beat Machine


Baam Bada


People’s Blues of Richmond


Jammin Toast

The Big Up 2013 Artist Line Up:

Beats Antique • Holy Fuck • GAUDI • Escort • Abakus Live (World Premiere) • AN-TEN-NAE • Chris Keating DJ set (Yeasayer) • The Egg • Nerve • Orchard Lounge • Higher Organix (host band) • Dopapod • Kung Fu x2 with special Prince set ft. The Motet’s Jans Ingber• Brothers Past • DrFameus • Normal Instruments • The Indobox • Consider the Source • Timbre Coup • Party Supplies • lespecial • SOUNDUO • Greenhouse Lounge • Space Jesus Live • Cosmic Dust Bunnies • Business Casual Disco • Former Champions • Jeff Bujak • Blacklight Rukus • Ian Stewart • The Edd • MUN • FiKus • Horizon Wireless • Speakerbot • Richard James & The Name Changers • Formula 5 • Lost Optical • Color Channel • ConnetICON • Interlopers • Galaxy Dynamite • Eitch • Laser Sex • Hot Jambalaya • Mister F • Rizzo’s Dilemma • Stokeswood • IMANGELES • Elephant Wrecking Ball • The Blue Goddess • Aqueous • Spundose • Arpetrio • DJ Adam Amrod • Narkatta • ShwizZ • Sojourner • SOLARiS • Jahman Brahman • Dynamo and Badnutbeats • Izahead • I Yahn I Arkestra • Operation Dankstar • Beat Machine • Baam Bada • People’s Blues of Richmond • Jammin Toast

Links:

www.TheBigUp.com  
www.facebook.com/TheBigUp 
 Twitter + Instagram: @BigUpFestival (hashtag #BigUp)

Media Contact:

Brotherly Love Productions | Destiny Spang | 215.704.9554 |Destiny@BrotherlyLoveProductions.com

Taking place August 8th – 10th at Hemlock Hollow Farm in Claverack, NY, these artists join Holy Fuck, Escort, the
world premiere of Abakus live band, a DJ set from Chris Keating of Yeasayer, Nerve, host band Higher Organix,
Dopapod, Brothers Past and more.

Stay tuned for additional artist announcements including a big Saturday late night addition as well as details on
large-scale multimedia installations, contests and games, workshops ranging from music production to hands-on
sustainable living, greening initiatives, yoga, farmers market and collaborative art.

“Countdown” weekend tickets that include all performances and three nights of camping are available for $120. VIP
upgrades and RV passes are also available at http://thebigup.com/tickets/. Space is limited at this intimate, boutique
music festival, so grab your tickets before they sell out. Countdown initiated!

The Big Up 2013 Artist Line Up:
Beats Antique • Holy Fuck • GAUDI • Escort • Abakus Live (World Premiere) • Chris Keating DJ set (Yeasayer) • The
Egg • Nerve • Higher Organix (host band) • Dopapod • Kung Fu x2 • Brothers Past • DrFameus • Normal Instruments
• The Indobox • Consider the Source • Timbre Coup • Party Supplies • lespecial • SOUNDUO • Greenhouse Lounge
• Cosmic Dust Bunnies • Business Casual Disco • Former Champions • Jeff Bujak • Blacklight Rukus • Ian Stewart •
The Edd • FiKus • King Holiday • Horizon Wireless • Speakerbot • Richard James & The Name Changers • Formula
5 • Color Channel • ConnetICON • Interlopers • Galaxy Dynamite • Laser Sex • Hot Jambalaya • Mister F • Rizzo’s
Dilemma • Stokeswood • The Blue Goddess • Aqueous • Spundose • Arpetrio • DJ Adam Amrod • Narkatta • ShwizZ •
Sojourner • SOLARiS

Selecting the defining sounds of summer once again, this year’s Phase One acts include Holy Fuck, Escort, the world premiere of Abakus live band, a DJ set from Chris Keating of Yeasayer, Jojo Mayer & Nerve, host band Higher Organix, Kung Fu, Dopapod, Brothers Past, Normal Instruments and Party Supplies. Additional artists and major headliners to be announced soon!

We are excited to announce our new home, the awesome Hemlock Hollow Farm in Claverack, NY. The Woods Stage and Woods Village will make their triumphant return bigger and better than before! Hemlock Hollow has tons of woods camping (three times as much as years past!), and there’s plenty of car camping space also available.

Located less than 10 minutes from our previous coordinates, Hemlock Hollow is right off the Taconic Pkwy and is only 2 hours from NYC and 2.5 from Boston.

Stay tuned to this wavelength for major headliner and artist updates, as well as details on large-scale multimedia installations, contests and games, workshops ranging from music production to hands-on sustainable living, greening initiatives, yoga, farmers market and collaborative art.

“Far Out” weekend tickets will be available tomorrow (Wednesday, March 6th) in limited quantities for $95. Pick up “Far Out” tier 1 tickets and save $25 off the “Countdown” advance weekend price. These will sell out quickly so don’t sleep on this killer bargain! Ticket includes camping and all performances. VIP upgrades and RV passes are also available at this time. For tickets please visit our ticketing page. Space is limited at this intimate, boutique music festival so grab your tickets before they sell out. Landing sequence initiated!

The Big Up 2013 Initial Artist Line Up:

• Holy Fuck
• Escort
• Abakus live band – World Premiere
• Chris Keating DJ set (Yeasayer)
• Jojo Mayer & Nerve
• Higher Organix
• Kung Fu
• Dopapod
• Brothers Past
• Normal Instruments
• Party Supplies

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Other

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