- Rocksteady Music turns eight.
- What’s on events diary
- Four acts added to lineup for Reasons Festival
A JERSEY events company which has brought the Island some its most memorable club nights is celebrating eight years in the business.
Rocksteady Music has lit up events at locations such as Pure, the Watersplash and many others since 2007.
A stalwart of the Island clubbing scene, Rocksteady was the brainchild of local DJs Ben Newman and John O’Connell.
And now, to celebrate the company’s birthday, the pair are promising Islanders a party they will never forget.
Southampton-born DJing legend James Zabiela and the man behind the Snowbombing craze, Marc Roberts, are headlining the event at the Watersplash on Liberation Day.
The pair will be joined by a host of local DJs and will re-emerge on Sunday for a special after-party.
Saturday 18 April
- Blue Note: Live Electric Blues, at 4 pm; The Cryptics
- Chambers: Dr Strangelove
- Dolphin Hotel: Sgt Pipon
- The Green Rooster: Backbeats House Party
- The Inn: Frank T
- Kitty OSheas: Rumour
- Savoy Hotel: The LQ Latin-Jazz band
- Soleil: Northern Soul & Motown with DJ Rex
- The Star: The Pioneers
- Trafalgar Hotel: The Mood
Friday 24 April
- Blue Note: The Blind Drivers
- The Inn: Megan
- Kitty OSheas: Kat-R
- The Star: Raw Prawns
- Trafalgar Hotel: Deano
Saturday 25 April
- Blue Note: Live Electric Blues, at 4 pm
- Dolphin Hotel: Rockin Robins
- The Green Rooster: Backbeats House Party
- The Inn: Matt Holcroft
- Kitty OSheas: Megan & Johnny
- Soleil: Northern Soul & Motown with DJ Rex
- The Star: The Watsons
- Trafalgar Hotel: Andy & Pete
- Troubadour: The Blind Drivers
Nightlife caught up with Ben to talk about the celebrations.
Did you ever envisage that Rocksteady would be as successful as it has been?
I don’t think we ever had an idea of how long it would last, so it is tricky to gauge because we were just going from one party to the next. We started with lots of small parties with mostly up-and-coming DJs and locals. We had no expectations of where we would be. But the sort of artists that we have been getting in the last three years are nothing like we could ever have imagined. They are idols of ours and heroes – people we respect hugely and continue to look up to.
Biggest highlight so far?
That’s tough. I think probably the first time we had Paul Woolford at Pure – that was a highlight. It was the venue’s busiest night in a long while and the first time we had booked someone of his calibre, and he delivered in every way. Another high has probably been all the events with Boddika, they have been fun and there has been such a good response every time.
Low point during that time?
Any time, down the years, when we have booked an artist we are really into and
the event hasn’t been well received, for
one reason or the other. You often find yourself asking what you could have done differently.
Things to look out for in the future?
We have got a really good schedule of Rocksteady events planned which included three or four days at the ‘Splash and two or three smaller parties. Obviously, we can’t
say too much at the moment, because it is early days, but there are exciting things
lined up. One thing we do have that we can talk about is that we have the Skints and Evil Nine gigging at the ‘Splash in the summer.
What can Islanders expect from the eighth-birthday gig?
James Zabiela is someone we have been trying to book for six years and it has never quite come off. Out of all the acts I have aspired to get bookings from he tops that list by far. Musically, he is in the happy place for us as his style is a little bit of everything and as a musician, for what he does, he is simply the best in the world. He is the perfect act for the Watersplash and Marc Roberts, the guy responsible for programming the Snowbombing festival, will also be performing. In the second room we have United Elements, who are a local hip-hop group. There will be lots of other things, including street art, on the day. Any Given Sunday, who are a firm favourite of ours, will also be performing. If you are into something remotely funk with a chilled-out atmosphere, this is for you.
And what about the after-party?
Marc Roberts will also be performing at an after-party at the ‘Splash and it will be a bit like the Sunday sessions they hold down there in the summer with a much more chilled-out vibe – hopefully, some more of this lovely weather and a bit of a barbecue…
Any surprises planned?
There is a big daytime event planned on the Saturday, starting at about 3 pm, and there will be a few extra surprises, mainly visual, to look out for. And of course we will be going the extra mile on the night as regards production – it’s our birthday after all.
Details
Tickets are £20 and are available from White Label, online at eventbrite.com or from the Watersplash. Strictly over-18s only.
THE latest line-up announcement for Jersey’s newest music festival has been revealed.
Reasons Festival, which is being organised by Rocksteady Music, will be held in Coronation Park on 11 July.
The party, which will be spread across four stages, will run from 11 am to 11 pm before moving on to an after-party at Rojo and Havana.
Rocksteady’s Ben Newman gave his views on the latest list of artists to be confirmed for the event.
A full event line-up is available on the festival’s Facebook page.
The Mouse Outfit
What can Islanders expect? Authentic British hop-hop influenced by a myriad of styles such as funk, reggae, jazz and world music.
What are you most looking forward to about that artist? Their on-stage chemistry is awesome. They’re a big band but they are super tight and look like they’re having an amazing time when they perform.
What will the they add to the festival? A live element – we have got mostly DJs booked and The Mouse Outfit are a full live act.
Any particular tracks or hits that Islanders should listen out for? ‘Sit Back’, ‘Shak Out’ and ‘Got Me Thinkin’ are a good start.
Josh Wink
What can Islanders expect? Groovy house and techno.
What are you most looking forward to about that artist? He’s one of the forefathers of the scene and has bags of experience and always rises to the occasion.
What will the they add to the festival? Serious underground kudos.
Any particular tracks or hits that Islanders should listen out for? He is unlikely to play many of his own tracks. However, I have to mention his massive tracks such as ‘Higher State of Consciousness’, ‘Don’t Laugh’ and ‘I’m Ready’.
Wilkinson & MC Ad-Apt
What can Islanders expect? Chart-topping drum and bass.
What are you most looking forward to about that artist? He’s been over before and has a massive fan base. He is a star that continues to rise and I’m sure that when he plays his headline slot on the BLKOUT stage it will be pretty special.
What will they add to the festival? Drum-and-bass energy combined with pop sensibilities.
Any particular tracks or hits that Islanders should listen out for? ‘Afterglow’ is an obvious choice. ‘Hopelessly Coping’ is a new one of his that is out in May. I am 100 per cent sure that it will be another massive hit for him.
Daddy G (Massive Attack)
What can Islanders expect? Reggae and dub, sprinkled with some very well-known tracks.
What are you most looking forward to about that artist? As a founding member of Massive Attack, he was part of one of the single
most important British acts of all time in
my opinion, and loved by people of all ages and tastes. Just having him on site will be
an honour.
What will the they add to the festival? We’re big fans of reggae and dub here at Reasons and he’s agreed to play a special set to accommodate these styles. We can’t wait.
Any particular tracks or hits that Islanders should listen out for? I can’t not mention Massive Attack’s ‘Teardrops’ or ‘Unfinished Sympathy’. Daddy G has produced a handful of tracks as a solo artist and collaborating with other vocalists. His cover ‘Non Non Non’ is a personal favourite.
