Boasting Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Paulo Nutini and Biffy Clyro as headliners, T In The Park returns this summer (11-13 July). To give us a taste of what’s in store, Festival Director Geoff Ellis has picked out some of his favourites on the bill. “The hardest job was to restrict myself to ten songs and I guess the selection shows my age,” he says. “However the longer you live with great music, the deeper the connection. So I make no apologies for choosing several older tracks. What’s great about working in live music and on festivals such as T In The Park is that you get to hear and present so much great music.” Plus see below to win VIP tickets to this year’s festival
Biffy Clyro – Opposite
“We’ve been very privileged to work with Biffy Clyro since the start of their career so their music has always been familiar. They are one of the best rock bands to have ever come out of Britain and have very powerful live shows. This song is very representative of their strong harmonies, intelligent melodies and great lyrics.”
Manic Street Preachers – Motorcycle Emptiness
This is my favourite Manic Street Preachers song and a real live favourite. It has a special memory for me as I arrived during the encore of one of their shows after my son was born. My son has since become a fan.
Pixies – Debaser
“This reminds me of my student days. Pixies are one of the seminal bands who are so influential in alternative rock music and having had the honour to work with them is one of the highlights of my career.”
The Charlatans – One To Another
“The band have had great songs over the years but this is one that tips it for me and it is very representative.”
The Stranglers – Peaches
“Another band with a fantastic catalogue of songs, but the dirty bass line in this sets it apart.”
NB Strong is currently unavailable
London Grammar – Strong
“Best song of the year so far. This band are going to be huge and their rendition of this song on Letterman is one of the most beautiful and powerful things I’ve ever heard.”
Paul Weller – You Do Something To Me
“A spokesman for my generation, I’ve not allowed myself to choose a Jam song so it was a toss up between this and Wild Wood for my choice. There’s always a soul influence in much of Weller’s work. His version of Thinking Of You sounds like it was written for him when he sings it.”
Slam – Positive Education
“One of the top ten dance tracks of all time, and I’m sure many a DJ and technohead would agree. It’s a timeless classic and whilst they have made some great music since, thus avoiding this becoming an albatross, it’s still my favourite Slam track.”
Paolo Nutini – Iron Sky
“Paolo has such a unique and beautiful voice and this new album is by far his best material, with influences such as Otis Redding. When I first heard the rough mixes I felt this would still be classic in 20 years time.”
Pharrell William – Happy
“It was very hard to choose between James’ Born Of Frustration or Sometimes, Pharrell William’s Happy and Disclosure’s White Noise. In the end I opted for Pharrell William’s Happy as it’s such an infectious song that makes you want to dance as demonstrated by myself and my nine year-old daughter in Asda the night before choosing these tracks. He’s helped bring Northern Soul to a fresh generation.”
For more, including the full line-up and latest ticket news, head to Tinthepark.com
Win T In The Park Tickets!
Thanks to festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager, Q has two pairs of VIP weekend camping tickets to give away! To win, enter our draw now by emailing editor@qthemusic.com with ‘T In The Park’ in the subject before midnight on 31 May, 2014. The winners will be picked at random.
