aaamusic | On 25, May 2011

– THE WORD ARENA –

~ James Vincent McMorrow ~

– MUSIC ARENAS –

~ Fool’s Gold ~
~ The Head and the Heart ~ Oh Land ~

With four bespoke arenas dedicated to music, Latitude offers an enormous selection of the finest hand-picked bands and artists to create the perfect soundtrack to a resoundingly superb weekend. From reformed must-sees, to the newest essential hot tips from a variety of genres, Latitude’s music arenas have it all. With The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede headlining the Obelisk Arena; Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals and Eels headlining The Word Arena and a whole wealth of musical talent playing across the weekend, Latitude once again boasts an exhilarating and unique line-up.

– THE WORD ARENA –

The Word Arena’s large canopy stands proud at the top of the hill and looks out over the beautiful Latitude site. The arena plays host to a veritable smorgasbord of musical pleasures and once inside, crowds are transfixed by an eclectic line-up that crosses genre boundaries effortlessly.

Ireland’s latest singer-songwriter sensation James Vincent McMorrow joins The Word Arena line-up. His debut album ‘Early In The Morning’ set his homeland alight when it was released last year. Its wistful harmonies and echoes of the vast open spaces of the wild Irish coastline created a wonderful folk/pop record that provided the right amount of nostalgia and sentiment. The record hit the shelves in the UK earlier this year to yet more praise and delight – his poetic words and beautifully crafted acoustic songs making him an exciting rising star and a perfect fit for The Word Arena.

– MUSIC ARENAS –

Spread over four bespoke arenas dedicated to music, Latitude offers an incredible array of musical talent, hand-picked and carefully selected to create the perfect soundtrack to the perfect weekend. Whether it’s the hottest new band or the once in a life-time chance to see a legend perform; if it’s rock or pop, folk or blues, electro or dance, Latitude’s music arenas have it all.

Weaving western pop aesthetics with African rhymes and melodies are LA collective Fool’s Gold. Influenced by Congolese, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Malian music as well as Krautrock and 80’s dance, founding members Luke Top and Lewis Pesacov have created a vibrant and fiery self-titled debut album which, when released in 2009, received huge critical acclaim. Their incendiary live performances are now something of legend and this vital musical force are well worth checking out at Latitude this year. (Friday)

The latest Seattle band to emerge from the Sub Pop stable is rising folk act The Head and the Heart. A grassroots success story – they self-recorded and released their eponymous debut before it got snapped up by Sup Pop – their modern take on Pacific north-west folk-rock has brought old-time instrumentation, gospel harmonies and earnest song writing to the fore. Their idyllic Americana will sound sweet under Suffolk’s summer sun. (Saturday)

On the cusp of genuine worldwide success, Danish solo artist and producer Oh Land has been wowing audiences in her home country and across the United States for three years. Her eponymous second album, released this year, is causing shockwaves in the club and pop worlds, full of visually and sonically enhanced electro-pop. Her stunning live shows – featuring homemade films projected onto balloons – will be found across the UK when she supports Katy Perry on her tour in the summer. Catch Oh Land first at Latitude before she hits the big time. (Sunday)

As well as an incredible music line up, Latitude offers an unrivalled arts programme featuring the very best from the worlds of theatre, poetry, literary, comedy, cabaret, dance, art, fashion and film. All of these performances come together to create one spectacular summer break. Eye-opening and awe-inspiring – Latitude just gets better and better.
Elsewhere throughout the weekend, festival goers can enjoy readings from leading poets and authors including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Louise Wener, Tim Key, Simon Armitage, Andrew Smith, Dave Gorman and Alexei Sayle; top comics Alan Carr, Omid Djalili, Greg Davies and a festival debut of Never Mind The Buzzcocks; exciting theatre and dance productions presented by The Gate, Flawless, Sadler’s Wells and English National Ballet to name but a few, cabaret performances from David Schneider & Friends, Will Adamsdale, Idiots of Ants; BAFTA return to the Film & Music Arena with a fantastic programme of Q&As, discussions and workshops including comedy stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon discussing their hilarious work on Michael Winterbottom’s ‘The Trip’ and Tate Britain with Nigel Barrett and Louise Mari lead a visual feast inspired by Tate Britain’s Watercolour exhibition.
With DJs, The Winter’s Ball and late night parties found throughout the site, it is a unique and special weekend of fun, culture and entertainment. An intimate world away from reality waiting to be explored and enjoyed.