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We battled hard for this one but it is now confirmed. Aylesbury bred chart botherer Martin Grech will be headlining this year’s DiS acoustic stage at the TMF festival on August 6, performing a solo set. In an early interview he described himself as 'a combination of Trent Reznor, Thom Yorke and Peter Gabriel.'. His 'Open Heart Zoo' album caused a flutter in many hearts whilst having tracks used in multi-national TV ads all at the tender age of 19. Now in his very early twenties, Martin is back and out to carry on where he left off and will no doubt leave the crowd spell bound on the day.
After hours/days/weeks of talks, counter talks and back handed sweetie bribes we have managed to rope in the irrepressible Chris TT (who, in unrelated news, got married last Friday. Congrats to him and Rifa!) For those of you who don't know him (and shame on you!), he is an English singer-songwriter who is capable of Rabble-rousing sarcastic rants ('Eminem Is Gay' being one fine example) as well as more serious, darkly inventive stuff. Does he have the credentials? I would say supporting Ben Folds, British Sea Power, Divine Comedy, Elbow, Electric Soft Parade & Ed Harcourt as well as already being confirmed for Glasto and Truck festivals this year... that should just about cut it!
As well as the bearded wonder of Chris, we have secured the ever divine talents of Ms. Piney Gir. With her debut album 'Peekahokahoo' receiving plaudits left, right and centre, when the chance arose to secure the services of this country-pop-rock chick for the day, we took it with open arms. Fresh off a support tour around Europe with Erasure, and one of our tips for 2005, she could be more than just the belle of the ball, she could be one of the musical highlights of the whole day!
Coming out of Kingston we have the amazingly talented Dave House who is travelling in to Essex for the day to perform just for us. Think you have heard the name before? You may well have if you are a fan of Lucky Thirteen as he was a member of them but you won't be hearing any of that emo-pop goodness on this stage, oh no! Instead you will hear 'beautiful, heart-felt, acoustic rock songs which range from piano ballads, to angst fuelled sing-a-longs...' and we promise you will love every second of it.
Coming from Llanelli in Wales we have managed to land Christopher Rees (pictured) to perform just for you! Fresh from landing the Best Male Solo Artist mantlepiece ornament at this year's Welsh Music Awards (an award he has been nominated for in past, but lost out to some fella called Tom Jones), Chris has agreed to travel to Essex for the day to treat us all to some of his 'ambitious, profoundly passionate, bombastic and sophisticated' music which we are sure will turn more than a few heads on the day!
Causing a flutter in my neck of the woods, Ipswich boys Fly 66 have also agreed to perform. Having been around for about a decade it’s only in the last two years that the band has been making their mark on the acoustic scene. With a wide range of influences from Tom McRae to Led Zeppelin right through to Catherine Wheel, these guys are a real touch of class and will turn more than a few heads on the day.
Lastly for now, we have manged to pull one of the best bands from the north-east down to this corner of Essex to wow the crowd, after learning that Sunderland lads 21gunsalute will perform just for us. They are from the mould of bands such as Mercury Rev and Spiritualized but with their own unique slant. The lush vocals and fragile melodies were almost made for an acoustic stage, and we are very proud that the guys are willing to travel the distance to showcase their talents.
So there you have it, the first bands to be confirmed with many more still to come, so keep your eyes peeled while we try and arrange the best acoustic line-up we can for you lucky folks!
