Preview: James Lavelle's Meltdown Festival -13th - 22nd June

If you’re looking for a festival with a difference, Meltdown may be the one for you. No fields, no mud, proper toilets… And, most importantly, an eclectic array of a huge range of artists, ranging from acoustic rock to acid house. From Friday 13^th June, running through until Sunday 22^nd, there will be a huge number of individual events to choose from.

With tickets sold on a single event basis, you can dip in and out of whatever you fancy, and go to as many – or few – of the fantastic options as you so desire. Ideal for Londoners who will be able to head back to the luxury of their own home at the end of each day, but also extremely handy for out-of-towners, taking place in the stunning location of The Southbank Centre, ideally situated within minutes of Waterloo station.

The 21^st Meltdown will be curated by the extremely talented and innovative James Lavelle, of Unkle acclaim and the partner in some pretty ground breaking collaborations with the likes of Nick Cave, QOTSA and Thom Yorke. With artistic creativity and non-conformism central to Lavelle’s approach, this year’s festival looks set to be one to remember – as QOTSA’s Joshua Homme says: “He [Lavelle] gathers troops from different backgrounds and areas of expertise and brings them into harmony”. Meltdown 2014 thus promises to be a wonderfully eclectic showcase of extreme talent and breath-taking art.

Celebrating the 21^st anniversary of his iconic label, Mo’Wax, the festival will also see an exclusive interactive exhibition, ‘Mo’Wax21: Urban Archaeology’, which will celebrate the creative output of the label that Lavelle first launched as a teenager. A pretty special occasion.

As well as celebrating Lavelle’s own contribution to the arts, the range of music on offer is impressive. There is something for everyone. Whether you fancy seeing one of the most iconic women of the business, Chrissy Hynde, deliver new material, or the hardcore, punk-infused offerings of American teens, Radkey, you won’t be disappointed. Also including the only European date of the year from the multi-faceted Mark Lanegan, as well as an extremely rare appearance from Josh Homme delivering solo, acoustic material, this is a festival brimming full of exclusives and not-to-be-missed one offs. Along with performances from the Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying a screening of ‘Waltz With Bashir’, there will be an exclusive appearance from Goldie, plus an intimate set from the inspirational troubadour and artist, Edwyn Collins; you really are spoilt for choice!

I could thus go on for reams listing the vast array of inspirational and innovative talent on offer at Meltdown, but instead I’ll let you witness it for yourself: I urge you to indulge in a ticket for one of the many events.

You’ll find all the information you need here: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/james-lavelles-meltdown-2014

Mari Lane

@marimindles