Native Instruments' Maschine

I have a (quite reasonably sized) cupboard in my studio that is jam-packed with midi controllers, audio interfaces, FX processers and the such like. All of which have been purchased, used for varying (usually very short) amounts of time and subsequently banished to the shelves of the aforementioned cupboard.

There is however one piece of kit sitting on my desk that has overcome my short and fickle attention span and avoided deportation to the cupboard - Native Instruments' Maschine.

Three Festivals I Won't Be Going To This Year!

Due to an unbelievably hectic summer schedule of work, social occasions and family holidays - I will not be going to any festivals this year! So I have spent the spring forlornly and inanely staring at line ups and  deciding which three UK festivals I would go to if it were possible. After much deliberation and soul-searching; I arrived at a decision.

GLADE

Glade would definitely be my number one choice this summer. I've never been to Glade and this upsets me. Especially since it now takes place a mere 40 or so miles away from my Norwich home. I have friends who go to Glade every year and they have never said anything along the lines of "Well it was a bit shit this year." or "It would have been better if..."
I REALLY WANT TO GO TO GLADE!!! Highlights for me - Sven Vath, Vitalic, Hedflux and Foamo.

www.gladefestival.com

EASTERN ELECTRICS

Kerri Chandler, Tensnake, Joy Orbison...and the headliners haven't even been announced yet. This will be very tasty indeed. It's a one-dayer so no camping to worry about and there's always plenty of after party opportunities.

www.easternelectricsfestival.com

LATITUDE

Although this might seem an odd choice for me to put in my top three due to the musical line up not catering to my needs at all - I love Latitude because there's so many other things to immerse yourself in. The last time I was there I spent most of my time in the poetry and cabaret tents. The comedy stage is also very good and there's lots of unusual arty stuff happening over the course of the weekend. Highlights for me - the painted sheep.

www.latitudefestival.co.uk