Le Guess Who? Blog

Le Guess Who? tips: Sonic Acts 2012

2012-01-26T11:25:00.005+01:00

4 days of explorations in art, music, sience & technology during Sonic Acts (Thursday 23 Feb - Sunday 26 Feb: various locations in Amsterdam). From audiovisual beatless dubstep via drones and deep listening to the inventors of contemporary techno.

For more information and the entire program schedule visit www.sonicacts.com/2012.

Since its inception in 1994, the bi-annual Sonic Acts festival has questioned, examined, assembled and exhibited contemporary and historical devolopments at the cutting edge of art, technology, music and science.

Le Guess Who? 2011 aftermovie

2011-12-12T11:48:00.001+01:00

fabrIQ Festival 2012 line-up is getting damn tasty!

2011-12-07T17:36:00.005+01:00

On 10 & 11 March 2012 the third edition of the fabrIQ Festival will take place in Den Bosch (NL). In the past we have already seen some amazing gigs there of bands like Tallest Man on Earth, Nils Frahm, Megafaun, SUUNS and more..

The line-up of this third edition focusses again on special and urgent acts in a small setting with a supplementary arts program where artists interact with music and audience. And the first names for the 2012 edition are damn tasty as well!

Check all announced artists below. For more information on fabrIQ go here or here.

Damien Jurado + band (aka Jacket Summer)

Cass McCombs

Peggy Sue

Afework Nigussi

Xiu Xiu

Cold Pumas

Idiot Wind

Le Guess Who? tips: Nordic Gold festival Amsterdam - win tickets!

2011-12-06T11:29:00.014+01:00

From Thursday December 15th till Saturday December 17th , the 'Nordic Gold Finland' festival takes place in De Melkweg, Amsterdam. During this three-day program, the Finnish (pop) culture is being presented in a multidisciplinary way. It is the first festival that De Melkweg presents under the name Nordic Gold: which shows the surprising, innovative and sometimes alienating (pop) culture of the Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland).

On Thursday and Friday, Nordic Gold is dedicated to (dance) performances, animation and visual arts. The highlight of Nordic Gold takes place on Saturday evening with a complete program for only € 14. At 19.00 several short animated films by the Finnish entertainer Kate Riina Lillqvist are being screened, at 21.00 the dance On Ice by Maija Hirvanen can be seen in Galaxy Theatre followed by an comprehensive music program with performances by LCMDF , Frenchtown Movies and Jaakko & Jay.

LCMDF (Le Corps Mince de Francoise) is a unique fresh electropop duo. French Films is a very promising rock band, creating indie pop songs that are strong and have a certain affinity with British bands like Editors. Duo Jaako & Jay make raw and rousing folk songs, or in their own words 'acoustic folk punk', Hannulelauri are the Finnish ambassadors to the International Disco scene. Their danceable disco and house tunes will close of evening.

Next to the musical programm, visual artist Essi Utriainen presents an exhibition, performances and video work. Animated films are shown continuous and there is a late night screening of the film "Rare Exports, A Christmas Tale 'by Jalmari Helander.

On our blog, you can win 1 x2 tickets for the saturdaynight! To win, answer the following question:

"What organisation is co-presenting this evening full of Finish music?"

Send your answer to lgwblog@gmail.com before Monday December 12th. 'Onnea'!

Le Mini Who? 2011 - Photo's and more!

2011-12-01T11:23:00.000+01:00

On Saturday November 26th, Le Guess Who? and label Beep! Beep! Back up the Truck organized "Le Mini Who?", which was held in collaboration with several shops and bars in and around the Voorstraat (Utrecht, Holland). There were new, but also established stores in Utrecht like Plato, The Village Coffee & Music, Puha, VinVin, Klijs & Boon, Café 't Hart, Café de Voortuin and Sussies who participated the first edition of this free accessible festival. A record store, a secondhand clothing store, a Dutch fashion designer store, a coffee hang-out and so on. All stores with character, mostly thanks to the owners, the products their selling and of course their audience.

With Le Mini Who?, we brought many people together by letting national and international bands play instores at these particularly spots. We presented around ten bands, five who were also playing at Le Guess Who? and five who were not, to a lovely audience which was walking down the Voorstraat to check up on Le Mini Who?.

To give you an insight on Le Mini Who?, check out the photos below! Also, read more about Le Mini Who? at 3voor12/Utrecht here and here. See you next year?

Le Guess Who? 2011 according to The Impossible Project ft. Nick Helderman

2011-11-30T12:37:00.021+01:00

Le Guess Who? tries to distinguish itself from other festivals by creating an atmosphere where artists, musiclovers, journalists, professionals and the audience meet each other in an intimate setting.

To capture that special atmosphere, we have asked photographer Nick Helderman to take polaroid photo's of Le Guess Who? during four days , which resulted in more than 100 stunning images. This wouldn't have been possible without The Impossible Project, who helped us getting the right films. In October 2008, The Impossible Project saved the last Polaroid production plant for integral instant film in Enschede (NL) and started to invent and produce totally new instant film materials for traditional Polaroid cameras. In 2010 Impossible saved analog instant photography from extinction by releasing various, brand new and unique instant films.

You can watch the best photo's, including Low, Suuns, Zola Jesus, Akron/Family, Group Inerane, Braids and Nisennenmondai, at the website of Nick Helderman or the blog of The Impossible Project.

Le Guess Who? tips by: Artur Rojek of OFF Festival, Katowice and Jo Bartlett of Green Man Festival, UK

2011-11-25T14:21:00.000+01:00

Le Guess Who? tips by: Artur Rojek of OFF Festival, Katowice

BILL CALLAHAN

Since 'Red Apple Falls' I can't stop listening to him....

SUUNS

Amazing live-shows. Top 10 at OFF Festival 2011

JOHN MAUS

2011 most interesting new artists

MARISSA NADLER

Unforgettable Mood

Le Guess Who? 2011 tips by: Jo Bartlett of Green Man Festival, UK

SUUNS

Any band on the Secretly Canadian label catches my ears and eyes from the off. The first music I I heard from Suuns was their ghostly, strange, techno, hypno beat 'Up Past The Nursery' video on Youtube and I wanted to book them for the 2011 Green Man straight away.They played second from top in the Far Out Tent on the Sunday night. Even though it had been a long weekend of late nights and partying for many people watching them, they had the crowd under their spell instantly with the whole tent bouncing up and down to their hypnotic grooves.

OTHER LIVES

Other Lives also played the Green Man this Summer. They were on the Main Stage on the Friday afternoon. The sun was shining and their gorgeous blend of acoustic instruments and lush harmonies were a superb start to the weekend. Beards a plenty and folk to feed your soul.

GANG GANG DANCE

Hard to define this guys. Animal Collective style rhythms with added percussion and high pitch vocals of Lizzy Bougatsos the band incorporate Indian and African influences. From Brooklyn, they sound almost avant garde at times.

EXCLUSIVE: ORIGINAL PAVEMENT TOUR 2010 - WALK-IN PLAYLIST exclusively for Le Guess Who? Festival

2011-11-24T06:29:00.000+01:00

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks will play tomorrow night at the 5th edition of Le Guess Who? Festival.

Exclusively for Le Guess Who? he did sent us the original Pavement-tour 2010-Walk-In Playlist. These are all the songs they played before those legendary Pavement reunion shows they did last year. Get back into the Pavement vibe or get ready for more Stephen Malkmus with an exciting mix of jams by bands like Amanaz, Grauzone, Marble Valley, Neu!, Endless Boogie, International Harvester, Toncho Pilatos, Royal Trux and many more. 38 songs and more then 2.7 hours of music. The playlist was created by Stephen Malkmus and Mark Ibold.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks will play Tivoli Oudegracht together with Nisennenmondai & Endless Boogie. More info on Le Guess Who? you can find here: http:/www.leguesswho.com

Listen to walk-in playlist part 1 and part 2 here:

ORIGINAL PAVEMENT TOUR 2010 - WALK-IN PLAYLIST - PART 1 by leguesswho11

ORIGINAL PAVEMENT TOUR 2010 - WALK-IN PLAYLIST - PART 2 by leguesswho11-2

Tracklisting
Part 1
1. Amanaz - Amanaz
2. Hollywood - 999
3. Tema De Batman - Celio Balona
4. Unknown Title - Unknown Artist
5. Eisbar - Grauzone
6. Process of Elimination - The Endtables
7. Agitated - Electric Eels
8. Hitchin - Mogollar
9. See You Tonight - Vetiver
10. Dino - Harmonia
11. Wildlife Freezone - Marble Valley
12. Trouble Maker - Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family
13. Hallogallo - Neu!
14. Negativland - Neu!
15. Not Fragile - Turner Overdrive
16. Darbouka - Ophiucus
17. Stand Out - Love
18. Hello - Pretty Things
19. The Inside Game - Royal Trux
20. Animal Space/Spacier - The Slits

Part 2:
1. My Siberian Bride - Marble Valley
2. The Oyster And The Flying Fish - Kevin Ayers
3. F-Oldin' Money - Tommy Blake
4. I Don't Need That Kind of Lovin' - Adam Faith
5. I'm Waiting for the Day - The Beach Boys
6. Get the Message - Cyrus Erie
7. Here Without You - Gene Clark
8. I Don't Believe - The Guilloteens
9. Skördetider (Harvest Times) - International Harvester
10. Superlungs My Super Girl - Terry Reid
11. Dejenla en paz (Let her be) - Toncho Pilatos
12. Trapdoor - SALEM
13. Rounder - Moby Grape
14. Jack D'Or 3:15 Word Episode Six
15. American Woman - The Guess Who
16. Dark Time Deep Matter - Endless Boogie
17. Dusic (Long Version) - Brick
18. Rapper's Deutsch - G.L.S.-United

Le Guess Who? tips: EHPO's Perfect LEGUESSWHO 2011, according to Johan Gijsen and Bob van Heur

2011-11-23T20:32:00.001+01:00

"Life isn't fair. So we'll settle for perfection." The EHPO Perfect serie contains a large list of the perfect must-listen songs all wrapped into one. Our beloved promoters Johan Gijsen and Bob van Heur have selected each 18 songs out of the whole Le Guess Who? line up (sounds like a mission impossible) to create two Perfect Le Guess Who? series. Check out them out!

JOHAN (click for Spotify) (click to download)

BOB (click for Spotify) (click for download)

Don't forget to check out EHPO too (Dutch only)!

Le Guess Who? tips by: Eppo Janssen of Pukkelpop/Duyster Radio

2011-11-22T18:51:00.010+01:00

Only one more day to go. Excited? We are! Trouble choosing your personal route? We've gathered some personal tips to help you out. This time: Eppo Janssen of Pukkelpop/Duyster Radio.

STILL CORNERS
I instantly got hooked to these beautiful haunting shoegazer sounds. Broadcast meets Slowdive meets Serge Gainsbourg. Still Corners sounds like all the seasons melting together.

BILL CALLAHAN
Because he slept with both Cat Power and Joanna Newsom and still sounds pretty depressed. Faut le faire!

A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN
Adam Wiltzie and Dustin O'Halloran aka A Winged Victory For The Sullen did a great session for our radioshow Duyster: http://www.stubru.be/programmas/duyster/awingedvictoryforthesullen This is an amazing experience for the ears. And by the way a beautiful tribute to the late great Mark Linkous.

SUUNS
Postpunk noir that makes me wanna start a krautrock dancing school. One of my highlights of SXSW 2011 and probably one of yours after seeing them live at Le Guess Who?

ZOMBY
My girlfriend and I stayed in the car to listen through the whole new album after a great night out. Perfect listening experience for Zomby's techno approach of the dubstep genre. It's refreshing but dark at the same time. Electronic record of the year.

Le Guess Who? tips: Never shop alone...

2011-11-22T14:05:00.002+01:00

In cooperation with Job Kind, shopwithyourfriends.com created a mood film to connect with you. "Never shop alone" stands for the unique opportunity shopwithyourfriends provied you with. Be carried away in this animated clip showing you how easy, fun and wonderful online shopping can be.

Shopwithyourfriends.com gives you the online experience where you and your friends have been waiting for. Come and visit us at www.shopwithyourfriends.com and Shop and create outfits together with your friends with over 300.000 fashion products from over 50 different online apparel shops, enjoy!

On Saturday November 26th, during Le Mini Who?, our friends from shopwithyourfriends.com will be reporting about fashion and trends to write a stylereport. Make sure to put on your best outfit!

Exclusive mixtape for Le Guess Who? and Drowned In Sound: Braids

2011-11-22T04:22:00.001+01:00

They keep on coming in! This time it's Braids who we and Drowned in Sound asked to create a mixtape. And they did.

Braids, a group of talented young musicians, was nominated for this years Polaris Music Price. Their debut album combines shoegaze, artrock en Beach House-y dreampop. Two elegant fairies and two skinny über nerds know their way around polyphonic vocals. It’s the core of their drawn-out songs build upon jazzy drums and transverse electronics. Despite the tricky phasers and drones, Braids is actually very danceable and uplifting.

Listen to their mixtape ft Zomby, James Blake and Burial below.

. BRAIDS // Le Guess Who? mixtape by TheArtOf...

Tracklisting:
1. Eric Copeland - Oreo
2. Moderat - No. 22
3. Sbtrk - Wildfire (Object Dub Mix)
4. Burial - Stolen Dog
5. Morgan Greenwood - Gourds Frozen Juice
6. Autechre - Fold4,Wrap5
7. James Blake - Air & Lack Thereof
8. Capac - Palindrome
9. Stephan Bodzin - Luka Leon
10. Zomby - Natalia's Song
11. Beneath These Idle Tides - She Holds A Piece Of Me

Braids will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Thursday November 24th. Grab those tickets before it's too late!

Le Guess Who? tips by: Stefan Reichmann of Haldern Pop

2011-11-17T17:48:00.007+01:00

Long time no see! This afternoon: personal tips by Stefan Reichmann of Haldern Pop.

My Brightest Diamond
She is one of this wonderful musicians who thaught in pictures.colore

Socalled
Josh collect everything whats pressed in vinyl mixed this in his head and after this you start to dance for country rap - thats crossover.

Other Lives
This band was born in a tree the voice comes from the off but sounds like a proud who takes care of you and some nervous but structured drums runs you to this real floating ocean ...

Suuns
This show is a decision - no compromise and a wall of sound, its big it comes over you like "wave" and its driven by noisy guitars.

Braids
I like this atmosphare and this bubbeling scultures withe a strong core

Till next time!

Exclusive: Simon Angell (Patrick Watson) mixtape for Le Guess Who? & Kicking The Habit (3)

2011-11-16T18:36:00.000+01:00

The final part of our collaboration with friends Kicking The Habit: a mixtape of Simon Angell, guitarist of Patrick Watson. No, Patrick Watson is not playing Le Guess Who? this year, but has left us all stumbeling after his show at Le Guess Who? 2009. Patrick Watson never made his love for Utrecht and Le Guess Who? a secret, having visited the festival more than once. Simon Angell has a special bond with Utrecht, since he met his future wife here. Listen to his mixtape made for us below!

Mixtape Simon Angell for Le Guess Who? and Kicking The Habit by Leguesswho on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:
1. Amon Tobin - Journeyman
2. The Besnard Lakes - Like the Ocean, Like the Innocent, Pt 2: The Innocent
3. The Budos Band - Black Venom
4. Dr. John - Mama Roux
5. Karkwa - 28 Jours
6. Timber Timbre - Bad Ritual
7. Wilco - Art of Almost
8. Rafi - Jaan Pahechan Ho
9. Ben Frost - Killshot
10. Glenn Campbell - Wichita Lineman
11. Mr. Bungle - Love is a Fist
12. Nico Muhly (ft. Sam Amidon) - The Only Tune III
13. Gustav Mahler - Adagietto from Symphony no.5
14. Gillian Welch - Everything is Free

Le Guess Who? tips Graveyard in EKKO

2011-11-15T22:13:00.004+01:00

Here at the Le Guess Who? office, we do like our fair share of stoner and doom. We highly recommend Graveyard, an excellent 70's-inspired heavy psychedelic blues outfit, who are playing Utrecht's EKKO this Sunday.

Joakim Nilsson, Rikard Edlund (both formerly of Norrsken), Axel Sjöberg, and Truls Mörck formed Graveyard in 2006. Their debut album, simply entitled Graveyard, was released in early 2008 through TeePee Records, who picked up the band after songs from the band's myspace caught the ear of Tony Presedo, TeePee label founder. Follow-up Hisingen Blues was released in the Spring of 2011.

Graveyard will be supported by heavy stoner rockers Yama from Utrecht/Tilburg. Grab your tickets here.

Tip: Indie Route Utrecht with KNG56 and Shaky Maracas

2011-11-15T19:05:00.013+01:00

On November 24 -27, during the Le Guess Who? festival, there will be a special route to walk in the centre of Utrecht, called 'Indie Route'. This route doesn't just show the most beautiful spots of Utrecht, but also offers the best indie bands of the Netherlands.

During the route, which leads through the Old and New Canal leads, you walk across 'QR codes'. These codes can be scanned with a smartphone. Through this scan, you can watch sessions with bands like I Am Oak, Lost Bear, S axis in Assassins and Kim Janssen. Ofcourse, the sessions are all recorded at the place where the code is located.

By choosing a route in a public space, anyone can get to know the bands along the route. Nothing special is needed, just a phone with a camera and internet is enough to enjoy the large number of bands which we invited for this project.

The route is set up by KNG56, named "best small stage of Utrecht" by 3VOOR12/Utrecht, and Shaky Maracas. This new DIY platform is doing very well with the release of records and organizing concerts. The two organizations bring together a unique perspective on the Dutch music scene. Without pretending, special musical projects are being presented in a unique way.

For more information, go to www.utrechtindieroute.nl. The Indie Route is free accessable for everyone, during day and night. Have a nice walk!

Swearing at Motorists: exclusive mixtape for Le Guess Who? 2011 & Kicking The Habit (2)

2011-11-15T13:55:00.010+01:00

Back again! This time with Swearing At Motorist s. When your greatest hits are called Flying Pizza and Inadvertent Christmas Song, you either play in a bad punk band, or you are one of the two members of the acclaimed Swearing At Motorists. This quizzical indie rock duo has steadily been making strong records since the early 90's along the lines of Guided by Voices, the more straightforward Pavement, some Ween and a drop of Crooked Fingers. Since 2006 it got a little silent around Dave Doughman and Joseph Siwinski, but this year they released single compilation Postcards From A Drinking Town and they'll be playing at Le Guess Who?! To be exact: Saturday November 26th at 19.30 in Tivoli De Helling.

Mixtape Swearing At Motorists for Le Guess Who? & Kicking The Habit by Leguesswho on Mixcloud

Tracklisting "Songs I Couldn't Live Without"
1. Draag - Brainiac from Smack Bunny Baby
2. Bitters Past - Haynes Boys from Guardian Angel
3. Livin' Was Easy - The Glands from The Glands
4. Biology Tricks - Centro-Matic from Love You Just The Same
5. Don't Mess With Tennessee - The Carter Administration from God & Country
6. White Ride - The Oranges Band from The World And Everything In It
7. I've Made Enough Friends - The Wrens from Secaucus
8. Towner - Spoon from Telephono
9. Me and My 424 - John Vanderslice from Life and Death of an American Fourtracker
10. Indio - Me and the Horse I Rode In On from Home and Other Places I'd Like to Visit
11. Pat's Trick - Helium from The Dirt Of Luck
12. You've Got A Lot - United States Three from Le Temps Du Tempo
13. End Of The Bar - V-3 from Photograph Burns
14. Friend Of Mine - Picastro from Whore Luck
15. Miss My Lion - Scout Niblett from Sweet Heart Fever
16. Being In Love - Songs: Ohia from The Lioness
17. Calling Over Time - Edith Frost from Calling Over Time
18. Why They Don't - Freschard from Click Click
19. June 18, 1976 - Pedro the Lion
20. Westfall - Okkervil River from Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See

DJ Fitz (Doodcast) exclusive mixtape for Le Guess Who? 2011 & Kicking The Habit (1)

2011-11-14T10:21:00.000+01:00

After making a special dutch DOODcast for Le Guess Who? last year, we could - together with our friends of Dutch musicblog Kicking The Habit - not resist asking him to make a mixtape for this year. Yes, Fitz is the international man of psychedelic underground, known for his amazing podcast called the DOODcast, in which he collects the most awesome riffs and raunchiest obscure jams from his enormous record collection. His DOODcasts are considered a must for collectors of early psychedelica.

Check the special dutch DOODcast for Le Guess Who? 2010 here:

DJ Fitz mixtape for Le Guess Who? 2011 & Kicking The Habit by leguesswho

Tracklisting.
1. Stone coal white – You Know.
2. Amanaz – History of Man.
3. Curtis mayfield – Futureshock.
4. The coNgos – Congoman.
5. Selda – Nem Kaldi
6. Ruth Copeland – Your love's been so good to me.
7. Bo Diddley – Elephant man.
8. Witch – Lazy Bones.
9. Illes - Esz es lelkiismeret...
10. Modulo 1000 – Se Quem Puder.
11. Erkin Koray – Cemalim.
12. Phuong Tam - dem huyen dieu.
13. Kamuran Akkor - Ikimiz Bir Fidanin.
14. kourosh_yaghmaei- havar havar.
15. Asiko Rock Group – lets Marry.

DJ Fitz will be spinning his records in between shows on Thursday November 24th in Tivoli Oudegracht. Coming up: more mixtapes for Le Guess Who? 2011 and Kicking The Habit, featuring Swearing At Motorists and Simon Angell (Patrick Watson). Keep an eye on our blog!

Exclusive: Akron/Family mixtape for Le Guess Who? & The Line of Best Fit

2011-11-11T12:03:00.001+01:00

Yet another mixtape, made exclusively for Le Guess Who? and The Line of Best Fit! This mixtape is created by Miles Seaton of Akron/Family.

Akron/Family is making the most diverse manifestations of folk-rock. The bizarre psych-folk-indie jams of the previous years have been partially replaced by harmony and tranquility on the new album Akron/Family II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT. Relative calm that is, since the record is still diverse and innovative. Small folk songs are happily interspersed with deep rock and exhilarating electronica."

"Read what Seaton has to say about making the mixtape: "It's actually a little nerve racking to make mixes, part of me would love to just make a 10 hour mix of a terry riley piece I love on repeat and call it a day. And what about those Bee Thousand outtakes, or Dylan bootlegs or the entire super roots series? Sort of feels like I have only a few tickets to a great show and i feel sad for the friends that get left out. ha! At the end of the day I guess you just have to pick a theme or feel and go with it."

"So. this mix is highlights a love for both African, and African American music. It's all based around the grooves, yes we do love a groove. Though I don't have a lot of patience for music that doesn't come "from the heart" there's definitely some freaky zones in here....i love my sweets with salt. Sorry Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Orcutt, you can come next time."

Enjoy!

Art Of Noise // Akron/Family by The Line Of Best Fit

Tracklisting:
1) Tenere - Group Bombino
2) Mudzimu Ndiringe - Hallelujah Chicken Run Band
3) Susana Wacha Maringo - D.O. Misiani and Shirati Jazz
4) Congo - Voodoo Drummers from Haiti
5) Tumu Pakara - Francis Bebey
6) Rock Out - Art Ensemble of Chicago
7) Come Away - ESG
8) Ogunja - King Sunny Ade'
9) Sunlanding - Dewey Redman
10) Built for Comfort - Howlin Wolf
11) I Belong to the Band-Hallelujah - Reverend Gary Davis

Akron/Family will be performing at Le Guess Who? on Sunday November 27th at 6.30pm in RASA. For more info, timetable and tickets go to www.leguesswho.com

Win: Le Guess Who? giveaways!

2011-11-10T14:29:00.014+01:00

Yes, it's time! For what? Time for Le Guess Who? giveaways. We are offering: different packages with cd's, thirts and posters from Le Guess Who? 2011 artists like Shabazz Palaces, Fruit Bats, Still Corners and Low.

To be in it to win it: tell us on Facebook what artist you are looking forward seeing the most at Le Guess Who? 2011, and why!

Don't forget to post your story before monday November 14th 11am.

Good luck!

psssttt... The more likes you get, the bigger your chances...

3voor12 Le Guess Who? festivalsite online!

2011-11-08T10:53:00.004+01:00

From today on, you can keep yourself informed of all Le Guess Who? 2011 news, interviews and updates through the 3voor12 Le Guess Who? festivalsite.

Right now, you can watch acoustic sessions with artists from previous editions, read interviews with Rats on Rafts and Other Lives and listen to the Spotify playlist. During the following weeks, more content, including reviews, personal interviews and live sessions, will be added.

Go here: http://leguesswho.vpro.nl/2011 and get the most out of your Le Guess Who? experience!

Le Guess Who? tips by: Marion Gabai & Jean Sebastien Nicolet / Imperial Productions, Paris

2011-11-07T17:00:00.003+01:00

Welcome to yet another 'Le Guess Who? tips by..' In short: we've asked our favorite promoters, festivals and bands to tip their five recommendations for this year's Le Guess Who? festival line-up. This edition: Marion Gabaï & Sebastien Nicolet of Imperial Productions, Paris.

JOHN MAUS
John Maus is one of the best who' s achieve to put together a simple and insistent pop music with an electronic synth performing show. His songs are also full of humour and we can't stop smiling when he screams " pussy is not a matter of fact "!

CHEVEU
Maybe the most ovni french band, quite impossible to describe: CHEVEU is a Lo-Fi punk music signed on the glorious french label BORN BAD don't miss their incredible show!

ANIKA
Like her sound design (created by BEAK and Geoff Barrow) somewhere between Silver Apples, PIL, Beach House and Phil Spector
Anika looks like a dark angel singing in english with a so strange Berlin accent some nice weird covers of Yoko Ono, The Kinks or Bob Dylan.

BILL CALLAHAN
Bill Callahan is maybe the best songwriter from his beginning (Smog) to his solo career today. His music is out of trend and space, his charm always operating with anyone who meets his music for the first time. Huge Artist!

SHABAZZ PALACES
A perfect melt between abstract hip hop revival and dubstep. the duo S.B will surprise a lot of people everywhere. Intense and ludic show

For our full line-up, latest time shedule and tickets, go to our website: www.leguesswho.nl. Next episode: tips by Robert Meijerink of Doornroosje, Eurosonic and The Affaire.

Fool's Gold interview in Heaven Magazine

2011-11-07T13:17:00.004+01:00

Heaven is a Dutch magazine for the real musiclover. They're also giving a lot of attention to acts that will be performing at Le Guess Who?. Recently, they took an interview with Fool's Gold. Read a sneak peak below and buy the magazine to check out the rest!

"For us, Europe is great because here, world music at least does something," says Luke Top, the singer and bassist of Fool's Gold. "People are well informed. They not only know many groups from Africa, the Middle East and Asia, but they also know a thing or two about the different styles and cultural differences. Late a look in America! On the West Coast, world music is still something exotic, which takes place in a museum or a theater for an audience of older artlovers. "

Luke Top started Fool's Gold together with guitarist Lewis Pesacov. They are both Jewish and from Israel, but came to California at a young age. They started the group with the aim of mixing Congolese soukous and Ethiopian jazz with elements from the Middle East and Anglo-American pop music. Jam sessions led to appearances at barbecues and garden parties, and eventually to an professional operating orchestra and the self-titled debut in 2009. This year's successor Leave No Trace was released, which sounds a bit more structured, partly because of the reducing of the number of musicians in the band. Of the approximately ten to twelve musicians, about six are left.

Fool's Gold is characterized by melodic pop melodies and rhythms, which play an important role. "For us, rhythm is very important," says Summit. "We want to make dance music, without electronics. The music from the Congo, for example someone like Franco, is our greatest source of inspiration. But also Tinariwen from Mali. Fantastic music to move yours hips to. "

This is part of the interview that was published in September 2010 in Heaven.

Fool's Gold will perform at Le Guess Who on Saturday, November 26th, 19:30 at Tivoli Oudegracht.

Panda Bear releases 4xLP Tomboy box set

2011-11-07T11:09:00.004+01:00

Panda Bear’s expanded 4xLP TOMBOY box set is out this week on Paw Tracks. The limited (5000 copies) expanded set features all of the Sonic Boom-assisted album versions and Noah’s original single mixes, as well as instrumentals/a capellas for the DJs, plus non-Tomboy jam “The Preakness” and a gorgeous 16-page art/lyrics booklet. And if you still need more incentive to pick one up, 100% of the profits from the record will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. Here’s a soaring, hymn-like a capella version of one of Tomboy’s most poignant tracks — taken from LP4 of the box set — that sounds like it was recorded in an ancient cathedral:

Panda Bear - You Can Count On Me (A Capella) by Pretty Much Amazing

Get the Tomboy expanded 4xLP box set here.

(source: Pitchfork)

Panda Bear will be performing at Le Guess Who? on Sunday November 27th. For tickets, full line-up, timeshedule and festival guide, go to www.leguesswho.nl

Le Guess Who? 2011 tips by: Robert Meijerink - Doornroosje, Eurosonic, De Affaire

2011-11-07T10:20:00.006+01:00

Here we go again! In short: we've asked our favorite promoters, festivals and bands to tip their five recommendations for this year's Le Guess Who? festival line-up. This edition: Robert Meijerink (Doornroosje, Eurosonic, De Affaire)

Group Inerane
Love, peace and psychedelica from the Sahara

IceAge
Angry Danish youngster who are visiting Le Guess Who? to play the foam off your beer glass.

I Break Horses
Shoegazepop-duo who play one of their first shows outside of their home country Sweden.

Bass Drum of Death
Their debut 'GB City' is one of this year's best garagerock record. Live, this young duo, knows how to push the right button.

Endless Boogie
This jamband might be one of New York's best kept secrets. One big boogiejam where guitars, drums and basses blow your mind.

For full line-up, timetable and festival guide, go to www.leguesswho.nl. Next time: Peter Meeuwsen, promoter at Incubate.

Le Guess Who? 2011 tips by: Peter Weening - Vera, Groningen

2011-11-05T14:04:00.002+01:00

Welcome to a new 'Le Guess Who? tips by..' In short: we've asked our favorite promoters, festivals and bands to tip their five recommendations for this year's Le Guess Who? festival line-up. This edition: Peter Weening, promoter at Vera, Groningen.

Baconhead:
I ‘m dying to see these animals on drums and bass that are gonna turn my organs around with their unique ultra heavy dubstepsound.

Bo Ningen:
The Japanese always seems to know how to rock your brains out; go watch this noisy psyched out hardrock unit.

Iceage:
viva the young, rock’n’roll needs ‘em; these Danes rumble around without any compromise.

.

Other Lives:
Best ‘new band’ this year; my fave of Haldern AND Lowlands.

Zola Jesus:
Don’t forget the girls, especially Nika Rosa Danilova (not a Serbian tennisplayer); great name, big ‘Siouxsie’ sound, little girl walking up and down the stage.

For our full line-up, latest time shedule and tickets, go to our website: www.leguesswho.nl. Next episode: tips by Marion Gabaii & Jean Sebastian Nicolet of Imperial Productions, Paris.

Exclusive: Suuns mixtape for Le Guess Who?

2011-11-04T16:23:00.000+01:00

We have asked Suuns to create a mixtape for Le Guess Who? and The Quietus. And..they did.

This is what Shemie has to say about the mixtape: "Not much of a concept behind the mix really. Some psych, some punk, some friends of ours, and a minimal disco-tek dance section. Lots to listen to. In a way, the mix has a lot of music that's dear to our hearts and some other cuts that are just for kicks. Klaus Wonderlich is the black sheep in the mix, sometimes we play his shit before we go on stage to really confuse the audience."

Read the article on The Quietus here. Enjoy listening!

Quietus Mix 51: Suuns Shine Out Of Our Behind by The Quietus on Mixcloud

Tracklisting:
Soft Summer Breeze - The Diamonds
Some Velvet Morning - Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood
Science Killer - The Black Angels
Dept Bondage - Valleys
City Reprise - The War On Drugs
White Man Sleeps - Kevin Volans
Peanut vs. Cappe - Peanut Butter Wolf
12 x U - Wire
El Camino Car Crash - Swing Kids
Love Is Here To Stay - Klaus Wonderlich
Magnum - Adam Marshall
Isch - Thomas Brinkmann
Goo - Plastikman
The Maze - Stefan Goldmann
Black Sun - Monoroom
Tastes Like Crab - Crab People
Keule - Paul Kalkbrenner
Sleepless - SLG
Ego (radio rip) - Burial, Fourtet, Thom Yorke
Chisi(xplosion) - Thomas Mapfumo

Suuns will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Sunday November 26th. Check our website for the latest updates and timetable.

Le Guess Who? 2011 artwork in the spotlight

2011-11-04T12:21:00.009+01:00

Amazed by the beautiful artwork of this years Le Guess Who? Well, we are, big time. Every year, Le Guess Who? picks one designer, who is responsable for all the artwork for that edition: posters, flyers, festival guide, website, advertisements, merchandise.. you name it. In 2011, all artwork is designed by Kok Pistolet, a young but very talented duo. The designers that make up Kok Pistolet (Sasha van den Haak and Floris Schrama) decided to start their own design company back in October 2010, specializing in graphic design but also focussing on music, live performance, illustration and more. "We always approach a project from a basic idea," says Schrama, "looking at how far we can push and which direction it will take us."

Fontanel, the biggest online design magazine of The Netherlands, has written an article about Kok Pistolet. Read the English translation below and don't forget to check out more of their work on their website!

Old Dumbar colleagues Sacha and Floris have been working for some time for themselves under the name Kok Pistolet. Their imaginative work covers the decoration of the cool Le Guess Who? Festival which takes place from November 24 to 28 in Utrecht.

Because the festival takes place mostly behind doors and windows, Kok has developed a concept in which light, warmth and wonder are central. Each expression has its own 'light'. At Le Guess Who? their distinctive style wil have Utrecht city in its grip, when various locations are being decorated and highlighted.

Win: 3x1 official Le Guess Who? & Katoenfabriek tote bag

2011-11-03T16:51:00.009+01:00

This year, we have a unique collaboration with the Katoenfabriek, which resulted in these awesome tote bags, especially designed and made for Le Guess Who?. On Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th these will be silkscreened LIVE at Tivoli Oudegracht. Be sure to grab one!

Can't wait? This is your chance to be the very FIRST to walk around with a Le Guess Who? bag. Wanna win? Then take a picture of your oldest, ugliest, most worn out, old-fashioned, broken bag and post it on our Facebook page. The three worst bags - which need replacement the most - will win!

Contest is closed.

Le Guess Who? 2011 tips by: Vincent Koreman - Incubate

2011-11-03T08:21:00.005+01:00

Here you go: the second 'Le Guess Who? tips by..' In short: we've asked our favorite promoters, festivals and bands to tip their five recommendations for this year's Le Guess Who? festival line-up. This edition: Vincent Koreman, artistic director of Incubate.

Shabazz Palaces

Afro Futuristic hiphop brought to you by an ex Digable Planets rapper. What else could you possibly need to know? Shabazz Palaces blend their African heritage with modern production and tales from the city in the best oral tradition of the tribes before the slave trade era and claim their place in the African diaspora anno 2011. Or 2031. Or 2091. Excellent live shows with traditional headgear, clothing and ultra-futuristic, bass heavy music.

Zola Jesus
Simply one of the best concerts I have witnessed in the 7 years we have been doing Incubate was the 2010 concert of Zola Jesus. Stridulum II was also the only album me and my girlfriend both bought in that year, and that is saying a lot. I loved it for the killer hooks and cool old school electro/new wave production, she loved it for the beautiful haunting voice and the lyrics. So there you go.

Gary War
One of the best garage rock/lo-fi freak out bands around at the moment. Almost at Purling Hiss level of brilliance… best enjoyed with a slight buzz on. You need to grab their Police Water record from last year because it like, totally rocks man!!!

Slugabed
We’ve had Sluga play at one of the early editions of Trigga, the longest running dubstep night in Holland, and even though he didn’t play any dubstep at all, he totally killed it. Our regular visitors, mostly kids with issues (let’s face it, dubstep has become the heavy metal of the 2000′s, drawing a crowd of 16 year olds that don’t know what to do with themselves emotionally…), were surprised at first, stunned at second and finally going berserk with a crazy ass mosh pit. I predict this scenario will repeat itself at Le Guess Who.

Tarwater
Truly legendary band with ties to that other great German band To Rococo Rot (Ronald Lippok plays in both bands). Tarwater sounds a bit more organic though and for some reason, the former east resonates a bit more in their music. They used to be on Kitty Yo, back when those guys were still defining the German underground, both have since moved on the great Morr label, a fitting home for their instrumental post rock with electronic influences.

For our full line-up, latest time shedule and tickets, go to our website: www.leguesswho.nl. Next episode: tips by Peter Weening, promoter at Vera.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 24: The Devil's Blood

2011-11-02T11:56:00.005+01:00

Enjoyed Halloween this mondaynight? Sad it's over? Then we have the perfect band for you to relive your scariest moments: The Devil's Blood.

FaceCulture conducted an interview with guitarist SL. You can now watch the chat below. This mini-documentary about SL was shot at his home in Eindhoven and Speedfest, which was held in the same city. Lemouchi talks about taking control over his own life, struggling with drugs, alcohol and depression, writing music and painting, ratio versus instinct, blood sacrifices and death amongst others.

What can you expect musically?

"Without saying too much, or saying nothing at all, you can expect a frenzy of rock n roll flavoured hard rock that speak of times decades past, no modernisms, no trends, no high end sounds. Just Vintage rock music in the vein of Roky Erickson, Black Widow, Coven, Black Sabbath and a rich plethora of sixties and seventies underground psychedelic rock bands too numerous to mention. Although The Devil’s Blood are inspired and fueled by their love for these bands they are not a tribute band in any way or form. Instead we offer new, original, fresh material to strengthen our live rituals and appease our Master’s senses.So even though The Devil’s Blood play “old time music” they do it with the same creative and artistic drive as their inspirators.”

The Devil's Blood will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Sunday November 26th in DB's. Please note: you will have to RSVP if you are planning to visit the show by sending an e-mail to info@leguesswho.nl.

This week: REWIRE festival in The Hague

2011-11-01T17:11:00.006+01:00

On friday 4th and saturday 5th of November, REWIRE takes place in The Hague. REWIRE is a new internationally minded festival for contemporary culture in The Hague, The Netherlands. The festival takes place in and around unusual urban venues in the heart of the city. A former office building, a Church and parts of the old Powerplant will be used as festivalsite. The program features two contemporary art exhibitions, audiovisual performances, abstract cinema, artist talks, lectures and cutting-edge concerts.

REWIRE focuses on relations between conventional art and music forms and new recent developments. They are taking a closer look at developments in the avant-garde music and contemporary art scene. By programming certain themes, which will differ every year, we try to examine what relevant issues are evolving and appearing and what this all means in historical perspective. In 2011 REWIRE is exploring i.e. contemporary classical music with a program featuring Nils Frahm & Anne Müller, Peter Broderick & Machinefabriek.

Other acts are Hype Williams, oOoOO, Rustie, Vondelpark, Washed Out and Dirty Beaches. Check out the full line-up at their website!

Le Guess Who? 2011 tips by: Daniel Seligman - Pop Montreal Festival

2011-10-31T20:32:00.012+01:00

Today, we're starting a new series of 'Le Guess Who? tips by..' In short: we've asked our favorite promoters, festivals and bands to tip their five recommendations for this year's Le Guess Who? festival line-up. This edition: Daniel Seligman of Pop Montreal Festival.

Socalled
Socalled is a long time POP alumni and all around genius. You really need to see this one man wonder of music, entertainment and magic to believe. I've never seen anyone else like him and I don't think I ever will.

Braids
Braids are the sweetest people on earth. Their music is wholly original and excellently executed. It's hypnotic trippy and catchy without ever once sounding derivative or cliched.

Bill Callahan
I'm jealous. I've been trying to book Callahan for 5 years. you lucky bastards

Cheveu
Cheveu played POP this year. They rule. Their experimental garage rock will get you on your feet and in the mood to party.

Shabazz Palaces
I'm very curious to see Shabazz Palaces, I was a fan of The Digable Planets back in the day, so it's nice to see Butterfly metamorphosize into this new life. Although they are shrouded in mystery which seems to be working as a buzz builder, musically, Tendai Maraire spooky disjointed beats create an interesting compliment to the free associative lyrical flow of Ishmael Butler. I think it will be dope in a live setting.

For the most up to date timeshedule, go here. Tomorrow: tips by Vincent Koreman, artistic director of Incubate.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 23: Low

2011-10-31T13:49:00.007+01:00

One advantage of introducing a band that's been around for a while is that there is a lot of live footage circulating online. That's also the case for Low: a band that was formed in 1993 in Duluth, Minnesota. Although having experienced some shifts in bandmembers, from 2010, the group is composed of Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) and Mimi Parker (drums and vocals), both founding members, and Steve Garrington (bass guitar). In 2011, Low released their ninth studio album, called 'C'mon'.

What Low sounds like? There's no better way to find out then to listen and learn. That is why we've gathered some beautiful sessions and live performances of Low. Watch, listen or download them below and enjoy!

Free EP Live at Eindhoven:

Low live on KEXP radio:

Low performing an acoustic set for NPR's "Tiny Desk Concerts" series:

Low is performing at Le Guess Who? on Friday November 25th. Check the lastest version of our timetable here. For more information and tickets: check out our website.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 22: Com Truise

2011-10-29T14:20:00.006+02:00

A former drum 'n' bass DJ, Seth Haley has tried his hand at various production aliases in a variety of styles, but it wasn't until he adopted the persona Com Truise that he found his first real acclaim. Despite the cleverness (or not-cleverness) of the name, Com Truise isn't some celebrity deconstruction or po-mo prank. The retro-futurist melancholy of the music soon gives the name a different resonance—you start thinking of "Com" as in "intercom," and "Truise" as, perhaps, a star in a distant quadrant. His debut album, 'Galactic Melt', pays homage to '70s synthesizer music, '80s funk, and Boards of Canada's woozy nostalgia for the same periods.

But what's in a name? "It started out as a joke. I had two other names for the project before I decided to go with Com Truise. I woke up one morning and realized I had no real intentions for this project, so let's go with this crazy name, who cares? Then it just kind of stuck. When I think back, if I had made a different choice or went with one of the other names, I probably wouldn't be where I am now. It's silly, but I do believe it has some sort of stopping power. A lot of people are like, "I love the music but hate the name." The point of the music isn't really the name. I could call it, like, Monkey Turd, you know?" (read the rest of the interview on Rhapsody)

Com Truise recently toured with Glitch Mob and Neon Indian. Watch a video of some live footage recorded there below and listen to Com Truise's newest tracks on soundcloud.

Latest tracks by Com Truise

Com Truise will be spinning his set at Thursday November 24th. Check our website for tickets and more information.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 21: Holloys

2011-10-28T11:15:00.008+02:00

"The holloys come from Lake Land,a parallel dimension to ours. When The holloys come into our three dimensional world they enter into various forms and functions. Some of their manifestations are audible within the songs you hear here. The holloys attract people places and things to translate its information through. A person, location or object may be a porthole for the holloy to enter, occupy or pass through , making the subject a temporary conduit for the holloy’s emergence. All most all occasions The holloys only pass through a subject that is “open” to the relationship. Therefore some people places or things will consciously welcome The holloys regularly, yet others will not. There has never been any reports of a long term negative affect due to this phenomenon. "

No matter whether you buy into the Holloys’ mythology as described here, the Los Angeles band’s chief mystic and bottle washer Jim Brown has been recalibrating sonic weights and measures for eight years now.

Holloys’ new album “Suns Lungs” (out since October 25th) encases Brown’s mind-baking, body-shaking dance-punk in tight polyrhythms and blasts of guitar and trumpet. Over 36 minutes, “Suns Lungs” possesses almost hypnotic qualities — if trances can induce convulsions, that is. Brown, whose rotating cast of collaborators in the past has included members At the Drive In, the Breeders and the Mars Volta, is now surrounded by Bryan Lee Brown, Derek Wood, Michael Elliott, Alvin DeGuzman and Andrea Newell, and Holloys are in top form on “#25.” Consider the opening verse: “I used to think that these numbers were just shapes made out of lines / I used to think that they were not alive / Till I met 25, yeah it’s in disguise, it’s number 52 / Yeah it talked to me, yeah it showed me and now it’s gonna show you.”

(original post: buzzbands.la)

Read a great review of Suns Lungs here. And check out a few songs of the new album alongside older songs below. Enjoy!

Holloys will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 at Friday November 25th. Buy your passe-partout, daytickets or location/concert tickets here.

Latest tracks by holloys

Timetable and festival guide online

2011-10-28T10:43:00.007+02:00

Exactly four weeks before Le Guess Who? 2011 starts, we come out with a first version of the timetable. The timetable can be downloaded here. Times and locations are subject to change, keep an eye out on http://www.leguesswho.nl/ for any changes.

Also from now on, the official Le Guess Who? Festival Guide is in circulation, including four exclusively designed covers. In there, you can read everything about the festival and the acts that play there. The guide also contains a special Subbacultcha! section with interviews and background information on different acts. 10,000 copies will be spread throughout the festival locations, larger cities, all Subbacultcha! members and at the Le Guess Who? Festival itself. Read it here!

Next to Le Guess Who? 4 day passe-partouts (€ 75) and day tickets (ranging from € 25 - € 27.50), from now on there are separate concert tickets per location per day. For an overview of all different tickets , go here.

Le Guess Who? merchandise garage sale

2011-10-27T14:59:00.014+02:00

Get in style for this years edition of Le Guess Who?! Before we're ready for a new wardrobe, we're selling our old merchandise via our website and at recordstore Plato in Utrecht (map and directions)

You can buy t-shirts (male and female) in size S, M, L or XL or a hat (all sizes), to keep you warm during the long cold winter nights.

Find more info here (scroll down)!

Le Guess Who? 2011 is taking place from November 24th till November 27th in Utrecht, Holland. Read about our full line-up at www.leguesswho.nl

Le Guess Who? introduces part 20: Iceage

2011-10-25T07:57:00.010+02:00

"It is energy, mad and not least the youth vigorous." - Ekstra Bladet

"New Brigade is one of the finest punk rock records of recent years" - Noel Gardner

"These four have located a punk-rock sweet spot: mixing the black atmosphere of goth, the wild-limbed whoosh of hardcore, and the clangor of post-punk." - Pitchfork

Just some random quotes about Iceage's first full length 'New Brigade'. During the last couple of months, Iceage has become one of the most passionately talked-about bands in the online music press. Playing at a total length of 26 minutes, New Brigade stretches the bounds of punk adding in goth and hardcore to the mix. "We figured out the songs over a period of two years and the album took three or four days to record. There is no theme or concept—it's just whatever we felt like doing. Every song is about something. Our lives, what surrounds us, feelings, states we've been in, thoughts. Subjects include lucidity, sex, brotherhood, time, visions. "

The Danish teenage musicians (only 19 years old) have known eachother since they were little. "We've always played music together to pass time but it wasn't until 2008 when the band and the songs came together." While brainstorming about bandnames, 'Iceage' came up: no extra meaning attached.

Iceage has had a pretty huge coverage in Denmark: "We don't really know how it happened, everything just went amok. We've been in every Danish newspaper and on the radio news with headlines such as "Teenage bullies full of anger and anxiety". It's all pretty weird."

Iceage is known for their frantic shows that leave bruises on your body for days. If you choose to dive into the moshpit, that is.. If not: just enjoy their energetic, crazy, impressive punk show!

Watch a live performance of 'You're Blessed' and listen to a - freshly leaked - bonustrack of New Brigade, named “IIIIIIII”

ICEAGE - IIIIIIII by bigloverecords

Iceage will be performing at Le Guess Who? on Sunday November 27th. Get your tickets at our website or buy them at our local suppliers.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 19: Braids

2011-10-24T15:23:00.015+02:00

There is no better name for the Canadian quartet Braids. The band musically and personally embodies a braid: a complex structure formed by interlacing all four members' musical talents. Their partnership dates back to their youth on the playground, where they started to weave the friendship and collective input of ideas that still shines through in their tightly-knit music.

Their friendship is solid, but their music may be misunderstood. Although classified as experimental pop, BRAIDS do something much deeper, combining dense soundscapes and ambient melodies. The young (all under 21!) group, now residing in Montreal, released their first full-length album, Native Speaker, this year. Braids make chilling, meticulously crafted pop music. Layering angelic four-part vocal harmonies over swirling synths, twinkling pianos, tropical guitars and stuttering, sophisticated rhythms, their arrangements are lush and obsessively detailed.

'Sup magazine posted a very interesting interview with lead singer/guitarist Raphaelle and drummer Austin Tufts last thursday. Read a sneakpreview below, or the whole interview here.

How do you go about creating music as a group?
Everyone’s always taking part. It’s a very collaborative, very holistic process. It was very organic in the sense that we got comfortable around each other. When we first started, I was writing a lot of folk-pop songs, and so we were kind of doing the whole acoustic, folk thing. Then, as we got more comfortable, people felt more able to write and to share ideas. So now that we are extremely comfortable with each other (laughs) we all write very collectively.

Are you guys gearheads? It sounds like you spend a fair amount of time in the studio.
The thing is, we have a lot of ideas when we write and compose, and its really hard to be bound by the physical limitations of instruments, and one of the easiest ways to get around that is to find gear and find really creative ways of using gear to push those boundaries and be able to move beyond the limitations of just a guitar, or just a drum set, or just a vocal. So yeah, we look to gear a lot for that.

But so what as a band is more fulfilling to you? Writing the songs, recording them, or playing them live?
The whole process is different. You learn so much from each individual process. In terms of immediate pleasure, it would be live, playing live, writing live and rehearsing live.

Curious to see them perform live? Braids will play Le Guess Who? Thursday November 24th. For info and tickets: go to our website (both Dutch and foreign buyers) P.s. don't forget to watch their stunning live performance of Plath Heart...

Rock Ton Paintball avec Braids (Épisode 8) from Scène 1425 on Vimeo.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 18: Sleep ∞ Over

2011-10-24T15:23:00.008+02:00

A week before the Le Guess Who? festival starts, on Friday November 18th, there will be a Le Guess Who? Festival Warm-up Party at EKKO with psychedelic lo-fi rockers Pure X and dreampop-trio Sleep ∞ Over. Le Guess Who? passepartout ticketholders get free entrance to this Warm-up Party - no passpartout ticket holders pay 5 euro entrance (ticket). Today, we introduce one half of our Warm-up party to you!

Back in late 2009, Sleep ∞ Over was a trio just starting to make sweetly melodic, fuzzy lo-fi pop. Austin-based multi-instrumentalist and singer Stefanie Franciotti, who used to front local band Silver Pines, had recruited Sarah Brown and Christa Palazzolo to accompany her in a new project: “I didn’t know them very well until we got the band together,” Franciotti explains. “The idea came about because I was playing with my friends – who are now in Pure X – in Silver Pines and they got busy, so I wanted to start a new band. I supplied all of the equipment and got everything rolling with it pretty quickly.”

Sleep ∞ Over’s first releases included 7“s on Light Lodge and Forest Family before Brown and Palazzolo separated from the band earlier this year to work on their own project, Boy Friend. It left Franciotti to record ‘Forever’, her upcoming debut LP on Hippos In Tanks, solo. “There was some hesitation about it, sure,” she says, but “I wanted to see the songs I had written [happen]. The whole experience was pretty soul-crushing at the time but we’re all over it now.”

Read what Pitchfork has to say about 'Forever': Ultimately, the album's song-oriented material is the most memorable. "Romantic Streams", "Casual Diamond", and highlight "Stickers" are peppered with space-age chimes and melting glissandos that feel grounded and organic. And despite all the machine noise, Franciotti's vocals feel approachable and human. Though her singing is sometimes unremarkable, at times sound like a slurry Hope Sandoval trapped in a bell jar (this is a compliment). At these moments, Forever's frozen lullabies provide mix immediate gratification with a hint of mystery.

Listen to a couple of songs from 'Forever' below and watch an interview with the girls taken at a show in Dallas. See you November 18th!

Latest tracks by Sleep ∞ Over

SLEEP ∞ OVER - Interview from WeDentonDoIt on Vimeo.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 17: Art Melody

2011-10-24T12:07:00.002+02:00

Get ready for Zound Zande, Art Melody's radically creative second album, ‘cos it’s like nothing you’ve heard before. The first thing that strikes you is the Burkinabe’s distinctive and amazing raucous voice as he flings the words at you in Mooré and Dioula (with a sprinkling of French). The sheer force shakes you up both mentally and musically, as his powerful vocals pummel, flow and bounce on a fusion of the most contemporary and traditional sounds and rhythms.

After some hard times in the Francophone West African country of Burkina Faso, which forced him to leave for Ivory Coast, and then go through immigration hell in a failed bid to settle in France, Art Melody met a couple of young filmmakers from Bordeaux who decided to shoot a portrait of the rapper explaining what rap means to him – it’s his life - and his definition of rap.

This inspired them to create tentacul records and produce the eponymous explosive 2009 album, the first single from which was the impressive To Biiga (which means ‘Someone else’s child’). This productive partnership launched Art Melody onto the some of the best stages in Burkina Faso, allowed him to embark on the recording of a second album, and tour France in May/June 2010 with Ben Sharpa and top French acts like La Rumeur and Watcha Clan.

The album is woven through with political interludes. It includes, for instance, an excerpt from a speech originally delivered on the independence of Burkina Faso (in Hot Volta), and another extract (in the beautiful track Sankara) from a speech by the late Thomas Sankara, ex-president, in which this hero of Burkina Faso’s revolution explains why it’s impossible for a colonised country, or for any individual in such a country, to find any sort of balance or stability if the country cooperates with the colonial power.

source: www.thisisafrica.me

Zound Zandé was produced by Tentaculrecords and Banzaï Lab and released in March this year. Listen to some songs below and watch his newest video 'Bayir Nooma'. Art Melody will be perfoming at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Get your tickets here!

Latest tracks by ART MELODY

ART MELODY - BAYIR NOOMA - (prod.Redrum) from artmelody on Vimeo.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 16: Fool's Gold

2011-10-23T14:36:00.003+02:00

Yesterday, Fool's Gold performed at Vera in Groningen, after playing a show at Effenaar in Eindhoven last thursday. Missed it? Don't worry: you'll have another chance to see them on Saturday November 26th during Le Guess Who?. Not convinced yet? Let us introduce them to you first.

Fool's Gold is a Los Angeles collective that weaves together Western pop aesthetics with African rhythms and melodiesLos Angeles based outfit. Fool's Gold are something of a unique entity among the current climate of tired clichés regurgitating their parents record collections. Not least because rather than follow the traditional notion of merely being a band, their ethos is one where the term "collective" is perhaps more of an appropriate description of their make-up.

Although initially started four years ago by songwriters Luke Top and Lewis Pesacov, both of whom were (and in some cases still are) heavily involved in other projects at the time as an experimental sideline of sorts, the critical acclaim bestowed on their self-titled 2009 debut not to mention the sporadic, often mantra-like nature of their live shows.

Now, Fool's Gold is back with full length 'Leave No Trace' on which Fool's is more a band than just a collective: "It was literally a collective in L.A., first two years there was a certain core of people who would come to play with us, but we kind of never knew who it would be, it was an open door, a rotating door, there were some people that would come and play a couple of gigs fanned some other people would come for some other gigs, it was kind of always changing in a way, we never really played two shows in a row with the same line up. I mean even for a long time I feel like we’ve never toured."

Another obvious distinction in the new record is that it is sung predominately in English. This was an intuitive choice, much in the way the debut album leaned towards Hebrew. “Singing in Hebrew on the first record allowed me to find my voice; it helped me to come out of my shell and push myself into letting go, both as a performer and songwriter” says singer Luke Top. “As the words and themes for this record started to take shape, I knew I had to express them in English, my first language. Being that this is a far more personal and nuanced collection of songs, it was important to me that my ideas were expressed as clearly as possible, both to myself and to the listener.”

The end result is a much more sophmore, organic sound that makes you wanna jump on your feet and dance. Still not convinced yet? Watch Fool's Gold new video 'Wild Window' and enjoy seeing them record 'The Dive' below. Buy your tickets for Le Guess Who? here!

Le Guess Who? introduces part 15: Summer Camp

2011-10-20T17:04:00.005+02:00

Summer Camp is a London based duo formed in 2009 by Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey. Jeremy Warmsley is a singer/songwriter of considerable repute, with two critically acclaimed solo albums already to his name. Elizabeth Sankey is a well-respected journalist and writer, having cut her teeth on the NME and Platform among others. Together they make up Summer Camp. But how did they meet?

In its most simplified form, girl makes boy a mixtape, they cover one of the songs on it, post it on MySpace, and the web's tastemakers find it. Band lay low and remain anonymous while they figure out what to do and where to take the idea of Summer Camp, before the anonymity takes on a life of its own and they get 'outed' by a magazine. Since then, the Young EP has garnered near unanimous praise from all corners of the media.

This week, they recorded a session at Daytrotter. Listen to it and read about it here and don't forget to watch the enchanting video of "Better Off Without You” below, which pairs the British duo’s ’80s-vintage indie-pop with ’70s-vintage footage of youth going wild, all in nicely-executed split-screen.

Enjoy and watch out for the release of their first full length "Welcome to Condale" November 9th!

Summer Camp will be perfoming at Le Guess Who? on Saturday November 26th. Buy your tickets at our website.

Win: 2x2 tickets for Twin Sister, Lucky Dragons in EKKO

2011-10-19T20:02:00.008+02:00

This month, our friends at EKKO in Utrecht are celebrating their 25th anniversary and to celebrate, Subbacultcha! has cooked up one hell of a line-up that features Long Island dream poppers Twin Sister, who are touring on the back of their wonderful debut album In Heaven. Subbacultcha! favourites Lucky Dragons, who are bound to lift you to a higher ground with their sonically induced musical seance, are also playing. And the icing on the cake is provided by Ital, who sure knows how to get a party started with his pumping dance beats.

In short: be there of be square. Suffering the end-of-the-month-blues? Ha! We're your lifesaver. Just answer the question below to win 2 x 2 tickets:

Where did Twin Sister record their latest record 'In Heaven'?

UPDATE 24-10: contest closed.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 15: Baconhead

2011-10-19T13:24:00.002+02:00

Wobbly dubstep without becoming coarse, the British duo Baconhead (producers Autobee and Ebola) performs it like no one can. Their creations are actually quite minimal. Funk and Sci-Fi meets deep bass and electronic oddities and influences. Think Luke Skywalker creating 80's funky disco using an Atari. Get it? Well, let's say a video is worth a thousand words. Check out this wobbly wobbly dustep!

Baconhead will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Friday November 25th. Buy your passe-partout or daytickets at www.leguesswho.com

Video: My Brightest Diamond drops "We Added It Up"

2011-10-18T17:27:00.001+02:00

Shara Worden shares another clip from the new My Brightest Diamond LP All Things Will Unwind, this time for “We Added It Up,”. Check it out! She will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Sunday November 27th. Buy your passe-partout or daytickets at www.leguesswho.com

Le Guess Who? introduces part 14: Forest Fire

2011-10-18T11:44:00.005+02:00

Today marks the release of 'Staring At The X', Forest Fire's newest album. The perfect moment to introduce this band to you!

With their sophomore record, Forest Fire – songwriter/vocalist Mark Thresher, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Delffs, bassist/multi-instrumentalist Natalie Stormann, drummer Robert Pounding, and producer/keyboardist Adam Spittler – reject the ‘what’s next’ attitude plaguing so many of the NYC/Brooklyn scene, innovating at their own pace while maintaining a traditionalist’s focus on songwriting.

Forest Fire were originally discovered by tastemaking blogger Ryan Catbird after he randomly downloaded some of their music because he liked the bandname. He released their debut album, Survival, on his own label in 2008, which received some very positive reviews, comparing the sound to bands like Arcade Fire, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. For their latest, self-recorded effort, Forest Fire renew the focus on instant-classic hooks and lyrics, but bring a new complexity to their sound. As Thresher explains, “This record is our attempt to be more of an ambitious songwriter/rock band, rather than a weird folk band.”

Some first quotes about 'Staring At The X'

Pitchfork - even more so than their promising debut, Staring at the X proves them to be a commendably ambitious band with the chops to carry out even their most far-flung ideas

Artrocker – Beautifully cool

Losing Today - Marks the creative astuteness and dare we say confident swagger of a band comfortable in their own skin…without doubt the coolest thing we’ve possibly heard all year

Drowned In Sound - It is as swirly and indebted to the darker shades of psychedelia as a band like Deerhunter, it has considerably more swagger

Rhythm Circus - a definite purchase

AU - a seductive 35 minutes... Brilliantly odd stuff

Forest Fire - The News (FatCat Single A-Side) by Fat Cat Records

Forest Fire - To Be Honest (FatCat Single B-Side) by Fat Cat Records

Forest Fire will be performing at Le Guess Who? on Sunday November 27th. To make sure you don't miss them, go here.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 13: Still Corners

2011-10-15T15:20:00.004+02:00

Singer Tessa Murray and producer Greg Hughes, a.k.a. Still Corners, met by chance at a train station in London. Now their debut album Creatures Of An Hour has been released. "We are becoming increasingly used to each other," says Murray.

The history of Still Corners is too unlikely to withhold. The story goes that the American songwriter Greg Hughes, came to London to pursue a career in music. On a dark, foggy night he took the train to London Bridge but missed his stop. On the next stop, just one other passenger left the train: Tessa Murray.

What began as a chance encounter, growed into a close cooperation, which resulted in a preliminary culmination with the release of their debut album Creatures Of An Hour. The production laid in the hands of Hughes while Murray played a reading role in the overall process. "The longer we work together, the better I become at predicting his wishes," says the British singer. "We are becoming more used to each other. Greg has become a lot more flexible. "

In an earlier interview, Hughes remarked not to prefer to give away too much about the music. "I do not like to completely decipher the songs," he said. "This comes at the expense of the mystery." Patience plays an important role in his approach. "I like to leave my work for two week and modify it further after that. By taking the time, the songs eventually get their proper shape. "

Like the music, the vocals are often Hughes', says Murray. "After that I translate it into something that works since Greg's vocals are not too good." Because Murray is usually the first to hear Hughes' creations, she feels a lot of pressure. "It sometimes takes me a few listens to decide if I like something or not. Occasionally I'm not sure about a song when I start it, but after a few times listening I love it. "Hughes:" Or it's just crap. "

(interview: Lucas van Eck, text: Tom Springveld)

Eager to find out more? Still Corners is perfoming at Le Guess Who? on Saturday November 26th. Get your tickets here.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 12: Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks

2011-10-15T11:00:00.005+02:00

Do we really need to introduce Stephen Malkmus, you ask? Yes, he is the leadsinger of Pavement. But while Pacement has only done one reunion tour in 2010, Stephen Malkmus continues to evolve and experiment, toying with synthesizers and electronics and with shape-shifting prog-rock, both solo and with his band The Jicks.

After having released four solo-albums, Malkmus worked together with Beck on his latest record Mirror Traffic. Read here what Malkmus told Pitchfork about their collaboration and the result:

"He just called me and said he was [thinking of producing some records]. It was the second or third thing he said; it wasn't strategic or anything. He was just like, "I'm doing this now." I wasn't really aware that he was producing because he's been on a path of making albums and recording and touring for 20 years, too. I would've thought of doing something with him, but not as a producer. But when something comes out of the blue like that, you're like, "That makes sense."

"I was into what [Beck] had to say, completely. It was just great to have someone there that's positive, saying, 'Okay, here's where we are now, we're this far, we're going to take this ship home,' and to not have to bother yourself with the production side of things. You just play and be yourself, be more your musical self than your technical self, which I suppose can cloud up your vision or your performances a little bit."

"For this album, it was going to be about the songs and vocals a bit more. Everyone plays into that L.A. cookie-cutter thing, where the band is more like a quasi-wrecking crew, and you're just doing what the song needs. Maybe all of our personalities might not come out as much on our instruments, but the songs are going to live more. That's what will really last."

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks have released a video for their single, “Senator”, which touts the wry and accurate opening line, “I know what the senator wants/what the senator wants is a blowjob.” The video was produced by “The Daily Show” writer Scott Jacobson, and, along with Jack Black, features the boss from Office Space, Gary Cole, on guitar. Enjoy!

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Thursday November 24th. Get your tickets and more information here.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 11: Snailhouse

2011-10-13T12:00:00.007+02:00

Snailhouse is the pseudonym of the Canadian indie rock artist Mike Feuerstack. Mike Feuerstack’s project Snailhouse released its first album in 1994 and is now celebrating it’s 8th release, Sentimental Gentleman. Feuerstack has been a part of such notable bands as the Wooden Stars and Belle Orchestre while collaborating with numerous other artists like Julie Doiron, Land of Talk, and many more over his musical career. Known for his sense of humour and for enjoying life, his blog is worth perusing for some laughs and insight into life as a touring musician.

On Sounthern Souls, Mike Feuerstack talks very openly about his new album and upcoming tour:

"Well the biggest difference would have to be the musicians (Mike Belyea, Nick Cobham, Kyle Cunjak). They are the band that played many of the shows for the last record together with me. Our rehearsals and shows went so smoothly that I wanted them to be the band on the record – in fact, I wanted to make it as though we were a band – involving them in the arrangement and producing their own performances and sounds. The other difference is that we tried to work as quickly and easily as possible. I wanted it to be fun, which for some reason is a rare experience in the recording studio. We achieved our goal!"

"Honestly, I don’t want to sound precious, but every show with the band has been a highlight. I love playing solo – I’ve done it for years, and I’ll do it for many more years, but being on tour with these amazing musicians and great people has been nothing but fun. Next I will be doing solo shows in Western Canada, then band shows in Eastern Canada in October, and then touring as a duo with drummer Mike Belyea in Europe in November."

Watch Snailhouse perform an acoustic version of Great Storytellers below. Snailhouse will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Friday November 26th. Get your tickets here.

SNAILHOUSE - Great Storytellers from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 10: My Brightest Diamond

2011-10-12T15:59:00.001+02:00

My Brightest Diamond (a.k.a. Shara Worden) arrives fully armed with serious art-pop credibility. A veteran of Sufjan Stevens' Illinoisemakers who used to perform under the moniker AwRY, she's earned the admiration of Bon Iver, The National's Bryce Dessner and The Decemberists, among others. But ever since she first arrived on the scene, the operatically trained performer has drawn upon classical musicians as co-conspirators — not for bombast or sentimentality on overdrive, but just the opposite: for warmth, for intimacy. Acoustic instruments bloom under human touch, and that's what My Brightest Diamond is all about.

My Brightest Diamond singing 'I have never loved someone' for La Blogotheque's Take Away Shows. Filmed in Berlin, at the MichelBerger Mystery Music Festival, August 2011.

"After the concert I finally dared to ask her what I wanted to ask her that morning, to sing us this lullaby that struck me down. It's Sunday morning, a morning of hangovers. The whole hotel seems suspended in the air. We ask her to get to the bar, to make it sing for her, to sing for her son (for whom she had written this song). We erase ourselves. She, she doesn't. After we're done filming, I cry. She cries too."

My Brightest Diamond will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Sunday November 27th. Buy your passe-partout or daytickets at www.leguesswho.com

Discount: the fabulous Mary K Hotel

2011-10-12T12:58:00.003+02:00

The fabulous Mary K Hotel offers us a very attractive discount for accommodation.

"We have three types of rooms at the Mary K Hotel: Cosy Small, Comfortable Medium, Large Deluxe. Our rooms vary from 19 up to 37 m2. No two rooms are alike. Some rooms have a balcony, whilst others look out towards a romantic canal view. Some of our rooms are interconnecting, whilst an other has sliding doors which open towards the garden. Apart from that, each room has it’s own arty character."

Normally you pay €120 for a small room, €145 for a medium room or €195 for a large room. But especcialy for you, our lovely visitors, they've set up a discountcode, which means that every room (small, large, medium) cost the same! Only €120 per room per night (two persons). Indeed, that means you can save up €75 and sleep in royal luxury when you're a fast booker. So, hurry up, BOOK BY E-MAIL (see below) and don't forget to mention the discountcode!

Discountcode: LEGUESSWHO2011
Address: Oudegracht 25, Utrecht, the Netherlands
Website: www.marykhotel.com
For bookings: info@marykhotel.com

2000 Likers on Facebook - win tickets for Dodos concert at Tivoli

2011-10-12T09:54:00.012+02:00

Le Guess Who? is gaining more and more attention from visitors, fans, journalists, bands and partners from all around the world through our Blog, Twitter en Facebook. And we have some exciting news: only 51 more and we'll have 2000 likes on Facebook!

To celebrate this, we are giving away 1x2 tickets for the Dodos in Tivoli on Wednesday December 14th. The Dodos played a great show at Le Guess Who 2009, which received some very good reviews, which you can read here and her e. You can watch a video of their performance on 3voor12 TV (just scroll down and click on 'The Dodos - live in Tivoli, Utrecht op Le Guess Who? 28 NOV '09").

So, make sure you/or your friends like us on Facebook. Our 2000st follower will receive a personal message. Good like, uh...luck!

Le Guess Who? introduces part 9: Author

2011-10-11T17:36:00.006+02:00

It may be a new name on the scene, yet the producer duo that constitutes Author are certainly no newbies in their own right. Both Ruckspin and Jack Sparrow have established themselves as highly gifted and hardworking producers, dedicated to engineering optimum quality sounds. Following their first collaboration, ‘Dread’, which was included on ‘Get Darker Presents This is Dubstep 2011’, they formed Author as a shared project.

Removed from the pressure of the dancefloor, Author takes the baton from Kruder & Dorfmeister’s ‘K&D Sessions’, The Cinematic Orchestra and timeless Mowax recordings in exploring more spacious arrangements and sounds. It represents the opportunity to experiment within the context of dubstep, collaborating with live musicians and celebrating a wide palate of musical influences.

Ryan Gath aka Jack Sparrow has had a slew of deep-dubstep dancefloor killers under his belt on Contagious, Earwax, Pushing Red Recordings and Cloqwerq, as well as jaw-dropping debut LP ‘Cicadian’ out on Tectonic last year. Alongside Sparrow, fellow Leeds based beat-sculptor, long standing friend and producer Dom Howard aka Rukspin is also a key member and producer for the live dubstep super-group Submotion Orchestra.

Tracklisting:
1. Turn Ft. Ed Thomas
2. Sun
3. Revolutions
4. Green & Blue Ft. Ben Glass
5. Dashiki
6. Mothership
7. Fix
8. Drain

Author-Teacher (Tec052) Album sampler by J.Sparrow (dubstep)

Author's firt album will be released on November 14th 2011. Just in time for their show on Le Guess Who? on Saturday November 26th!

For more information and tickets: www.leguesswho.nl

Club 3voor12/Utrecht present: Hollandse Nieuwe at Le Guess Who? 2011

2011-10-10T17:41:00.001+02:00

3VOOR12/Utrecht and Le Guess Who? present a special 'Hollandse Nieuwe' edition of Club 3VOOR12/Utrecht: a night full of the most promising acts from the Netherlands on Thursday November 24th in dB's.

Since 2009 'Hollandse Nieuwe' ('New Dutch') is not only used to refer to the first herring of the season that is suitable for consumption (go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soused_herring), but also for talented musicians from Dutch soil. No, we're not talking about Idols-like competitions, but of new bands that are really worth looking out for. Every month, a compilation is released with more than 20 new tracks, which you can stream on the 3voor12 Luisterpaal. On top of that, one act is being choosen as 'Hollandse Nieuwe of the month', getting even more attention in different news items.

Previous 'Hollandse Nieuwe' include Pien Feith, Lola Kite, I Am Oak and Nikoo. This years edition of Le Guess Who? will showcase five 'Hollandse Nieuwe', including two bands from Utrecht. Read more about them below and don't forget to check them out on November 25th at dB's, entrance free! Until then, you can listen to the 23th 'Hollandse Nieuwe' compilation,
or read more about the five acts here (Dutch only).

APRIL
There's more than enough dull music in The Netherlands, according to Jorn Mathijssen and Julia Hendriks aka April from Utrecht. They rose up against the musical tradition and do so with driving gazy indie rock, stimulating lyrics, beautiful vocals and atmospheric productions. It all started in a (soon to be demolished) flat in Overvecht and now the duo will play at Le Guess Who? 2011. http://iwentapril.blogspot.com

COSMO V
Cosmo V or Cosmo the Fifth is the stage name of Cosmo Luhulima, a student from Utrecht. Her debut EP V is a typical homemade record. The album consists of four very exciting songs. From garage rock to dream pop with a strong voice. The lyrics have a distinctive melancholic character, which she herself blames on her outsider role as Moluccan in her hometown Leerdam. There are already applications for shows coming from Chile and Morocco, while she just started rehearsing with her freshly formed band. Luhulima will soon leave Utrecht for Berlin to record her debut album. www.cosmov.tumblr.com/

JULIEN MIER
Julien Mier is a young composer and producer living in Hilversum. In his eclectic production he's not afraid of a clash of musical genres. He packs fragmented melodies into dreamy, melancholy stories. Think of a warped, fucked up Baths and Mount Kimbie with some Autechre and Board of Canada. www.soundcloud.com/julien-mier

Thankful by Julien Mier

LIGHT LIGHT
Two Amsterdam acts bonded in Light Light. The horny organ rockers zZz and the melancholic freak folk-rock of Sailors sound together like… well, like Light Light. Happy eighties pop music with a serious undertone. zZz singer Bjorn and Sailors singer Alexandra form a sort of Gainsbourg / Birkin beauty and the beast combo. That complemented by the great organ melodies of Daan and the guitar playing of Thijs creates something that can grow to get huge.

RATS ON RAFTS
Rats On Rafts - four guys from Rotterdam - started playing in 2005, only six years later they are being called the new wave and post punk revelation of the Netherlands. Their vinyl single The Moneyman brought them a spot on the twelfth Hollandse Nieuwe compilation, a spot on the Popronde and a tour around England. Meanwhile, the debut album The Moon Is Big was released, which received unanimous praise for its nine razor sharp tracks, they were 3VOOR12 Hollandse Nieuwe of the Month in October, played live at 3FM and in De Wereld Draait Door. www.ratsonrafts.com

For Dutch Le Guess Who: Go here to buy your Le Guess Who? tickets and read more information about accomodation and travel to/in Utrecht.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 8: Stranded Horse

2011-10-10T11:18:00.007+02:00

Actually it was quite unexpected that the French musician Yann Tambour in 2005 with his solo project, Thee Stranded Horse began. Up to that point, he was pretty succesful with his group Encre. Between 2000 and 2005, Encre undoubtedly was the most interesting avant-rock band from France, with a mix of post rock, samples and subtle poetic lyrics sung in French, and deliverd an impressive pair of albums on the label Clapping Music. One of the main reasons for Yann Tambour to begin a new solo project was his move from Paris to his native region Normandy. He was tired of Paris. Next to that, he had been playing Kora for a while, which he now uses as an accompanying instrument.

The music of Thee Stranded Horse is sober, intense and clearly rooted in old folk and blues, but also in the tradition of French chansons. With the release of his new CD "Tides humbling" (Talitres Records 2011) Yann Tambour changed the name Tea Stranded Horse in Stranded Horse and enriched his kora playing with arrangements for cello and violin.

Yesterday, Yann Tambour released the video for the song And the Shoreline Withdrew in Anger, where you can see his peculiar Kora playing. Enjoy!

Stranded Horse will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Friday November 25th. Buy your passe-partout or daytickets at www.leguesswho.com

Le Guess Who? introduces part 7: I Break Horses

2011-10-09T15:16:00.000+02:00

Allow us to introduce you to the world of I Break Horses, the nom de plume of Maria Lindén and her musical partner Fredrik Balck. Residing in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, the duo have quietly been crafting the nine tracks that make up debut album Hearts throughout stolen moments gathered up over the past three years.

The live incarnation of I Break Horses is one that is hugely anticipated amongst the many legions of fans the Stockholm duo have aquired these past few months. This video, filmed in a studio in their home town will only cement that excitment. Part one of three songs recorded, this rendition of ‘Winter Beats’ forces out the absolute romance of the original as Maria Linden coos that “frozen love will heal” over a delicate sea of synths and ghostly guitars. Perfection.

Curious for more? I Break Horses will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Stream: new SUUNS - single Bambi/Red Song

2011-10-07T17:49:00.004+02:00

A perfect way to start your weekend! Listen to the new 12" single of Canadian noise band SUUNS. "Bambi" and "Red Song" fit smoothly into the Montreal outfit's oeuvre of dancefloor-friendly post-punk noir. The band explains:

"With a couple weeks off this summer in Montreal, we thought we'd take a crack at a few new songs. Stark and futuristic, these are extended jams that may or may not materialize as condensed versions of themselves on records to come. Open air textures, repetition and exploration were the name of the game for us on this one, and the finished product is a refined mining of the ideas that came out. "Bambi" is a creepy story of love lost and found, while "Red Song" is just that: a song about color."

Suuns - Bambi b/w Red Song by DOJAGSC

SUUNS will be performing at Le Guess Who? at Saturday November 26th, only twelve days after releasing their new 12". Not to miss live! Buy your passe partout or daytickets at www.leguesswho.com

First listen: Stream new Thus:Owls album 'Harbours' (Exclusive)

2011-10-06T14:51:00.003+02:00

We are very excited that Le Guess Who? has the privilege to be the first to stream the new Thus:Owls album Harbours. They played at Le Guess Who? in 2009; in 2008 Erika and Simon played together with Colin Benders (Kyteman). Different settings, everytime magic! And now Harbours, their 2nd album... please take a listen and enjoy!

Thus Owls - Harbours by leguesswho

Download: Marissa Nadler covers Leonard Cohen

2011-10-06T09:57:00.000+02:00

Last year, Marissa Nadler covered a bunch of her favorite songwriters on Cover CD. Townes Van Zandt, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell were all there, but she didn’t touch anything by Leonard Cohen. A few days ago, Nadler just posted her version of “Winter Lady” as a free download promoting her upcoming U.K. tour.

“Winter Lady” is just her and an acoustic guitar, like most of her work. Also like most of her work: it’s stunningly beautiful. Download Nadler’s “Winter Lady” here.

Marissa Nadler will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Sunday November 27th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? introduces part 6: A Winged Victory For The Sullen

2011-10-05T12:08:00.000+02:00

Adam Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid, Sparklehorse) and composer Dustin O'Halloran (best known for his soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette) met each other during a performance of Sparklehorse in 2007. A new friendship led to the collaboration in the form of A Winged Victory for the Sullen. The combination results in classical piano pieces with an ambient post-rock touch. On their debut album the two worked alongside known artists like Peter Broderick, Hildur Gudnadottir and Nils Frahm.

Blog 'The Liminal' did an interview with the A Winged Victory For The Sullen members Dustin O'Halloran and Adam Wiltzie. We'd like to give you a scoop !

How did the style of music take shape? Did you want to try something new?
DO’H: We went into it pretty open minded, listening to a lot of spaced out soundtrack music, drinking good whiskey and talking about the decline of human existence. We tried to let the music speak to us [about] where it wanted to go. But one thing that was important was space and using the space in an effective way…

So where did the name of the project come from exactly?
AW: Tim, Dustin’s manager, said we needed to have a name and not use our personal names. I love coming up with stupid band names, it’s a hobby of mine to pass time in airports, and so voila.
DO’H: It was also pretty clear when we finished the record that it was not a one-off. We already had a lot more songs then could fit on the record and it seemed using our names would feel like a one-off. We have more to give.
AW: I had visited this island in Greece called Samothraki and there is a famous statue called “nike samothrice” which makes “the winged victory of…”. It was stolen and now sits in the entry hallway of the Louvre and I liked the ring of it. But I thought it sounded a bit too hopeful. My Mom used to call me a “sullen boy” so we slapped it on the end for good measure.

Curious for more? You can read the whole interview here. A Winged Victory For The Sullen will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? tips Nils Frahm / EKKO

2011-10-04T18:02:00.001+02:00

NILS FRAHM
EKKO / ZIJDEBALEN THEATER
THIS SUNDAY / NOVEMBER 9TH

Nils Frahm, born in 1982, had an early introduction to music. During his childhood he was taught to play piano by Nahum Brodski – a student of the last scholar of Tschaikowski. It was through this that Nils began to immerse himself in the styles of the classical pianists before him as well as contemporary composers.

Nils Frahm is already a firebrand in the modern classical world, collaborating with contemporaries such as Peter Broderick, Ólafur Arnalds and Anne Müller. His unconventional approach to an age-old instrument, played contemplatively and intimately, has won him many fans around the world.

Nils Frahm will be performing at EKKO / locatie Zijdebalen Theater this sunday October 9th. Tickets are available via http://www.ekko.nl/

Awesomeness: Resident Advisor / Le Guess Who?

2011-10-04T11:05:00.003+02:00

Some very good news reached us yesterday! Resident Advisor - THE leading online electronic music magazine - made a toplist of festivals which will take place in the cold of November. Guess what: we've been selected en have been listed on #7. Now ain't that awesome!?

"Yeah, we know the words "November" and "festivals" don't sound like a heavenly match, but dig a little deeper (or reside in the southern hemisphere) and there's still plenty to explore and enjoy. We make stops in Chile, France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Holland, Australia and Germany in search of the month's premier festival experiences."

07. Le Guess Who?
November 24 - November 27
Various Venues
Utrecht, Netherlands

If you're keen to tie a Dutch excursion to a festival but find the prospect of the ADE programme daunting, then Utrecht's Le Guess Who? might be just the ticket. The fifth edition of event provides the simple proposition of a three day, multi-venue venture in the nation's fourth largest city, set against the historic canal-side backdrop of Utrecht's city centre. A selection of indoor venues—Tivoli Oudegracht, Tivoli de Helling, EKKO, dBs, ACU, RASA—will support a base of Canadian acts (the festival was set-up as a platform for artists from the country) alongside…well, a bit of everything, really. Animal Collective's Panda Bear, John Maus, Zola Jesus and Swedish duo Roll the Dice all perform, while more exclusively electronic-based fare comes from Zomby, Com Truise, Slugabed and Pursuit Grooves.

RA pick: After two standout recent full-lengths Roll the Dice should not be slept on.

Le Guess Who? introduces part 5: Nisennenmondai

2011-10-03T14:54:00.002+02:00

Picture yourself Nisennenmondai. Pretty hard, right? Well, Nisennenmondai (にせんねんもんだい) are three girls from Tokyo, Japan : Himeno Sayaka (drums), Zaikawa Yuri (bass) and Takada Masako (guitar).

Visits to Tokyo by Lightning Bolt, Battles, and No Age, to name a few, have discovered these three girls and their colossal sound. Prefuse 73 said in an interview with Dazed & Confused, “John Stanier from Battles had told me they were sick. . . They started to play and the drummer was as big as my hand. She started to play 16th notes on her hi-hat for about 15 minutes. Next thing you know, these three tiny diminutive women were making us look like idiots because they were so incredible.” Formed in 1999, the name refers to the “Year 2000 Computer Bug”. The girls compose mostly instrumental tracks. Nisennenmondai has become favorites of the Tokyo noise underground thanks to performing their live shows with a healthy doses of intensity.

"With walls of distortion and a pummeling rhythmic backbone that fluctuates between krautrock..s repetition and free-rock calamity, bassist Zai, guitarist Ma-Chan and drummer Hime have formed an unassuming juggernaut.” - Stephen Christian, Dazed & Confused

Nisennenmondai will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Stream: Braids / Purity Ring releasing "7 split

2011-10-03T11:33:00.003+02:00

Our beloved Braids has teamed up with Purity Ring (both Canadian) to release a "7 split album. On one side, you've got the ghost-voiced future-pop of Purity Ring; While "Belispeak" adds little new to the duo's arsenal of sound, it's nevertheless another consistent and provocative entry in the group's small but promising collection of singles.

On the flip side, our Braids — the act behind hypnotic heartbreaker Native Speaker — drops another bit of their signature ambient, slow-burning, and emotive pop music in "Peach Wedding." "Peach Wedding," already a signature of the band's live set, captures Braids in top form: an otherworldly cocktail of sounds lush, vibrant, and intensely captivating. Time to turn on the volume!

Braids - Peach Wedding

Purity Ring - Belispeak

The Belispeak / Peach Wedding 7” comes out 10/11 on Fat Possum. Also Braids will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? introduces part 4: Anika

2011-10-01T12:39:00.002+02:00

Somewhere between music and politics. “Political Journalist” isn’t a credential we usually have in musician’s bios, but this is exactly what Anika was doing while living between Berlin and Bristol when she met Geoff Barrow. The producer was looking for a new singer to work with his band Beak>, and it was immediately clear they shared the same musical vision, including a love of punk, dub and 60s girl groups. Anika joined the band in the studio and recorded nine songs, including a cover of Yoko Ono’s “Yang Yang” in 12 days with no overdubs. Besides from that she’s been setting set up a temporary record label in Cardiff to help support local bands, relaunching a number of music venues, helping in the fight against music venue closures in Cardiff, organizing a film premiere, whilst at University, to help raise awareness of the Innocence Project. Now her 2011 tour schedule is so full she had to put her political journalist job on hold, let’s find out what she’s got up her sleeve! Who is Anika?

Anika will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? introduces part 3: Okkervil River

2011-09-30T22:58:00.004+02:00

Want to get to know Okkervil River on a more personal level? Their latest video lets you do that from the comfort of your own laptop. Pitchfork has premiered the new video from Okkervil River for their song "Your Past Life as a Blast." Band leader Will Sheff explains:

"Like many kids of the late 70s and early 80s, my dad was often hovering around with a Super 8 camera, filming my mom and me and – as time passed – my younger brother and sister. I remember him projecting these movies on a bare wall and, eventually, the movies becoming as much a part of my memory as the original events he had filmed. I thought it would be cool to use actual footage of those memories in the video itself, to make a really personal kind of rock video."

"For the “Your Past Life as a Blast” video, I worked with the editor Alan Del Río Ortíz to turn my dad’s home movies into a short condensed film of someone’s childhood, a little home-movie music video, about moms and dads and kids, and how it felt."

Writing songs with a personal vibe is not strange to Okkervil River, who have garnered positive critical reception worldwide for their songwriting, intricate instrumentation, and thematic albums. The band from Austin, Texas was formed in 1998 and has released six full length albums since. This Spring, they released their latest named 'I Am Very Far'. To promote the album, the band went on tour in June 2011 with Titus Andronicus, Julianna Barwick, Future Islands and NewVillager. They will be back on tour this fall, including a show at Le Guess Who? on Saturday November 26th!

Buy your passepartout or day tickets via http://www.leguesswho.com/

Preview: Still Corners album video and first single

2011-09-30T11:27:00.004+02:00

With a sound that's rooted in deep reverb-drenched psychedelia, it seems only appropriate that Still Corners would point to key influences from earlier generations. But for "Into the Trees," the first single from the band's upcoming Sub Pop debut, Creatures of an Hour, they reveal that they actually took their inspiration from a literary source.

"The song is a response to a quote from Jack Kerouac. Ah, life is a gate, a way, a path to Paradise anyway, why not live for fun and joy and love or some sort of girl by a fireside, why not go to your desire and LAUGH..." - band member Greg Hughe

The album is slated to drop on October 11th, but you can download "Into the Trees" here.

Still Corners will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th . Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? introduces part 2: Seeljocht

2011-09-29T15:30:00.003+02:00

"Seeljocht" (Frisian for sea light) is a collective of like minded musicians and artists from Northern parts of Europe and America, brought together as "artist in residence" project at the Into The Great Wide Open festival. During the festival, the collective focussed on their own interpretation and artistic translation of the island Vlieland, where the festival was held. This let to this soundtrack of the sound of nature, both supported and empowered by Vlielands imagery. Le Guess Who? and Popfabryk present Seeljocht, for the first outside of Vlieland!

Seeljocht is:
Peter Broderick
Nils Frahm
Greg Haines
Piiptsjilling (Mariska Baars, Romke Kleefstra, Rutger Zuydervelt, Jan Kleefstra)
Sytze Pruiksma
33 1/3 (Douwe Dijkstra, Coen Huisman, Jules van Hulst)

Seeljocht will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Sunday November 27th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Le Guess Who? introduces part 1: SUUNS

2011-09-29T12:02:00.002+02:00

There must be a few artists in this year's Le Guess Who? line-up you've never heard about. So besides the latest news about the artists we share almost every day, we'd like to introduce to you the most beautiful audio/video material from all of our artists from now on!

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"Suuns have no doubt ingested a lot of art rock, the Montreal group's minimalist rhythms are equally informed by Joy Division, Suicide and Can, often wrapped in a noisy squall of droning guitars and pulsing synths. Add to this Ben Shemie's breathy, paranoid sing/speak, and there are times that it seems like Suuns are about to drive over a sonic cliff. But there's actually a great sense of restraint at play. We were enveloped in Suuns' dark and thrilling post-punk from the first listen, never to return."
- Secretly Canadian

(c) Achablive

Suuns will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Win: The Field in EKKO

2011-09-28T12:36:00.010+02:00

Axel Willner, better known by the stage name The Field, is a techno artist based in Stockholm, Sweden. After being signed by German indie label Kompakt in 2005, he released the well received album 'Yesterday and Today' in 2009. In August Axel announced a new forthcoming album named "Looping State Of Mind", to be released October 25th 2011.
In 2009, The Field performed at Le Guess Who?. 3VOOR12 recorded several unique sessions with Le Guess Who? artists on the Neude building. You can watch the very intimate concert of The Field - with great views of Utrecht in the background - on 3VOOR12 TV. Enjoy!

WIN! Next week, on October 6th The Field will be playing live in Ekko, Utrecht, where resident Le Guess Who? and Klub Radar DJ Quasimodo will provide a fitting musical ambiance. Le Guess Who? is giving away 1x2 tickets! You can win by answering the following question:

"What musician is featured on the album 'Yesterday or Today'?"

This contest is closed.

Stream: Om Unit remix 'Vibes is Right'

2011-09-28T11:06:00.008+02:00

"Om Unit has thrown up his ode to the west indies with this edit of a Barrington Levy riddim Vibes Is Right, turning it from a smooth solemn ditty to something a touch meatier though still preserving all air and ambience." Sounds pretty cool, huh? Well, it is! Check it out here.

For more Om Unit, stream his songs on Soundcloud or below.

Latest tracks by omunit

Om Unit will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Stream: new Richard Buckner album on 3voor12 Luisterpaal

2011-09-27T15:28:00.006+02:00

Richard Buckner is an American singer-songwriter born in California. After living in Edmonton, Alberta for a number of years, he currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. Richard Buckner just came out with a new full length, named 'Our Blood'. On 'Our Blood' you can hear his finest work till now. Tender but fierce, rich but subtle and most of all: folk songs as they should sound like.

Stream the whole album on the 3voor12 Luisterpaal, next to other Le Guess Who? artists such as A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Nurses and Zola Jesus.

Read an interview with Buckner on his latest activities here.

Richard Buckner will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Video: Other Lives - "Tamer Animals"

2011-09-26T17:33:00.006+02:00

Other Lives' new video for the song "Tamer Animals" is becoming a big hit on Facebook and Twitter. Not a big surprise, since the video is probably something you haven't seen before. The tune has a grounded, mature sound similar to The National. The visuals are a dreamy mix of what looks like humans in a miniature model city, with plants growing out of their bodies. Sounds weird? Judge for yourself!

Other Lives will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Stream: Star Slingers's I Break Horses remix

2011-09-26T16:06:00.001+02:00

British producer Star Slinger lent his woozily diffuse beatmaking style to “Load Your Eyes,” a head-spinner of a track from Swedish electro-shoegazers I Break Horses. I Break Horses - aka Maria Linden and Fredrik Balck - released their debut album 'Hearts' this august. Linden and Balck met each other on a medical internetwebsite, both being afraid they had cancer. Luckily for them - and us - they didn't. In three years time, they wrote nine songs together, resulting in one full length album, drenched in dreamy shoegaze pop.

Listen to the remix or watch the beautiful video of 'Winter Beats' below.

I Break Horses - Load Your Eyes (Star Slinger Load Your 808 Remix) by Bella Union

I Break Horses will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

NEW: couchsurfing and bike rental at Le Guess Who? 2011

2011-09-22T18:57:00.007+02:00

Are you planning to visit Le Guess Who? 2011, but not living in or near Utrecht? No problem! This year, we provide our visitors with two very special features.

First, there is a special page at our website where you can post a request for a couch/bed, or post a message if you have one or two couches or beds available. The purpose of this page is to bring question (CouchSurfers) and supply (hosting) together. It works very easy: you only need a Facebook account. This way, you and your host or guest can get to know each other and send each other messages. Check it out here and make sure to tell all your friends!

Another premiere for this year’s edition of Le Guess Who?: a special collaboration with bike rental “Laag Catharijne”, situated next to Central Station Utrecht. From Thursday November 24th till Sunday November 27th, Le Guess Who? visitors are able to rent a bike for the special price of €7,- a day, or €20,- for four days. On top of that, there is the unique possibility to return your bike between 12pm and 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and between 10pm and 12 pm on Sunday. No more blisters, sore feet or running late for your favorite band: hop on and move around like a real Dutchman! For more information, go to our info page at www.leguesswho.com.

Listen: Panda Bear Remixes Korallreven

2011-09-22T16:00:00.008+02:00

Le Guess Who's Panda Bear takes Korallreven’s new single "As Young As Yesterday" on a psychedelic trip; taken from the duo’s new 12”, which is available now digitally on iTunes and on orange vinyl through Acéphale. An Album By Korallreven is out on November 15.

Panda Bear will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Sunday November 27th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Video: My Brightest Diamond drops "Be Brave"

2011-09-22T11:00:00.005+02:00

Looks like it's international let's-release-a-new-video-week, if it were up to this year's Le Guess Who? artists! After EMA yesterday, also My Brightest Diamond drops a new video called "Be Brave". A slow-burning, operatic piece of chamber pop from her new album All Things Will Unwind. Murat Eyuboglu directs this docu-style clip that finds Shara Worden and frequent-accompanists yMusic chamber orchestra knocking out the track with a little bit of theatrical flair.

'All Things Will Unwind', this third and upcoming full-length of My Brightest Diamond, is out 10/10 in Europe. It's a picture of an artist maturing; considering joy and pain, beauty and horror, yet bravely standing in the tension between the two- and singing about it. We are very much looking forward to it.

My Brightest Diamond will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Sunday November 27th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Video: EMA reveals new video 'Marked'

2011-09-21T15:00:00.021+02:00

This video for a-slightly-sweeter-than-the-album single edit of 'Marked' was directed, shot and produced by Leif Shackelford and Erika M. Anderson (aka EMA). Watch it here:

'Marked' will be out as a 7” - backed with a new track entitled ‘Angelo’ featuring Oakland rapper Mz'Gorjis of Platnum Platnum - on November 21st. But, that's not all! EMA recently did a session with Daytrotter. Five song have been recorded. Listen and download by clicking on the following link: /click\

As you may have noticed, EMA will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Session: Shabazz Palaces for YTGVB

2011-09-21T11:00:00.003+02:00

GORILLA vs. BEAR and yourstru.ly did a remarkable session with Shabazz Palaces. One to watch.

"For our first official collaboration of many with SF’s yourstru.ly, Seattle’s Shabazz Palaces hooked up this unreal performance at Tomcast in East Dallas when they were in town for GvsB Fest back in July. The brief session — which went down on what was arguably the hottest day in our city’s history — was mindblowing to behold, as evidenced by this clip in which the duo transforms humble, contemplative Black Up highlight “The King’s new clothes were made by his own hands” into something far more menacing and futuristic." - GORILLA vs. BEAR

Shabazz Palaces will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Video: A Winged Victory for the Sullen - A requiem for the static king part one

2011-09-20T15:37:00.005+02:00

As if you are listening to the soundtrack of a very compelling movie. The sound of the new 'A Winged Victory for the Sullen' sucks you right into the middle of emotions and action within an invisible event. It it is not only gloomy, but cheerful at the same time.

The self titled album is this duo's debut, which features Stars of the Lid member Adam Wiltzie and composer Dustin OʼHalloran. It has been recorded in large acoustic spaces on traditional instruments, with guest appearances of cellist Hildur Gudnadottir and violinist Peter Broderick. The track "Requiem for the Static King Part One" is in memory of Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous. You can watch a promo video of that song here.

Stream the album on the 3voor12 Luisterpaal or listen to sneak previews at the band's Facebook page.

A Winged Victory for the Sullen will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Saturday November 26th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Album release: Nurses - 'Dracula'

2011-09-20T11:26:00.010+02:00

Today marks the release of Nurses' new album 'Dracula'! Be sure not to miss out the follow-up of their homemade debut 'Apple's Acre' from 2009. Dracula is steeped in the strange pop brew that bore Apple's Acre, with the band's unmistakable elastic melodies, heady pop hooks and unconventional knack for catchy songwriting that gets under your skin. Compared to Apples Acre, Dracula is bursting. It's bolder, heavier, with deep grooves, dubby basslines and a focus on rhythm. It's an album with pure physical qualities. Apple's Acre was an album made for headphones; Dracula needs a sound system. What has not changed is the undeniable constant in Nurses' body of work: their immediate and catchy pop songs. The band embraces hooks and melodies--yes, they turn them upside down and inside out--but at their core, the band (and Dracula) are defined by pop songwriting.

Stream the album here and watch their new radiant video below.

Nurses will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/

Mixtape: Gross Magic's Vibe Forever

2011-09-19T17:32:00.004+02:00

Brighton youngster Sam McGarrigle of Gross Magic recently made an awesome mixtape for VICE magazine. Absolutely worth listening! And with the mixtape comes a quote:

“Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.”
– Michael Jackson

TRACKLISTING:
PILOT - “SOONER OR LATER”
DANIEL JOHNSTON - “BEATLES”
THE FATBACK BAND - “I FOUND LOVIN’”
TODD RUNDGREN - “JUST ANOTHER ONION HEAD”
OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL - “GREEN TYPEWRITERS”
THE BEAU BRUMMELS - “KEEPER OF TIME”
DAVE STEWART & BARBARA GASKIN - “IT’S MY PARTY”
FOXES IN FICTION - “CREAM SCREEN”
WEEKENDS - “RAINGIRLS”
WHITE WITCH - “YOU’RE THE ONE”
GREATEST HITS - “UPTOWN GIRL”
DEEP FREEZE MICE - “UNDER THE CAFE TABLE”
“GET YOUR OWN BACK 1994 THEME”
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA - “JELLO AND JUGGERNAUTS”
L7 - “MOONSHINE”
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - “BEATLES FOREVER”

Gross Magic will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on ThursdayNovember 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/.

Le Guess Who? Warm-up party: Sleep ∞ Over and Pure X

2011-09-19T11:33:00.005+02:00

A week before the Le Guess Who? festival starts, on Friday November 18th, there will be a Le Guess Who? Festival Warm-up Party at EKKO with psychedelic lo-fi rockers Pure X and dreampop-trio Sleep ∞ Over.

Despite the fact that Sleep ∞ Over has only been making music since the beginning of 2010, the well know blog Stereogum has already put them on their list of Best New Bands of 2011. Their lo-fi electronical dream pop is bound to hypnotize you. Watch out for their album release on the 27th this month!

Pure X has released their first album "Pleasure" two months ago. Their sound has been described as 'woozy', 'hazy', 'druggy', 'narcotized', 'spacey' and 'sensual'. According to the band: "People just like to.. Have sex to our record". Judge for yourself, watch the video and stream the whole album below.

Le Guess Who? passepartout ticketholders get free entrance to this Warm-up Party - no passpartout ticket holders pay 5 euro entrance (ticket).

Stream: Slugabed remix of Stateless' "I'm On Fire"

2011-09-16T16:24:00.007+02:00

Listen to the remix of Stateless' "I'm On Fire" here. Slugabed created a fine tune out of the original song. Stateless, notorious for making beautiful electronic/poprock, is founded in Leeds and has just been signed at Ninja Tunes. With his low slung hip hop style, Slugabed stole the show on the label's recent anniversary collection. Tackling 'I'm On Fire' the producer has supplied a deft remix that gets the blood pulsing through Stateless' veins.

For more Slugabed: stream his newest songs below.

Slugabed will be performing a DJ set at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Friday November 25th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/.

Video: Okkervil River's session at Haldern Pop

2011-09-16T11:00:00.002+02:00

Okkervil River did a special acoustic session at Haldern Pop Festival in August this year. After crossing the fence towards the lakeside, the Austin-based mastermind of Okkervil River Will Sheff plays the song "Weave Room Blues". "Weave Room Blues" is the beautiful B-Side from the "Wake And Be Fine" single.

Okkervil River will be performing at Le Guess Who? 2011 on Thursday November 24th. Passepartout and day tickets are available via http://www.leguesswho.nl/.