13 may be an unlucky number for some, but for Global Gathering, which looks to sell out in its thirteenth year, it’s looking better than ever.
With a line up bigger than Andy C’s record collection and more fire than Mo Farah, Global Gathering 2014 is looking as impressive now as it did in 2001. In fact, it’s so big; we’ve gone to the trouble of writing you up a handy little list so that you don’t go into total DJ overload when you pick up your £8 lanyard.
Drum & Bass
Right from the days of Accelerated Culture and Random Concept, Global has never disappointed on the drum and bass front. Logistics, London Elektricity and Netsky are regulars at the festival and are TNG favourites for the Hospitality tent this year. Joining them will be Global Gathering veteran Andy C, who was at the very first Global Gathering back in 2001. For less drums and more bass, we recommend you catch Dub Phizix and Strategy. Strats’ lyrics are witty, mesmerising and more often than not hugely comical. Dub Phizix will satisfy your bass requirements without making you churn the mud with your feet like some sort of twisted Nesquik-mud blender.
Dubstep and EDM
Forgive us for the pigeon holing! A lot of our favourites at Global this year span several genres (often at the same time, as is the case of Lets Be Friends and Jaguar Skills). Lord only knows what Skream will play this year, but whatever it is, you can guarantee this TNG writer will be at the front. Catch Knife Party on the main stage this year for non-stop no nonsense non-modern talking. Sub Focus will be joining the Party on the main stage, and as much as this reporter always thinks she’s bored of Sub Focus’ sets, she is continually proven wrong, year in, year out. Listening to Sub Focus live is like listening to The Prodigy – it will never get old (we’ll get to them later).
House
Again, please forgive the generalisation – TNG are not in the business of knit-picking! Fairly new newcomer Route 94 packs a punch to his performances, so please don’t miss out on his back-to-back session with Paul Woolford. Speaking broadly, The Hangar and the Paradise arenas are your best bet. Radio 1 are broadcasting live from the Essential Mix tent, so expect to hear DJs like Eric Prydz and Sasha giving glowing performances.
Trance
Godskitchen, Godskitchen, Godskitchen. For 14 strong years, Godskitchen has been the staple tent of Global Gathering for all trance lovers. Not to be missed is the UK debut of trance super group New World Punx – a new project of Ferry Corsten and Markus Schulz. Aly & Fila are of course on the bill, as well as John O’Callaghan and Jordan Suckley.
Reggae and garage
Mungo’s Hifi is the perfect vibe for those impending Saturday blues, and Sir David Rodigan will pick you up on the Friday faster than a Berocca Boost. DJ EZ could pump the life into a washed up blue whale, so if you’re feeling a bit peaky be sure to stick to the UKF Live tent and the Global Freight Depot.
Legends that you will probably never, ever see anywhere else
Ask anyone their favourite year at Global Gathering and the answer will generally be the same. 2009 (or more likely, “the year that Prodigy played”). You see, 2009 was such a good year that most of us couldn’t tell you what year it was by the end of it, let alone what day. We all remember one thing for sure, though: The Prodigy headlined, and my God were they awesome. Green Velvet is making a return to Long Marston Airfield for the first time in eight years, and it could well be another eight before you get the chance to see him again. Dirty South is a must: please, just take our word for it. He doesn’t play in the UK very often, so take this chance while you can.
DJs you may not have heard of, but TNG recommends
Santero is on the main stage this year and this reporter would bet her life on the success of his performance (you don’t get to be a Ministry of Sound resident by being rubbish). FACE x 10:31 have nailed their line up this year – Tom Shorterz knows how to please at The Rainbow Warehouse on an almost weekly basis. Let’s face it; you’ve probably heard of everyone else. The line up this year is scorching, as will the weather undoubtedly be. It hardly ever rains at Global Gathering, so be brave and opt for sandals over wellies*.
*Disclaimer – TNG cannot be held responsible for trench foot, dysentery or any other disease contracted from this (loosely-based-on-no-factual-evidence) advice.
