The 2012 Willowman Festival is delighted to support quality local talent with a posse of Sunderland based artists on this year’s bill. Festival director Steve Williams writes:

Hyde & Beast –Field Music - B>E>A>K - The Lake Poets

The North East has always been known for its tough audiences. From Tyneside to Teeside they take no prisoners.

As far back as the 60’s Eric Burden and The Animals had regular appearances at Newcastle’s Club a Go-Go where music lovers only gave appreciation to those who worked hard and pleased the crowd.

This was carried on throughout the 70’s in the Working Men’s Clubs, The City Hall Newcastle and the Mayfair Ball Rooms.

These venues were often used as a tester for the first gig on many a rock bands tour.

If you survived up North then you would go down a storm anywhere else seemed to be the way.

I know this to be true, as a teenager I witnessed so many from Rory Gallagher, Yes, The Scorpions, Supertramp, Be Bop Deluxe, UFO, Thin Lizzy and many more.

From a melting pot of musical talent, Sunderland’s The Bunker, where many of artists are currently reaching out across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Sailing the seven Seas, as did many of ships built in the Wear’s Shipyards and by all accounts by some of the band’s Grandfathers. The artists are carrying on a family tradition of export and expertise. A far cry from a noisy shipyard but music to many peoples ears all the same.

From Southwick to Pallion through Deptford into Monk Wearmouth and out of Hendon Docks, all working class riverside areas of Sunderland. Mack em’s and Tack em’s every one.

The Willowman Festival 2012 is proud to be able to present to you some of the finest music ever to grace our festival.

Hyde & Beast

David Hyde, the drummer from Sunderland’s very own Futurehead’s has joined forces with the Beast Neil Bassett former drummer with Golden Virgins to create a visionary new band that have what can only be described as a retro sound mixed with Beach Boy-esk harmonies,

Fused with latter day iconic Beatles inspired song arrangements a unique sound creeps in and is subtly mixed with 60’s classic guitar licks.  A complete change of direction for David, no hard - hitting Punk style drums here boys. Well thought out sunny songs that make you feel like you are laid in the warm Californian sunshine waiting for the golden sands to be splashed with tantalising surf.

This band is The Willowman’s tip for 2012 make sure you catch them on Saturday afternoon.

Check out the new album “Slow Down” - they describe it as a psychedelic mess - masterpiece springs to mind…. Hyde & Beast are also up for Xfm's New Music Award for the Best British Debut Album of the last year 2012!

More HERE.

B>E>A>K

Revered as one of the North-East’s most vibrant and entertaining live bands, B>E>A>K consist of a group of experienced musicians all heavily involved in the region’s music scene. Bands such as Coal Train, Field Music, Razmataz Lorry Excitement, This Aint Vegas, Boxed Roomer & The Lake Poets as core participants, with some live shows including guests from The Futureheads & Maximo Park.
As a live act, B>E>A>K are not to be missed. With each member brightly colour coordinated and masked, B>E>A>K dominate the venue with a hugely energetic and mesmerizing show, actively encouraging audience participation and interaction with the crowd. This bond between band and audience has generated an excited and enthusiastic reaction from gig goers up and down the country and has earned B>E>A>K a reputation as a force to be reckoned with within the national live music scene.

B>E>A>K rank very high in The Willowman’s pecking order. Do not get left out of the nest on this one….

More HERE.

THE LAKE POETS

The Lake Poets is one man from Sunderland called Martin. Described as 'stunningly affecting and haunting', the music of The Lake Poets incorporates delicate finger-picked guitar, beautiful melodies and moving, intelligent and thought-provoking lyricism.

Martin started the Lake Poets after his Granddad’s death. Working hard in the River Wear Shipyards all his life, he loved and respected him very much and he was a major influence on Martin when he was growing up. His death made Martin realise that life is fleeting and you’ve got to endeavour to do things you love before it’s too late.

Having sold out The Sage in Gateshead Newcastle The Lake Poets are rapidly becoming a household name if not in the North East but nationwide.

More HERE.

The Willowman Festival returns to North Yorkshire 21st-24th June 2012.

Full details of Willowman are available HERE!