Soundclash 2016 Preview: Festivals aren’t just for summer, they’re for life

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Soundclash

Soundclash

As summer is drawing to a close it’s time to reflect on what a great one it has been. Standon Calling, BoomTown and Bestival have given me an amazing summer of music and memories but as October approaches I can feel the notorious festival blues returning and I want nothing more than to return to another festival to drink and dance all night. Impossible though right? Well that’s what I thought to until I began hearing whisperings of Soundclash, a one day, drum and bass festival taking place on October 1st. Yes that’s correct, a festival in October, here just in time to banish the blues away. Based at Somerley House in Ringwood, Soundclash is a newbie to the festival scene but it’s impressive lineup makes it a must for any drum and bass fans or for those of us who can’t bare to let go of festival season just yet.

If you’re like me and are a super fan of festivals such as BoomTown and Awakening I think Soundclash is a must for you. The music ranges from Techno to Hip-Hop, Dance to Garage making Soundclash a miniature version of our favourite underground festivals for a fraction of the price. Considering tickets cost a mere £40 each, Soundclash really have managed to pull out an impressive lineup on a smaller budget.

Soundlcash lineup poster

Perhaps, the act I’m most excited for is Groove Armada who will be kicking off the main stage spinning a selection of underground house tunes that we all know and love. The electronic duo have had a notable career with their 2011 album Black Light being nominated for Best Electronic Dance Album at the Grammys. Their DJ set is sure to be a highlight of the day among electro-dance fans and ignite the festival spirit. They will be closely followed by British DJ and Radio 1 presenter Mistajam who will bring some fresh hip-hop/grime to the mix. The main stage will also experience legendary DJ Fresh who, with 2.5 million record sales and countless number 1 hits under his belt, will be sure to keep the crowd dancing long into the night.

Alongside the main stage is also Andy C’s stage headlined, of course, by the King of drum and bass himself, Andy C. He will be playing an unmissable two hour set including some of his hit tracks WorkOut and Heartbeat Loud. The legendary Australian band Pendulum will ready the crowd for Andy C’s arrival alongside pop legends Wilkinson, Culture Shock and North Base.

These two stages aren’t all Soundclash has to offer, the best of both Southampton and Bournemouth nightlife will be present at the festival in the final two stages Switch Presents and Halo Presents. Switch introduces DJ’s that represent Southampton’s edgy, underground vibe with performances from Jamie Jones, Jackmaster and Jaspar James. Competing with Switch is Bournemouth’s Halo stage, and with a lineup including Anime Edge & Dance, Camelphat and Mike Skinner, it’s going to be tough for me to choose where to spend the evening.

Of course, we all know it’s not just the lineup that makes a festival a true festival. Production is integral to providing the summer spirit and Soundclash recognises this with impressive laser, light and LED shows that will make us all forget about the cold. Funfairs and food stalls will also be there in abundance and over 75 DJ’s will be continuing the party until 1am so that it truly is a mini festival. ‘The music only lasts till 1am?!’ was my initial, troubled thought but never fear, Switch nightclub, located just around the corner from Southampton Solent Uni, is hosting an after party with free entry for those with a Soundclash wristband. Apparently the music doesn’t stop and neither does the alcohol so despite it being only one day, Soundclash definitely meets my criteria for a good festival. VIP tickets are also available giving you queue jump and VIP access to exclusive DJ performances throughout the night.

So, ignore those who say festival season is over. Have a break from reality and return to the madness that we’ve all missed so much. It may be October, it may be cold, but that’s certainly not going to stop me, or the Soundclash team, from making Soundclash #4 one to remember.

More information and tickets available here: http://www.soundclashfest.com