6. SOČA
REGGAE RIVERSPLASH
7 July
– 10 July 2005, TOLMIN – Sotočje, Slovenia
www.riversplash.si
// www.vinylmaniarecords.si
PRESS RELEASE
No. 3
A quality programme
of the peace-loving festival at the »mystic« Sotočje
Soča Reggae
Riversplash festival is without a doubt the only real and still the
only reggae festival in Slovenia. The expectations of the visitors and
public are therefore growing bigger and bigger, so the festival organiser
Vinylmania Records d.o.o. with co-workers has prepared a top quality
reggae music programme on two stages. Besides that you not only get
a chance to take part in the extremely attractive daily programme of
the festival, but you have a chance to carefree enjoy at the coast of
Sotočje (confluence of the river Tolminka and river Soča) for four
days.
We are glad
to announce the really great names of Jamaican and African reggae music
at the main stage. Israel Vibration, the legends Skelly and Wiss
who want to musically express their deep faith in a new, creative way,
especially with their total devotedness and sincere lyrics that are
sung from the heart to every one of you. Additionally, Yellowman from
Jamaica will make sure the Thursday's evening will be made special.
The artist creates reggae music under the influence of Jamaican folk
music of the 60's and has developed a special dancehall approach and
thrilled the US public where he was the best selling reggae author.
Due to its albinism he wanted to erase his stigma and therefore has
managed to become a brave musician that calls for attention of every
one and takes every opportunity to show himself as an authentic artist.
The opening of the festival will be in the hands of Papastyle &
Baldas from France, a duet known as an unusual reggae band that
will be followed by sounds of the German-British alliance Noiseshaper.
On Friday you will have a chance to listen to Aggressive Snail Attack
from Reka, Croatia, for the first time on the main stage. They will
represent their new edition of »Eating Pussy Burito Killers«. Their
music opus is a mixture of punk-ska reggae music. Krikk Reggae
from Italy is said to be the best what our western neighbours have to
offer. Besides having released their first album »Da mol s'aval« (Ondanomala/Edel)
in May, it must be mentioned that they were successful on the Rototom
Sunsplash wave festival in Arezzo call for proposals and consequently
they earned a place also on our festival. The acknowledged Austrian
production team The House of Riddim
will present us the artists/vocalists Ganjaman, Jahcoustix
and Jah Meek, who are more and more popular on the reggae scene.
The peak of the Friday's evening is the South-African star of roots
reggae sound Lucky Dube. In his prolific career he has recorded
more than 20 albums and doubtless we can expect the magical reggae evening.
For sure Anthony B is the biggest star of this Riversplash festival.
He has drawn attention to his work with his first single »The Living
is Hard«, and since then he is one of the most popular Jamaican musicians.
A special experience, a combination of ragamuffin and roots reggae style
will be the appearance of a more and more popular and extremely talented
singer Queen Omega (Trinidad in Tobago). Dubioza Kolektiv
(BiH) – this year you could see them on the club tour – they will
for the first time perform on the main stage and undoubtedly show their
great talent and energy with the mixture of reggae – dub – electro
and guitar music which is typical for their performances. The Pokerheads
will be the only Slovenians performing on the main stage this year,
since there are very few Slovenian reggae groups. The Pokerheads –
real talents in ska and swing - have prepared a dub-reggae performance,
which promises an exciting, diverse music experience.
The mystic
Sotočje area and a smaller stage, the so called »Sound System«, offer
us a lot of famous and acknowledged DJ teams and MCs from all over the
world. Our friends from France Reality Sound will take care of
the sound system this year. They will also present the Jamaican legend
Anthony Johnson and a young, perspective Murray Man. Besides
them you can also see: Jah Free (UK), Generation of Jah Sound
(Nigeria/ UK), Total Destruction (Slovenia), I-Shen Sound feat. Fitta
Warri & Sister Carina (Germany/ Jamaica), Blazin Fire (Germany),
Ganjaman & I-Shen Sound (Germany), Cool Runnings Sound (Italy),
Sylford Walker (Jamaica) & Asher Selector (Å vica), Trench Town
Rockers Sound (SiČG), Jah Ziggi (Slovenia) & Pupa Loly (Jamaica)
and others.
The novelty
of festival is the Sunday’s programme, which is focused on the Sound
System stage by Sotočje and will be marked by a relaxed, hedonistic
atmosphere. The entrance fee will therefore be only 1.000 SIT. The 4-day
ticket costs 12.000 SIT (in advance sale) and 14.000 SIT on the day
of the festival, a one-day ticket (except for the Sunday) costs 5.000
SIT.
It is important
to mention that Soča Reggae Riversplash festival will contribute actively
to a social and environmental actions. On the venue of the festival
there will be an action going on in cooperation with the Amnesty
International team – photo petition Million faces for arms
control (www.amnesty.si/akcije.php?kid=71). Fokus - društvo za sonaraven
razvoj (environmental non-governmental organisation) will present
the awareness raising campaign I change habits, not climate!
The purpose of the action is to point to the problem of the climate
changes. The relaxing and enjoyment of the beautiful environment of
Sotočje and Tolmin will as always wait for you on the coast of Sotočje
and on the venue reserved for a diverse daily festival activities. In
the framework of the daily festival events there will be workshops and
marketplaces of the Djembe team (www.djembe.it) and the appearance of the Tumaranke
groups that will demonstrate us their traditional African dances and
masks.
Soča Reggae
Riversplash is more than a music festival, it is a peaceful and social
meeting, which is each year visited by more and more people from Slovenia
and abroad, so – you are kindly invited to join us!
More info on
our festival can also be found on its official webpage: www.vinylmaniarecords.si in www.riversplash.si
Reporters and
editors, the forms for accreditation and this year’s performers can
be found on the webpage: www.rockvibe.com (under promocija). Do not
forget to get accreditation till June 30, 2005!
Soča Reggae
Riversplash festival
For the festival:
Rolando Jurečko (vinilmanija@k2.net)
THE PROGRAMME
OF FESTIVAL:
MAIN STAGE
PROGRAMME// from 7 p.m. to approx. 2 a.m. //
Thursday, July
7
ISRAEL VIBRATION
(Jamaica)
& The Roots
Radics Band (Jamaica)
YELLOWMAN (Jamaica)
NOISESHAPER
(UK/ Germany)
PAPASTYLE&BALDAS
(France)
Friday, July
8
LUCKY DUBE
(South-African Republic)
HOUSE OF RIDDIM
feat. GANJAMAN, JAHCOUSTIX & JAH MEEK (Austria/Germany)
KRIKKA REGGAE
(Italy)
AGGRESSIVE
SNAIL ATTACK (Croatia)
Saturday, July
9
ANTHONY B (Jamaica)
QUEEN OMEGA
(Trinidad and Tobago) & Artikal Crew (France)
DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV
(BiH)
THE POKERHEADS
(Slovenia)
SOUND SYSTEM
STAGE, SOTOČJE: // from noon to the morning hours //
Thursday, July
7
Sound Option
(Slovenia), Brain Holidays Sound System (Croatia), High Time Sound (France),
DJ Wee Dy & Irie I (Slovenia), Jah Free (UK), Reality Sound (France),
feat Anthony Johnson (Jamaica)
Friday, July
8
DJ DubBud (Slovenia),
High I & Ras Algeti (Slovenia), Generation of Jah Sound (Nigeria/
UK), Total Destruction (Slovenia), I-Shen Sound feat. Fitta Warri &
Sister Carina (Germany/ Jamaica), Blazin Fire (Germany)
Saturday, July
9
DJ Sam (UK),
DJ Sensi (Slovenia), Ganjaman & I-Shen Sound (Germany), Cool Runnings
Sound (Italy), Sylford Walker (Jamaica) & Asher Selector (Å vica),
Reality Sound & Murray Man (France/Jamaica).
Sunday, July
10
DJ Brazaman
(Slovenia), Dub System (Slovenia), Jah Rose (Jamaica), Silly Walks Movement
(Germany), Trench Town Rockers Sound (SiČG), Jah Ziggi (Slovenia) &
Pupa Loly (Jamaica)
Daily
festival activities:
We can assure
you that you will not be bored during the day, since we have organised
several festival activities during the daytime. You will be entertained
by drummers, masseuses, lemonade-people, different creative workshops,
and will be able to relax with joga and morning meditation, among the
visitors there will be a couple performing on stilts, with juggling,
fire, dance and magic tricks. We have taken care of some interesting
and fun sport games (summer games). The group TUMARANKE (travellers)
will be a special attraction. They will introduce you to the traditional
dances and music. Their team Djembe (www.djembe.it)
will prepare different workshops and have info market stands.
We have arranged day care and workshops for our youngest and also for
the elder visitors of the festival. The river Soča surely offers exceptional
natural refreshment, so it will attract many visitors during the hot
afternoons.
As we are really
lucky to be right close to the confluence of rivers Soča and Tolminka,
we can provide you with a closer encounter with river Soča and
the nature on its banks. The colour is really magical, the water is
still and with the help of the agency Maya we offer you to rent a boat
(kayak and canoe) and have a panoramic ride
on the Soča River.
Info MAYA:
www.maya-bn.si
TICKETS:
A four-day
ticket (4 days):
Until July
6: 12.000 SIT (approx. 50 €);
On the venue
July 7: 14.000 SIT (approx. 58 €)
A one-day ticket:
Thursday, Friday
and Saturday: 5.000 SIT (approx. 21 €);
Sunday: 1.000
SIT (approx. 4 €)
ADVANCE
SALE:
REGGAEMANIA,
Å tudentovska ulica 5, Ljubljana, Slovenia;
www.vinylmaniarecords.si; tel.: +386 1/431 21 82, info e-mail: reggaemania@k2.net
Ajdovščina
– Hill, Brežice in Krško – Punkt, Kranj – Aligator,
Ljubljana – Hard Rock, Most na Soči - Hotel Lucija,
Nova Gorica – Rock'n'Roll, »Pri Skali« - ob glavni
cesti Tolmin/ Kobarid, Piran – Smetka M2KC, Postojna –
Media M, Slovenske Konjice – Trgovina Marjetica, Tolmin
– Metulj, Zagreb – Kingston Shop.
EVENTIM: Slovenia: www.eventim.si; Hrvaška: www.eventim.hr; Madžarska: www.tux.hu; Avstrijaa: www.oeticket.com; Germany: www.eventim.de
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
www.riversplash.si; www.vinylmaniarecords.si, www.rockvibe.com
e-mail: vinilmanija@k2.net ; tel.: +386 1 431 21 82
PRESS ACCREDITATIONS:
Accreditation
application forms will be accepted until Thursday, June
30, 2005
Please hurry!
Only the filled-in
applications that you can get on webpage: www.rockvibe.com, will be accepted. Please send them
by fax to: +386 1 4256155 or by mail to: ROCK VIBE, for Soča Riversplash
festival, p.p.3, 5001 Nova Gorica
Please describe
what is (and what will be) done by your editorial for promotion of the
festival. The media we cooperate with and have already published –
announced the concerts – have already gained the advantage. Do not
forget to write your data, full contact and to respond the other questions,
so we will be able to inform you about the accreditation! The number
of accreditation is limited!!
Your contact:
P&R –
head: Sandi Maver 041 789 034, rvmp@rockvibe.com
P&R –
for announcements and interviews: Mateja Prinčič 041 373 797, matejaprincic@email.si
How to get
to the venue:
From Ljubljana:
by train through Jesenice, Bled, Podbrdo to Most na Soči; then take
a bus to Tolmin.
From the Coast,
Kras and Nova Gorica the bus takes you to Tolmin, which is probably
the best solution as the train to Most na Soči. The bus can also take
you from Ljubljana via Vrhnika, Logatec and Idrija or Å kofja Loka and
Cerkno to Tolmin. If the weather is nice, you can also try hitch-hiking…
.
Reggae
bus:
There will
also be a Reggae bus which will drive on the way from Tolmin to the
venue of the festival (Sotočje, motel Paradiso) and vice versa. The
bus fare is extremely low and acceptable for every one of you.
TOURIST
INFORMATION:
LTO Sotočje
Tolmin, Petra Skalarja 4, Tolmin;
tel.: +386
5 380 04 80; e-mail: info@lto-sotocje-tolmin.si
HOTELS:
Hotel Krn,
Mestni trg 3, Tolmin; tel.: +386 5 388 19 11; e-mail: hotel.krn@siol.net
Hotel Lucija,
Most na Soči 57; tel.: +386 5 381 32 92; e-mail: info@hotel-lucija.com
TAXI:
Taxi Likar:
+386 51 330 440
MARKET PLACES-INFO
e-mail: vinilmanija@k2.net ; tel.: +386 41 372 317
A SHORT
PRESENTATION OF THE IMPORTANT GROUPS PERFORMING:
The members
of the Jamaican duet ISRAEL VIBRATION Skelly and Wiss are known
for their magical positive vibration music that reaches from the spiritual
rastafaris to the young reggae enthusiasts all over the world. They
have already recorded many albums that are known especially for expression
of the unsurpassable power and optimism. With the music they want to
express their deep faith in a new creative way, especially with a total
devotedness to sincere lyrics, sung to everyone from the heart.
Info: www.israelvibration.net
YELLOWMAN
is a Jamaican, inspired by the Jamaican folk music of the 60’s already
in his youth. He was encouraged to create his own music. Due to his
albinism he tried to get rid of the stigma through music and this way
became a bold musician that calls to attention without shame and takes
advantage of presenting himself as a talented and exceptional
artist. He thrilled the audience with his wild dancehall performances
and consequently signed the contract with US label CBS records, left
for a world tour and became the best selling reggae star in Jamaica.
Info: www.lunaeterna.net/popcult/yellow.htm
ANTHONY
B is a true example of African consciousness in the Jamaican reggae
music. As the majority of African artists, Anthony has started its music
career in church. He performed quite a lot in the 80’s as a DJ, but
has truly become famous with his debut »The living is hard« in 1993.
After this success he started cooperating with the producer Richard
»Bello« Bell of Star Trail Label fame and the rest of his life is
full of recordings and publishing of new hits that have in all those
years maintained the quality, with flexibility as well as with its lyrics,
themes and in rhythms that include African consciousness, Peter Tosh-like
messages and extreme clarity of vocals.
Info: www.anthonyb.com/
QUEEN OMEGA
sang calypso and soca as a child. The singer has later decided to devote
her talents to roots reggae music. Awarded many times for her song writing
ability, vocal appearance and the frankness of her expression, he recorded
two singles »Warning« and »Highest High« that can be found also
on he debut album, where she shares her thoughts of rastafari and the
important role of spirituality in her creative work, what is surprising,
since the singer is only 20 years old. The album does not lack the incredible
roots rhythms and powerful vibrations.
Info: http://www.ireggae.com/queenomega.htm, http://www.heartical.net/reggae-dancehall-artist,queen-omega.en.html
THE
HOUSE OF RIDDIM PROJECT
The House of Riddim is a fantastic production team for excellent groovy
roots riddims. Sam Gilly and the members of his group "Roots Vibration"
have been composing instrumentals for years in order to be presented
to the reggae world one day. The first reactions of the artist listening
to their riddims were so enthusiastic that they decided to record some
melodies and put some words into the riddims. With their Austrian charm
the studio House of Riddim is a place of inspiration and creativity.
The best songs
were published on the "House Of Riddim Presents…" album,
where among others you can listen also to: Jahcoustix, Ganjaman, Jah
Meek, Conscious Fiyah (Headcornerstone), Paco Mendosa (a.k.a Criminal/Raggabund),
Uwe Banton (Movements), Tom Lugo (Jamaram), Cappucino (Jazzkantine),
Julian Levy (Roots Vibration), Danny Ranking (Raggamaffia)...
Info: www.soulfire-records.de
PAPA STYLE (aka The Joker) & BALDAS (aka
The Octopus) from Orléans, France are an unusual band. Two friends
that have been playing in reggae and dub bands in Orleans, despite the
high quality of their music, have never become stars and never toured
for different reasons. Sick of this situation they decided to go on
a tour in France and later across Europe. Their wish was to share their
vibration and their passion for reggae music all over the world. On
every tour they have been cheered by public and have become very popular
among the listeners all over the world.
Info: http://papastyle.baldas.free.fr/
LUCKY DUBE
is one of the most popular South African musicians. For twenty years
he has been one of the most prolific artists in the music industry of
South Africa, since he recorded more than 20 albums, which are successfully
selling throughout the world. Known for his extreme creativeness and
inventiveness, devotedness to music and intriguing lyrics, Lucky's sound
boldness reaches new heights what satisfies the most ardent fans and
each year more and more are attracted by his magic.
Info: www.luckydubemusic.com
The band
DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV, full of energy and worth of your attention, consists
of 8 members, 4 vocals and a guitar, a bass, drums and sound synthesizer.
The group started in 2003. In April of 2004 they have already published
their debut for the Gramofon (www.gramofon.ba) publishing house from Sarajevo. The
album was accompanied by two video spots. At the end of 2004 the Dubioza
Kolektiv group has presented EP »Open Wide« that contains two additional
yet unpublished songs featuring the legend dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah
and Mush Khan from a notorious Pakistani-Jamaican group Fun-da-Mental.
The essence of the group's sound is reggae and dub, what is magnificently
packed into a dynamic guitar crossover with a pinch of the unforgettable
ethno sound. This year they will appear also on the Exit festival (Fusion
stage), TeMikka (Murska Sobota), Coltan fest (Bihač), Summer Break
(Bled) and Topvar Rock fest (Slovaška-Bratislava). Available for interviews!
Call or send questions to: rvmp@rockvibe.com Info: www.dubioza.org
THE POKERHEADS
are the new hope of the fast, entertaining and dance swing-ska and reggae
music. Slowly they form a true concert attraction that has had more
appearances in the last year that groups with a published CD and performing
for a longer time, not have published a CD or video spot, a top hit
or single. And where have we seen them perform? Among other places,
on the biggest Italian reggae festival Rototom Sunsplash, Slovenian
reggae festival Soča Reggae Riversplash and Croatian reggae festival
Istria in Reggae. There performed also on Bruc in Ljubljana, several
times in Celje, Ajdovščina, Nova Gorica, Postojna and in many other
places. The boys, who began playing together in the spring of 2003,
have decided to record their debut in 2005 in order to be able to show
their talents abroad as well. For this year’s Riversplash festival
they have prepared a more dub-reggae-coloured performance. The boys
are available for the interview. Send us your questions and interests
to: rvmp@rocvibe.com
Info: www.thepokerheads.net
WEB PAGES OF THE GROUPS
PERFORMING:
Israel Vibration (Jamaica): www.israelvibration.net
Yellowman (Jamaica): www.lunaeterna.net/popcult/yellow.htm
Anthony B (Jamaica): www.anthonyb.com/
Queen Omega (Trinidad &
Tobago): http://www.ireggae.com/queenomega.htm
http://www.heartical.net/reggae-dancehall-artist,queen-omega.en.html
Lucky Dube (South African Republic): www.luckydubemusic.com
PapaStyle & Baldas (France): http://papastyle.baldas.free.fr/
House of Rhythm (Germany): www.soulfire-records.de
Dubioza Kolektiv (Bosnia and
Herzegovina): www.dubioza.org
The Pokerheads (Slovenia): www.thepokerheads.net
Krikka Reggae (Italy): www.krikkareggae.it
Aggressive Snail Attack (Croatia): www.asnailattack.com
Noiseshapper (Germany/UK): www.jahworks.org/images/Noiseshaper.htm
MORE ON SOCIALLY-
AND ENVIRONMENT-AWARE ACTIONS:
AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL: Million faces for arms
control!
International
non-governmental organisations Amnesty International, Oxfam and International
Action Network on Small Arms IANSA have begun at the end of year 2003
with the Control arms campaign. Namely every minute a person dies as
a victim of the small arms usage. With the action – photo petition
Million faces for arms control that will be exposed in the palace
of the United nation in 2006 they would like to convince governments
of the world to accept the International convention against arms trafficking
and this way actively provide real safety to all people. The Slovenian
section has already collected thousand of photos – photo petitions
in a year’s time, in the world more than 250.000 photographs were
collected.
The group R.E.M.
invited them to present the action on their concert in Ljubljana and
they managed to collect more than 100 photo petitions for arms control.
The action itself is simple: a volunteer speaks to the potential activist
and presents the facts of the action and ask him for support; which
means for permission to take a photo of him with the sign saying: »
CONTROL ARMS«. The action is quick and entertaining. On the venue there
will be a market stand for the purposes of this action and there will
be more than 20 representatives of Amnesty International. You are invited
to get more info on the campaign For arms control in Slovenia go to:
http://www.amnesty.si/akcije.php?kid=71 or on the international link:
www.controlarms.org – Cooperate!
FOCUS
– Focus Association for Sustainable Development:
I change habits, not climate!
Focus - Association
for Sustainable Development (environmental non-governmental organisation)
will present an awareness raising campaign I change habits, not climate!
at the Soča reggae Riversplash festival. The purpose of the action
is to point to the problem of climate changes. With the action we want
to present more permanent solutions, among them the recyclable sources
of energy and efficient technologies. In the framework of this action
we will set an exhibition of the climate changes, consisting of ten
panels (2m x 2m) with pictures and texts. In the course of the action
the following activities will be taken: signing the petition, distribution
of flyers and postcards to the passers-by and animated workshops with
children.
The Riversplash
festival has chosen Fokus especially due to numerous young people that
come to the festival and are the target group of their project. Go visit
them!
AND TO CONCLUDE,
some interesting points about the festival:
# Soča Reggae
Riversplash festival is each year visited by 10.000 to 12.000 people
(all four days of the festival) what places the festival among the most
visited ones in Slovenia. At the same time it is believed to be THE
BEST Slovenian festival.
# The greatest
STARS that have performed at Soča Reggae Riversplash festival: BENJAMIN
ZEPHANIAH (UK), MACKA B (Jamaica), MAD PROFESSOR (UK) U ROY (Jamaica),
LEE SCRATCH PERRY (Jamaica), JULIAN MARLEY (Jamaica), GENTLEMAN (Germany),
RAS DUMISANI (South African Republic), CULTURE (Jamaica), MIKEY
DREAD (Jamaica), SISTA (UK), NATURAL BLACK (Jamaica), BUJU BANTON (Jamaica)...
# The festival’s
public from abroad has been growing from year to year. The announcements
for the festival are in all important reggae and festival guides around
the world.
# This year
teams of the well-known and famous German Chiemsee Reggae Summer festival,
(www.chiemsee-reggae.de), the Italian Skavillage festival
(www.skavillage.it) and Croatian Istria in Reggae festival(www.istriainreggae.net/) will visit our festival. Riversplash
cooperates also with other festivals and organisers.
# Until now
59 groups from 26 countries have performed on the Soča Reggae Riversplash
festival.