Rockness 2012 // The 405 Preview

Rockness is now only 10 days away, and as we here at the 405 are going to be travelling up to the picturesque highlands of Scotland for the occasion, we felt it only fair to give you a run down of some of the artists we’re most looking forward to seeing.

It feels like a long time ago since I saw Mumford & Sons performing in a pub to myself and 50 other people, however even as their dizzying rise to fame continues to grow, they are one of the few current crop of British ‘super bands’ that appear to always put in a spectacular performance. Accompanying them on the main stage are fellow folk inspired musicians Noah and the Whale, along with Scotland’s own Admiral Fallow who are set to create a rousing atmosphere as they take to the main stage of Rockness for the first time in their career. Across in the Goldenvoice arena there are performances from the likes of The Correspondents and Etienne De Crecy, however it is the arrival of the fantastically named The Internet that will draw some of the biggest crowds. Formed by Syd tha Kyd and producer Matt Martians from OFWGKTA, The Internet released their debut record on OFWGTKTA’s own label, and ever since have seen a rising popularity. Hudson Mohawke is another pick of the day, especially as his production on the latest Azealia Banks’ track made it the best release from her since the famed release of ‘212’.

Deadmau5 takes the headline slot on Saturday; however it is the likes of Justice and Jacques Lu Cont that are set to be our highlights of the day, with Justice’s record Audio, Video, Disco receiving near universal positive reviews. This, along with the French electronic duo’s highly praised live performance, will make their set a must catch on the day. With a slightly reduced band emphasis on Saturday in favour of electronic music, there are still breaks to be hand with the Guillemots and Lucy Rose set to take to the Clash Arena, along with intimate shows with Broken Hands and Bastille later in the day. However one of the biggest draws will be comedian Tim Minchin, who has developed an international cult following, blending his comedy with some fantastic instrumentation. Sunday marks the final day of the festival, with Biffy Clyro set to perform what will be an ideal closing set for a Scottish festival that includes both great examples of their won burgeoning music scene, and acts from all across the country. Friendly Fires provide main support on the main stage, with the likes of Metronomy, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs taking up positions across the rest of the festival site. However for those who are beginning to feel the exhaustion of their first festival of the season, there are intimate shows with newcomers Foxes and Stealing Sheep scheduled on the day which we highly recommend that you check out too.

For more information on tickets and the full line up head to rockness.co.uk.