These days it’s quite common for bands to do warm up dates prior to major tours or festival appearances, but that doesn’t normally mean performing in America! Liverpool’s Sound City, one of the North West’s biggest festivals, likes to do things differently, and so it’s taking several of the regions best bands over to America for a series of gigs.
The events are supported by several tourist associations in the North, and will feature acts such as The Courteeners, The Hot Melts, and The Whip. These acts and more will perform 3 gigs, in New York, Austin in Texas, and Hollywood, before heading back to the U.K to prepare for the festival in May.
Sound City has been hosting these warm-up gigs in America for the last few years, and their success has launched international careers for some of the participants.
Sound City itself will be back in Liverpool from the 20th to the 23rd of May 2009 with its usual mix of local, national, and international acts, which will perform at prestigious venues across the town. The festival covers an eclectic range of music, from acoustic to electro, and dance/drum n bass. The music takes to the stage at night, but by day there is plenty happening as well, with the music conference part of the event. Visitors can stay at the Beatles inspired Hard Days Night Hotel, and attend a variety of debates, and networking events, which also attract many music industry insiders.
Liverpool Sound City is currently offering early bird wristbands for only £35, which subject to venue capacity, will give festival goers entry to all gigs and fringe events. They can be purchased from the festival website, www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk and picked up from the Hard Days Night Hotel during the festival.
Meanwhile Down South….
News has reached music.co.uk that a festival in Hertfordshire turns 15 this year, so a very Happy Birthday to ‘The Big Chill’. They celebrate their 15 years in the business with a C.D representing the eclectic mix of music seen and heard at every event. Released in March 2009, the 15 tracks on the aptly titled ‘15 by 15’ C.D have all been selected by well known festival performers, such as Coldcut and Gilles Peterson. Proceeds from the album go to ‘The Big Issue’ who have a working partnership with the festival.
The festival itself takes place from 7th-9th August in Eastnor, Hertfordshire. It’s a festival that is firmly anti genre and as such plays all types of music from rock to folk, to classic and ambient. Visual art, dance, comedy and spoken word, also play their parts in the event. Festival goers may also like to know that the Big Chill has hot showers, and award winning toilets. They like to look after their guests, and over the years have created an event suitable for both ravers, and families.
Visit www.bigchill.net/festival for ticket details, or keep your eyes open for more information and interviews on music.co.uk
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