BREAKBOT'S ON THE MOVE AGAIN

FIVE years ago Thibaut Berland was a successful animator, toiling away on big screen CG hits such as director Luc Besson’s children’s movie Arthur and the Invisibles.


Nowadays he’s an internationally renowned electro DJ, jetsetting around the world, hiding behind his long hair and going by the name of Breakbot.

As we speak he’s leaving Paris to play Hamburg and Berlin before heading to the UK to play a heavyweight electro set for the audience at Koko (November 6).

Also playing are some equally magnetic names – French electro-house superstar Sebastian, Reverend and the Makers side project Reverend Sound System, Eddy Temple-Morris and Tom Bellamy’s collaboration as Losers, electro funk punk specialists Punks Jump Up and east-London dance-pop trio Chew Lips.

Breakbot said: “I’ll do my best to make people dance and have a good time. I’m coming with Sebastian. I’m very happy to play alongside him. We’re doing separate sets but maybe we’ll do a little piece together.”

He may have left his animation behind for now but he’s making the most of his girlfriend’s artistic talents.
Director and artist Irina Dakeva had a heavy hand in artwork for Breakbot’s single covers and created the animated video to his single Baby I’m Yours.
He said: “I have total trust in her skills. I know she makes things really fresh. We’ve been together a long time. We’re going to try and make something out of the video for the live show.”



He’s played London many times and said: “I like UK audiences, they know about music. That’s not always the case in Europe. The UK really has a strong indication of music because so many bands come from there and change a lot of things in pop music.”

Breakbot’s as known for his remixes as his own work.
His secret remix wish, he confesses, would be....Beyonce, not a natural progression from his slightly less obvious back catalogue, which includes Late of the Pier, Digitalism, Sebastian Tellier and Röyksopp.
He said: “If Beyonce asked me, I would accept . I love Crazy In Love and all the stuff from the album You.”

He doesn’t pick the remixes, people request them, he says, adding: “When I think I can make something I decide to do it. When the vocals are good I say yes. I’m also working on my own album to be released next year.”

Breakbot, who graduated from the School of Graphic Supinfocom, was working on graphics at home but turned to music in his spare time.

He said: “Sometimes when I was fed up with my work I tried to have fun. One day in 2005 I made a MySpace page and made contacts from that. Then I did some gigs. It all started with MySpace and three years later Ed Banger (records) contacted me. It went all like that very naturally. I never thought I would be making music as a career one day. Since I began this job I’m very happy because I think it’s one of the best jobs in the world. I never expected to do this. I’m just trying to make the best of it, have fun and try not to make people sad around me.”

A LONG WEEK IN MUSIC, RIB-CRACKING AT RAGE, SCRAMBLE FOR THE STROKES AND MORE

IT feels like the longest week in music ever. From being conflicted listening to the beautiful tones of Hasidic reggae artist Matisyahu (but not so sure about his politics) at Dean Street Studios on Wednesday, to the politics-free zone at the front row for Usher’s special show at Koko (he was all about the ladies and the poses) on Friday, to feeling every rib in my body on the verge of cracking in the manic moshpit at Rage Against the Machine at Finsbury Park on Sunday, to the (failed) battle for tickets for The Strokes’ secret gig as Venison at Dingwalls last night. This is the place to be if you love music. And it’s not over yet. New Young Pony Club and fave band Hurts are at Dingwalls tonight (Thursday).

• There’s a timely appearance from Big Brother’s tantrum princess Nikki on Friday at The Monarch. We’re hearing it’s gonna be like Phoebe from Friends. Disaster/Car crash entertainment? Can't imagine you'll be able to tear your eyes away.

• Thousands crashed Dingwalls’ website in a desperate scramble for Strokes tickets. We tweeted this early – before most music press had got their acts together thanks to trusty local contacts – follow me @roisingadelrab

• This Teenage Cancer Trust Topshop Summer Bandstand picnic at Regent’s College (June 12) could be a winner. Charlotte Hatherley (ex-Ash), Chew Lips, Goldheart Assembly and Stricken City + DJ sets from New Young Pony Club, and Girlcore are on the bill. Bring a picnic as the whole area is transformed into one big picnic ground with games, rollerskating, egg and spoon races and sports day games.

• I confess I used to love this guy’s curly mop-top (remember Sandstorm, Walk Away and Alright?) – former Cast frontman and ex-bassist for The La’s John Power will be singing Cast hits at the Luminaire (June 17). 

OZZY OZBOURNE GOES DARK FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE ITUNES FESTIVAL

TIME was, Ozzy Osbourne was primarily associated with Black Sabbath, alter-ego The Prince of Darkness and his on and offstage antics.

But in these days of celebrity obsession, half his family have overtaken him. The media spotlight spends more time shining on wife Sharon’s celebrity judge stints, daughter Kelly’s weight-loss and son Jack’s latest daredevil stunt.

In turn, Ozzy’s become the Boris Johnson face of heavy metal – a harmless-looking amiable mumbling chap, with unkempt hair, a questionable past and  oft-seen wobbling on  two wheels. But give the guy a break, he’s taking his limelight back and will be trying to be as convincing as possible as The Prince of Darkness at July’s month-long iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse.

The full 31-day line-up – featuring more than 60 acts – has not yet been announced but we do know Scissor Sisters, Tony Bennett, Faithless, The XX, Chew Lips, The Drums, Chipmunk, Darwin Deez, Ellie Goulding, Kate Nash, Diana Vickers and Daisy Dares You are all on the bill. 

Pick the right gig and you could inevitably find yourself witnessing one of those rare, historic sets that brings more than you bargained for. At last year’s festival Liam Gallagher made headlines at one of Oasis’s final performances when he strode on stage in a furious mood, eyeballing the crowd and swearing about students throwing beer at him. Even so, they played on for two hours, although at times it looked like Liam was about to go on strike.

The atmosphere between him and Noel was visibly tense, as big bro dismissed his sulky younger sibling and played on while Liam collected himself. But the entire evening was electric and one that won’t easily be forgotten. The irreparable cracks were pushed further apart and it was only a matter of time until our boys just couldn't stand to share the same stage any more.

The iTunes sets are usually quite short but who’s complaining when there’s the chance to see some huge acts up close for free. 

That’s not to say you can just walk in. Apple is making tickets available through Facebook and a series of competitions and giveaways. My only reservation about this is it seems you can only access their iTunes page by allowing it to access your own Facebook page and take the details of your friends.

I may be wrong about this, but I could find no other way of getting on to it. 

It will be the first time that Ozzy, Scissor Sisters and Tony Bennett have graced the Roundhouse stage.

All performances will be recorded and can be bought from iTunes stores worldwide. The best of the festival will be broadcast on ITV.

• Visit www.itunesfestival.co.uk

CAMDEN CRAWL - BEAT THE SYSTEM, AND BEST OF THE REST

THEY love to keep us in suspense don’t they? But even though the Camden Crawl’s timetable is a tightly-guarded secret until the day of the event, organisers can’t keep a lid on all the bands.

So here’s how to beat the system – check out individual band websites and most importantly keep an eye on twitter.  That should cover most of them. Expect word of surprise appearances to spread like wildfire on the Twitter grapevine so if you’ve got an iPhone, now’s the time to make use of it.

                                          (New Young Pony Club)

But for a more unpredictable experience, manage your own expectations and take a scattergun approach. Pick out bands, singers or acts you like, expect to be beaten by the queues and look forward to checking out the band that follows, which is inevitably the point where you’ll finally be let into the venue. But if you really want to be certain to catch something, camp out from ages before. 

Here’s a few events I’ll be checking out:

ISLAND Records Boat Party, The Constitution (Sunday, 1pm-6pm): Off the beaten track, this is where the insiders hang out. Expect to see some of Island Records’ bright new stars.

A party boat with onboard bar and resident Island Djs will ferry fans from Camden High Street to The Constitution pub, where the likes of Essex 15-year-old rising star Daisy Dares You will be performing, along with Zimbabwean singer-songwriter (the dude with the cool giant glasses) Tinashe, Dagenham MC Devlin, Welsh singer-songwriter Pete Lawrie, Tennessee soloist Lauren Pritchard and the grit-laden man with soul in his core, Jonathan Jeremiah.

OUTDOOR Stage, Hawley Crescent: I’ve said it before but any carnival-type event isn’t complete without the high-spirited, hilarious choreography of Man Like Me. Their catchy nu-ska sounds have party written all over them. Catch them at the Hawley Crescent outdoor stage along with Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Chew Lips and Skepta – anyone with an NW1 postcode who applied online can get in for free.

                                          (Man Like Me)

PRIMROSE Chill: If you haven’t got a ticket, don’t despair. The Primrose Chill has lined up some below-the-radar acts to play four of the area’s most prized pubs. You can sort of pretend to be part of the Crawl – never mind you’re across the canal with the posh people, miles from the carnage, and you didn’t have to spend a penny.

ELIZA Doolittle: A singer-songwriter with folky undertones, she’s already caught the tabloids’ attention – for wearing short shorts. Her single Skinny Genes was released on April 12 and she’s been touted as one to watch.

DELAYS: This is one band we’ll actually be getting there early for. A must.

VILLAGERS: Rated sixth in The Irish Times’ 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now, well last year, Malahide’s Villagers have been compared to The Frames, U2 and Leonard Cohen. Low key, wordy, literate and dark – I imagine Tim Burton would be a fan. Tipped by Bob Harris on his radio show last week.

PLAN B and Pendulum, Roundhouse, Friday: The only show of the Roundhouse headliners I’ll be checking out. Plan B just because there’s always room for a little East London rap and Pendulum, known for their high-energy live shows, are a definite way to wake up after the long trawl through the day’s guitar offerings.

PUB Quizzes, various venues during the day: A chance to further your education or just show off – the battle for the title of king/queen muso begins.

Best of the Rest: Shy Child, The Sunshine Underground, The Drums, Akala, Joe Gideon and the Shark, The Hundred in the Hands, New Young Pony Club, Holly Miranda, Billy Childish, Best Coast, Speech Debelle (because she’s unpredictable) and Roots Manuva. 

For the 30-something sentimentalists – Cornershop, Babybird, Stereo MCs and Teenage Fanclub.

THIS ONE'S FOR THE LOCALS + CAMDEN CRAWL EMERGING TALENT WINNERS

I'VE been talking about the Camden Crawl for months – a time when hundreds of dedicated music lovers make the annual trek to Camden Town to enjoy our most beloved of festivals.
But what if you live in Camden and you want in on the action without having to shell out for tickets?
This year, the Crawl is taking over Hawley Crescent – the scene of many a celeb walk of shame after a heady night at the Hawley Arms – and anyone with an NW1 postcode can get in for free.

(Dan le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip will play the outdoor stage)

Yes, NW1 residents can enjoy the likes of Man Like Me, Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, Chew Lips, Kasms and Skepta, who will take to the Red Bull Bedroom Jam Arena outdoor stage on Saturday and Sunday (May 1 and 2) for absolutely nothing. And if live music’s not for you, a separate stage will host DJs all day.
It is the only stage giving teenagers aged 14-17 the chance to join in the fun.
Expect a carnival-style atmosphere with food and fully-licensed drink stalls from 12pm-7pm.
All you have to do is register online at www. redbullbedroomjam.com and www.thecamden crawl.com/camden and bring proof of address on the day.
Camden Crawl wristband holders can also apply for entry via the same link.

And when the fun stops at 7pm each day, locals can continue the party over at the totally free Primrose Chill, where bands are taking over four Primrose Hill pubs – The Queens, The Lansdowne, The Engineer and The Princess of Wales.

For those who want to take part in the full Crawl, don’t forget a weekend wristband gives entry to 40 venues, featuring 200 acts over the course of two days. Pendulum and Plan B are the latest to have been announced as Roundhouse headliners and separate tickets must be bought for these.

The winners of the Emerging Talent Awards have now been revealed – to see tomorrow’s stars today, head down to the Ice Wharf stage. They are: Best New Band – Gaggle; Best Live Act – The Stow; Best Solo Artist – Truth; People’s Choice – The October Game; DIY Award – Motion Picture Soundtrack; Best Visual Impact – No Fixed Abode; Innovation Award – Creatures of Love. A special mention goes to Shiv Lizzy, who won Best Song. She tragically was killed in a road accident last month.

It’s tough to choose what to see when there’s so much on the bill so the Crawl compilation album, which was released digitally to ticket holders on Monday, can help separate the howlingly terrible from the hidden gems.

Ticket holders just need to go to www.7digital.com/camden crawl using their unique code and can download the album for free.