Bridget reports for Mixmag from Lovebox 2010 and chooses some standout looks from the crowd. Click Saturday & Sunday for the full story from each day.
Elle: “The East London crowd did not disappoint in the fashion stakes at this weekend’s Lovebox festival in Victoria Park. Leather shorts, lace and Hiawatha-inspired fringing were some of the well thought out looks in attendance. With everyone looking like either a model or the lead-singer of a band, it was hard to pick our favourites” Full story here
At Lovebox we like to keep you on your toes, which is why we’ve left it to the very last minute to spring our final surprise guest on you.
This Saturday, mercurial rapper and former J Dilla protege Jay Electronica will be crossing the Atlantic for his ONLY UK festival appearance on our main stage.
Returning to these shores after TWICE selling out London’s Jazz Cafe in February, 2010 has so far been a breakthrough year for Jay Electronica. After topping the US iTunes chart with his track ‘Exhibit C’, the rapper has collaborated with the original Bad Boy, P Diddy, and looks set to build on his success with the forthcoming release of his debut album. In other words, we predict that his Lovebox debut will be one for the history books.
However, sadly we also have to wave goodbye to Codeine Velvet Club who have had to pull out of the show this last week.
But with the arrival of Jay Electronica, one can’t help but think of clouds and silver linings…
Lovebox are please to welcome performers from the Hackney / Tower Hamlets community music project ‘Reprazent’ to the festival this year. Run by the PTriple organisation, who partnered with Lovebox for this project - at Haggerston Community Centre in Hackney, the show will be the culmination of a ten week music production and performance course. Local musicians aged 16 – 21 have been taught and mentored in modern software and production techniques and will be showcasing the tracks & songs they’ve come up with at the NYC Downlow on the Friday.
Rick Down, of PTriple, who has a family link to the festival through cousin Andy Cato says ‘I’ve been teaching and running music projects for 8 years and felt a link up with Lovebox would be a good platform for young talent‘, adding ‘We’ve discovered some talented young people who are looking forward to performing their tracks at the festival’. He and fellow DJ/ Producer Peter Ogston have brought their knowledge of Logic Audio software to bear with young musicians who have formed three different acts who will be performing deep house, hip hop and indie tracks in a one hour slot.
Expect tight beats, modern songs and Detroit influenced deep house at this ‘Reprazent’ session.
NYC DOWNLOW Friday 2pm
This year at Lovebox make sure you keep an eye out for HMV, who will be popping up with their first ever festival shop and selling a selection of festival related merchandise whilst hosting a series of signings and (deep breath) secret gigs!
The shop will be right in the centre of the action, so you can get your hands on some of the exclusive limited signed CD’s on offer without having to stagger too far from the bar.
So far Yeasayer, Mystery Jets and Ellie Goulding have all been lined up for signing sessions, with more to be announced soon and over the weekend of the festival exclusively via hmv.com. Also keeping you in the loop with exclusive updates throughout the festival will be the ever-reliable HMV and Lovebox twitter feeds.
But what of those secret gigs we hear you cry? Well, you will just have to stick around and see who swings by won’t you…
It’s official, Mark Ronson is back.
Last night saw the triumphant return of the super-producer, who warmed up for his upcoming Lovebox appearance with a new band, The Business Intl, and one of his very special former protégés (more on that later).
The ‘Version’ hit-maker breezed through a collection of old hits and new material for an intimate invite-only audience at the legendary 100 Club, which included guest appearances from MNDR and hip-hop pioneer Q Tip.
But the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the moment when five-time Grammy winning superstar Amy Winehouse got up on stage and joined Ronson for a classic rendition of their hit, ‘Valerie’.
Rumour has it Ronson has recently resumed recording duties with Winehouse. But with a reaction this good, we predict that last night won’t be the only time that they are seen on stage together this summer.
And with his next appearance at Lovebox just around the corner, who knows who might just pop up on our main stage?
Its official: MATT HENSHAW will open the main stage at Lovebox on Friday 16th July!
After thousands of votes, via the Official Lovebox Facebook Page, Matt Henshaw will be opening our main stage on Friday 16th July, alongside Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding and the Mystery Jets.
Matt was one of five finalists who were chosen from the NME Breakthrough community, which saw over 1500 initial entries. These finalists were shortlisted by an expert panel of judges, including NME Editor Krissi Murison and Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay.
Congratulations Matt!
This week saw us gain the seal of approval in the iconic magazine, The Big Issue.
To see what the acclaimed publication had to say about us, make sure you pick up a copy and remember to make a donation!
