iTunes Festival 2014: First 14 Acts Announced

As if the London Borough of Camden wasn’t already a utopian hunting ground for live music, it’s been announced this week that the iTunes Festival returns for its annual September appea

As if the London Borough of Camden wasn’t already a utopian hunting ground for live music, it’s been announced this week that the iTunes Festival returns for its annual September appearance at the iconic Roundhouse. Only a handful of acts have been confirmed as this article goes live, so what are the highlights?

 

You really can’t beat the Roundhouse as a venue, it’s central, world renowned and despite its 5,000 capacity, surprisingly intimate. 2014 will be its sixth year as host to a plethora of international acts as long as an academic year, and with 14 acts now signed up, there’s a perfect mash of old and new that will cover music tastes far and wide.

 

 

There are some unsurprising names on the bill. Kasabian, fresh from their epic homecoming gig and closing the Glastonbury festival, will be more than ready to sledgehammer their way through a set list as yet unannounced, but already loved. 2013’s soulful darling Sam Smith will be busy holding the crowd in the palm of his hand on September 9.

 

The BRIT Critic’s Choice and BBC Sound of 2014 winner is pushing all the right buttons to keep him high in the popularity stakes, and his recent appearance at Glastonbury was nothing but perfect – that quirky warble is not to be sniffed at.

 

And then there’s Jungle, one of this summer’s best breakthrough acts. If you’ve not made time to check their self-titled album, then find that hour. Startlingly stirring and charmingly opulent, Jungle will be top of the expectation list of bringing great things to the Roundhouse.

 

Seeing as this will be a home town gig and, having promoted themselves left, right and centre, this is one gig that should be an easy one to pull out of the bag.

 

 

So what about the international names to look forward to? There’s 5 Seconds of Summer, who are cranking out a few pop punk tunes for a mainly 1D audience (if that’s your bag), fellow Aussie Kylie, who will no doubt be working on those perky buns to flash to the crowd, and Frenchman David Guetta, who’s been busy this year banging out a few tracks and EPs here and there.

 

These will all serve a purpose of course, but it’s the cousins from across the pond that will be making the biggest noise.

 

The long established Maroon 5 will be bringing their greatly organised selves to the party, shortly after the release of fifth album V. If there was ever a fantasy band league, Adam Levine would be top of the most wanted front man list, he’s a total pro, has the understated yet in full control vibe and some of the most artistic ink attached to him, if you like that sort of thing…

 

 

The biggest names from the US as we speak have got to be Blondie and Chrissie Hynde, who will be taking joint control on September 16. Blondie will need no introduction and for fans, being able to see the mistress of the mic that is Debbie Harry and her band in this setting for their 40th year will be a spectacular bonus.

 

Chrissie Hynde, who is just one year away from her ruby anniversary as an artist, will be owning the entire Grade II listed building – never mind the stage – for her part of the event. 35 years of her career have been as part of The Pretenders, but her solo creations – the latest of which being the intriguing Stockholm – are always going to win plaudits, new fans and five star ratings.

 

 

So this is what we currently know. Who else could be on their way to Camden? If I had my way, Girls Names, Hawk House and Childhood would be added to the bill, just to kick it up a few gears and bring a little dash of charming scrappiness to the whole affair. Let’s wait and see who claims their spots – it’s not long to wait.