Some of the finest emerging talent from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have been added to the line up of this year’s RockNess.
They join 2013′s hottest rising stars alongside some of the more established names like Basement Jaxx and Madness. The new additions from the Highlands and Islands offers a real opportunity for the Rockness audience to also discover some of the best emerging acts the area has to offer.
Netsounds Unsigned along with Inverness Gigs were asked once again by the festival organisers to select 5 of the most promising acts from the Highlands and Islands to appear at the Black Isle Tent at this year’s RockNess.
The 5 acts we selected are:
Niteworks (Isle of Skye)
After a busy year of playing the length and breadth of the UK, Celtic Electronica act Niteworks are using 2013 to focus on writing new material, and to continue honing their skill as one of the most exciting and energetic live acts on the scene. Niteworks, who hail from Isle Of Skye told us they are very excited to make their RockNess debut which will be one of a select few appearances for the band in 2013. They will be using RockNess as a test bed for new ideas and live concepts, and it is the perfect opportunity to do so by playing to a local crowd.
The Boy Who Trapped The Sun (Stornoway)
Colin Macleod from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides goes under the name of The Boy Who Trapped The Sun. In 2010 he released his beautifully crafted folk-rock debut album Fireplace on the legendary Geffen record label to critical acclaim. Now free from Geffen, he is continuing his DIY ethic under his own steam with tour dates and brand new material for 2013. Colin returns to RockNess having previously played in 2010 as well as appearances at Belladrum and T In The Park.
The Little Mill Of Happiness (Inverness)
The Little Mill of Happiness will be a great addition to the number of the rock bands already lined up for RockNess. Their massive, guitar driven layered sound and powerful and dark lyrics make them one of the most passionate bands around. To date the band have released their debut 5 track strong EP Capsized Sailors, and are likely to unleash brand new songs for Rockness. They have previously played at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and goNORTH Festival to name but two.
The Little Mill Of Happiness ©Netsounds Unsigned
Toby Michaels Rolling Damned (Inverness)
The zany Scottish rock act recently told us they were delighted to be part of the Rockness party. “Rock ‘n’ Roll ain’t nothing without soul, so we promise to bring absolute anarchy, hilarity and hard rock power to the festival.” claims front man Toby Michaels. Their Rockness debut follows on from their recent successful single launch at Ironworks in Inverness. In timely fashion they release the double A side single featuring the songs ‘Rolling Damned’ & live favourite ‘A Little Bit of What You Fancy (Does You Good)’ on Monday June 3rd, just in time for Rockness! Toby added, “RockNess is a perfect opportunity for people to jump on the Rolling Damned Freight Train and come party with us!”
Jemma Tweedie (Nairn)
Nairn singer songwriter Jemma Tweedie was nominated in the ‘Best Acoustic’ category at the 2013 Scottish Alternative Music Awards and her debut EP Two Hands received exposure on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music. Her appearance at RockNess will precede her first UK tour which starts in June touring the length and breadth of the country as one of Caffé Nero’s featured artists. Jemma will be doing in-store performances playing in over 40 Caffé Nero stores starting in Aberdeen and finishing up in London. Jemma has also been confirmed to play at the 10th Corbury Festival in Oxfordshire alongside the likes of Squeeze, Keane and Van Morrison.
Further line up announcement
In addition RockNess has also announced that Scottish Electro producers Them & Us will be making their debut at RockNess. Their appearance will mark a roller-coaster 18 months for the duo (Mark Mackenzie and Liam Macleod) in which they released their debut single The Bomb and also their debut EP Neon Lights with a powerhouse launch party at Ironworks in Inverness. Since the end of 2011 the hard working pair have also showcased at goNORTH, appeared at B Fest in Wick, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and supported Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Simian Mobile Disco and Jack Beats.
Also added to the line up Electronic glam from Fenech-Soler, concept rock funk from Public Service Broadcasting, Scottish rock power pop kings Fatherson and Highland Electro house masters the Filth DJs.
More details on these acts and others on our forthcoming Rockness Podcast.
They all join Example, Basement Jaxx, Madness, The Vaccines, Bombay Bicycle Club, Ben Howard, Ellie Goulding, Madeon, The Maccabees, Jessie Ware, Camera Obscura, Newton Faulkner, The Temper Trap and special guest Fatboy Slim.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 sold out. Tier 3 still available. For details of the full line-up and all ticket types go to www.rockness.co.uk
