Music

By Katya Berger

Summer hits are blasting on the radio and what we’ve dreamt of all year has finally arrived. To get you in that beach-loving summer mood (if you aren’t in it already), we’ve compiled a playlist of music videos filmed on the beach. If you haven’t yet booked your summer beach destination flights yet, these videos might inspire you to book away!

Nicole Scherzinger – Your Love (2014) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Nicole Scherzinger shows off her incredible figure in her new music video ‘Your Love’. Filmed on the beach in Malibu, California, Scherzinger playfully dances around in a pair of denim hot pants, strikes graceful and sexy yoga poses in the sand in a black cut-out swimsuit, wears a multi-coloured outfit as she dances around fire-throwers, and poses in a white bikini in the middle of a circle of flames. The video gives off a hot, tanned, and carnival-esque kind of feel. Boys – the former Pussycat Doll won’t let you down!

Lana Del Rey – West Coast (2014) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lana Del Rey’s dark black-and-white clip offers hazy shots of the Californian coast, with crashing waves and burning palm trees. The clip perhaps narrates the story of a romance now gone forever, as the footage jumps scenes between a blonde bad-boy-type embracing the singer on the beach, to the singer riding in a convertible next to a mysterious older man, as she takes long drags from her cigarette.

The Vamps – Somebody To You ft. Demi Lovato (2014) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Demi Lovato joins the Vamps as they hit the beach in Malibu, California, in their ‘Somebody To You’ music video, directed by Emil Nava. The video features Laura Marano (actress), playing a fan watching the British boy-band perform on the beach.

DJ Valdi Feat. Ethernity – Sax On The Beach (2014) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Ferrari, sun, sand, sea, boobs, girls dancing in bikinis and playing the saxophone (topless). DJ Valdi seems to be quite the pimp!

Beyoncé – Drunk In Love ft. Jay-Z (2013) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Directed by Hype Williams, the music video was shot in black-and-white on Golden Beach, Florida. Critics praised the video’s sexual nature and simplicity, featuring husband and wife, Mr. & Mrs. Carter, singing together and looking madly in love. Beyoncé said the shoot was the most organic video she had ever done. Adding: “the shoot was extremely effortless and spontaneous and we completely captured the energy of the song… I wanted to carry this idea of being in the moment and making mistakes”.

Pitbull – Timber ft. Ke$ha (2013) (Play this video in Creation 5)

The video features Italian model Raffaella Modugno dancing with Pitbull on a beach in Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. Most of the video was filmed on Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island or Pig Beach, due to it being populated by swimming feral pigs. There are several legends as to why the pigs are there… could they have survived a shipwreck? Were they put on the island as part of a business scheme to attract tourists?
As well as pigs the video also features The Bloody Jug Band performing as the bar’s house band. Kesha and Pitbull filmed the video at different times, with Kesha filming her scenes one week before Pitbull filmed his. “Timber” peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 3 consecutive weeks.

Flo Rida – Whistle (2012) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Directed by Mark Klasfeld and filmed in Acapulco, Mexico, the music video shows Flo Rida surrounded by several babes in bikinis on a beach. The video’s paradise setting shows a picturesque teaser of what a luxury holiday in Mexico would be like. Are you tempted?

Jennifer Lopez – I’m Into You ft. Lil Wayne (2011) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Jennifer Lopez looks stunning in her ‘I’m Into You’ video, filmed in Chichen-Itza, Mexico. While one of the scenes captures JLo standing on the steps of an ancient Mayan pyramid, another shows her dancing with a group of girls. The superstar also shares a steamy and sensual moment on Tulum’s Turtle Beach with Telenovela star/Calvin Klein model, William Levy, where she reveals her famous curves and beauty, wearing a diamond dress.

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (2011) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Directed by John Urbano, the video was shot on a beach in Malibu, California, with intercutting scenes of the British boy-band driving an orange camper van along the coast. The final chorus shows the band sitting around a fire with girls, lighting sparklers and taking photos. The video won two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Pop Video and Most Share-Worthy Video.

Hole- Malibu (2009) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Directed by Paul Hunter on the beach in Malibu, the video features the band performing the song and burning palm trees. The video alludes to Baywatch, with beautiful women in sexy red swimsuits looking out for Courtney Love, as she walks into the sea in a skin-coloured bikini under a see-through gown.

David Guetta feat. Cozi – Baby When The Light (2007) (Play this video in Creation 5)

The music video for David Guetta’s third single features model Kelly Thiebaud, who plays a young girl who goes to the beach and dreams about meeting a handsome surfer. The video was filmed in Los Angeles, California.

Rihanna – If It’s Lovin’ That You Want (2005) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Rihanna looks so innocent in her early days, wearing a short white skirt and a cropped tee, in the music video directed by Marcus Rayboy on a beach on the coast of Malibu, California. Speaking about the development of the shoot, Ri-Ri said: “The water was so cold… but oh my gosh, we had so much fun… We were bumping each other off the jet skis and just had a ball”. The good-girl-gone-bad continued by saying “this video is about having fun, giving off the vibe from the Caribbean… we did some mermaid looking stuff down on the sand… and I’m just performing to the camera as if it were my boyfriend”. So sweet!

Grab the ‘Summer Breeze’ playlist here.

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

The 17th year of The World Bodypainting Festival (WBF), Austria’s unique annual event, saw up to 30,000 artists, performers, and visitors descend on Pörtschach to celebrate a weekend full of art, music, creativity, and a weird and wonderful explosion of colour.

World Bodypainting Festival Trailer 2014 (Play this video in Creation 5)

Artists from over 40 countries attended the famous festival, founder of the modern bodypainting art movement, to compete for World Champion titles in Bodypainting and to build amazing installations, sculptures and eye-catching performances into the landscape of the city.

Working up to the main event, the WBF week’s tradition is to begin with the ‘WB Academy’, where some of the most talented teachers in the bodypainting field hold workshops and seminars to share their knowledge and experience. Artists, photographers and models, no matter their level, can take part in a wide array of classes that include bodypainting, airbrush, facepainting, special effects, beauty and fashion make-up, photography, digital art, modelling, and more.

World Bodypainting Festival 2014 (Play this video in Creation 5)

Festival week attracts more than just the artsy type. Lake Wörthersee is a little hotspot for the crowd that likes to party. Live international bands, street musicians, and DJ’s, performing on different stages and areas of action, attract a huge number of international visitors, many of which put extreme effort into blending in (or standing out) with the city streets, wearing fantasy costumes, incredible make up and masks.

However, the most amazing part of the festival is the main event, which took place between Friday 4 and Sunday 6 of July, this year. “Bodypainting City” transformed itself into an extraordinary and vibrant Open Air art park, with artist focusing their work on this year’s two themes: “Pop Art” and “Artificial Intelligence”. Partially clothed, or sometimes fully nude, bodies of models are used as canvases, for painters to create and exhibit their new and vivid works of art and to share their imaginations and creativity with the world. Visitors are left stunned by the bold array of colour, texture and design applied onto the models’ bodies.

The festival includes many awards, such as: the World Bodypainting Championships, the World Facepainting Award, the World UV Bodypainting Award, and many more.

Some of the greatest events of the festival are:

The World UV Bodypainting Award
Models glow in fluorescent colours as they perform under UV black light, as 15 selected artists communicate their stories via the use of colour, sound and dance. Scott Fray and Madelyn Greco received first place this year, making history again, winning in four categories for four years consecutively.

The Installation Art Award
The top dogs in the world of bodypainting exhibit their installations in different locations around the city. Artists combine colour and surrounding to nude, or partially nude bodies, applying skilful technique to their living canvases, and covering them with thin layers of colour and design. It’s absolutely stunning and fascinating for visitors to watch as they wander around the city.

The Body Circus
Held in a castle known as Schloss Mossburg (built in 1541), The Body Circus is known for being the “most bizarre and unforgettable club effect imaginable”. The location, music and extravagant fashions create an unparalleled artistic atmosphere there. It’s wonderful, artistic and intense.

The Colour Splash/The Original Paint Party
On the final day, the WBF traditionally holds a colourful aftershow party, known as “The Colour Splah” or “The Original Paint Party”. Those who attend the event splash paint fireworks onto each other’s flesh, turning the whole event into a rainbow colour rave, filled with smiles and delight.

People were left mesmerised by the incredible art displayed at the WBF 2014. Check out the picture gallery below to get a glimpse of the colourful action.

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

Glastonbury wouldn’t be Glastonbury if it weren’t for the horrendous weather conditions. The mother of UK festivals saw just under 180,000 dedicated music fans camp out on Worthy Farm in Somerset to watch over 2,200 music, theatre, cabaret, poetry, and art performers spread their magic over 100 stages, despite heavy rain, lightning bolts and mud, mud, mud! Festival organisers were off to a bad start as they were forced to bring the festival to a halt, cutting power to stages and bringing Rudimental’s dance set short, due to lightening striking the Pyramid Stage before 6pm on the opening day. Musically, though, there was no such thing as the calm after the storm.

Some of the weekend highlights included:
An outstanding performance by Dolly Parton, singing some all-time classics (‘Jolene’, ‘9 to 5’, ‘Islands In The Stream’, and ‘I Will Always Love You) to what was the biggest crowd of the weekend. The 68-year-old country singer was so darn good, she was accused of miming… an accusation she rebuked by telling the sun: “My boobs are fake, my hair’s fake, but what’s real is my voice and my heart”. Isn’t she just great?? Parton was presented with a surprise award for having sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

After having been thrashed by critics before even taking the stage on Saturday, Metallica, the first heavy metal band to ever headline Glastonbury, showed the crowd what they were made of. After lead singer James Hetfield howled: “Do you want heavy? Metallica gives you heavy, baby!” the metal giants delivered a thunderous and dynamic two-hour set.

The weekend saw other great performances by Arcade Fire, who brought the party back to life by creating an electric atmosphere hours after the power cut; George Ezra, with his divine and powerful voice; Ed Sheeran, who saw a 195% increase in streams 24 hours after his solo acoustic set; Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, with their insane finger acrobatics and lively performance, and much, much, more.

Celebrities such as Rita Ora, Bradley Cooper, Nikki Hilton, Stella McCartney and Florence Welsh, amongst others, were spotted taking in the eclectic mix of music, arts and fun over the dirty, muddy weekend.

Here’s our list of top 10 performances at Glastonbury (in no particular order):

Dolly Parton – “Jolene” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Kaiser Chiefs – “9 to 5” (Play this video in Creation 5)

George Ezra – “Blame It On Me” (Play this video in Creation 5)

John Newman – “Cheating” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Ed Sheeran – “Sing” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Clean Bandit – “Rather Be” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Sam Smith – “Money On My Mind” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Brian Ferry – “Let’s Stick Together” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Haim – “Don’t Save Me” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Rodrigo y Gabriela – “Tamacun” (Play this video in Creation 5)

Here’s our (extended) playlist of the top performances at Glastonbury (in no particular order)

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

OPEN’ER FESTIVAL, July 02 – 05, 2014, Gdynia, Poland

Open’er Festival, first hosted in 2002, has seen the likes of Prince, Coldplay, Bon Iver, Arctic Monkeys, Rihanna, Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, and many more, rock it’s 3 main stages. Set in old war bunkers on an old Polish airbase in Gydnia, on the Baltic Sea, with at least 60,000 music lovers rocking under the (moonlit) radar, Open’er has managed to maintain its niche-and-undiscovered-feel, despite all its awesome features. Open’er Festival has been referred to as ‘a low-cost Glastonbury’, with fashion shows, silent discos, pop-up avant-garde art installations, graffiti, experimental film screenings, kid zones, libraries, crowd-surfing, and great line-ups on offer.

Info:
• Surrounding the outskirts of the airfield are the 3 main stages:
1. Open’er Stage – Top acts
2. Hear & Now Stage – Quirky bands
3. Beat Stage – Electronic music
• Behind the stages are the food stalls, alcohol vendors, and merchandise stands.
• The music begins everyday at 4pm, which means late-night party-goers can have a lie in, mong-out at the beach and recharge their batteries for another night of raving.

Warning:
• No piggy-backing allowed, as to not block other Open’er’s from seeing the bands on stage.
• No drinking on the dance-floor, for a purely music-infused mash-up! Alcohol-infused mischief happens behind the stages, in the food and drink area.

For more info: http://opener.pl/

48th MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL, July 04 – 19, 2014, Montreux, Switzerland (Play this video in Creation 5)

Montreux Jazz Festival is located on the beautiful Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. The multi-cultural music fest, also known as ‘The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera’, is one of Europe’s most prestigious music events of the year. Its legacy hums the words ‘music’, ‘cosmopolitan’, ‘collaboration’, ‘sophistication’ and ‘environment’, and paints a picturesque image of a lake, mountains, palm trees, tropical flowers, and sunset promenades. With its fusion of hip-hop, acid jazz, techno, indigenous African bands – basically any ‘music with a soul’ – roughly 200,000 music connaisseurs flock their way over to exchange an up-close and intimate moment with the diverse array of artists on show, from emerging talents to those at the heights of their careers, from Prince to Ben Harper, from Sting to Joe Cocker.

Info:
• Montreaux still has ‘street cred’ within the artist community.
• There are boats on the lake dedicated to salsa & samba.
• You can enjoy long sunset walks along the promenade.
• Each venue is a short walking distance to the next.
• It’s original location, the old Montreaux Casino, caught fire and burned down in 1971 while Frank Zappa was performing. This event inspired the song ‘Smoke On The Water’ by Deep Purple.

For more info: http://www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/

NOWHERE, July 08 – 13, 2014, Spain

Located near Zaragoza, in the north-east of Spain, kind of in the middle of ‘nowhere’, is an ‘experiment in participation and creative freedom’. The global gathering centered on art is an extension of Burning Man, built on the same 10 principles, of which one of the most important principles is immediacy: so say goodbye to your phones, take a deep breath, let go of your inhibitions, feel the essence, and let the magic reign. Apart from the vital need to own a pair of earphones to tune down the blasting music, many members of the community see Nowhere as a place to grow and connect. Art, healthy-living and personal-growth workshops can be found within the self-built commune. Surrounding the event is an international and participatory feel, tied to a deep sense of idealism, leaving you with a zealous desire to change the world.

For more info: http://www.goingnowhere.org/

EXIT FESTIVAL, July 10 – 13, 2014, Novi Sad, Serbia (Play this video in Creation 5)

Exit Festival takes place in a beautiful and historic 17th Century fortress on the banks of Danube – an idyllic location to launch an eclectic all-night/every-night music festival. Exit was originally organized by university students to protest against Slobodan Milosevic’s government and to alter his awful politics. The word exit was taken from a slogan recalling Milosevic’s regime: “exit at 10 years of madness”. The festival was created as a catalyst for change and as a cathartic way for the Serbian people to collectively heal through the power of music. With its radical politics, medieval setting, and incredible line-ups, enhanced by the incredible natural acoustics brought about by the stonewalls, Exit has become one of the most popular festivals in the world.

Info:
• The music on offer at Exit ranges from mainstream acts to underground electronica, metal, punk, experimental, and more.
• While the Main Stage (mainstream) attracts 30,000 attendees, the Dance Arena (electronica) attracts 25,000 ravers.
• Although headliners end at 12pm, Exit-ers can attend the ‘after 2am’ dance raves.
• Other stages include the Explosion Stage (rock, metal, punk), Fusion Stage (up-and-coming) and Suba Stage (experimental).
• There are ‘chill-out’ zones dotted around the village, with hammocks, shade and chairs.
• There is also a sports arena and an open-air cinema.

For more info: http://www.exitfest.org/

LATITUDE FESTIVAL, July 17 – 20, 2014, Henham Park, Suffolk County, UK (Play this video in Creation 5)

Described as “entering Narnia”, Latitude is an award-winning, family-friendly, camping-oriented music and arts festival, so great, it’s regarded as one of the cultural highlights of the festival season. Set amongst fields of multi-coloured sheep, a fairy-lights-scattered wood, and a gondola-filled lake, Latitude is more than just a music festival with a great line-up. It offers a taste of everything for everyone, including film, music, comedy, literature, theatre, poetry, and more. Also known as Britain’s ‘middle-class’ festival, Latitude changes its theme every year. This year, the theme is ‘secrets’ and the heart of the matter is to explore the intricate relationships between the private and public worlds of individuals, communities and society as a whole.

Info:
• Stages: BBC Radio 6 Music Stage, Lake Stage, Oblisk Arena, and i Arena.
• Music: A mixture of mainstream, obscure, experimental and eccentric.
• There are hidden DJ performances in the woods and an opera by the lake.
• There is a family campsite with 24h security, bathrooms, showers, etc.
• There is a Children’s Arena, which is a festival in itself!
• There is an Inbetweeners Arena for teens.

For more info: http://www.latitudefestival.com/

WANDERLUST, July 17 – 20, 2014, Squaw Valley, California, US (Play this video in Creation 5)

Wanderlust is a festival created for the holistically-minded and health-conscious, interested in nourishing their mind, body and spirit. What a perfect way to disconnect from the madness, with daily yoga classes, live music, farm-to-table food, inspirational speakers, outdoor adventures, paddle-boarding, surfing, healing vibes, and a beautiful natural setting overlooking Lake Tahoe.

For more info: http://wanderlust.com/

BENICASSIM, July 17 – 20, 2014, Valencia, Spain

Due to its close proximity to the beach, Benicàssim attracts a young and party-oriented crowd, seeking a fun-loving, music-craving, sun-kissed weekend, with live music blasting from 5pm-8am. Benicàssim is considered to be one of the best festivals on the international festival circuit, with a line-up that mostly focuses on mainstream pop, rock and electronica acts, and with short films, fashion shows and art on offer.

For more info: http://fiberfib.com/index.php/en/

MELT!, July 18 – 20, 2014, Grafenhainichen, Germany (Play this video in Creation 5)

Melt! is an ‘industrial-meet-electronic’ music festival located amidst giant machines and monuments from the machine age, within the industrial museum of Ferropolis. Showcasing some of the best European Tech DJ’s (nearly 100 of them) on a backdrop of colourful lighting, disco balls suspended from trusses and flame-throwing cranes, the ‘Dance City of Iron’ never sleeps. The weekend-long party-festival-fever, spread across 6 floors, has seen the likes of Laurent Garnier and Richie Hawtin set fire to the stage.

Info:
• Located on Lake Gremmin, you can take a dip and soak up the sun at sunset, whilst watching the Beach Stage.
• Stages: Main Stage (indie, techno, house – from 3pm to 7am), Sleepless Floor (open around the clock until Monday morning), Gemini Stage, Big Wheel Stage, Intro Zelt Area, Beach Stage.
• Melt! took home the best medium-sized festival award in 2013

For more info: http://www.meltfestival.de/

FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, July 25 – 27, 2014, Mount Naeba, Japan (Play this video in Creation 5)

Fuji Rock Festival, powered by solar energy and biodiesel, aims to be ‘the cleanest festival in the world’, inducing a huge recycling awareness within the grounds and encouraging members to think about social issues. Located amidst a flawless mountain forest in the Noeba Ski Resort, one of Japan’s biggest ski resorts, Fuji Rock hosts the largest music event in the land of the rising sun, with 100,000 to 150,000 festival-goers. The festival showcases the best of local and international bands and DJ’s across their many stages: Green Stage, Red Marquee, White Stage, Orange Court, Field of Heaven.

Info:
• Green Stage (40,000 attendees) has large screens dotted around the venue.
• Red Marquee is the only indoor stage, with room for only 5,000 people. It comes alive at night, with dance acts and DJ’s playing till dawn.
• The Stoned Circle provides drumming lessons for everyone.
• The Forest Broadwalk Trail takes you from stage to stage, with hammocks and quirky sideshows hidden away in the forest.
• The main attraction is the Dragondola cable-car, the largest gondola lift in the world. It takes you 5km up to the top and has spectacular views overlooking the site.
• Oasis provides an array of international cuisines, eg. African, Hawaiian, Japanese.
• There’s a Kidsland and a Nursing Space.
• There’s even a natural hot spring spa!!

For more info: http://www.fujirockfestival.com/

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS, July 25 – 27, 2014, Byron Bay, Australia (Play this video in Creation 5)

Splendour In The Grass doesn’t feel like a music festival. Instead, it feels more like a “country fair on steroids… with great headliners for good measure”. The hip and groovy music festival, parked on Byron Bay’s sandy beach, offers heaps of super popular music, DJ’s, crafts, food-trucks, smoothies, yoga, meditation, teepees, pop-up shopping malls, art installations, massages, workshops, kids areas, spa activities, circus performers, and dancing under the stars at the moonlight fire show. The Global Village surfer’s paradise puts forward a variety of music in different venues, some of which incorporate food directly into the music experience, with mariachi bands and margaritas (Mexican Cantine) and cocktails on the dance-floor (Smirnoff Cocktail Bar).

Info:
• For it’s charitable cause, the fest donates money to schools on an annual basis.
• Splendour has been granted the Greener Festival Award for its various sustainability initiatives.
• Amongst its many stages is a busker stage, supporting local talent.
• For those of you with kids, Little Splendour will keep them occupied.

For more info: http://splendourinthegrass.com/

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

The young, shaggy-looking busker from Suffolk turned multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran, once again emerges from the dusk, shimmering in golden lights. It’s been 3 years since Sheeran dropped his debut album ‘+’ (Plus), spurring international hits such as ‘The A Team’, ‘Give Me Love’, ‘Lego House’, and taking the world by storm. The 23-year-old acoustic/folk/pop sensation is loved and praised by many a million, all of whom have been waiting to get their hands on his highly anticipated sophomore album ‘X’ (Multiply).

Indeed, following the launch of his mixed bag of musical material on his soon-to-be blockbuster of an album, released yesterday (June 23, 2014), Sheeran will be multiplying his fan base. The ‘X’ (Deluxe Edition) is already at #1 in the UK iTunes Charts, with ‘X’ falling just behind at #2. With groovy upbeat tracks, mid-tempo tunes, classic Ed Sheeran-esque acoustic ballads, and raw, intimate and emotional lyrics, brought to life by charming and stunning vocals, the lovely English boy is set out to not only serenade us all, but to take us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Whilst still staying true to himself, Sheeran pushes the boundaries tied to his name, broadens his horizons and adds a new direction to his sound.

‘One’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

The album’s opening track is a chill-giving, heart-wrenching lamentation of having found ‘the one’, losing her, and yet still hoping that one day she’ll find her way back to you.

“Tell me that you turned down the man/ Who asked for your hand/ Cause you’re waiting for me/… Would you take away my hopes and dreams and just stay with me?”

With music and video production stripped down to a bare minimum, stunning raw vocals, and emotionally piercing lyrics, Ed Sheeran sure knows how to capture his audience.

‘One’ is at #20 in the UK iTunes Charts.

‘I’m A Mess’ (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwYvM6eeco
Sheeran is not the type of artist to release anything that sounds remotely close to a glossy, auto-tuned pop song. The secret of his success lies in his simplicity, authenticity and intimacy. He aptly manages to make each and everyone in his audience feel as if he were singing to them and them alone.

‘Sing’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Ed Sheeran’s single ‘Sing’, co-written and produced by Pharrell Williams, has secured #1 on the UK Top 40 Singles Charts. Many critics have dissed the song and have compared it to Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You” (also produced by Pharrell). Indeed, Sheeran justifies this by saying “It was pretty close to a direct inspiration” and admits to having been influenced by ‘Justified’ and ‘FutureSex/LoveSoul’. No wonder the song is a hit. It’s upbeat, it’s groovy, it’s rhythmic, and it’s so much fun! Yes, it has Pharrell written all over it and yes, it has a JT-esque vibe to it. What’s wrong with that?

‘Don’t’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Sheeran isn’t afraid to speak the truth or to give the world a front seat look into his personal life as he reveals explicit details about a relationship gone sour due to touring and distrust. In his piano-heavy, jazz-like song, Sheeran raps the lyrics to an anguishing tale of betrayal: “I never saw him as a threat/ Until you disappeared with him to have sex, of course”. Perhaps he found inspiration from his touring partner, Taylor Swift, and learnt to wear his heart on his sleeve and to take his anger out in song. ‘Don’t’ is at #8 on the UK iTunes Charts.

‘Photograph’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Here’s a pop ballad that carries a beautifully uplifting image of what love can be. Sheeran’s stunning falsetto voice conveys a heartfelt love song, filled with layer upon layer of warm whispers and harmonies. ‘Photograph’ is at #5 on the UK iTunes Charts.

‘Bloodstream’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Sheeran sings about drowning his sorrows with wine and waiting for the chemicals to react. In a dark-themed and guitar-heavy melancholic track, Sheeran sings: “I’ve been looking for love/ Thought I’d find her in a bottle/ God, make me another one/ I’ll be feeling this tomorrow/ Lord, forgive me for the things I’ve done/ I was never meant to hurt no one… Broken heart, tell me when it kicks in”. ‘Bloodstream’ is at #16 in the UK iTunes Charts.

‘The Man’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Fearless lyrics and a fantastic chorus! ‘The Man’ goes to show just how versatile Sheeran can be. It’s intimate, soulful and dynamic. What’s more, Sheeran’s rap skills are off the hook! ‘The Man’ is at #11 on the UK iTunes Charts.

‘Thinking Out Loud’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

This classic Sheeran ballad is a lovely little love song. It’s sweet and smooth and highlights how good of a songwriter Sheeran is. ‘TOL’ is at #6 on the UK iTunes Charts.

‘Afire Love’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

Sheeran showcases his vulnerable side with a soft, gentle, extremely personal and emotionally heartbreaking, candid account of his grandfathers’ death. The piano-heavy track has reached #14 in the UK iTunes Charts. Sheeran’s divine harmonies take the song to a whole other dimension. Two words: Pure. Stunning.

‘I See Fire’ (Deluxe Edition) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Sheeran takes a celtic approach in ‘I See Fire’, written and recorded for the film ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. Sheeran brilliantly builds the song to a crescendo, with spot on acapella vocals that travel to great heights, with incredible harmonies.

Ed has created a marketable and easily digestible album, with great taste. Sheeran showcases his maturity by using his charm and softness to his advantage and by bringing real honesty and originality to the forefront. There’s no doubt that he’s already proven himself as an incredibly talented young musician, teeming with outstanding potential. Worshipped by many, and rightly so, the boy never fails to deliver. Hidden in ‘X’ are a bunch of gems.

Track List 1. One 2. I’m A Mess 3. Sing 4. Don’t 5. Nina 6. Photograph 7. Bloodstream 8. Tenerife Sea 9. Runaway 10. The Man 11. Thinking Out Loud 12. Afire Love Deluxe Edition: 13. Take it Back 14. Even My Dad Does Sometimes 15. Shirtsleeves 16. I See Fire

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

Surely, amongst your hundreds of Facebook friends, it’s somebody’s birthday out there today. Pick a song from this playlist and celebrate by posting it on their wall. Or ‘Play All’ and enjoy the party!

Marilyn Monroe – Happy Birthday Mr. President (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Happy Birthday Mr. President” was sung by sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe, for President John F. Kennedy’s fourty-fifth birthday. President Kennedy later came on stage and joked: “I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way”. This song is famous for a couple reasons: 1. Rumour had it that Monroe and Kennedy had an affair. 2. The song was one of Monroe’s last public appearances before her death.

Lesley Gore – It’s My Party (Play this video in Creation 5)

When it’s your birthday, do what you want! – Lesley Gore sent out an important message when her version of “It’s My Party” became a number 1 hit in the US pop and R&B charts in 1963. Quincy Jones was the man behind Gore’s first hit single. Quincy Jones also produced Amy Winehouse’s cover of the song, which leaked in 2010.

Destiny’s Child – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“It’s your birthday, you don’t have to do nothing/ We gon’ celebrate” – A beautiful birthday song sung by beautiful women with beautiful voices, harmonies and lyrics.

Katy Perry – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Birthday” was released in 2014 for Katy Perry’s fourth studio album, Prism. The music video shows Perry entering four different parties in disguise and revealing her identity at the end. Perry makes sexual references throughout the song… How could the pop goddess of controversy not?

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day (Play this video in Creation 5)

Drum beats, power chords and classic Bon Jovi hooks – Released in 2005, “Have A Nice Day” made it to the top 10 charts in 11 different countries. The song is included in Bon Jovi’s Greatest Hits album.

Jimy Hendrix – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

With plenty of distortion, reverb and a melodic guitar hook, guitar & rock genius, Jimi Hendrix, sings: “Everybody’s wishing me a happy birthday/ Everybody’s wishing me a real good time”.

Stevie Wonder- Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

Stevie Wonder originally recorded “Happy Birthday” as part of a campaign to have Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday celebrated as a national holiday. The campaign succeeded and the song hit number 2 in the UK pop single charts. It’s the classic birthday song.

Alphaville – Forever Young (Play this video in Creation 5)

The German rock/synthpop group released “Forever Young” on their 1984 debut album. It has since been covered by numerous artists and has become part of pop culture.

Rihanna – Birthday Cake (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK4eoqwmfU
“Birthday Cake” was not to be considered for Rihanna’s 6th studio album “Talk That Talk” until it leaked on the Internet. It was featured as a 1:18 minute interlude on the album, after fans expressed interest in the track. The full-length version (official remix) of the track, featuring Chris Brown, was released on February 20, 2012, the day Rihanna turned 24.

Parchis – Cumpleaños Feliz (Play this video in Creation 5)

Parchis was a Spanish children’s group formed in the 1980’s who reached international fame. The band was named after a board game, where each player represents a different coloured pawn.

Jeremih – Birthday Sex (Play this video in Creation 5)

Jeremih’s debut single peaked at number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and certified Platinum. The lyrics originally sang “birthday text” but were later revisited and recorded as “birthday sex”. The song has sort of become a birthday anthem.

Neil Sedaka – Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in 1961, the song reached number 6 on Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the UK single Charts. The song is about a girl’s transition from her awkward tomboy phase into a beautiful young lady.

The Beatles – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

Featured on their 1968 “White Album”, “Happy Birthday” marks The Beatles’ return to traditional rock and roll. McCartney and Ringo Starr performed the song for Starr’s birthday on July 7, 2010, at Radio City Music Hall.

The Sugarcubes – Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Birthday” was written and recorded by Icelandic band, The Sugarcubes. It was their first international single, released on their 1988 debut album Life’s Too Good. Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Björk, is easily recognizable on lead vocals, as her haunting voice pervades the song.

The Crest – 16 Candles (Play this video in Creation 5)

R&B doo-wop group, The Crest, released “16 Candles” in 1958. It was their most popular song, rising to number 2 on Billboard Hot 100, selling more than 1 million copies, and certifying gold.

The Tune Weavers – Happy Happy Birthday Baby (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Happy, Happy Birthday Baby” was The Tune Weavers’ only hit. Written by Margo Sylvia and Gilbert Lopez in 1957, the single reached number five on Billboard Hot 100. On the B-side of the record is The Tune Weavers’ own version of “Ol’ Man River”.

The Innocence Mission – Happy Birthday (Play this video in Creation 5)

American rock band, centered around husband-wife singer/songwriters Karen and Don Peris, formed in the 80s during a Catholic school production of Gospell. Karen’s sweet and soothing voice is just so fitting!

Candles On The Cake (Play this video in Creation 5)

Nobody seems to know whose song this is! Youtube says it’s Quincy Jones, Shazam says its Mark G Hart & Emil Dudas, yet it sounds just like James Brown. Anybody know who the mystery artist is…?

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Play this video in Creation 5)

Pharrell’s “Happy” song is perhaps the happiest song of 2014! It leaves an uplifting, soulful, and funky tone ringing in your ear.

Click here for the Birthday playlist!

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

Sam Geiser, aka Deetron, is a free-spirited & non-conformist, Swiss DJ/producer with a sleek “percussive, low-end-heavy, melodic, house-y techno” sound. It’s a no-brainer that Deetron’s mosaic fusion of classic Chicago House & Detroit Techno, with strokes of neo-classical, pop and dance, has caught our attention. Earlier this week, Deetron, a renowned member of the Fabric family, released the Fabric 76 compilation mix, in which he shows off his high-spirited artistry by following “the pleasure principle”. He has managed to compile a fluid, soulful and eclectic mixture of both vinyl and digital sources.

Having come from a musical family, did you know you would pursue a career in music from day one? In what ways did your parents influence you musically?
Being surrounded by music from a very early age has certainly influenced my choice of career I think, and my parents have also always encouraged and supported me along the way.

You seem to have come a long way since the 90’s! Your early days involved a love for Hip-Hop and a record shop. Now you’re combining digital and analogue to create techno-house mixes, preserving the legacy of Chicago House and Detroit Techno, and playing live sets in venues such as London’s famous Fabric. Could you briefly tell us your story? What made you turn to the DJ culture?
DJing was the one element of Hip-Hop culture that fascinated me the most from the beginning. The technical and artistic aspect of it caught my attention in particular. DJing is and was never just playing records for me.

You prioritise quality over quantity. What was the response to your full-length album, Music Over Matter, released in October 2013? Approximately how many hours would you say you spent working on the album overall?
The response has been better than I could have hoped for. It was a bit of a different thing for me as it was almost exclusively vocal material and, therefore, I was particularly curious about people’s thoughts. I can’t exactly tell how many hours I spent working on it as it was spread over the course of a few years but countless hours certainly!

Deetron ft. George Maple – Rescue (Play this video in Creation 5)

Since you’ve been involved in quite a few collaborations, could you tell us what is the beauty in collaborating, from your point of view?
I like the idea of picking each other’s brains for ideas and to take them further individually or together in the process. I’m also intrigued by the idea of remixing, to take existing recordings and ideas in order to create something entirely new.

If you could choose to collaborate or play a live set with any DJ that has ever existed, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Jeff Mills I suppose, he was my main influence when I started and he’s got this independent and futuristic spirit, which I think is second to none.

In an interview with Mixmag in 2011, you said that the “cure” to the “epidemic” of “clinical, loopy, and percussive” deep house involves “a healthy dose of melody, a spoonful of 909 kickdrum and devastating amounts of bass”. Is this still the case?
Yeah I guess so and it makes for a fun read too!

Earlier this week, you released the very exiting and highly anticipated Fabric 76 compilation mix earlier.
What were your intentions when producing the album?
I compiled my faves regardless of genres and tried to put them together so that the recording would represent a live set of mine as much as that’s possible. I worked on this compilation following the pleasure principle and had a great time doing so.

What’s your favourite track on the compilation?
The closing track actually, by Nils Frahm. It’s simply amazing.

Nils Frahm – Says (Play this video in Creation 5)

What was the best part of the mixing process?
The best part was when the mix started to take shape and I found out some of the key transitions and mixes throughout the set. It was that moment when it all started to make sense.

How did you first get involved with Fabric?
I had my first gig at Fabric quite a few years ago in Room 2, but it’s Room 1 that I’ve really gotten comfortable with over the years. The booth and sound system are fantastic.

In 5 words, how would you describe your sound?
Percussive, low-end-heavy, melodic, house-y techno.

What is it that you love the most when you DJ? What has been your best, worst, funniest, or craziest experience yet?
My favorite thing about DJing is when the crowd and music seem to work together seamlessly and effortlessly and without having to emphasize the presence of the DJ or artist.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting development in music today, electronic or not?
I believe there is a lot of great music around in all the sub genres of electronic music but we’re yet to discover something really groundbreaking since the early days of house and techno.

Summer season has begun… What are your plans for the next few months?
Lots of touring all around Europe and a bit of a holiday too! I’ve got some remixes coming up for No Artificial Colours on PMR, Gorgon City on Virgin and FCL on We Play House. We’ll also release the last single from the album called Rescue with remixes by Fred P.

Slot into fabric 76: Deetron (Play this video in Creation 5)

Deetron chose our Sunday Sessions this week – here’s his choice of 3 songs for a smooth Sunday

Upcoming Tour Dates:
June 22 – Ville Tittoni, Zero Branco, Italy
June 27 – Fly Club, Glasgow, UK
June 28 – Fabric, London, UK
July 12 – Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelveen, Netherlands
July 18 – De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
July 19 – La Gravière, Geneva, Switzerland
July 23 – THE GARDEN TISNO, Tisno, Croatia
July 25 – De Schorre, Boom, Belgium
Aug 05 – Space, Sant Josep De Sa Talaia, Spain
Aug 30 – Praia Da Azurara, Praia, Cape Verde

Tracklist – fabric 76 (Buy this album on iTunes)
01 Johnny Blas – Picadillo (Carl Craig’s Breakdown Version) [Ubiquity]
02 Jaime Read – Timewave [Fragmented]
03 Baba Stiltz – Palats [Studio Barnhus]
04 SoulPhiction – Mind & Body [Philpot]
05 DJ Sneak – Who’s Knocking [Magnetic]
06 Juxta Position – Mercy [Misstress]
07 Redshape – Finizh [Running Back]
08 Ripperton – Searchin 4 You [Tamed Musiq]
09 Greg Beato – Who’s The Licho In Charge Ovaa Here [Apron]
10 Tom Trago – Elite [Rush Hour]
11 Seven Davis Jr. – One [Must Have Records]
12 Galaxy 2 Galaxy – Timeline [Underground Resistance]
13 Afefe Iku feat. Osunlade – Bodydrummin [Yoruba]
14 Marquis Hawkes – Honey Kisses [Dixon Avenue Basement Jams]
15 Gemini – New Style Of [Peacefrog]
16 Presk – Rais [Ten Thousand Yen]
17 Ondo Fudd – There Will Be A Time [The Trilogy Tapes]
18 Four Tet & Terror Danjah – Nasty [Text]
19 Seiji – More Of You [Seijimusic]
20 E-Dancer – The Move [KMS]
21 Moderat – Bad Kingdom (Marcel Dettmann Remix) [50WEAPONS]
22 Caribou – Irene [City Slang]
23 Joe – Slope [Hessle Audio]
24 Atoms For Peace – Before Your Very Eyes… [XL]
25 Function – Falling The Same Way (Dommune Version) [Sandwell District]
26 Design A Wave – Weird F [No ‘Label’]
27 Juxta Position – Mercy (Loop) [Misstress]
28 Nils Frahm – Says [Erased Tapes]

Deetron will launch fabric 76 at Fabric on Saturday June 28, alongside Craig Richards, Redshape (Live), Will Saul, Terry Francis & Slam.

Expect a night of great power, elegance and deep volume.

For tickets and more info see: http://bit.ly/fabric2806

http://www.deetron.com/
https://soundcloud.com/deetron
http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/deetron
https://www.facebook.com/deetronofficial
https://twitter.com/deetronofficial
http://www.beatport.com/artist/deetron/6822

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

The great Sir Paul McCartney has left a colossal mark in the last and present century, becoming one of the biggest living icons of our time. Born June 18, 1942, Macca turns 72 today. Between 1963 and 1970, the Beatles rocked the world. Since their split in 1970, McCartney continued to stun his fans by releasing classic solo albums and with his band Wings, winning multiple Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, McCartney has written 32 chart-topping songs, one of which (“Yesterday”) has been covered by 2,200 artists. Today, McCartney has been proclaimed the most successful pop music composer ever. Without Paul McCartney and the Beatles, BritPop would perhaps never have existed. The incredibly talented musician, singer, songwriter, producer and revolutionary carries a golden legacy.

“Live and Let Die” – Wings (Play this video in Creation 5)
Written by Paul and Linda McCartney, and released in 1973, the Wings single remains one of the greatest James Bond film theme songs of all time. The song was covered by Guns N’ Roses for their 1991 “Use Your Illusion I” album and became the most popular version of the song.

“Silly Love Songs” – Wings (Play this video in Creation 5)
Released in 1976, the single spent 5 weeks peaking Billboard’s Hot 100 list, becoming one of the highest-ranked McCartney tunes released with his post-Beatles band Wings. Whether you like it or not, “Silly Love Songs” is a great tune, with its weaving vocals, blasting horns, and massive hook.

“Say Say Say” – Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (Play this video in Creation 5)
When two iconic legends collaborate, great music is born. The pop single features on McCartney’s fifth solo album “Pipes of Peace” (1983). In that same year, the duo charted another hit, “The Girl Is Mine”, but “Say Say Say” was the only one to come out with a music video, which was directed by Bob Giraldi, the man who also directed MJ’s “Beat It”.

“Coming Up” – Paul McCartney (Play this video in Creation 5)
Released in 1980, McCartney turns balladesque lyrics that discuss love, peace and understanding, into a fun-loving, electronic and uptempo track – The musical genius never seems to disappoint, always taking a unique approach to songwriting.

“With A Little Luck” – Wings (Play this video in Creation 5)
A lovely, mature, emotionally sound tune. Released in 1978, during McCartney’s period of experimenting with synthesizers, the single was one of the first synthpop records to appear on the charts.

“Appreciate” – Paul McCartney (Play this video in Creation 5)
“Appreciate” was released in 2013 on McCartney’s 16th solo album “New”. Set in ‘The Museum of Man’, the surreal and conceptual music video features a human-sized robot named Newman who explores the humans and past cultures on display.

“Jet” – Wings (Play this video in Creation 5)
With cryptic lyrics and a rock n’ roll edge, “Jet”, featured on their 1974 album “Band on the Run”, and peaked at number 7 in both the UK and US charts.

“Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney (Play this video in Creation 5)
Released in 1970, “Maybe I’m Amazed” remains one of the finest pieces of McCartney’s solo career. Behind the tracks simplicity lies an outpour of emotion and utmost honesty about his newfound love (at the time) Linda. It’s an iconic love song.

“Vanilla Sky” – Paul McCartney (Play this video in Creation 5)
Academy Award-nominated soundtrack from Cameron Crowe’s 2001 film “Vanilla Sky” is a simple and sweet melody that won McCartney a Golden Globe.

“The World Tonight” – Paul McCartney (Play this video in Creation 5)
From his 1997 album “Flaming Pie”, “The World Tonight” is a cool rock tune and a fun music video that gives us a look into the world of fame from a third person’s point of view.

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

By Tej S. Haldule

I Will Survive by Cake (originally performed by Gloria Gaynor)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

Gloria Gaynor may not personally have been too pleased with Californian rock band Cake’s version of ‘I Will Survive’, but the 90’s update of the popular song gives her own a run for its money. The original may now have its place as a classic gay-rights anthem, but Cake has added more funk and zest to it (if that were possible) while reworking the instrumental pattern for a laid-back, college crowd. Somehow, it seems to have stood the test of time better.

LoveCrimes by the Afghan Whigs (originally performed by Frank Ocean)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

From a satellite songwriter for the stars, 2012’s fabulous Channel ORANGE cemented Frank Ocean as an acclaimed icon in his own right. His debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra, however, featured a hodge-podge of strong and weak material, of which ‘LoveCrimes’ undoubtedly felt more like the latter. Although the Afghan Whigs had disbanded for over a decade when they came out with their own rendition of the song, it was as stunning as some of their best work from the 90’s.

Crush by Jai Paul (originally performed by Jennifer Paige)

Fifteen years after Jennifer Paige’s ‘Crush’ took the MTV world by a storm, indie maestro Jai Paul’s version (found on his now seminal collection of demos leaked in April last year) did much the same for the internet generation. Completely stripped to inject his hallmark warped Jai Paul sound, this staple has to be heard on headphones, submerged bass and falsetto intact, to be truly appreciated.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by Cat Power (originally performed by the Rolling Stones)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

On first listen, Cat Power’s sorrowful acoustic rendition of one of the Rolling Stones’ greatest hits may not even seem like a cover. This version has little to do with the original, musically – Cat Power strips it of everything but a solitary, languid guitar and a voice that could melt butter. There’s no rock-and-roll bravado, and perhaps it’s better off for it.

When The Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin (originally performed by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

When The Levee Breaks was originally written by the husband-wife duo of Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie about the floods that devastated the Mississippi delta in 1927, and largely forgotten in the seventies by the time Led Zeppelin welded it into its most popular form. Slipping between the edges of mean mouth-organ, raging Page guitar and Robert Plant’s impossibly high pitch, it’s easy to see why this heavily produced classic was an instant fan favourite.

A Case Of You by James Blake (originally performed by Joni Mitchell)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

The twenty-something British electronic artist’s capabilities as a pianist are on full display over his carefully remade live ‘A Case Of You’ for Zane Lowe’s
BBC show. So carefully remade that, in a strange reversal, Mitchell’s version seems like a pale lounge imitation of James Blake’s purposeful wobble.
Listen to find out how a “Canada” can stretch out to wrench your heart in the hands of this masterful young songster.

Baby by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti (originally performed by Donnie and Joe Emerson)

Ariel Pink, the modern-day king of kitsch, is known to make music that’s easy on the ears yet impossible to replicate. His home-brewed recording style has been an influence on a generation of artists and his colourful 2012 release Mature Themes was amongst his very best. Although the ‘Baby’ cover has been in live circulation for years before it was officially recorded and is buried at the album’s tail-end, it’s the most intimate track on the record.

Barely Legal by Real Estate (originally performed by the Strokes)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

It would be improper to suggest that Real Estate’s cover of the Strokes ‘Barely Legal’ (off their feted debut Is This It) is qualitatively better than the original, when in truth it’s a personal favourite. The synthetic urgency of Julian Casablancas’ voice is gone, rounded and smoothed by Real Estate. The stoner sunshine that they always bring to the mix makes for sincerely endearing listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTodA3jfUhY

Not In Love by Crystal Castles ft. Robert Smith (originally by Platinum Blonde)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

Granted, the Platinum Blonde version is an 80s veteran that’s retained its charm through the years, but the irreplaceable Crystal Castles club-sized synth version came with Robert Smith, lead singer of the Cure, on vocal duties. A song that’ll stay on repeat for days, it trumps anything on Standing In The Dark by a mile.

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro

Although some of the top big league festivals like Coachella, Governor’s Ball, Ultra, Bonnaroo, Sónar and Primavera Sound, have already passed, there are still loads to look out for this summer. Take a look at the top 8 current and upcoming music festivals of summer 2014, save the dates in your calendars, and don’t be sorry! Party on!

Glastonbury (June 25th – 29th)

Glastonbury has a huge & diversified amount of live music to offer! Even by pulling all-nighters, consuming tonnes of Red Bull and a “controlled” amount of “energy tablets”, you’ll be lucky to see half the bands on your must-see list.

The festival first began in in 1970 during the hippie, counterculture and free festival movement, and was originally a pop, blues and folk festival. Glastonbury has since been held intermittently through to 2014 and has always taken place on Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. With its long musical history, famed headliners and incredible line-ups, it’s no wonder Glastonbury is ranked as one of the top music festivals in the world. On the downside, despite the all rainbows & sunshine (…and a pair of wellies) aspect of the festival – yes, the live music is majestic – it will cost you an arm and a leg to take part in this musical English phenomenon. Huffington Post did the nitty-gritty dirty work for us and found out an estimate of how much Glastonbury actually costs:

For more info: http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Roskilde (29th June – 6 July) (Play this video in Creation 5)

According to Consequence of Sound, Roskilde “may be Glastonbury’s biggest rival”. While the line-up is an outstanding one, with Rolling Stones headlining, Stevie Wonder and Drake playing on the main stage on closing night, and the likes of Lykke Li, Outkast and Bastille performing, what’s particularly interesting about the Denmark-based festival is that the camp grounds opens a week before, creating a frenzied and distinctive atmosphere. Roskilde was first created in 1971 and is run by Roskilde Festival Charity Society, a non-profit organisation supporting initiatives backing children and young people, humanitarian and cultural work. It has since become the largest North European culture and music fest.

For more info: http://roskilde-festival.dk/#dLdBSOQf00C4g43k.97

Tomorrowland (18th – 20th July & 25th – 27th July)

Tomorrowland is a mega electronic music festival held in Boom, Belgium. The festival was first set up in 2005 and, as the word spread, what was once a 1-day festival turned into a 3-day festival with over 180,000 visitors and a huge number of acts. This year, in celebration of Tomorrowland’s 10th anniversary, the festival will take place over two weekends, with more or less the same line-up on both weekends. In light of all the hype created around Tomorrowland 2014, and with the news of a documentary being made and coming out in 2015, 400,000 tickets were sold out before this year’s line-up was even announced.

To check out the huge line-up see: http://www.tomorrowland.com/en/line-up

Pitchfork (Jule 18th – 20th)

“For a festival that’s always lived in the shadow of its bigger brother Lollapalooza (see below), it appears the sibling owns 2014” says Michael Roffman at Consequence of Sound.
Held in Union Park, Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival presents over 40 of the best new and emerging bands. The festival is internationally known to be one of the most “welcoming, comfortable, reasonably priced, and rewarding weekends of music around”.

Tickets are still on sale at a reasonable price. For more info, check out: http://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/

Lollapalooza (August 1st – 3rd) (Play this video in Creation 5)

The Lollapalooza Music Festival features alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip-hop, dance, and comedy performances. Created by Perry Farrell (lead singer of Jane’s Addiction), the festival ran from 1991 to 1997 and was later reintroduced in 2003. Lollapalooza is a weekend festival in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois. In 2010, the festival announced it was to branch out overseas. The festival has since been staged in Santiago, Chile, and São Paolo, Brazil. The main Chicago event attracted 300,000 people last year and tickets were running out before the line-up was announced. This year, the $250 3-day passes were sold out in no more than an hour, but you can still purchase day passes. Today, Lollapalooza is included in the ranking of large-scale festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo.

For a chance to see Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Lorde, Calvin Harris, Foster The People, Krewella, Iggy Azalea and more, check out the website at: http://www.lollapalooza.com/

Burning Man (August 25th – September 1st) (Play this video in Creation 5)

The Burning Man Project takes place in the middle of the Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, USA. For 7 days, Black Rock City is a place of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance, where the people are guided by ten principles that echo the cultural spirit of the event: radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, immediacy.

It is a place built by the participants from scratch and where everything is set on fire at the end, to leave without a trace. The burning of the large wooden effigy (the burning man) ritually takes place on the Saturday night. Within the city are innovative sculptures, installations, performances, theme camps, art cars, and all-flower costumes. The temperature drops below 0ºC at night and rises to 45ºC in the day.

To join the movement, check out: http://www.burningman.com/

Outlook (September 3rd – 7th) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Outlook Festival famously takes place in Pula, Croatia. It is Europe’s leading bass music and soundsystem culture festival, with a roman amphitheatre, beaches, boat parties and castles, drum&bass and Dubstep DJ legends. Outlook is where the party is!

To join the crazy festivity: http://www.outlookfestival.com/

Secret Garden Party (July 24th – 27th)

If you like animal onesies, multi-coloured dust powder, firework displays, great music and a unique atmosphere, Cambridgeshire, UK, is where you want to be in July! The Secret Garden Party is an independent art and music festival, launched in 2004 as an alternative to the large-scale mainstream music festivals mentioned above. The festival has since grown from one stage, with 1000 visitors, to over 15 stages and 26,000 visitors. SGP supports The Campaign Against Living Miserably, which aims to prevent male suicide in the UK. This year’s theme is “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.

Emerald City and the Wizard are waiting for you so check out the website for tickets from £180: http://www.secretgardenparty.com

Don’t have Creation 5? Download it on the App Store!

iPhone Free	iPhone Pro	iPad Free	iPad Pro