Summer has arrived! The sun is finally here, and what better way to enjoy it than watching great music in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales? Beacons Festival is right around the corner, and with a fantastic array of bands and DJs, we’re definitely excited. Here is a run through of our top pick of DJs from the line-up.
#1. Dixon
Producer, DJ, record label owner and baker; Steffan Berkhahn aka. Dixon has more than a few achievements under his belt. The Innervisions founder earnt himself the #1 DJ position in Resident Advisor’s 2013 poll, and over the past year has consistently lived up to his title. His ability to balance between the borders of accessible and underground house music is what makes his sets so dynamic – always enjoyable, but never predictable. Following his un-paralleled performance at Full Circle last year, we are well and truly ready to welcome Dixon back onto the Leeds music scene at Beacons. Expect understated deep-house fuelled with warm, melodic vocals. Headlining Sunday night, this is a performance you can’t afford to miss.
#2. Roman Flügel
Roman Flügel is a true giant of electronic music. Prevalent in the industry for over 20 years, Flügel is renowned for transcending the genres of techno, electro, ambient and everything in between. It is difficult to know whether to expect techno or acid house from this German maestro, but you can be sure it will be carefully selected, expertly blended and sound absolutely incredible. Roman Flügel plays Beacons on Friday night.
#3. Jon Hopkins
It’s always exciting to experience live electronic music, especially when it comes from English born producer, Jon Hopkins. Renowned for his energetic performances and pioneering melodic electronica, Hopkins has plenty to show for himself. The 2013 Mercury nominee has collaborated with the likes of Brian Eno and Coldplay, and has five acclaimed solo-releases to his name. His most recent album, Immunity, has been dubbed a ‘modern classic’ and his ability to challenge genre constraints through a unique and innovative approach to production is what makes his music so refreshing. Catch his live set on Saturday.
#4. Daniel Avery
Daniel Avery caught everyone’s attention with his debut release Drone Logic, which received unresounding praise from critics across the industry. This expertly produced, mesmerising techno has meant that from the get-go, Avery has been one to watch. First releasing on Erol Alkan’s label, Phantasy Sound, and since earning further respect as a DJ, the UK producer is proving his place in electronic music. His sets are exciting and unrestrictive in genre, favouring ‘music for the mind’. If his back-to-back perfomance with Erol Alkan at Field Day is anything to go by, we’re very excited to hear what he has to offer at Beacons.
#5. Dan Shake
Last, but by no means least, is former Leeds student, Dan Shake. The first non-Detroit artist ever to release on Moodymann’s celebrated Mahogani Music label (and just after handing over a demo CD at Dimensions festival last year), Shake is definitely a name we’ll be hearing more of. His own varied musical interest comes across in his productions, which are inspired by everything from Hip Hop to House. He may be young, but his soulful debut 3AM Jazz Club is accomplished and refined, not to mention fun. If his set at Beacons is anything like his productions then get ready to groove on Friday night.
Additionally, check out our Music and Food & Drink previews and for the full list of DJs at Beacons Festival, check out their website here.
Still after a ticket? There’s a few remaining over here!
Harriet Shepherd