REDNIK’s festival guide: Les Ardentes 2010 (pt. 2)

My favourite festival is getting closer and I received some great news about it! I’m allowed press access, so I’m hoping to do some nice exclusive backstage work! The last artists I mentioned were from the first two days, this next batch is mainly from the third day.

Sub Focus, Andy C

For as far as my knowledge about DnB goes these two are one of the bigger names in the scene. After all the electro, hiphop and alternative rock violence some straight to the point DnB is always appreciated. The two indoor halls are perfect for this and last edition also proofs DnB brings up probably the best audience atmosphere.

SebastiAn

Probably the most bizar figure of the already extravagant ed banger bunch. Even though he isn’t very strong in the technical dj’ing stuff, probably most of the time because he is under influence (check out this appearance in this Ed Banger Seven video), but as a producer he’s an absolute genious and he will certainly bring the best electro bangers of the moment.

Hudson Mohawke

I haven’t heard much stuff from this guy before I looked him up when he appeared in the Les Ardentes lineup, but after some classic youtube research I really started digging his productions. It’s hard to describe his “genre” it feels like a mixture of hip-hop background tunes, electronic stuff and dubstep? I’m looking forward to his performance and I bet it will the most unique and refreshing one.

Health

Health is not your average alternative rock band. This L.A. based band brings very experimental stuff with the use of your typicall drum, guitar stuff and some amazing synths and electronic stuff. When looking at the video you immediately think “what a bunch of weirdos, especially the one in the front!”, but still the stuff they bring is very addictive? in some way. Curious who this will be live and what reactions we’ll see from the crowd.

Don Rimini

Was called one of the best djsets at Les Transardentes (the smaller one night version of Les Ardentes). His newest EP is coming 5 July, so I’m hoping for lots of new stuff. Not much more to add, he probably won’t disappoint!

Les Petits Pilous

Even though I’m not a huge fan of their latest EP these two guys still bring back some good old memories. In a small venue not far from where I live there was a party … with Les Petits Pilous. The “electronic scene” isn’t so big over here, so of course the turn up wasn’t that big. Still these guys went full on and the accompanying Born To Film crew even tried to Crowd surf (I think there were two rows of people in front of the stage …)

Sound of Stereo

These guys were absolutly everywere last year and are still killing it in 2010, even though I must say I’m not the biggest fan of their latest remix for Proxy. Even though I have already heard them plenty of times I’ll still swoop by even if it’s only for their “big-room banger” Metric, which will sound brilliantly in the big indoor halls.

Janelle Monae

A name from day two, but a nice fresh artist to describe at the end of this Les Ardentes guide. Janelle Monae isn’t a name that would normally pass the frontpage on this blog, but from what I’ve seen from youtube videos she brings an amazing live performance. She brings a mixture of soulfull hiphop and jazz.

Last Jungle

With Sub Focus‘ latest full length album, he now is one of the biggest drum & bass producers worldwide. The CD has a great diversity, going from mainly drum & bass, to old school breakbeat and even some (fidget) house! As a tastemaker, I’ll give you three very different tunes from the album, which is a must for every drum & bass fan!

“Vapourise” brings some great energy and reminds me of his dancefloor hit “Timewarp”.

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Sub Focus – Vapourise

I could describe “Last Jungle” best as the 2009 version of breakbeat classic “Papua New Guinea” from The Future Sound Of London. If you don’t know that track, check out this psychedelic video here.

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Sub Focus – Last Jungle

Here’s one of the few house tracks, with a piano riff and a catchy vocal building up to a nice climax reminding me of Gtronic (but it’s a bit softer).

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Sub Focus – Could This Be Real

Now it’s only waiting for Original Sin (who used to be half of Generation Dub/G Dub) to drop his first album “Grow Your Wings”. I expect a lot from this one! His tunes are always refreshing and very influential for other producers.

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Original Sin – Therapy

I Am Legend

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhBoR_tgXCI&hl=en&fs=1&]

Awesome laidback summer tune by Dub Fx with Mr. Woodnote on sax.

Dub FX – Flow (Ft. Mr. Woodnote & Flower Fairy // Dub Fx

Here we have the drum&bass remix of Sunny. James Brown gets even more funky thanks to Featurecast. The remix starts with the breakdown from Lenzman – Ever So Slightly, which is a fantastic liquid d&b tune as well.

James Brown – Sunny (Regrooved By Featurecast) // Featurecast

Now some jump up drum & bass to get the dancefloor pumpin’.

Mampi Swift – I Am Legend // Mampi Swift

The Prodigy – Take Me To The Hospital (Sub Focus Remix) // Sub Focus

Shifta – Give It Up // Shifta