With less than three weeks to go until Outlook 2014 is in full swing, we take a closer look at the best places to bubble and groove at this year’s event, you will have heard by now that Lauryn Hill and Busta Rhymes are both set to headline – these 90’s era Hip-Hop juggernauts need no introduction, and making the decision to see them performing seminal hits against the most idyllic coastline Europe has to offer should also be pretty straightforward. But there’s plenty more to see besides them, and whether you’re interested in scoping out something new or looking forward to seeing some of your favourite artists putting on banging show – yet again, this year’s event is unlikely to disappoint; so here’s a few picks of ours, in no particular order.
Nonplus Records founder Boddika stars; fusing Garage, House and Bass sounds with Electro, D’n’B and bBreakbeat creates his unique sound, and he has been lauded for consistently reinventing the underground UK music scene. Tracks like last year’s Techno offering featuring Joy Orbison entitled “Mercy” will undoubtedly get a spin; causing the mouths of tech lovers everywhere salivating at the prospect of stomping to this one until the sun comes up.
Boddika x Joy Orbison – “Mercy”:
On a much more House-orientated tip, Roy Davis Junior is one of the pioneers of the Chicago scene and a dedicated 4/4 groove-laden craftsman, his latest mix for Fabric, entitled ‘Do It Because I Love 2‘ boasts the kind of Funk infused, rhythmic vocals that have become ever more popular in recent times and this mix is bound to get you in the mood for two-stepping on that Adriatic coastline. Whilst duos Bondax and Snakehips are guests right at the fore of the contemporary Garage take on house music; Bondax remain hard to classify with their brilliantly transcendental sounds, and the mysterious Snakehips’ limited releases work together disparate styles into their productions.
Three drum and bass icons further demonstrate the scope of Outlook’s vision; Goldie is one of drum and bass’ enduring forces, DJ Marky brings his bouncing Brazilian drum and bass beats and Ram Records’ Andy C also features. Detroit don Moodymann brings house and techno to Croatia, with Funkineven’s house music further adding to the festival’s breadth.
Funkineven + Jay Daniel – “Discipline (Apron13)”:
Retaining its love of Hip-Hop, Outlook brings a further wealth of talent to Croatia. High Focus Records have announced their line-up at the festival, including The Four Owls, Jam Baxter and Dirty Dike among others, with extra UK action from new names Pete Cannon, London Zoo and Problem Child all added to the billing. And flipping over to the dubstep side of the festival, Truth, Seven and Swindle are all catalysts of the scene’s current dynamism and inspiration, revered for their forward-thinking production work and devastatingly bass-heavy sets.
One of the world’s most iconic reggae sound systems, Jah Shaka, with young Rasta revivalist Chronixx & Zinc Fence Redemption and Zouk Bass pioneers Buraka Som Sistema, is debuting at the festival. The venerable statesman of his scene, David Rodigan, makes a very welcome return, as do Dancehall and Reggae icons Barrington Levy and Horace Andy, both performing live, and Congo Natty, the true jungle originator who has recently signed to Ninja Tune/Big Dada, while Massive Attack legend Daddy G will be DJing in the gorgeous Croatian sunshine, on the beach stage, spinning ones and twos for you and yours.
Chronixx – “Capture Land”:
The best of the rest include heavy hitters such as Gentleman’s Dub Club, Newham Generals, Paleman, General Levy, Randall, Roska, Logan Sama, Kenny Knots, Solo Banton, Elijah & Skilliam, True Tiger, Cultural Warriors feat. Nello B, LV & Joshua Idehen (live), Fliptrix, Leaf Dog, BVA, Verb T, Jam Baxter, Edward Scissortongue, DJ Madnice, DJ Sammy B-Side, Earl Gateshead, MC DRS, Nucleus Roots, LX One, Royal T, Anushka, Barely Legal, Nomine, Safire, Benton, Amy Becker, Acre, Geode, BMB Spacekid, Jonny Dub, Livin Proof, Dr. Syntax, Split Prophets, Sonny Jim, Lee Scott, Onoe Caponoe, The Purist, 184, Disorda, Skuff, Jman, Cracker Jon & Too Late, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Konchis & Physiks, DJ Fingerfood, Jives, Patrice, Jroots, Jaksun, The Saint, Inkling, Passion Fruit, Dr. Meaker, Flava D, Etch, Gardna, Horus Records, Finna, Andy H, Oscar Luweez, Boyson, Finwa and Defenders of Style.
Outlook Festival 2014 takes place from the 3rd to the 7th of September at Fort Punta Christo, near Pula, Croatia. Tickets are available here.
Words by Akua Ofei // Edited by Ayo Adepoju
