I’m sure we’re not the only ones wondering how it can be, that four years have passed since the inaugurate Reasons To Be Cheerful Festival exploded onto Jersey’s Coronation Park for the first time, bringing with it one of the most dynamic and generous electronic music-related line-ups islanders had ever seen for a one day party.
Ever since, Jersey’s discernable music heads have been sure to be one of the 3000 strong capacity on the last Saturday in July in order to get a serious fix of all things dance and rave, soaking up colossus acts from the world of house, techno, D&B, dub, indie-dance & reggae. Reasons is set to offer live acts, DJ sets, mammoth live band set-ups and deep, dark & soulful after party sessions with surprise acts taking us through to the wee hours. Now widely considered the most comprehensive of electronic music line ups in the island with a reputation for friendliness, warmth and trouble-free raving, this year is set to be the most solid and focused line up to date. As if you need any encouragement to become one of those last remaining ticket holders – here are just SOME of the highlights:
It really doesn’t get any bigger than this year’s Clique Stage headliner, with the mighty SASHA setting the tone of heritage, style and outright house music excellence. Shuffling amongst the plants and sea views you’ll also be able to catch the American head honcho of Dirtybird Records CLAUDE VON STROKE, a man with an unmistakable talent for shunning house music purists in favour of his unique brand of filthy, unusual house & techno squelch. Zurich based DEETRON will deliver his sound of warm techno with the soul of Detroit, alongside Liverpool favourite YOUSEF, who continues to be a driving force in in underground dance music in Europe.
A serious coup for the festival this year is the booking of the Scottish acoustic blues singer and songwriter GERRY CINNAMON, who is currently surfing a ridiculous wave of popularity thanks to his dazzling live stage presence and warmth, with his debut album selling out in a mere 60 seconds. Appearing alongside him on the Mango Stage will be “the torch bearers for modern British reggae” THE SKINTS, and the mischievous rabble from London, ska maestros Chainska Brassica and more.
Drum & Bass has always been deep at the heart of what Reasons offer and this year is no different with the Pied Piper of all things D&B, DJ SPIM hosting this year’s Subfactory Stage with appearances taking you deep into the night from RONI SIZE, DOCUMENT ONE, BENNY PAGE and MR TRAUMATIK (LIVE).
We don’t even have time and space here to laud the art, visuals, food, drink, cashless advantages and environmentally- conscious tweaks to this year’s biggest dance music event for the island, so be sure to connect yourself to the Reasons Festival Facebook page, for ticket info and to keep on top of exactly what you’ll be losing your happy mind to on the day, alongside intriguing hints for the After Party of the year. An inspiring and memorable knees up for those musically in the know should be the only REASON you need to get your ticket game on today.
See you up the front wild ones! X
