The 2008 Lineup

Alabama 3 define themselves by being indefinable. Fusing pop, punk, country, gospel and blues, the band name may deceive as they are not from Alabama (Brixton, London infact). Born out of a desire to put out good records and put on good shows, the band describes their debut album, Exile on Coldharbour lane as an ‘over-produced, brilliant situationalist masterpiece’. Their latest album, M.O.R, is dedicated to over-indulgence in music and they have described it as their most moving, absurd, exciting and tear-jerking album yet.

Danish 7 piece Alphabeat have had an amazing few months with success in Scandinavia followed up by a huge critical buzz and chart success in the UK and Ireland.  Recalling the classic pop of The B52s and Prefab Sprout, their debut album This Is Alphabeat has just hit the top 10 and the band are clearly destined for great things.

WEB: www.thisisalphabeat.com

Amy MacDonald burst on to the scene in 2007 with her debut album This Is The Life.  Since then, the Scottish singer songwriter’s rise to stardom has been rapid and her debut album reached the top ten in the UK charts and top twenty in the Irish charts.  Her bell-clear, gutsy vocals are tinged with sensitivity and a folk rock edge. Her observant lyrics, heard in songs such as LA, Footballer’s Wife and Poison Prince, reflect contemporary life and show a maturity beyond her years that is sure to win over many new fans at this year’s Oxegen.

Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank established her as one of the most exciting artists in pop music, and the follow-up, the magnificent, Back To Black proved what a truly remarkable talent she is. Winehouse’s song-writing and fearlessness as a lyric writer has been grafted onto some of the most astonishing material of her short career including the hit singles Rehab and Love Is A Losing Game. Back To Black has already sold over 7 million copies worldwide and has seen her win a record 5 Grammys in 2008.

Born in Dublin, Annie Mac has become one the most influential tastemakers in the UK and a champion of the best new music.  She began her DJ career at Belfast’s Shine before coming to prominence hosting her electronic dance music shows on BBC Radio 1.  Annie’s DJs sets reflect her eclectic tastes and feature the very best in house, hip-hop, bass and beats.

WEB: www.myspace.com/anniemac16

Described by The Guardian as “the most inventive and influential figure in contemporary electronic music”, Aphex Twin (aka Richard James) has won plaudits throughout his recording career. Aphex Twin’s first two albums “Selected Ambient Works” volumes I and II revolutionised electronic music fusing epic soundscapes with dark beats and bass lines. Mainstream success followed with the release of “The Richard James Album”. With each subsequent release, Aphex Twin has continued to push back the boundaries of contemporary dance music.

Irish rock favourites Aslan return to OXEGEN in 08.  Now in their 26th year together, Aslan proved their enduring popularity with their most recent album For Some Strange Reason charting highly and spawning the hit singles Here Comes The Sun and Jealous Little Thing.  OXEGEN fans will also be hoping to hear the anthems This Is and Crazy World.

WEB: www.aslan.ie

Band of Horses are a rare find due to their ability to add a dreamy human dimension to their songs. The band is fronted by talented song writer Ben Bridwell who sings with a strength juxtaposed with a vulnerability that adds an emotional complexity to the music. The debut album, Everything All The Time, was released in early 2006 and is followed up with this year’s Cease to Begin which opens with the soaring and beautiful Is There A Ghost. Thanks to their epic yet thoughtful songs, the latest album has featured heavily on critics’ lists of the best albums of the year.

A phenomenon that began in NYC, Battles soon broke out of the East Coast scene, accumulating a fervent legion of fans across the US, a testament to their astounding live performances. Technically awe inspiring, Battles concoct a mix of strident post-rock/ jazz/ hardcore and electronics, stunning crowds with poly-rhythmic sequences and complicated time signatures, hurtled at you with sheer sonic velocity. Their debut album Mirrored made the top 20 albums of 2007 in a host of publications including Uncut, NME and Observer Music Monthly.

Bell X1 are an indie four piece from County Kildare who specialise in cleverly reflective lyrics accompanied by infectious, radio friendly pop. After debut album, Neither Am I, and the follow up Music in Mouth, they generated rave reviews. Third album, Flock, showed a more confident and self assured side to the band and debuted at number one in the Irish album charts. They’re currently going down a storm in North America, with a series of sold out shows and standout performances on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and the Late Show with David Letterman.