aaamusic | On 28, May 2011

The Year of the Ness is so close you can feel it and the countdown is well and truly on. Today the good times just keep on rolling as more incredible acts are confirmed for the already heaving-with-quality line up.

On the cusp of once again blowing up the urban music scene, and the RockNess Main Stage, is MS DYNAMITE. Massively important in her genre with strong connections to the underground and a number of notable cutting edge collaborations to her credit, expect an amazing live show and stunning return to form. As Artwork of MAGNETIC MAN, who also play RockNess this year comments “the energy she brings is unreal. MS DYNAMITE is one of those people who puts her own stamp on everything she does. She’s just got it. Her amazing stage presence helps too.”

Flying the flag for the very best breakthrough talent from the Scottish Highlands, JAMES MACKENZIE & THE AQUASCENE take to the RockNess Main Stage for an unmissable performance. This Inverness four piece, fronted by James MacKenzie and supported by the very best in string accompaniment, evoke the finest moments of Damien Rice and Crosby, Stills & Nash yet maintain an originality that is melodic, engaging and uplifting.

Hot on the heels of her support slot on EXAMPLE’s headline UK tour, the gorgeous and talented YASMIN will no doubt reacquaint with the British rapper at RockNess as she joins the bill in this year’s new Rock n Roll Circus Arena. Having DJd for many big artists including N.E.R.D. and with recent musical forays including Devlin and Labrinth, YASMIN is one of the hottest new names on the scene so check her out.

Leading the charge of a new generation of Swedish pop stars, NIKI AND THE DOVE combine epic choruses with Eastern European drum styles to make soaring songs dripping with euphoria. Intriguing and dramatic, a visit to the Rock n Roll Circus is recommended to see what Dazed & Confused hails as “brilliant pop”.  In contrast and in keeping with the eclectic best new music vibe of Rock n Roll Circus, it’ll be a flamboyant retro rock takeover as the quite excellent TOM ODELL extols his utterly charming, and at times operatic brand of original pop.

MIKE DIGNAM’s dynamic vocals and energetic compositions bely his tender nineteen years. Two self penned, self recorded and self produced albums in, the second of which is set for release on his self created label this summer, and a number of successful tour support slots under his belt, catch this impressive talent in the Rock n Roll Circus while you can.

The beats take centre stage in the Goldenvoice Arena for the duration of DJ and remixer ZEDD’s set as he prepares to unleash a radical and super catchy soundtrack that buzzes and hums. Definitely one to watch as collaborations with Gaga, Skrillex, Fatboy Slim and Armand van Helden testify.

Having slowly seduced audiences for the past year with their sweeping and relentlessly rocking soundscapes, Glasgow’s STRAWBERRY OCEAN SEA look destined for greatness.  A personal invitation by James Allan to open for GLASVEGAS on their current tour has seen the fast rising four piece garner rave reviews and RockNess welcomes them to the bill.

Festival favourite THOMAS GANDEY (aka CAGED BABY) is back with exciting new material that captures his tough techno and sexy nu disco trademark and is aimed squarely at the dance floor. All round legend GRAEME PARK returns too for more spreading of the gorgeous, uplifting garage and house music gospel and the ROCKNESS CEILIDH ALL STARS kick the weekend party into gear with a blast of banging ceilidh music.
Elsewhere, RockNess is pleased to announce that some of the most exciting DJ talent from Inverness and The Scottish Highlands is set to keep the party rockin’ all weekend including  ABRAHAM THUNDERWOLF, POLYMATH, FILTH, THE LED, SOUNDCLASH DJs and AUDIOLIFE.

Finally, the party loving, fashion-tastic WE OWN creative collective make their RockNess debut on site with an exclusive retail showcase of their cool, coveted WE OWN merchandise. What’s more, the WE OWN team have lined up Dutch DJ wunderkind DEM SLACKERS to spin his magic in a very special set in HOWARD’S END. With DEM SLACKER’s tracks supported by Crookers, Steve Aoki, Fake Blood, Don Rimini, Sinden, Tommy Sunshine, Mightyfools and many more, and with tours in Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK already confirmed, electro stardom beckons.

Festival Director Jim King comments “We’re really pleased to announce these latest acts. JAMES MACKENZIE & THE AQUASCENE are a really talented local band that I can’t wait to hear live, YASMIN is going to be huge and it’s really exciting to have MISS DYNAMITE. We’ve also got the cream of the Highland club scene to rock Howard’s End into the early hours. Howard’s thinking of pulling out his dub step set so the guys had better be on top of the game. There’s now officially only 2 weeks to go until the start of the summer!”
RockNess 2011 takes place 10-12 June, 2011 in the village of Dores, close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

WINNER – NME Awards ‘BEST SMALL FESTIVAL’

WINNER – UK Festival Awards ‘LINE UP OF THE YEAR’