24 November 2010 - 0 Comments
With over 40 amazing acts from home and around the world already on board it’s time to complete the picture of what’s in store for the 2011 BIG DAY OUT festival.
For the record, 2011 was by far our biggest ever first announcement.
BIG DAY OUT 2011 is ever evolving and to follow are the new additions musically and visually to complete the BIG DAY OUT 2011 line-up.
As you would know BDO is not just about international acts. We truly believe in supporting local musicians, DJs and artists.
It’s also not just about bands. From the always surreal LILYWORLD to the even more surreal SILENT DISCO or the visual and sensory spectacles created by this year’s MUCKAMUCKS artists. There are always more worlds within worlds to explore.
Of course the full picture is not complete without playing times so we are making them available on our website from Friday, 3 December. Planning your day does take some time.
So let’s get started.
THE GREENHORNES
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio the trio of Craig Fox, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence known as THE GREENHORNES have been churning out the highest quality rock n roll for well over a decade. Their sound is pure, straight up Nuggets inspired rock and roll. These guys have been weaned on a diet almost solely consisting of the finest British R&B and rock innovators. This isn't a hobby or something they are doing between projects--it's their life. Good, old-fashioned rock 'n' roll, plain and simple. After a five year hiatus, THE GREENHORNES are back with their new album, aptly titled "????" and are on the way to our fine shores to shake up BIG DAY OUT 2011.
SIA
Pop sensation SIA has rounded out an outstanding 2010 which saw the release of her highly-anticipated fifth album, We Are Born. All across We Are Born, SIA showcases her rich and sometimes slightly distressed soprano. Boasting constant rotation of hit singles, Clap Your Hands, Bring Night and You’ve Changed, the album was honoured with three ARIA Awards this year – including Best Pop Release and Best Independent Album from an epic seven nominations! Such events truly confirm what was inevitable: Australians have fallen in love with the homegrown songstress, bringing colour and flair with her SIA heads for BIG DAY OUT 2011
BLACK MILK
In only a few years, producer/emcee BLACK MILK has quickly developed into one of the few hip hop artists who both carries an accomplished resume and is followed with widely-held optimism about what he can bring as one of the leaders of the modern hip hop movement. Now 25 years old, Black earned his stripes both locally in his native Detroit and on a national level from his associations with Slum Village. He's also worked with major label artists like Pharoahe Monch, Kardinal Offishall, and Busta Rhymes and BLACK MILK proves on his new album, Tronic, that not only is he growing as an artist, but that hip hop music as a genre still has room to grow.
The Phoenix Foundation
Bret, that particularly witty fellow from Flight of the Conchords sums it up perfectly – “If Captain Cook was to explore the South Pacific in 2010, The Phoenix Foundation would be his greatest discovery.” It’s true; they’re definitely one of the hottest bands in the country right now, having just been named Best Group at the 2010 Vodafone NZ Music Awards. From intelligent and infectiously catchy pop/rock gems, to epic, psychedelic prog rock, The Phoenix Foundation‘s music is a glorious pop polyglot: sunbleached harmonies, chiming guitars, progressive synthscapes and subliminal rhythms. Super duper.
Kody & Bic
Nothing piques one's interest quite like a curious combination. Have you ever sat in a daydream and hybridised your favourite bands to create new and interesting concoctions? Teamed up unlikely actors and directors in an imaginary film in your mind's eye? If you let your thoughts wander the recent history of New Zealand music you could hardly think of a more exotic chemistry experiment than Kody Nielson, unhinged singer of punk-pop terrorists the Mint Chicks, in a collaboration with Bic Runga, undoubtedly New Zealand's most beloved pop princess. The two artists met while working on songs and production for Bic's forthcoming solo album and found their collaboration to be so fruitful as to form KODY & BIC, a new project where their common ground as musicians is explored to glorious effect. If you're a fan of either or both, or indeed a dreamer or a chemist, we’re sure you're already intrigued and BIG DAY OUT 2011 is where this weird and wonderful thing gets launched. We are lucky little buggers.
Computers Want Me Dead
Computers Want Me Dead are a two-piece electro-synth pop band from Auckland consisting of Sam Harvey and Damien Daniels and delivering tasty box-loads of what they describe as “Erotic Pizza.” Their debut single 'We Walk In Circles' has been storming the airwaves at alternative and commercial radio, featuring on music TV promos, plus the new VW ad campaign. With an energetic electro-fuelled live set that's leaving audiences buzzing, Computers Want Me Dead is New Zealand's next big thing and no doubt soon to make waves on the international scene too. You heard it here first!
Mt Eden Dubstep
MT EDEN DUBSTEP (comprising of Jesse Cooper and Harley Rayner) are quickly emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the local and international d’n’b and dubstep scenes. They started out with a passion for making remixes and over time have developed their own distinctive style, with soulful vocals and massive bass lines. In the two years since releasing their first tracks on Youtube, Mt Eden Dubstep are breaking barriers and have gained thousands of fans with much critical acclaim from all corners of the globe. In particular, their biggest track ‘Sierra Leone’ (bootleg) has already reached 4.5 million views and is rapidly increasing. Expect filthy resonating bass lines, stomping drums, eerie vocals and a bit of hip hop flavour.
Knives at Noon
From the deep, dark south of Dunedin soars a brand new band and the self proclaimed initiators of the 'doom pop' genre. Four musicians, a rehearsal room and a considerable knowledge of self recording has been the modus operandi to which they have produced their label debut EP Glitter Guts, an outstanding studio recording that bangs as loudly as their sonic live performances.
PS. Knives At Noon recently supported the Smashing Pumpkins and kicked their big orange asses. True.
Luger Boa
These five handsome dudes with the choicest album/poster artwork this side of Rob Zombie are bringing their unique brand of glam/rock/pop to us lucky buggers at Big Day Out this year. They’ve been touring extensively and relentlessly throughout New Zealand since inception and opened for Kings of Leon in 2009, and won Best Local Rock Song at Rock Awards for their single On My Mind in the same year. Check out LUGER BOA at the BIG DAY OUT and listen up for spanking new tune Lazy. It’s Kaitaia Fire hot.
Bang Bang Eche
Fresh from touring the European festival circuit for three months, Bang Bang Eche are home for the summer while they work on a follow up to their Sonic Death Cuntttt EP. The “Impossibly young garage-synth-punx” (NME) from the Garden City are back with almost ten records worth of new material ready to be tested live, and an infamous stage show that “walks the line between savage and spasmodic” (Rolling Stone). Kiwi fans can look forward to a brutal taste of what, by all accounts, will be a “sizzling debut album when it drops next year” (The Fly).
THE UNFAITHFUL WAYS
Blending the mystical lyricism of writers like Townes Van Zandt and Gene Clark with an inborn flair for strong melodies and three-part harmony, The Unfaithful Ways music stays true to the age-old themes of “Love and loss and everything in between.” They’ve garnered a healthy reputation here in New Zealand, supporting international acts such as Band of Horses and Justin Townes Earle. Yeee-haw! – It’s time to grab yer pardners and kick up yer boots at Big Day Out 2011!
Surf City
New York’s Oh My Rockness magazine wrote “New Zealand's Surf City are getting such big buzz that the hype has made its way halfway around the world.” For those not already in the know, Surf City however, are no flash in the pan new kids. Formed in Mt Roskill, they’ve been making a racket since 2004, along the way playing support slots with Interpol, Dinosaur Jnr, Battles and MGMT. In March 2010 they toured both coasts of the US, as well as fitting in seven gigs over just three days at SXSW. They’ve recently come up trumps with an excellent long player called Kudos and are hotter than a burning piece of vogel’s right now.
Tommy Ill
Tommy Ill, is a svelte yet metaphorically obese young man with a reputation for haphazard live sets and humorous tales that document the foibles of your average, slightly awkward fellow tackling the everyday issues of hangovers, heartache and bills. Never far from mischief, Tommy Ill has also lent his wayward talents to others over the years, making a number of guest appearances on other artists’ tracks - including most recently Bandicoot’s single ‘Pretention Blast Gold’ and 47 Diamantes’ ‘Armageddon’. Don’t miss this crazy crew, who are gonna kill it at the Big Day Out this year!
Grayson Gilmour
Hailing from the thriving metropolis of Palmerston North, classical pianist Grayson Gilmour has been making solo records from his bedroom from the age of 16 and is the first artist to be signed to the relaunched Flying Nun label. While for some Grayson is better known as one quarter of the electronic post-punk outfit So So Modern, his own style of “intelligent pop” has grown a strong underground following over the years and his latest album No Constellation was tipped as “a clear contender for local record of the year” by the NZ Herald. And those folk know a thing or two about a thing or two.
Aural Trash
Aural Trash aka DJ’s Angela Fisken & Greg Churchill have been spreading their unique blend of dirty house, electro, breaks and bassline mayhem to the nations dancefloors for bloody ages. 2010 has been an almighty year seeing this dynamic duo remixing New Zealand’s iconic rock legends Th’Dudes, alongside tracks with Swedish heavyweights Radio Jack & Hakan Ludvigson, Minuit, ADHD (receiving huge accolades from Roger Sanchez), Tokyo Street Gang and Kid Komas. Their recent remix of ‘Haszari (Cartoon Beats)’ reached #1 on the UK’s Juno Progressive sales carts and #33 overall. Don’t miss two DJs right at the cutting edge of the New Zealand dance scene.
Harry the Bastard
Harry the Bastard has recently relocated back to New Zealand after being based for many years in New York & London. All local bars and clubs are now on constant red alert as Harry has somewhat of a reputation - much of which we have been advised to keep on the D-Low. What we can say is that Harry has been called America’s premier dance-floor tastemaker by Time Out New York and has a highly rated series of CD compilations entitled Harry the Bastard Presents. He is one of the leading exporters of the Detroit techno sound to the rest of the planet and his music has also been featured on the TV series ‘Sex & the City’ and that my friends, is pretty bloody swell. Especially for a booze hound. Ooops!
Three Houses Down
THREE HOUSES DOWN is a 10-piece reggae band of irie-inspired neighbours, formed in 2004 and built on a strong choral tradition. The band, based next door to each other in Otara, have built up a large and loyal live following by playing gigs week in, week out. They are a highly talented outfit known for tight musicianship, a good work ethic and putting on a great show. Some sweet sounding south Auckland reggae music, live and direct at Big Day Out 2011.
HomeBrew
Not safe to be consumed by those who confuse Chris Brown with James Brown and Hip-Hop with what Nana went into hospital for. HomeBrew is dishwasher safe and contains twice the amount of Vitamin C as oranges. The makers of Home Brew insist that excessive consumption will not cause the 'Russell Crowe Effect' or result in unwanted pregnancy. An elixir best served ‘hot’ on a sunny Big Day Out afternoon. Charge your glasses gentlefolk and get it down ya!
Family Cactus
“Rich harmonies and stirring waves of gentle pop recalls a rockier Arcade Fire as they mine similarly clever indie–pop sensibilities.” (5 stars – Dom. Post)
Family Cactus populate their multi–textured and hook–laden songs with a variety of characters and perspectives: from miners facing tragedy in crumbling coal towns to bored suburban teenage punks bent on petty destruction. On stage they produce a sound, which is at times urgent and exuberant, and at others expansive and cinematic, evoking widescreen vistas that engage the imagination.
DJ Meltron
Meltron aka M-Tron Bomb has been a radio and club DJ for almost a decade. From her humble beginnings playing the latest tracks on her long standing show No Sleep Till Bedtime on 95bfm she made an easy transition into playing alongside some of the finest musical talent both locally and from around the globe including Audion, DJ Sega, Yukesk, !!!, Bag Raiders, The Teenagers, Ajax, Villains, Horse Meat Disco, Slap'n'Dash and Ladyhawke. In her spare time smokin’ hot Meltron runs New Zealand's most exciting club venue Cassette Number Nine. Get on the floor or get out the door.
The Earlybirds
From that North Shore hotbed of indie goodness – Devonport, comes this super young 5-piece soaring pop-rock outfit, THE EARLYBIRDS. This bunch of whipper-snappers started gigging at the age of 15 and have spent the past five years honing their sound, style and stagecraft in venues small and large around the country. The recent release of their debut album Favourite Fears received 5 Star reviews and a solid debut at #7 on the RIANZ national album chart. Now at the ripe old ages of 19-21 they’re chomping at the bit to unleash their electrifying live show to the teeming masses at this year’s Big Day Out.
GHOST