Leading the charge, globally acclaimed dance music icons Jungle will deliver a headline DJ set, bringing their signature blend of funk, soul, and electronic grooves to the Stowaway stage. Reggae legends The Wailers, known for their timeless hits and connection to Bob Marley’s legacy, will bring an authentic roots reggae experience. Another pioneer of reggae and punk, Don Letts, will be behind the decks, spinning an eclectic selection that embodies his genre-crossing legacy. Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay makes a welcome return following the duo’s unforgettable 2024 set, promising another journey through house, funk, and electronic classics.

“I had a ball playing twice at the brilliant Stowaway last summer and so happy to be invited back this year to play disco on the Listen Here stage either side of some of my favourite DJs…. see you on the dance floor!” – Tom Findlay (Groove Armada)

The second wave of artists also features jungle trailblazer DJ Storm, a key figure in the Drum & Bass scene, and NTS selector Shy One, known for her genre-fluid approach to DJing. Festival favourite Luke Una will go B2B with the ever-eclectic Prosumer, delivering a set brimming with deep cuts and dancefloor energy. They join an already stacked line-up featuring previously announced headliners Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra, Shy FX, Derrick Carter, Horse Meat Disco, Seun Kuti, Anna Erhard, James Alexander Bright, Cousin Kula, and Webmoms. Our very own Hobbs & Ron Mexico will also be there for their debut at Stowaway and will bring their usual energy, vibes and fun! With this stellar selection, Stowaway continues to raise the bar as one of the UK’s most exciting rising festivals, blending electronic, jazz, reggae, and leftfield sounds into an unmissable weekend.

“The Stowaway lineup is designed to offer something for every musical taste, showcasing a diverse range of sounds across the festival each night. From late-night discos to family-friendly singalongs, each day brings something new, with our stages offering fresh experiences every evening. We want to take you on a musical adventure, whether it’s exploring the woods, relaxing by the jetty, or hunting down our secret late-night ‘covers’ bar…” – Festival founder Duncan Wheeler

Launched in 2022, Stowaway Festival was created as the perfect escape from modern-day distractions, offering an immersive weekend of music, nature, and connection. Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the festival brings together world-class DJs and live acts for an uplifting, genre-spanning experience. Its popularity continues to soar—this summer, attendance grew by over 20%, defying the odds in a challenging festival climate. The festival prides itself on its intimate atmosphere, where like-minded music lovers can dance beneath the stars, explore hidden woodland stages, and discover new sounds in a truly unique setting.

Beyond the music, Stowaway offers a thoughtfully curated selection of artisan food and drink, with everything from locally sourced street food to craft cocktails and independent breweries. Adventurous festival-goers can take part in wild swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding, while those looking to unwind can experience wellness sessions, yoga, and the lakeside woodland spa. Families are well catered for too, with a full programme of kid’s activities, all included in the ticket price.

Made by friends, for friends, Stowaway Festival is more than just a weekend of music—it’s a hidden world of discovery, connection, and pure escapism.

Tickets for Stowaway Festival 2025 are on sale now and start at £209 and payment plans are available. Don’t hang about, secure yours today from their website!

The post Stowaway Festival 2025 Drops 2nd Wave Of Artists appeared first on Data Transmission.

In September, Studio 338 announced it would be reopening it’s Terrace and renovating the indoor dance areas following the tragic fire in August 2016.

We can reveal the lineups for their reopening weekend of events and key dates from the remainder of their Autumn schedule including DJs such as ItaloJohnson, Sven Vath, Ramon Tapia, Tom Findlay, Citizenn, SEFF, Huxley, Dana Ruh, Seb Zitto and Barem as well as parties from Space Ibiza, Cocoon, Sankeys and ABODE . The new terrace will be open all year round, heated and covered, creating memorable and intense dancing moments.

Check out the line-ups:

Friday 27th October
Studio 338 ‘The Opening’ with ItaloJohnson, Steve O’sullivan – Live, Djebali, Colin Chiddle
Tickets from £20: http://www.studio338.co.uk/

Saturday 28th October
Studio 338 Halloween Special with Barem, Seb Zito, Molly, Traumer, Funk E, Christian AB, Andrew Kay
Tickets: (SOLD OUT)

Sunday 29th October
ABODE’s Halloween ‘Homeward Bound’

Saturday 11th November
Cocoon on the Terrace: with Sven Väth, Dorian Paic, Dana Ruh + support from: Andrew Kay, La Gosse
Tickets from £25: http://www.studio338.co.uk/

Saturday 18th November
Sankeys LDN – Return to the Terrace with Huxley, Ramon Tapia, Citizenn, SEFF, Jozef K, Andrew Kay, La Gosse
Tickets from £20: http://www.studio338.co.uk/

Saturday 25th November
Space Ibiza: The Legend Continues with Tom Findlay (Groove Armada), Jon Rundell, Camilo Franco, 6th Borough Project, Brandon Block
Tickets from £10: http://www.studio338.co.uk/

The post Studio 338 announce Autumn ‘Reopening’ Season appeared first on Data Transmission.

The weekend has landed! And all that exists are pubs, clubs, dodgems & candyfloss. Wait. What? Dodgems & candyfloss?! Well, yes, actually. Because we’re off for a jolly to the seaside. It’s not a weekend away from the dancefloor, mind. Because Bugged Out have that covered too. And they’re bringing a heavyweight line-up consisting of Jackmaster, Skream, Richy Ahmed and a whole lot more!

Growing up in the South East it was a rite of passage as young teens experiencing our first taste of freedom to make the pilgrimage to Dreamland. Later on, in adolescence, we discovered the region’s scattering of underground music venues, as our extracurricular interests shifted from seeking-out daylight thrills to nocturnal ones. So Bugged Out bringing their famed party to Margate’s newly redeveloped seafront theme park really feels like we’re coming full circle.

Bugged Out are no strangers to throwing parties in oddball locations, of course. Their legendary January weekenders have previously been held at both Bognor Regis & Southport. Though recent news that Butlins intend on making their programming more “family friendly” has put 2017’s event on temporary hold. As disappointing as this is, it only serves to make the one-dayer at Dreamland all the more appealing.

It’s lunchtime when we arrive. But already the local Wetherspoons is filled with festival-clad boys and girls loading up on cheap drinks. Margate has undergone considerable regeneration in recent years through government-funding and various projects. Evidently there is still a lot more to be done. But the fact that Bugged Out chose here as the location for one of their most ambitious parties to date underlines the potential in the town. A change in fortunes so to speak. We down a few drinks and soak up the atmosphere. But before long the music is calling.

A short walk and we approach the sightsore of brown brickwork which marks Dreamland’s entrance. At the top “Welcome to Margate” is daubed in neon paint. We like it. Just through the entrance and already we can hear the beat. Passing arcades our pace quickens. It’s barely 4pm, but already Dreamland is poppin’. Solardo have had a meteoric 2016. At the turn of the year few people had heard of the duo, but as we approach the end of the summer they are hot property after a slew of slick releases. The Roller Disco (not an actual roller disco on this occasion) is rocking. Solardo aren’t taking warm-up duties lightly! New Hot Creations jam ‘Tribesmen’ get an airing. On the dancefloor a tremendous energy is bubbling!

We decide to check-out what Dreamland has to offer. It has been a decade and a half since we last set foot here. Since the re-opening in 2015, the theme park has been dogged with stories of financial insecurity. The familiar sight of the heritage Scenic Railway rollercoaster still takes centre pride of place. Alas, it is not running. We jump on the carousel before staggering around the mirror maze. Then we buy some piping hot, sugar-coated ring donuts. When in Rome…

When you cross the diversity of Bugged Out’s loyal (and often flamboyant) following with the kind of eccentricity often found in coastal towns it was a given we were going to see some weird and wonderful sights: a girl dressed as a mermaid is pushed past in a shopping trolley. OH WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDES THE SEAAAAAAAAA! It’s almost time for a 99 flake!

We debate giving the helter-skelter a go. But we’re getting carried away with ourselves, because the real action is unfolding inside! Groove Armada are now centre stage. Whilst many of their contemporaries are now sitting firmly in the mainstream camp, the production duo of Andy Cato & Tom Findlay have not just maintained their credibility, they’ve excelled. Chances are even your grandparents would recognise one or more of their radio hits (even if they couldn’t tell you who they were by). But despite their success, they are still producing outrageously good underground music. Like the true pros that they are, they turn the Roller Disco into house hedonism! Their ‘save fabric’ t-shirts show support to the London institution they have played so many times. Virtually their entire set is upfront, with just an added seasoning of nostalgia. And it’s perfect.

How’d you follow that? With The Martinez Brothers of course! Another partnership whose stars have shone bright in 2016. A chair materializes in the middle of the dancefloor. And goes largely ignored. Mainly because the DC10 regulars have the party in full swing. Special props here goes to the lighting technician who breaks down all kinds of stereotype by absolutely havin’ it to an explosive Martinez Bros drop. The Bronx natives blast out Pele & Shawnecy’s ‘Better For My Brain’ and then move it on into harder territory. Novelty-sized cuddly toys – no doubt won from the grab machines – are frequently seen used as dancefloor props, and, in a number of cases, as a dance partner! Observing the domed ceiling of the Roller Disco, take away the production and the bright lights, it almost gives the aura of another piece of UK musical heritage: northern soul. Just when we think it can’t get any better, Skream jumps on with his ol’ Magnetic Man partner in crime Artwork, and we get some more B2B magic.

As novel as the backdrop is, it provides little more than a distraction from the real talking point – and undoubtedly Bugged Out in Dreamland’s biggest triumph – and that’s the quality of the music! Gimmicks aside, the line-up is truly remarkable. And the music showcased is amongst the freshest we’ve heard at an event all year. The reasonably modest turn-out can be attributed to misfortunate. Just a mile down the road at Quex Park, Chase N Status-headlined Southbeats Festival is raging. Inevitably it has split the crowd. Elsewhere along the coast MK is hosting an Area10 party on Hasting’s Pier. South East ravers certainly got their pick of spoils this weekend! We only wish we could have attended them all. We’re sure we’re not alone.

The organisers promise that the event will return bigger and better in 2017. And whilst there are certainly areas which require attention, all of the ingredients are present to make future editions one of the most interesting dates in the UK calendar. It’s unique. It’s fun. It’s so bloody British! As we leave the venue we take one last look at Margate. Memories of childhood come flooding back. It looks tired. Perhaps even tacky? But so full of charm and character. We catch a whiff of fish & chips emanating from a nearby takeaway, and take in a deep lungful of crisp sea air. Arrr! Nostalgia. It does that to you.

The post Reviewed: Bugged Out In Dreamland appeared first on Data Transmission.

You can look to London stalwarts Andy Cato and Tom Findlay AKA Groove Armada for an effective illustration of how mainstage dance music has transformed the past few years. For over a decade, Groove Armada were one of dance music’s marquee live acts alongside Faithless, Chemical Brothers and Underworld. Their string for the masterful, with their hugely diverse swathe of albums like Vertigo, Goodbye Country, Hello Nightclub and Love Box matched only by the formidable live musicianship that was shown by their touring band.

In the current climate of EDM though, it’s as if Groove Armada have effectively been transformed into an underground act again. It’s hard to imagine music as thoughtful as theirs played alongside the cheap thrills dominating the dance festival main stages now. Tom Findlay revealed to Data Transmission last year that they could see the change coming in the summer of 2011. “The tours had been very good,” he said, “but there had been a few festivals towards the end where the inevitable rise of EDM meant that the nature of main stage dance music was changing. The kids weren’t really that fussed whether or not you had live instruments, it wasn’t really about that. It was about CO2 cannons and laser shows and all that kind of stuff.”

Groove Armada’s clever response was to go back to their DJ roots. Last summer they completed their most hyped yet season as residents at We Love… Space in Ibiza and by the looks of things they have no intention of slowing down for 2014. With a new EP out now on Moda Black entitled ‘Soda Pork’, a return to the main stage for next week’s Snowbombing and a hotly anticipated takeover of London’s Tobacco Dock this August alongside the likes of DJ Sneak and Damien Lazarus we thought the time was right to invite Andy and Tom to share with us 7 records that have helped shape their career.

Groove Armada – At the River

We wrote this record when doing our first album Northern Star, which was done and dusted within a week. Originally released on 7″ on Tummy Touch (I wrote off my car on the way to the cutting plant), it was championed by Rob da Bank then at Muzik Magazine, then Zoe Ball of Radio 1 and then we got a deal, so fair to say that’s how it all started…

Joe Smooth – Promised Land

Me and Andy came at music from pretty different places initially. I was definitely more of a soul boy whilst Andy was all about house. But this was the sort of record where we met in the middle, you can throw in tracks like ‘Your Love’ by Frankie Knuckles, and ‘It’s All right’ by Sterling Void into that pot…

Richie Havens – Back to my Roots – (Groove Armada)

A personal highlight of our career is working with Richie Havens, and covering ‘Back to my Roots’ on stage with him at Glastonbury, Brixton Academy and beyond. This is a mix we did of the track that is always called The Danny Krivit re-edit, but it’s not his, its ours, or his edit of ours and can we set the record straight today! Not that it matters…

Groove Armada – Superstylin’

We sort of had to mention this one as it changed everything for us. This track shocked us out of our chill out slumber, and was part of the process that saw us develop into a really brilliant live act. One day if/when I look back it’s probably playing this at places like Glastonbury, and Centennial Park in Sydney that I’ll remember the most. It’s a just a great, great vocal from our MC M.A.D.

Groove Armada – Just for Tonight

This is from the Blacklight era. This was a pretty tough album to make, but the shows we played live around this album were at times the best we ever did, and we discovered am amazing front woman in Saint Saviour. This is my favourite track from the record though we never played it live.

Maya Jane Coles – What They Say

I could name a few tunes like this, that just sort of said house music, the way we all loved it, is back. It’s just a beautifully constructed tune, everything in the right place, the bassline, the vocal all just so. It made us want to get involved with house music again, get off the live treadmill, not sure we’ve quite hit these heights yet, though we’ll keep on trying.

Groove Armada – The Pleasure Victim

This is us making house now, from a few years back, it was the first release in this new GA does house guise. It’s where we’re at now, and really digging it. For those that keep asking about a new album, you may have to ask a little longer, because doing this is really working for us right now… Sorry!

In the mood for some more Groove Armada? Then grab tickets to their takeover of London’s Tobacco Dock this August alongside the likes of DJ Sneak and Damien Lazarus and check out their mix for We Are the Future Festival below:

To buy tickets for this event please visit the events page: LWE presents: Summer In The City tickets from Skiddle.

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The post Life In 7 Records: Groove Armada appeared first on Data Transmission.

Electric Elephant in Croatia have just announced two more amazing headliners for their intimate Adriatic odyssey this summer. The Festival returns for its 7th year from Thursday 10th – Monday 14th July at The Garden Tisno, Croatia and in the major additions today are Tom Findlay (Groove Armada) DJ set and Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set).

They all join recently added names including Good Times founder Norman Jay, celebrated beat master Motor City Drum Ensemble, Panorama Bar resident Prosumer and the intriguing Awesome Tapes From Africa. Previously announced guests include Chez Damier, Horse Meat Disco, FCL, Justin Robertson, Ashley Beedle, Rahaan, Max Essa, The Numero Group, Begin (James Holroyd), Stevie Kotey (Ambassador’s Reception), Man Power, Neil Diablo and many more.

For more information head to – http://www.electricelephant.co.uk/

The post Electric Elephant Croatia announces Tom Findlay and Simian Mobile Disco appeared first on Data Transmission.