The brand new Jabberwocky Festival comes to London this summer (15-16 August) at the Excel centre. The event brings together a host of concert and festival organisers together as founder and co-director Barry Hogan from All Tomorrow’s Parties explains. “Named after our favourite Lewis Carroll Poem, Jabberwocky is a two day festival collaboration between us (ATP) and our Spanish and American brothers and sisters – Primavera Sound and Pitchfork Media,” he says. “Together we will transform the London Excel Centre into a next level festival space where we have programmed every aspect of the event to our personal taste. The Excel Centre is a blank canvas where we are creating a world filled with the best music, film, DJs, art and food from around the globe so this is a chance for fans to experience what us three partners in crime have selected on English soil for the first time.” Here’s a taster of what to expect, as Hogan has made us a Playlist of his personal picks from the bill.
Sun Kil Moon – UK Blues
“I love this song about being on tour in Europe a few years back including when the UK was under siege from riots to then wanting to commit suicide after playing Field Day.”
Forest Swords – Wight Of Gold
“This is my favourite track from the recent Engravings record and reminds me of the sound created by Ennio Morricone for Italian westerns. I think he is pretty underrated and someone people should check out at Jabberwocky.”
The Ex – Theme From Konono
“This band have been going before some of the audience were born. They have proven year after year that DIY does work and have worked with so many great artists and are respected by everyone from Shellac, Fugazi to Sonic Youth for the past 30 years.”
Yamantaka/ Sonic Titan – Seasickness
“I was asked to describe this band to someone recently and it’s not an easy task. They hail from Canada and wear face paint and don’t really sound like anyone as their output is so eclectic. While rock-opera is what some have described them as, I don’t really like that term and don’t let that put you off as this is a poignant and beautiful track that floors me every time I hear it.”
Liars – Perpetual Village
“Have you heard the new Liars record Mess? You should because is a stone cold classic. I think its definitely one of the best records this year and it’s without question one of their best. It was hard to pick which track was my favourite. From the opening Mask Maker to Mess on a Mission, this is simply hypnotic and is something everyone should listen to.”
Thee Oh Sees – Camera (Queer Sound)
“I fucking love Thee Oh Sees. Like fucking love them! In fact I think they are my favourite band in the world, both on record and live they never disappoint me. This is taken from the latest LP called Drop and with a new line up and a new LP I am beyond excited they are playing Jabberwocky as they are worth the admission price alone.”
Caribou – Found Out
“Taken from the LP Swim which I would say was one of the best LPs of 2010. Caribou are like a fine wine that just gets better with age and one of the best curators we have worked with. We are so excited they are returning to the live fold by playing Jabberwocky for us this summer.”
Neutral Milk Hotel – Oh Comely
“Recorded in one take apparently, this is a performance that is just staggering that someone could produce something like this. I can’t even begin to think how Jeff Mangum felt when he wrote this. It’s the work of a genius and we are are truly honoured to have Neutral Milk Hotel to headline this year.”
Darkside – The Only Shrine I Have Seen
“Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington drop this hidden gem from their psychic LP that has been on high rotation in the ATP Office.”
Kurt Vile And The Violators – Jesus Fever
“This song reminds me of summer, its an older one but amazing all the same. It’s always good to have Kurt Vile in the house.”
For more, including the full line-up and ticket news, head to Jabberwockyfestival.com.
