Entertainment Ireland

Electric Picnic Update: Sunday Posted by EI Team on 07 September 2009. Mood:

It was a wet Sunday morning at Electric Picnic, but happily a tip was already driving us towards the Globe Theatre stage to fairytale children's play. Quietly scored by guitar, violin a and recorder, Waterdonkey Theatre's 'To the Back of Beyond' was the usual fantasy story of a girl held captive by a witch, before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. With a storyline that falls somewhere between Hansel and Gretel and The Wizard of Oz, the girl met all kinds of exciting creatures on her travels, but what she was really looking for was The Toad of Infinite Knowledge to bring back to the witch so she would set her free and make all her dreams come true. Though a little rough around the edges, 'To The Back of Beyond' certainly had enough tongue 'n' cheek humour to keep adults entertained (evil killer sponges were my particular favourite), while bright costumes, over the top characters and moral lessons were definitely for the benefit of the kiddies.

With the rain still bucketing out of the sky, an executive decision was taken to forego Fleet Foxes drummer J. Tillman's set on the Body and Soul stage, and instead keep dry in the Crawdaddy tent while taking in the gruff bluesy rock of Mick Flannery. His guitar, piano, violin and female backing vocal set up presented nothing new, but was still as passionate and charming as ever. For so early in the day, the turn out for Flannery's set was impressive, and the reaction to 'Tomorrow's Paper' even more so. Families watched the show from a platform at the back, though the kid's enjoyment was far from uniform. Some jumped and danced in circles, while other blocked their ears from Flannery's deep, gravelly, staggering but hardly child friendly voice.

The crowd dispatched following Flannery's set, but a few stayed on for Austin rockers Okkervil River. Currently touring as a sextet, at three o'clock in the afternoon the band seemed more with it than at previous Irish gigs. After opening with some mundane comments about the changeable weather, the only mistake that followed was a botched guitar intro, which frontman Will Sheff admitted was 'not up to [his] usual standard'. They fill out country infused alt rock sound their keyboard, slide guitar and trumpet. Playing mostly from their latest sister albums 'The Stage Names' and 'The Stand Ins', 'John Allyn Smith Sails' was probably the best received, with its Beach Boys 'Sloop John B' refrain echoing Brian Wilson's performance the night before. Finishing with 'Unless It's Kicks', the band roared to an end with Sheff even throwing the microphone stand to the ground like a grumpy rock star.

A trip to the comedy stage proved disappointing. The Picnic people had scrimpt on the stage decor, making it far from the hang out haven of previous years. MCs Andrew Stanley and Damian Clark were busily offering a crate of Dutch Gold to the couple that could swap clothes the quickest, which seemed less embarrassing for them than it was for the rest of us. John Colleary was the next comedian to take the stage, but was less than riveting with his old hat jokes about recession and Irish weather.

A cup of tiny tea later, Montreal instrumentalists, and sometime members of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre took to the Cosby Stage. Their French horn, trumpet, guitar, violin, double bass and drums supports their sense of modern classical music, only using vocals and sometimes whistling to ambient effect. Sarah Neufield took centre stage with her speedy violin strokes punctuating every track, while Pietro Amato's French horn and Kaveh Nabatian's trumpet harmonised perfectly at every turn. Playing mostly from their new album, highlights included a call and response style interlude where the double bass player tapped his instrument and the audience clapped back in turn. Complicated rhythms came easily to the six piece, as demonstrated in a breakdown where each tapped their own instrument to different times, and Amato even did so while still playing his horn! Songs must have been lengthy, but the time flew by, leaving us a tad late arriving in the Electric Arena for Florence and the Machine.

When we arrived, Florence Welch was running severely overtime and the tent was packed to the gills with fervent fans, roaring Welch's songs back to her with glee. With barely enough space in the largest tent on site to breathe, it was quite difficult to spot the shape of Welch's vivid red her and black net dress. The hits came flooding one by one – 'Drumming', 'Dog Days Are Over', 'Howl', 'Cosmic Heart', 'Blinding' and even Florence's cover of Candi Staton's 'You Got The Love' – each one powered by Florence's epic cry. Finally finishing her set with single 'Rabbit Heart', Welch seemed genuinely overawed by the massive response, and said the overused but always appreciated words 'Irish audiences are the best'.

The pushing, shoving, and elbowing that went on in the Electric Arena while Florence fans left and Fleet Foxes fans bullied their way to the front was one of the lower points of the weekend, even resulting in an unconscious girl being hurriedly carried out by security. Still, it was almost worth it when the Foxes formidable four part harmonies echoed out the notes of 'Sun It Rises'. From then on the booming drums, folk guitars and splendid melodies kept even the weariest of festival goers alert and enraptured. Frontman Robin Pecknold wore one of his trademark red rasta hats, and the band spoke of their love for The Chieftains and their shock that they aren't better known in the States. The tuning up process between each song was a little drawn out, perhaps, but overall, a stunning show, one of the best of the weekend.

Soon, Bell X1 began their set on the Main Stage, and impressively, catered for their old fans, as well as their more enthusiastic new ones. Frontman Paul Noonan revealed that their tragic ballad 'Eve, the Apple of My Eye' is now played up and down the country during disco slow sets, while recent single 'The Great Defector' brought about groovy dancing from the masses. The distorted rock guitar of 'Tongue' stood out from the rest of the band's uptempo pop setlist like a sore thumb, in a good way, and Noonan owned the stage with his jerky movements and rampant yells.

Slowly wilting after three days of music and mayhem, Amadou and Mariam were the perfect antidote to fatigue and inertia. It was one of those late night festival style gigs, where the whole tent is just dancing and having a laugh. The African influenced blues rock played by the Malian couple was absolutely irresistible, filled out with gospel style backing singers, keyboards and samba drums. But the real marvel was Amadou's inspired guitar solos. His fingers were as fast as lightning as he leaned back and grinned like a big friendly Cheshire cat.

And, that's it for Electric Picnic 2009. I have to say, there was not a bad gig to be seen, thought the toilet situation did leave a little to be desired. So, until next year…

For loads of pictures from the festival, please click here

Electric Picnic Update: Saturday Posted by EI Team on 06 September 2009. Mood:

It was an early start this Saturday morning, starting with One Day International in the Crawdaddy tent. Their mellow, user-friendly pop was pleasant, with its piano chords and elegant cello easy to listen though perhaps slightly underwhelming. Rumours have been circling that it would be their last ever performance, and it did seem awfully final. A swirling wall of sound style crescendo brought their set, and apparently their career together to an end.

An odd choice for the main stage, folktronica outfit Tunng started out with a small and sensibly seated crowd, which grew as their catchy harmonic lines, oddball percussive, glitchy electronica and acoustic guitars. They began their set with 'Take', and from then on a steady stream of people came towards the main stage and sat down for their quirky and enigmatic show. Frontwoman Becky Jacobs marched in her bare feet and black dress. Blue and yellow bells came out for a rendition of 'Bricks', before they ended the show with 'Bullets', and the audience finally stood up tto clap them offstage.

Quite a large crowd had gathered to see recently hyped London foursome The XX. Their clear electric guitar sound was wonderfully piercing and their harmonious boy/girl vocals were divine, though not one of the four had any more stage presence than a gnat. Clearly uncomfortable, their lack of enthusiam spread through the crowd, and though their songs were strong, people began talking amongst themselves and paying little attention. It all meant that the whole performance became a little samey, despite the presence of great tracks like 'VCR', 'Islands' and 'Basic Space'.

A quick scout to the comedy tent deduced Steve Frost was giving it loads with his improv allstars, but since the crowd was feeling the need to stand, we felt our time might be better spent with Kid Creole and The Coconuts. On the main stage, there was Kid Creole, in a blindingly bright suit. The Coconuts look something akin to Halle Berry in The Flintstones, as they shimmied their arms from side to side, up and down and in while wiggling their hips like good things. The music was contagious, its swinging brass and jazzy drums left an energy seeping off the stage to put you in the mood for dancing.

Seeking solace, we found ourselves in Mindfield, with an array of entertainment to tease the brain. Mundy was speaking in the Hotpress Chatroom, Jon Snow was having a political debate on Foreign Affairs, and the theatre stage boasted a bizarre one man show pilfering a scratch card of a dead old lady to pay his crimelord debtors. Alice's Eclectic Book certainly lived up to his name, with everything from Twilight and The Da Vinci Code, to Generation X or a collection of Oscar Wilde Poetry. My personal favorite was a beautiful children's edition of Christina Rosetti's The Goblin Market. Meanwhile the Salon Du Chat and the Science Gallery seemed to be between shows.

In the Hurly Burly vegetarian café, we were served delicious passion fruit cake by a lady in green nipple tassles and a feather boa before being privy to a dancing Mary Poppins medley. Still in the mood for wandering, we finally discovered the delights of the body and soul area, particularly The Baah Band and their invigorating brand of sitar music which promted an impromptu session of hippy and belly dancing. The Baah Band were filling in for Tiny Vipers, who had had to postpone their session until Sunday at midday. This was soon followed by an Istant Opera, taking extracts by some of the most famous operas around, and also filling in following a cancellation by Niwel Tsumbu.

At seven o'clock, word came that 'Bat for Lashes is a no show, David Kitt will be playing instead'. Curiousity soon spread around the grounds as to the reason for the cancellation. The official statement makes it sound as if Natasha Khan had simply not shown up, pulled a Winehouse if you will. Having balked at the opportunity to see Kitt the previous day, we didn't stick around and neither it seemed did the rest of the crowed who spilled out of the tent following the announcement.

After a grumpy 45 minutes grappling with internet connections and coming away unsuccessful, we heading for the Cosby Stage to see The Whitest Boy Alive, and boy did he lighten our spirits. This high energy retro funk is a long way from Erlend Oye's other project The Kings of Convenience, but it was infectious, and not a single person escaped it. The crowd went wild after Oye wrapped an Irish flagged thrown onstage around him and launched into and unplanned rendition of U2's 'All I Want Is You'. 'Timebomb' and 'Courage' were best received, apart from other covers, and the roar received at the end even inspired an encore with a cover of 90s dance classic 'Show Me Love'. This was the first Irish performance for the Berlin based group, but we're pretty sure they'll be back.

There was just time then to wolf down some dodgy noodles and watch Brian Wilson play Beach Boy classics on the main stage. 'God Only Knows' was beautiful and heart wrenching, while the crowds attempt at singing along with 'Good Vibrations' was utterly hilarious. A cover of 'Johnny B Goode' was the start of a rocking and rolling segment of the show before launching into 'Surfin' USA'.

Back in the Body and Soul area, Larry Beau was finishing up his set on The Tree Stage. Delighted with the notion of tea in a real mug, The Tiny Tea Tent became our new favourite place, as we took a cuppa and watched the end of his set. Beau's melodramtic character resembles a mix between Hector and Noel Fielding's cockney ganster The Hitcher from The Mighty Boosh, and it suits his music perfectly. All flailing hands and pointy hats, Beau finished his set with new single 'Misery Hill', and attempted to get the crowd to sing along, though most of them seemed like they were just here for the comfy tree benches.

Following Beau were the Black Orchid Tribal Dancers, who put the amateur belly dancers we had seen earlier to shame with their wiggling torsos, shaking hips and twirling hands. Everyone watching was a mixture of entranced and morbidly fascinated.

We arrived at the main stage just in time to catchy all the best Madness songs. Suggs jumped around the stage in his monkey suit, and their full brass fill out 'Baggy Trousers', 'Our House' and 'It Must Be Love' which followed in quick succession. At the back of the field, there was swaying, dancing and singing galore before the band left the stage and turned their enormous lit sign off. It wasn't long before they were back, relighting it as they spelled out the letters M-A-D-N-E-S-S and began their encore with their namesake song.

Lamb made their late appearance on the Body and Soul stage after what looked like a isolated power outage had prevented them from appearance until almost half an hour after their allocated time slot. Still, it meant we caught the end of their engrossing set. Female vocals, double bass and decks brough the Lo-Fi electronica to life, which was the perfect tempo and mood for the late night setting. More to come on Sunday's Picnic events soon....

Electric Picnic Update: Friday Posted by EI Team on 05 September 2009. Mood:

Despite having left Dublin at the respectable time of 10.30am, we arrived into Electric Picnic's main arena a little later than advertised. After the lengthy bus journey, a weighed down trek through the badly signposted site, and the improvised pitching of a tent that's seen better days, we were famished, and took the opportunity to get our bearings in this year's setting, and wolf down a carton of chips before making our way to the Cosby stage to see anti-folk pioneer Jeffrey Lewis.

Jeffrey Lewis and the Junkyard took their time tuning up, which they later explained was due to the fact their guitars had travelled to Ireland on a Ryanair flight. Eventually they kicked off their set with 'If Life Exists', a slow two chord number that charmed with its simplicity, before breaking out into a rocking track that drove several non-fans out of the tent. Single 'Roll Bus Roll' went down a treat with the crowd, as did a oddball Gangsta rap about killing mosquitos in Maine. As well as his ramshackle musical poetry, Lewis entertained mightily with two comic strips, the first an unfinished 'film', entitled 'The Mayflower', the second a topsy turvey black and white detective skit.

We made at quick stop at the Main Stage to see some orchestral compositions from the Michael Nyman Orchestra. Nyman seems fond of sharps strings and pumping bass brass. It was all very impressive and refined, though maybe went an a bit, even for the older demographic that made up their audience.

Next on the agenda was Stockholm sweetheart Lykke Li, in her black cloak and bandana, who was much more charismatic onstage than a chat with her would give her credit for. She was an image of jerky dancing and drum smashing as she sang favourites 'Dance, Dance, Dance' and 'I'm Good, I'm Gone'. Following a new song, she asked 'I hope that wasn't too slow for you?', well aware from the crowd's screams that they had been delighted by it. The one questionable moment of their performance was when she prefaced 'Breaking It Up' with a rap chorus of 'Get Your Mother F***ing Hands In The Air', though nobody seemed to mind, waving their hands around in exultation. After a dance-worthy performance, the young Swede finished up with slower number 'Let Me Go', and was waved off with a roar of adoration as she left the stage.

Efterklang were without doubt the highlight of Friday's acts. Though po-faced during their extensive soundcheck, the time they spent of it really payed off, and once the show had started, it was clear the Danish ensemble didn't take themselves as they initially seem. Fluffed moments were covered easily with a laugh, and their frontman even wore a green cardigan to be in Ireland. Though they played mostly new material, their unknown songs were as engrossing as individual favourite. Each of the eight members played multiple instruments, moving and swapping around the stage to suit their needs. Keyboard come flute player, drummer come trumpet player, electronica maestro come recorder player, not a moment was left free for any of them. But their true forte is in their exquisite harmonies, which blasted forth through every song, creating a sense of awe. 'Mirador' and 'Step Aside' were highlights of the performance and the Danes seemed genuinely delighted with their warm.. reception.

After a Yumi dinner and a hugely reviving drink in the Bollywood Bar, where the décor seemed a lot less ostentatious than previous years, we went for a sit in the Electric Arena to wait for Rodrigo y Gabriela. Our intermission entertainment included a staggering inebriate falling on nearby girls and subsequently filmed by cruel blokes, probably for YouTube. The Electric Arena was packed to capacity by the time the Mexican guitar duo graced the stage, leaving those of us further back only able to listen to the intricate plucking ad rhythmic strum of Rodrigo y Gabriela, but still able to take part in audience partipation like clapping and synchronised 'Oi's. Following a stop in the cinema stage for a short segment of Guy Richie's Rocknrolla, we took a healthy walk to the far side of the Oscar Wilde campsite, as what appears to the only ATM on site is situated there, and cash supplies were running exceedingly low. On the way back, we happened upon The Salty Dog, where the Pussie Pirates were aboard the life size pirate ship, singing accordian songs and threatening to make a lady pirate walk the plank. Following some Pirates of the Caribbean plagiarism, actors dotted in the crowd broke into a full scale sword fight, urging us to abandon ship before we were forced to become part of the show.

Now it's morning, and it's not as uncivilised as it could be. Our 'Derilicte' tent still stands, though barely, and it's time to set off into the world for more music and dancing.

Electric Picnic Camping Essentials Posted by EI Team on 02 September 2009. Mood:

If you're a festival newbie, you're full of energy and enthusiasm. You're also likely to forget something essential that you'll really wish you hadn't. Toilet roll is at the very top of that list.

Toilet Paper If you don't know why, you've no business being at a festival.
Tent We know you won't forget to bring somewhere to lay your head for the weekend, but don't scrimp on it. Argos and Dunnes are big no nos. Do you want to wake up with your head in a puddle?!
Blow up bed and pump Trust me, rocks poking you in the hip is not conducive to a good night's sleep, and it's somewhat frustrating and time consuming if you have to blow it up yourself.
Sleeping Bag One that rolls up nice and small
Blankets If not blankets then extra warm sleeping clothes, you never know what the weather in this country will do.
Ear Plugs Listening to drunken vomiting and off-key singing is not conducive to a good night's sleep either
Eye Patches Nor are gargantuan floodlights...
Plastic Bags Be sure to keep your wet stuff away from your dry stuff, and dirty stuff away from clean stuff!
Torch As many carrots as you eat, you cannot find the loo roll in the tent in the middle of the night without a light source. And no, your phone is not good enough.
Toiletries Shampoo and Conditioner – It is possible to wash your hair in a sink. Baby wipes and hand sanitiser – it'd be really unfortunate if you caught the swine flu. Toothbruth, Toothpaste and bottled water – It's much quicker than queuing for the sinks.
Portable ashtray The rest of us think you smokers are gank, so keep your filthy cigarette butts away from us!
Food Things you can carry. Apples, cereal bars, yop! You get the idea
Cutlery You'll probably survive without plates and bowls, but it's difficult to make sandwiches without a knife. Or eat a yogurt without a spoon.

Booze and Drugs
You can preorder your drinks from www.electricpicnic.ie/shop, or you can trudge along with 24 cans slung over your shoulder. Spirit of choice decanted into a plastic bottle is by far the easiest to carry. As usual, you won't be allowed bring glass bottles.

We do not condone illegal substances, mostly 'cause they turn you into a w*****r. What we mean by drugs is you garden variety over the counter hangover cure. Forget it at your peril. If you haven't converted to Nurofen plus yet, now is the time. It's got Codeine in it, lovely, lovely Codeine.

Oh festival newbies, how we hate and envy you all at once. Eventually, you'll come to realise that camping is the devil's work...  

Electric Picnic Weather Forecast Posted by EI Team on 02 September 2009. Mood:

According to the BBC (and we trust them more than Met Eireann, y'know, 'cause they're right more often), the weather forecast for Dublin (try, just try finding a forecast for anywhere in Laois!) looks like this:

Meanwhile, The Irish Times has a similar outlook on things:

When we checked yesterday, it was supposed to be sunny on Friday and Saturday, but all hope of nice weather for this year's Picnic seems to be slipping away. As always, you'll need to be prepared for any outcome. Rain on Friday and Sunday means you should bring your wellies and a serious rain jacket, while sun on Saturday suggests you shouldn't forget to bring your sunnies and high factor suncream. Do not underestimate the weather!!!

Stage Times Announced, Make Your Own Personalised Timetable! Posted by EI Team on 02 September 2009. Mood:

That's right, the full schedule for this weekend's Electric Picnic is now available, so you can start planning out your entire festival weekend, or start crying about which of your favourite bands you'll have to miss for the sake of another.

For the full Electric Picnic schedule, as well as the facility to create and print your own personalised timetable, click here

Video: Tunng Live Posted by EI Team on 31 August 2009. Mood:

London folktronica outfit Tunng play Electric Picnic this Saturday August 5th. As a taster of what the show may be like, here's an extended session from Amoeba Music...

War Child Ireland Offer Electric Picnic Competition Posted by EI Team on 28 August 2009. Mood:

Too broke to afford a ticket to Electric Picnic? Too old to deal with dirty muddy tents and queuing for portaloos? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, the kind organisers of the picnic have once again teamed up with War Child Ireland to offer a competition to win two VIP tickets so you can spend your festival in comfort.

The fantastic prize, worth €2000, includes all this great stuff:
• 2 weekend VIP tickets to Electric Picnic music festival
• Accommodation in a unique eco-friendly myhab tent
• Myhab tent is furnished with cushioned double bed, light and bedside locker
• Fantastic outdoor furniture
• Boutique camping area and toilet/shower facilities
• Fresh cut flowers at your bedside and chocolates on your pillow
• Bottle of champagne
• Body & Soul voucher
• War Child t-shirts and cds
• Stereo and selected CDs
• Haagen Dazs ice-cream vouchers

To enter, text PICNIC to 57599, they'll reply with a simple question, and you reply with your answer and your name and address. Easy. Now, it does cost €2.50 per text to enter, but proceeds will go to help War Child Ireland and their work with local partner organisations to protect marginalised children - street children, child soldiers and children in prison - in places that are acutely affected by conflict such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
 

Dan Deacon Will Not Play Electric Picnic Posted by EI Team on 27 August 2009. Mood:

If you look closely at the day line up that was revealed yesterday, you'll notice the absence of one name, that was added to the Electric Picnic bill back at the beginning of July - Dan Deacon.

The Dan Deacon Ensemble were billed to play at the picnic, but now, according to a myspace post, Electric Picnic was one of several European dates that were advertised despite not having been fully confirmed.

The post goes:
'i just wanted to clear up some information about some shows that i am not playing but i am listed as playing. i will not be playing in europe in september. unfortunately, some of the possible shows got listed as confirmed and advertised. this has resulted in a major bummer as i cannot make these shows. i hope to make it back to europe again soon, but i do not know when that is. my apologies to everyone who was looking forward these fictional shows. this time, it honestly wasn't my f*ck up.'

Dan Deacon will actually be finishing up his European tour in Glasgow tomorrow (Friday 28th)and kicking off an American tour in Chicago in September 6th. Shame...

Day Line Up Revealed Posted by EI Team on 26 August 2009. Mood:

You'll have to wait another while to find out what stages and times all these fine bands are playing, but for now, content yourself with know who's on what day.

The campsite opens on Friday 4th September at 9am.  Check out the map of Electric Picnic site '09: http://www.electricpicnic.ie/doc/EP09ArenaSitePlan.pdf

Friday 4th September
8 Ball
ABC
Boy 8 Bit
Buraka Som Sistema
David Kitt
Dinosaur Jr
Diplo
Duckworth Lewis Method
Efterklang
Fake Blood
Japanese Popstars DJ set
Jeffrey Lewis
Luciano presents Aether
Lykke Li
Magazine
Major Lazer Soundsystem
MGMT
Michael Nyman Orchestra
Orbital
Peter Broderick
Richmond Fontaine
Rob Carty
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Seasick Steve
Smash Hits
The Infomatics
The Rubberbandits
The Temper Trap
Tu-Ki
Wave Machines
Zero 7

Saturday 5th September
2 Many DJs
A Flock of Seagulls
Baaba Maal
Barry Redsetta
Bat for Lashes
Billy Bragg
Brian Wilson
Cap Pas Cap
Chew Lips
Chic
Chris Cunningham live
Dave Geraghty
ESG
Explosions in the Sky
Four Tet
Imelda May
James Murphy & Pat Mahoney
Jape
Jazzanova (live)
Jon Averill
Julie Feeney
Just Jack
Kid Creole & the Coconuts
Klaxons
Lisa Hannigan
Lost Brothers
Low Anthem
LRB & Conor G
Madness
Magnolia Electric Co.
Marina & the Diamonds
Moderat
Mundy
Neko Case
Noze
One Day International
Optimo DJs
Roots Manuva
Stee Downes
The Field
The Hacker
The xx
The Walkmen
Tunng
Whitest Boy Alive

Sunday 6th September
Aeroplane
Alabama 3
Amadou & Mariam
Arveene & Misk
Basement Jaxx
Bell Orchestre
Bell X1
Blitzen Trapper
Damien Dempsey
Dublin Gospel Choir
Duke Dumont
Ebony Bones
Echo & the Bunnymen
Erol Alkan
Fionn Regan
Flaming Lips
Fleet Foxes
Florence & the Machine
Halfset
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Introducing
Laura Izibor
Micachu & the Shapes
Mick Flannery
Nightmares on Wax Soundsystem
Okkervil River
Our Fold
Quantic & his Combo Barbaro
Passion Pit
Royksopp
Simian Mobile Disco
Skream & Benga (Magnetic Man)
Switch
The Acorn
The Big Pink
The Sugarhill Gang
The Wailers
Two Door Cinema Club
Transmission DJs
Villagers
Zombie Nation

Barcadi B-Live Line Up Revealed, Win Tickets! Posted by EI Team on 26 August 2009. Mood:

The folks over at Barcardi have announced a line up for their B-Live Bar that they claim is their strongest ever. See for yourself below:

Friday 4th September
1700-1800 Baz Hickey
1800-2000 Horse Meat Disco
2000-2045 Beardyman live
2045-2300 Streetlife DJs
Shovell on percussion

Saturday 5th September
1200-1330 David De Valera
1330-1500 Stephen Manning
1500-1700 Idiot Proof
1700-1900 A Skillz
1900-2100 Filthy Dukes
2100-2300 Toddla T feat Serocee
Shovell on percussion

Sunday 6th September
1200-1430 Calvin James
1430-1730 Disco Bloodbath
1730-1900 Jaguar Skills
1900-2100 Unabombers
2100-2300 Krafty Kuts
Shovell on percussion

In the meantime,Bacardi have given us two Electric Picnic tickets with VIP to the Barcardi B-Live Bar, to give away. For more details see our competitions page

Video: Okkervil River - For Real Posted by EI Team on 26 August 2009. Mood:

Texas rockers Okkervil River play at Electric Picnic on Sunday 6th September. Here's the video for 'For Real' taken from their 2005 album 'Black Sheep Boy'.

Video: The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage Posted by EI Team on 24 August 2009. Mood:

Erlend Øye, of acoustic guitar duo Kings of Convenience, goes all electro funk with his new group, The Whitest Boy Alive.

Here's the video for 'Golden Cage' taken from their 2006 debut 'Dreams'.

golden cage

David Geraghty and more for Electric Picnic Posted by EI Team on 19 August 2009. Mood:

Following the recent announcement that London buzz band The XX have been added to the Electric Picnic line up, a further fifteen artists now join them on the bill.

Bell X1 man David Geraghty, quintessential Dublin singer songwriter David Kitt, and local indie electropop act 8Ball are the Irish additions this time round, while Chilean DJ and producer Luciano, and Bolton indie rockers Our Fold are among the international.

Meanwhile, there are nine additions to the The Little Big Tent line up. The Little Big Tent is the most dance based stage at Electric Picnic, situated in the main arena.

The new additions to The Little Big Tent line up are as follows:
The Hacker
Optimo DJs
Switch
Zombie Nation
Duke Dumont
Aeroplane DJs
Ebony Bones
Arveene & Misk
Japanese Popstars

Visit www.electricpicnic.ie/music for more info

Poptopia! Line Up Announced Posted by EI Team on 18 August 2009. Mood:

The line up for the Poptopia! stage at Electric Picnic has been announced. Poptopia! is brought to you by Thisispopbaby, and the line up looks like this:

Friday 4th September
19:30 Dark Room Notes
20:50 The Big Bang with Neosupervital, Bitches With Wolves & Veda Beaux Reves
22:30 Heidi Konnt
23:00 DySec Industries
00:00 Midnight Burlectro
01:00 Jerry Bouthier

Saturday 5th September
14:00 The Heidi Konnt Suicide Pact Lunch with Anúna, Ophelia & Anne Bushnell
16:30 Electro Bingo
18:15 Transmission Panti
20:00 Trannymal Farm
21:30 Dark Room Notes
22:30 The Big Bang with Neosupervital, Bitches With Wolves & Veda Beaux Reves
00:00 Midnight Burlectro
01:30 DySec Industries
02:00 Very Special Guest

Sunday 6th September
14:00 The Heidi Konnt Suicide Pact Lunch with Anúna, Ophelia & Anne Bushnell
16:30 Electro Bingo
18:15 Transmission Panti
20:00 Trannymal Farm
21:30 Ebony Bones
22:45 Le Gateau Chocolat & Marawa, direct from La Clique
00:00 DJ Martin McCann

The XX Added To Electric Picnic Bill Posted by EI Team on 13 August 2009. Mood:

With their debut album XX going on release tomorrow morning, Friday August 14th, quirky London electro pop group The XX have revealed that they will play a set at the Electric Picnic this year.

You can hear samples of the new album streaming exclusively on We7.com until its release.

Tommy Tiernan To Headline Comedy Stage Posted by EI Team on 07 August 2009. Mood:

Ireland's most popular comic, Tommy Tiernan, is to headline the Stradbelly Laughs comedy stage at Electric Picnic.

Tiernan recently set a Guinness World Record for the longest stand-up show by an individual comedian, when he performed a 36 hours 15 minutes set over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Tommy will be joined at Stradbelly Laughs with no less than 3 fellow Perrier Award winners and the best of established and rising stars on the circuit, with acts from afar afield as Canada, Australia, USA, UK and of course Ireland. The full Stradbelly Laughs line up so far is:

Tommy Tiernan
Steve Frost Improv All Stars
Sean Hughes
Phil Nichol
Brendon Burns
Gavin Webster
Kevin Bridges
Joe Rooney
Eric Lalor
Dead Cat Bounce
Andrew Stanley & Damian Clarke

Body & Soul Line Up Revealed Posted by EI Team on 04 August 2009. Mood:

Annual Picnic favourite place to hang out, The Body & Soul Stage, has revealed its line up of eclectic and soul inspiring music.

Body & Soul acts include Baltimore boy-girl duo Beach House, Manchester electronic music duo Lamb, experimental folk foursome The Sound Carriers, Icelandic cinematic indie rockers Blindfold, psychedelic music project The Amorphous Androgynous, California blues rockers Golden Animals and County Clare's Tulla Ceili Band.

More Body & Soul acts are still to be announced.

Bat for Lashes, Florence and Lisa Hannigan for Mercury Prize Posted by Jenny on 24 July 2009. Mood:

Electric Picnic 2009 acts Bat for Lashes, Florence and The Machine and Lisa Hannigan have been nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize 2009.

Being one of the twelve nominees for the award for best British or Irish album of the year will put these three at the top of most people's 'To See' list at this year's picnic. Florence's set at Oxegen was packed to the gills, and no doubt, so it will be in Stradbally this September.

Personally, here at entertainment.ie we're rooting for Bat For Lashes and her album 'Two Suns'. The last time Natasha Khan and co. played the picnic, her audience was minimal, as most of the crowd were hiding out in another, larger tent, waiting for the 'surprise guest', hoping for Arcade Fire, but instead getting a Beastie Boys DJ set.

The full list of nominations for this year's Mercury Music Prize is as follows:
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
Florence and The Machine - Lungs
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
The Horrors - Primary Colours
La Roux - La Roux
Led Bib - Sensible Shoes
The Invisible - The Invisible
Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Speech Debelle - Speech Therapy
Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Twice Born Men

The winner will be announced at a ceremonial Awards Show in September

New Additions to Picnic Line-Up Posted by EI Team on 23 July 2009. Mood:

A bevy of new additions to the Electric Picnic line-up have been announced, including Mercury Prize favourite Florence and The Machine. Florence, who has seemingly been mentioned in every second music news piece or article lately, will make an appearance at the festival just days before the announcement of the Mercury Prize.

Also announced today to make an appearance at the festival is Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal, Irish songster Mick Flannery, soul diva Laura Izibor, epic duo The Big Pink and Nightmares On Wax Soundsystem. Other recently announced include: Wave Machines, Peter Broderick and Stee Downes.

Electric Picnic takes place in Stadbally, Co Laois on the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th of September.

Stradbelly Laughs Line Up Announced Posted by Jenny on 16 July 2009. Mood:

Stradbelly Laughs is the pun-tastic name for Electric Picnic's annual comedy tent, one of the best places to hang out during the autumn festival.

The line up for the Strabelly Laughs stage this year include no less than three Perrier award winners.

Dublin's own Sean Hughes was the youngest ever winner of the prestigious comedy award.

Canadian Phil Nichol is all set to deliver his usual stream of inspired lunacy full of violent, unexpected twists, all delivered at breakneck speed.

Controversial Australian comedian Brendon Burns loves shock tactics and splintering taboos, and will deliver it all with terrific theatrical brio.

Stephen Frost, Andy Smart, Steve Steen, Richard Vranch and Ian Coppinger will all star in Steve Frosts Impro All Stars, and will improvise a full set of comedy based on audience suggestion.

There'll be loads of other great acts, including Gavin Webster, Kevin Bridges, Joe Rooney, Eric Lalor, Andrew Stanley and his Aussie 'I Dare Ya' co-host Damian Clarke, and finally, the unrelenting high energy of sketch group Dead Cat Bounce.

See, it really is worth a trip to the comedy tent at Electric Picnic.

Sixteen New Acts For Electric Picnic Posted by EI Team on 03 July 2009. Mood:

Sixteen new acts have been added to the line up for Electric Picnic, including Dinosaur Jr, Neko Case and Dan Deacon.

Chances are you've heard this news already, since it leaked out on Wednesday, but since we're embargo respecting people, we now bring the news that the following acts will play at the Electric Picnic:

Dinosaur Jr
Neko Case
Dan Deacon Ensemble
Kid Creole & The Coconuts
Julie Feeney
One Day International
Diplo
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
The Temper Trap
Buraka Som Sistema (live)
Major Lazer
The Acorn
First Aid Kit
Fake Blood
Boy 8 Bit
The Lost Brothers

Mindfield at Electric Picnic Posted by EI Team on 23 June 2009. Mood:

As ever at Electric Picnic, there'll be a host of thoughtful spoken word events. Mindfield is the must go zone to engage with some of the finest minds of our generation in incendiary debate and conversation on literature and poetry; science and human nature; politics and economics; theatre and music; photography and satire – even some as Gaeilge. Events take place across six stages and include Leviathan Political Cabart with David McWilliams, a special debate and MindField All-Star News Quiz hosted by Channel 4 news icon Jon Snow, and a talk show with Ryan Tubridy.

Also expect appearances from BP Fallon, satirical music and commentary from Paddy Cullivan and The Camembert Quartet and Readers' Wives; Dundalk dystopia with Jinx Lennon; speed-debating in the hugely popular Salon du Chat; dodgy life-coaching from Batty Ryan; and brand new satirical shorts from the Doris/Magee filmmakers

Pearse Street's new Science Gallery will make an appearance at EP, while Aoibhínn Ní Shúilleabháin hosts Seed Dating, a fast-paced event designed to develop ideas for innovative projects in arts, science, technology and media.

The Irish Language Stage or Gaeilge Beo returns this year, again curated by Rossa Ó Snodaigh of Kila as curator again. There's also a literary stage and a theatre stage with a host of spoken word events and loads more besides...

Visit electricpicnic.ie for more details.

Video: Efterklang - Mirador Posted by EI Team on 19 June 2009. Mood:

'Mirador is taken from the very excellent album 'Parades' by multi-instrumental Danes Efterklang. Hope you like it...

The Big Pink Play Electric Picnic Posted by EI Team on 29 May 2009. Mood:

London electro-indie duo The Big Pink have been added to the line up for Electric Picnic 2009.

Made up of Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell and signed to 4AD Records(Bon Iver, Camera Obscura, TV On The Radio), The Big Pink are named after the debut album by The Band, and plan to release their debut album in September, just in time for the Picnic.

To keep you from falling off your seat in anticipation, here's the video for their debut single "Too Young To Love." It's just a little creepy.

Flaming Lips Writing For Double Album Posted by Jenny on 14 May 2009. Mood: pink like a robot

Oklahoma psychedelic rockers The Flaming Lips have announced details of their newest release. It is to be their first ever double album, and was inspired by jam sessions at drummer Steven Drozd's house. Frontman Wayne Coyle spoke to Billboard.com about the origins of the album:
"I think with this there was an element of accidentally stumbling upon more spontaneous sort of freak-out stuff… We were sitting at Steven's house and we just started out having these freak-out jam sessions where he'd play drums and I'd play bass and we just would sort of do freaky stuff. Some of those recordings, even though they're not recorded very well, really had a spontaneity about them that we probably wouldn't have purposely done."

The band have already written thirteen songs for inclusion on the album, and intend to add a further eight or nine. The as yet untitled double album is intended for release late this summer.

Brian Wilson And More Added to EP Bill Posted by Jenny on 13 May 2009. Mood: hopeful

More fantastic acts have been added to the line up for the Electric Picnic 2009. The biggest of these is a man who was rumoured before the initial line up announcements, but has now been confirmed for the festivities. It's Mr. Beach Boy himself, Brian Wilson.

Joining Brian Wilson are Norwegian electro-pop duo Royksopp, Malian afro pop couple Amadou and Mariam, Bob Marley's former band The Wailers, acoustic folk singer/songwriter Fionn Regan, Offally man Mundy, electro pop group A Flock of Seagulls, Arcade Fire's string section Bell Orchestre, Swedish electronica wizard The Field, New York anti-folk figurehead Jeffrey Lewis, breakthrough synth-pop act Marina and the Diamonds, alt country band Richmond Fontaine, and last but not least, the LCD Soundsystem boys James Murphy and Pat Mahony in a Special Disco Version DJ Set.

Video: Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal Posted by EI Team on 08 May 2009. Mood:

With their beautiful four part harmonies and their simple yet intoxifying melodies, Fleet Foxes are bound to be one of the highlights of this year's Electric Picnic.

With that in mind, here is the wonderful video for one of their best known songs "White Winter Hymnal," from their self titled debut of last year. Dark and difficult to see as it may be, it is a little magical:

Electric Picnic Line Up Is Official! Posted by EI Team on 15 April 2009. Mood:

After all the speculation, it's finally official. The first round of acts have been announced for the Electric Picnic line up. The rumoured line up revealed by Nialler9 earlier this afternoon is not far off the mark with Madness, Orbital, Flaming Lips, Basement Jaxx and MGMT taking the top spots.

As blurted out by them on stage, Bell X1 will be joining the party, and there'll be another chance to see last year's best band, Fleet Foxes. The full line up, which is absolutely inspiring, can be seen below.

Non-music related announcements include the return of Electric Picnic's Body & Soul Village (a veritable hippy heaven with a large array of holistic treatments, reiki, yoga and massage), Comedy Tent and Spoken Word Area, which will see the return of David McWilliams, Leviathan debates, poetry reading and storytelling. This year, the world renowned performance art troupe, Lucent Dossier will crawl out of the LA underground arts & music scene with their interactive Water Show, and you can also catch THISISPOPBABY, featuring some of Ireland's best drag artists. The Southern Comfort Crawdaddy Stage promises to draw out the Mardi Gras fever adding a touch of New Orleans style. While The Bacardi B Live Arena also makes a welcome return, as ever showcasing the collaborative works of world class DJs, musicians, live vocalists and percussionists.

Sounds like Electric Picnic 2009 will once again be a festival not to be missed. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 17th, at 9.00am.

LINE UP 2009 so far: ORBITAL
FLAMING LIPS
BASEMENT JAXX
MADNESS
MGMT
FLEET FOXES
KLAXONS
BELL X1
RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
CHIC
SEASICK STEVE
2 MANY DJs
LISA HANNIGAN
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
ABC
DAMIEN DEMPSEY
ALABAMA 3
BAT FOR LASHES
ZERO 7
EROL ALKAN
ROOTS MANUVA
THE SUGARHILL GANG
BILLY BRAGG
LYKKE LI
IMELDA MAY
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
MAGAZINE
E.S.G
MODERAT
SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO
SKREAM & BENGA's MAGNETIC MAN
NOZE
HEARTBREAK
HALFSET
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM
OKKERVIL RIVER
MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
LOW ANTHEM
VILLAGERS
TUNNG
JAPE
WHITEST BOY ALIVE
MICACHU & THE SHAPES
THE WALKMEN
EFTERKLANG
MICHAEL NYMAN
DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR
QUANTIC SOUL ORCHESTRA
JAZZANOVA

Bell X1 Reveal Slot at Picnic Posted by Jenny on 14 April 2009. Mood: I like the colour of it all

The first semi-official announcement for Electric Picnic was made by Paul Noonan of Bell X1 at the band's last show at Vicar St on Thursday. Semi-official in that it's not official at all, but seeing as it was the band themselves that made the announcement, it's probably true. Noonan may get in a little trouble for letting the cat out of the bag ahead of tomorrow evening's official Electric Picnic launch, where music giants Morrissey, Madness and Brian Wilson are rumoured to be announced to headline the Stradbally based music and arts festival. Bell X1 just finished a run at Vicar St and are due to support U2 at their final night in Croke Park on July 27th