Jon Hopkins News

Manchester International Festival (MIF), returns with a vibrant programme of original new work from across the spectrum of visual and performing arts and music by artists from over 20 countries.

John McGrath is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Manchester International Festival [MIF], a worldclass celebration of original work that had marked seven festivals prior to the imminent 2021 cultural celebration that starts July 1. Unfolding over 18 days both indoors and outdoors, both in three dimensions and online, MIF21 wasn't about to let a pandemic stand in the way of its pioneering vision, as McGrath himself explains below. 

Featuring an array of high-profile guest collaborators, Nobody Is Not Loved is a bracing album that plays out much like a DJ set - gradually increasing in tempo across its twelve tracks before mellowing out in the latter stages to ensure a soft landing.

Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Bantum’s releases have always been optimistic and cheerful, but the year of lockdown has inspired a new energy in his productions.

Saturday 28th August 2021 kicks off with multi-disciplinary artist and Aphex Twin protege, Afrodeutsche, who will be spreading her vast roots and influences across Tobacco Dock.

Following a year that nobody wants to revisit anytime soon, Artistic Director Peter Boal has optimistically announced the line-up for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s 49th season, running from September 2021 to June 2022.

'New Leaf' introduces a new sound and direction for Bantum inspired by the disco-funk soul sound of Stardust, Cassius, Royksopp, Daft Punk, Jungle and Four Tet among many others.

Manchester International Festival (MIF), the world's first festival of original, new work and special events, today unveils its 2021 programme, which will take place across 18 days (1-18 July 2021). 

Global dance music favourite Solomun returns with new single ‘Kreatur der Nacht’, featuring German indie-rock outfit Isolation Berlin, out 27th November.

Sub Focus & Wilkinson have teamed up with the dynamic D+B duo Pola & Bryson to give a fresh 174BPM update on their recent single 'Just Hold On', out today 22nd May.

Jaga Jazzist return with new album Pyramid, their first album since 2015's Starfire and ninth overall in a career spanning four decades, out on April 24th. It marks the group's debut on Brainfeeder, the LA-based imprint curated by Flying Lotus. 

Brighton Dome dives into the new decade with another packed season of music, dance, comedy, film, talks and much more!

London-based avant-garde House producer JKP has shared his double A-side single 'Blue Sun/ Quiet Place' on 15 November via Byson. JKP has seen support from CLASH Magazine, The 405, Deep House Amsterdam and Tonspion, as well as radioplay by BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens and BBC Introducing and shot to number 1 on Hype Machine with his edit of Dijon's 'Nico's Red Truck'. He has been featured by popular Youtube channels CloudKid and Wanderlust, and has played alongside the likes of DJ Zinc, Artwork and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

 Electronic music luminary Squarepusher has joined the lineup for two incredible upcoming concerts at Brooklyn Steel presented by Festival of Disruption in partnership with Bowery Presents, with net proceeds benefitting theDavid Lynch Foundation's work bringing Transcendental Meditation to people suffering from post-traumatic stress.

As the countdown begins for the kickoff of A2IM's Indie Week, A2IM is announcing the list of nominees for the 2019 Libera Awards presented by SoundExchange. The Awards recognize a wide range of musicians and visionaries and offer the independent music community the opportunity to honor the hard work and accomplishments of their peers.

Green Space is pleased to announce a diverse roster of artists for its signature programs this March. Take Root will present an evening of work by DeLucia Benson Dance and Six Degrees Dance, curated by Chris Ferris, on March 15th and 16th, and Fertile Ground showcases works-in-progress by multiple dance artists on March 17th.

Music's Biggest Night - the GRAMMYs - is here! Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast on CBS at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. 

Way Out West is Sweden's biggest cultural encounter, welcoming over 100,000 visitors to Gothenburg for three days of music, festivities and culture. Year-on-year the programme showcases the biggest names in music, with goth-rock figureheads The Cure, global phenomenon Cardi B and soon-to-be Glastonbury headliner Stormzy set to top the bill in 2019. 

Friendly Fires have released the video for their huge crossover anthem, 'Heaven Let Me In.' Directed by BISON (Bonobo, London Grammar and Jon Hopkins), the video stars acclaimed British actor Jeremy Irvine - famed for his roles in War Horse and Mama Mia - who dances through the streets and landmarks of London's Docklands to perfectly encapsulate the intoxicating, sun-comes-up feel of the song.

Elmhurst Ballet School, the school in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet, announces details of Elmhurst Ballet Company, the first-ever company for the school's Graduate Year. Elmhurst Ballet Company will launch in 2019 with Origins, an evening of dance, at Elmhurst's studio theatre in Edgbaston, Birmingham on 8 & 9 February, and Sadler's Wells' Lilian Baylis Studio in London on Friday 15 February.