After a short hiatus from this key weekend in the annual music calendar, The Hydra returns to reclaim the August Bank Holiday weekend. Welcoming a collection of artists who represent the foundations of the musical institutions we recognise today, the weekend’s music program is also supported by a wealth of emerging talent, all presented with exceptional production for the optimal experience. Ever evolving, The Hydra continue to provide a platform to showcase the most exciting electronic music in London.
Extending across three days of music from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th August 2019, the long weekend commences with a very special live performance from globally acclaimed composer Nils Frahm for his only London festival set this summer. Supporting Nils Frahm is founding member of pioneering ambient electronic group Global Communication, Tom Middleton, performing an interpretation of the seminal 1994 album ’76:14’, celebrating 25 years since its release.
Saturday’s eleven-hour dancefloor session, pays homage to techno’s many textures in the Press Halls with the cosmic sounds of Jeff Mills at the helm. Ben Klock brings his trademark sound to the show and Juan Atkins’ Detroit originators, Model 500 play a rare live set. Fused with influences from acid and electro, Helena Hauff has carved out a unique style that never fails to deliver, whilst Terrence Dixon will treat The Hydra faithful to a debut live set of minimal sound design. The rising talents of Fever AM founder Mor Eliancompletes the techno exploration.
In counterpoint to the widescreen ethos of the main room, Printworks’ intimate Dark Room will host sets from Move D, Willow, Damiano von Erckert and DEBONAIR.
Reaching the finale on Sunday, the Press Halls will yet again host a roster of pioneers with a distinctly Stateside theme. Larry Heard and DāM-FunK will each perform live. This will be Larry’s only London show this year. DJ sets come from Motor City icons Carl Craig, Moodymann and Theo Parrish whilst The Hydra co-Founder Dolan Bergin sets the tone.
Jazz, Soul and Hip Hop as imagined via the prism of electronic music for Dark Room on this one. DJ sets come from Lefto, Joe Armon-Jones, Ash Lauryn and Sofie while The Hydra deliver another rare live performance from California based Ras G, whose latest ‘Dance Of The Cosmos’ EP is one of the records of the year so far for the organisers.