Sound City 2016 is on – Here are 8 cool things about this year’s festival

Sound City 2016 is officially on, the legendary conference has kicked off and in just 24 hours Bramley Moore Dock will open it’s big beautiful gates and we’ve rounded up 8 reasons why you shouldn’t miss this year’s festival.

Go Your Own Way – First up you can make the most out of your Sound City 2016 experience by checking out the official Sound City clash finder that lists all the stages and band time slots so you can plan your viewing before you head down to the docklands. This year’s line-up is an awesome mix of bands from Circa Waves, Young Fathers, and Palma Violets to local up comers Cavalry and The Stamp to artists such as Shura, Blue Saint, and Motor City Drum Ensemble – so it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. Check out our ’11 acts you must see’ here.

Circa Waves play the Atlantic Stage Sunday 9pm

Location Location Location – Only Sound City could work in an apocalyptic location like the Bramley-Moore Dock, and returning for a second year, the festival is set to the backdrop of the beautiful River Mersey and our iconic Three Graces are in full view of the Atlantic stage. The site is almost ready to welcome fans and for those looking for something a bit different, the Tall ship stage will sail into place in the next few hours. The official site map is here.

Rave On – Sound City 2016 isn’t just about the indie bands! The Baltic Warehouse, in partnership with Freeze is being transformed into the perfect dance arena for a whole host of dj’s from Hotchip and Leftfield to Greg Wilson, 2ManyDj’s and more. Putting dance high on the Sound City agenda for the very first time. Check out the full line up here.

2 Many DJ’s

Carnival! – Sound City is about more than just live music, and this year there are tonnes of interactive art installations and performances bringing a real carnival like feel to the festival. Karumba Drumming classes and performances plus Brazilica dance classes are set to kick off the festival from 1:30 on Saturday. Don’t miss the roaming fairies, break dancers and disco heads for brilliant selfie opportunities! The full schedule is available here.

Let There Be Light – Berlin based artist Ryoichi Kurokawa is showing an eclectic mix of audio visual video presentations between artists on the Atlantic stage this year alongside a stunning exhibition, ‘unfold’ currently on at FACT. We think these mesmerising video’s based on star formations are going to light up the dock when the sun goes down, and what better backdrop that against the best city in the world? Not to be missed. More info on the Unfold exhibition here.

Refuel – Sound City have pulled out all the stops to bring the best of Liverpool Independent food and drink down to the Bramley Moore Docks and festival goers are really spoiled for choice this year. Maray, Bold Street Coffee and Chicha Peruvian Street Kitchen plus Salt Dog Slim’s and Chaopraya have such diverse menu’s that no-one will go hungry this weekend! Check out the full foodie line-up here.

Take A Picture – Adding to the wider art programme, sketch artists and illustrator, Mook Loxley will be touring the festival site documenting performances with his unique ninja like drawing skills. Following a brilliant Bido Lito front page featuring Bill Ryder-Jones and countless stunning pieces from Magnet and 24 Kitchen Street gigs recently, Mook has racked up a seriously impressive following for his sketchbook work. Will you spot him this weekend? Check out his work here.

Flaming Lips at Sound City 205. Picture Credit – Silent Radio

F&*k Yeah Liverpool – Following an awe-inspiring performance from The Flaming Lips at last year’s Sound City festival, the infamous ‘Fuck Yeah Liverpool’ balloon has joined a whole range of official merchandise available to order online. Get your wrist band or t-shirt and make some memories! Merchandise available from £2.50, check it out here.