ARTISTS
THE BLOCKHEADS
Ian Dury and The Blockheads had several hit singles, including What a Waste, Hit Me With
Your Rhythm Stick (which was a UK number one at the beginning of 1979, selling just short
of a million copies), Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3 (number three in the UK in 1979), and
the rock’n’roll anthem Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, often credited with introducing the
phrase to the world. Dury sadly passed away in 2000 but The Blockheads continue to bring
their legendary show to audiences around the world. Since 2002 the band have rarely been
off the road, playing literally hundreds of dates (memorably stealing the show at The Big
Chill in 2006). Now see the legends for yourself at SMF 2010.
www.myspace.com/theblockheads
THE PINS
With the spirit of rock n blues coursing through their instrument leads, The Pins give a
modern twist to the time-old sound of rhythmic guitars, pounding drums and howling,
heartfelt vocals.
Hailing from the Hertfordshire/Essex borders, this gang of five mates write observational
songs about the lows, highs and everyday realities of getting by in the noughties. Set to
tunes that are loud, boisterous, tuneful and proper good fun, their music is both
distinctive and instantly charming.
Live especially is where the band really come into their own, and after less than a year's
worth of gigging they've amassed a mighty army of fans and performed with the likes of Look
See Proof, The Xcerts, Domino State, The Holloways and Subways’ frontman Billy Lunn.
www.myspace.com/wearethepins
THE FLOE
With a name evoking images of frozen landscapes and endless blue skies, Essex-based quartet
The Floe are set to release a debut album of stark beauty. The Floe aren't just about image
or trying to fit in with passing trends. The Floe are a band of real substance, a band to
believe in. Within the group there is an alchemy that makes them both distinctive and
compelling. Brimming with tales of love, heartache, longing and hope, The Floe’s debut
album "No Looking Back" is built on a solid foundation of delicate melodies, soaring vocals
& passionate lyrics that melt the heart.
www.myspace.com/thefloe
ZALINSKI
Dispatching distorted hymns for the lost and hopeful, Zalinski's music is a groove heavy
rock-out. Venting influences from Radiohead to Stevie Wonder, Blur to Hendrix, Zalinski
channel eclectic influences through a feel good funnel. Originally formed for a one-off charity concert in London, Zalinski are a hard hitting, groove orientated Rock band. Since their conception in the summer of 2007 the band have been gigging constantly, and recording consistently. In the summer of 2009 the band played in the finals of three of the UK's largest unsigned competitions, and in October released their first official Ep 'Actions, Reactions & Misunderstandings'. Zalinski started 2010 supporting Pete Doherty at 'The Rhythm Factory' and are due to record their next Ep in March.
www.zalinski.net
CARDINAL JACK
Cardinal Jack are 3 mates with 3 instruments from London, playing indie pop-rock you can
dance to. Cardinal Jack's music goes BANG, BANG, BANG, SHOUT, BANG, SING, SING, BANG, BANG,
BANG, BANG, FALL OVER..... Cardinal Jack are Cardinal Jack.
www.myspace.com/cardinaljack
GARRISON FINISH
Proof positive that good old fashioned rock n roll is still very much alive and well, Bishops Stortford's Garrison Finish are like a shot in the arm to many of today's middling so-called rock stars. Hi-tempo, tuneful and loud, this lot have honed their live show after a year of incessant gigging, and have been known to leave many an audience shaky, drenched in sweat and screaming for more.
www.myspace.com/garrisonfinish
SHABBY ROGUE
"Something of a meandering musical rollercoaster . With every listen however, 'By Hook and
By Crook' grows on you; among the shabbiness are moments of brilliance " -
www.allgigs.co.uk
"A heady mix of catchy melodies, pop sensibilities and ramshackle, chaotic pop-punk riffing
they are not an easy band to classify and could easily draw admirers from both the
mainstream and the alt-rock community" www.seaoftranquility.org
www.myspace.com/shabbyrogue
CHRIS DIFFORD (SQUEEZE)
Double Ivor Novello Award-winning Chris Difford has been writing lyrics for over twenty
five years, most notably with Squeeze. After 13 albums and many top 20 hits, 32 American
tours, 30 UK tours and various trips around the globe, Chris decided to stop the merry-go-
round and test the waters. His first solo album, I Didn’t Get Where I Am... was released in
2001 and concreted his status as, like many people see him, one of the greatest lyricists
of our time. With recent follow-up 'The Last Temptation Of Chris' (co produced & written by
fellow SMF headliner Boo Hewerdine), Difford is on peak form providing "the best recordings
in years out of a national treasure" - MOJO.
www.chrisdifford.com
SHEELANAGIG
Sheelanagig’s unique blend of Balkan Folk mayhem has been a fixture on the festival circuit
since they formed in 2005 . Equally at home on festival stages, music venues and street
corners the band have developed a devoted following with three album releases and a hectic
touring schedule.
Sheelanagig combine virtuosic musical performance with a dynamic and irreverent stage show
containing elements of story-telling and street theatre which has won over audiences across
the UK and Europe.
"High octane stuff.........Would liven any party and keep the floor full..." fROOTS
"...a vitally energetic and full sound...brings the Yiddish Rude Boys out onto the dance
floor..." The Living Tradition
www.myspace.com/sheelanagiguk
SADIE & THE HOTHEADS
It's an unlikely line-up: electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bouzouki along with a drum
kit played like percussion, and then a percussionist. Oh, and a bass player and backing
singer. It's even more unlikely when you consider you're watching a Hollywood star singing
in a south London pub on a Tuesday evening. Elizabeth McGovern is the singer, star of
movies such as Once Upon A Time In America, and (now that she live here) the BBC comedy
Freezing, and cuts a delicate, well, actress-like figure.
The delicacy spills over into the songs, and into the quavering, girl-like quality of the
vocals. But this isn't some wimpy, singer-songwriterish stuff, nor an actress who wants to
prove she can (and, goodness knows there are enough of those these days). This is very much
a rocking band who play a finely-structured, semi-acoustic kind of rootsy pop. To be
honest, it's difficult to liken to anybody else, what with the musical hub of the Nelson
Brothers-Simon and Steve, countryish record makers in their own right-creating-creating the
bubbling soundscape along with Goldfrapp drummer Rowan Oliver's inventive playing.
www.myspace.com/sadieandthehotheads
MAGICFOLK
Magicfolk put a new spin on the tradition of 70’s bands like Jethro Tull, Fairport and
Jefferson Airplane, producing a dynamic blend of folk, celtic, prog and rock music.
Using flute, fiddle, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums and rich vocal harmonies their
original and alluring songs range from magical ballads to psychedelic driving rock rhythms
and fiddle-fuelled reels.
"Passionate, fresh and vital" (Darkroom Magazine)
"A compelling mix of quality female vocals, keyboards, flute, acoustic and electric
guitars" (Classic Rock Society Magazine)
WATCH THIS SPACE!
We have LOADS more exciting acts to announce. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, we'll be revealing more and more in the run-up to the festival. In the mean-time get your tickets while they're still cheap and spread the word!
