And the drum and bass-cum hip-hop artiste who founded Mercury award-winning act Reprazent is bringing a few friends for the ‘clocks-go-back’ special that gives clubbers an extra hour on the dance floor.
Ram Records’ Loadstar, Hospital Records’ Estherwood and Mc Wrec will also be performing alongside some select local talent.
Roni – who will be performing on his birthday weekend – will be coming to Jersey fresh from a sold-out performance at the Roundhouse in London.
The organisers, Vanguard XL, said: ‘This is one for the history books. Vanguard are delivering the biggest line-up ever seen at the Watersplash for the only clocks-go-back special in 2015.’
A limited number of tickets, priced at £22.50, are still available at eventbrite.com.
What can Islanders expect?
Three headline acts, 11 talented musicians, five hours of the most cutting-edge music on the Island’s most upfront sound system – Void. It’s going to be the best vibes and atmosphere this weekend.
Sum up Roni Size in two sentences:
I can do it in two words: pioneer, legend.
Talk us through what the other acts will bring to the event:
Etherwood from Hospital Records has just dropped his second album Blue Leaves, further cementing his name in UK music’s critically acclaimed Hall of Fame, alongside other Hospital heavyweights like High Contrast, Camo and Krooked and Netsky. Loadstar is also performing. He’s from the legendary Ram Records and has been one of Andy C’s best signing’s alongside the mighty Chase and Status and Wilkinson. These acts, together with Roni Size and MC Wrec, wouldn’t be out of place headlining the Jersey Live dance arena.
How much of a coup is it to get such big names to Jersey?
Fate springs to mind. To have Roni over on his birthday weekend after a sold-out show at the Roundhouse in London the night before is amazing. Added to that, Etherwood, who has taken his game to the next level with his recent album, and Loadstar, who tour the world 24/7 – well, this is something not to be repeated. Did I mention the clocks go back too? And MC Wrec? It’s a massive coup!
Are Vanguard and the Island now able to attract bigger and better artistes?
It’s a group effort from everyone involved in working hard to bring such artists to Jersey, so big up to all music promoters in our fantastic Island.
Are there any tracks that Islanders should listen out for?
Come and hear the freshest music even before Radio One get their hands on it. Come and educate yourselves musically.
How big is it for local acts to play with international DJs?
It’s always a big deal, and it’s what these guys deserve. We have such a wealth of talented home-grown DJs in this Island and we should all support them.
The clocks going back will give clubbers an extra hour – is there still an appetite for extended licensing hours?
I think a JEP poll that was conducted not so long ago said something like 90 per cent of Islanders who voted were in favour of extending licensing hours, so I’ll leave that one with you guys.’
Name: Lee Pinglaux (26)
Fun fact: I’m old and fat now.
When did you first get involved in music? Maybe when I got a drum kit at 13? My parents loved that!
Where can Islanders see you play? Mostly the Watersplash and Rojo, although I do cameo appearances all over the place.
Who is your music idol? Currently it has to be Adam Beyer. He’s a techno don with a successful label Drumcode. He’s also a gent and down to earth, which is so important.
What is your favourite song ever? I can’t choose just one, but Rapture by iiO is special. Still sounds so fresh 15 years on.
What is your guilty pleasure? Bacon and cheese rolls.
What song do you hate the most? It changes regularly, but currently it’s that ‘I’ve got bills’ song. Just do one.
How do you rate Jersey’s night life? Underrated. We put on some top-class events for such a small Island – it’s there if you look for it.
What would you change about it? We need longer opening hours, for sure. Closing at 2 am is borderline Guantanamo Bay. We also need a club dedicated to good music that is open weekly.
Where’s the best place for a night out in Jersey? The Splash, followed closely by Rojos.
Where’s the best place to perform in Jersey? Again it’s the Splash. People go there for the music, and there are no egos. I had a great time performing at Jersey Live this year, too.
Best venue in Jersey that no longer exists? Well, maybe I’m a bit young for the likes of Inn on the Park, but apparently that was nuts. I would have loved to see what all the fuss was about.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be? The Gashouder in Amsterdam – the best techno temple in the world. It’s basically a massive, round, empty gas cylinder, a bit bigger than Fort Regent. The Dutch throw mad parties in there four or five times a year. Because Holland just gets on and does what it wants.
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
Dancefloor or bar? One generally leads to the other.
LP or MP3? Wav.
Live or recorded? I do as much live stuff as possible.
Tupac or Biggie? Biggie.
60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s? 80s.
X Factor or The Voice? I’m out on a Saturday.
