Somerset’s KALLIDA Festival has proven itself to be one of the hottest tickets in the British festival calendar this summer. This year see’s the 400-capacity festival stretch its legs further in its 3rd edition with an insane roster of underground stars, including Joy Orbison, Yak, Teki Latex, DJ Bus Replacement Service, DEBONAIR, Itao, Fauzia, 2 Bad Mice, Make Me, Friendly Fire Band, DJ Gurl Power and many more.
Volume 3 will see the festival move to Sparkford Hall in Somerset from its previous home of Baskerville Hall which organisers describe as “the same mad house party in a different mad house”, promising heavy sound systems and light shows from selected visual artists.
We caught up with the team behind the festival to share some of their musical influences, and possibly some of the sounds you can expect to hear this weekend.
Erykah Badu – The Healer
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XykIswFgLpU]
Perfect combo of a Madlib sampling masterclass (The Yamasuki Singers – Kono Samuraï) with Badu at her dizzying best. Such a distinct sound and mood to this track, we love it.
A Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHRnvjCkTsw]
Such a complex and fascinating group for many reasons, there’s no one else quite like ATCQ. The track sounds so effortless and is just mesmerising to listen to. A perfect song from 6pm to 6am.
Pure Energy – Party On
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj-9fiOPoF8]
Has there ever been a more fitting band or song name? The complexity of the arrangement is crazy, we keep noticing new elements and parts to it even after our thousandth listen.
Joe Smooth – Promised Land
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5c3wUhP3jU]
The passion and emotions on this one are so high. Such a journey of a track with a positive message to live by. House is a feeling.
LFO – LFO (Leeds Warehouse Mix)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnTS35hovCE]
This one hasnt just held the test of time but really could of been released any year since 1990, and still would have been the anthem of the year. Such a brilliant roller and really sums up the Yorkshire bleep sound perfectly.
Lil Silva – Seasons
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckizoS_V_8Y]
The reaction this tune gets every time its played is just ridiculous. The simplicity of the sounds always sounds huge in the club. We will never stop playing this one in sets, it just doesn’t get old.
Dexplicit – Might Be
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coEyj4F1r2Q]
For about 12 months this tune was inescapable and pretty much soundtracked our lives. Real screw face stuff.
Mala – Blue Notez
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MWTnVgq2tU]
This is one of those tunes that if you put it on whilst sat around at someone’s house chatting shit, the room will always fall silent to listen to the break down with a massive grin. So much love for all of Mala’s output but this one is just ridiculous.
Dillinja – All The Things
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D7Y3iORWYs]
Dillinja’s music is so distinct and recognisable. Such a fearless producer, always mixing the rough with the smooth and this is probably the primest example of that. From early jungle rollers to the mad intensity of stuff like this, no one does bass like Dillinja and that’s why we love him.
Iration steppas – angelic symphony dub
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JY55GIyFHM]
Dub is a huge part of so much of everything love and is such a huge foundation for KALLIDA and the UKs musical heritage. From the first synth line we’re back in the main room at Subdub at West Indian centre. Big up Mark Iration and Simon Scott every time.
KALLIDA Festival takes place this weekend in Sparkford Hall, Somerset – keep an eye on their twitter and instagram for updates