Field Day returns to London’s Victoria Park, for not one, but two days next month (7 and 8 June) with Metronomy and Pixies headlining. “It’s very exciting to finally, after seven years, make Field Day into a weekend event of great music. It’s been a long time coming!”, explains co-founder, booker and promoter Tom Baker, who has made us a playlist of ten of his favourite tracks from this year’s bill that embody some of the festival’s spirit.
Pixies – Bone Machine
“I couldn’t not include Sunday headliners Pixies in this playlist, such a seminal band and one that I’ve been a fan of since I was given Surfer Rosa and Doolittle on cassette tape by an old friend when I was just 16 years old on holiday in Cyprus! I remember listening to it over and over and over, it just connected with me and has done ever since. Its a huge honour to have them play the second day of Field Day on the Sunday.”
Metronomy – The Upsetter
“This is one of my favourite tracks from Metronomy’s brilliant new album Lover Letters. I just love the acoustic guitar and the way the song is structured, the album is a real grower with so many textures, layers and crafted pop songs. They are such a fantastic live band as well, and a band that have developed their live set over the years. It’s going to be a very big and special moment when they close the Eat Your Own Ears main stage on Saturday at Field Day.”
The Horrors – So Now You Know
“What a great comeback album Luminous is – massive soundscapes and anthemic in the unique The Horrors way. I’ve worked with The Horrors for a long time now so it’s amazing to see them just evolve over the years. I’m super excited to see their new live show and see these new songs played for the first time at Field Day.”
John Wizards – Lusaka by Night
“If you haven’t discovered Cape Town’s John Wizards, then it’s definitely worth checking them out at Field Day, they mix some very infectious afro-beat with melodic bubbly pop moments.”
Future Island – Sun In The Morning
“Wow, what an album, sort of came out of nowhere for me. I knew the band but hadn’t listened to them for a long time and then heard the new album Singles and it just totally drew me… It sort of reminds me of TV on the Radio in places, and I love his voice, sort raspy and so distinctive. Hopefully there will be Sun In The Morning when the doors open at Field Day!”
Neneh Cherry – Naked
“This is one of my favourite tracks from Neneh Cherry’s brilliant new album and her first solo album in 16 years. It’s raw, edgy, bold, brash yet has pop hooks and expansive instrumental moments. Neneh’s live show alongside the dynamic duo of Rocket Number Nine just explodes with amazing creative and colourful energy.”
Todd Terje – Svensk Sas
“Todd Terje just delivers humour all the way through this album, from the wonderful album title It’s Album Time to the pun on words in the last track Inspector Norse…!! It has a really playful and fun sound to it, mixing house and disco, jazz breaks with synth-driven filmic soundscapes. I am seriously very very very excited to see Todd live at Field Day, I think the tent will be a road block so get there early…”
SOHN – Lights
“Lush Lush Lush Lush Lush… I love this track, such a beautiful album and I love the whole aesthetic of the record and whole mystery that surrounds SOHN. Mesmerizing live as well, such a strong and captivating vocal against building bubbling poppy electronica swells. I’m absolutely thrilled SOHN plays one of his first UK festivals at Field Day.”
Ryan Hemsworth – Weird Life
“This track is addictive, this album is addictive! from the Canadian based producer. I want to hear more music as listened to his brilliant album Guilt Trips so many times now. Fantastic and intelligent dance music that catches you out with a sudden drop or change.”
Seun Kuti – Kalakuta Boy
“I try and represent different styles of music across the eight stages at Field Day, and one style of music I’m always keen to bring to Field Day, I guess for the want of a better word, is world music. Over the years we’ve had the incredible Kora player Touamni Diabate, the malian and cuban collective Afro-cubism, Sun Ra Arkestra, The Lion of Zimbabwe Thomas Mapfumo. Last year we had legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker. So it’s great to welcome Seun Kuti to the main stage this year. Seun is the youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, and plays alongside Fela’s original band Egypt 80, who Seun became the leader of at the age of 14 when Fela died in 1997. Seun is sure to bring the sunshine out and get everyone dancing!”
For more, including the full line-up and latest ticket news, head to Fielddayfestivals.com.
