Bestival: The Ladies – Candie Payne, Marlena Shaw, Robyn, Bat For Lashes and more

The Bestival joy just goes on and on …. adding to the list Simon just put out here’s some more news of the additions to the lineup.

Candie Payne (who has been superbly supporting The Bees on their recent tour) will be flying the flag for the female solo singers. Her ‘sweet girl meets boy’ kitchen pop songs are so reminiscent of sixties British cinema … think Carnaby Street and mini skirts.

If you haven’t sampled the Swedish tones of hip hop electronic singer Robyn Carlsson (pic below), get yourselves over to her MySpace now. She’ll be bringing her sweet voice to Robin Hill Park come September.

Those of you who caught Brighton-based Bat For Lashes last year are in for a treat as she returns in 07 bringing her own wonderful style of music that takes influences from Kate Bush and Cat Power.

Whilst we’re on the subject of female artists, expect to be wowed by a Blue Note soul singer all the way from Las Vegas. You might recognise samples of some of her classics by St Germain and Blueboy on “Remember Me”…. yes, it’s Marlena Shaw. How cool is that?

Somewhere like bestival is brilliant for exposing you to up and coming bands and Rob Da Bank always has his finger on the pulse when it comes to these things … and the great news is that he loves to share this knowledge with everyone, so joining the lineup will be Tunng, Noisettes, Electrelane, Figurines, Foals and The Kissaway Trail. Simple Kid, Plastic Little, Man Like Me, Shychild, Kode 9 and Spaceape are all ones to look out for, as they’re all tipped to go big.

It’s brilliant to see Son Of Dave back again and joined by Seasick Steve, and Sunday Best signing, The Hat. If you love a great story then head for the tent where these guys are performing. You won’t be disappointed.

And the list goes on, Bristol party animals Babyhead, Infinite Scale, Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit all muck in and the wonderfully brilliant Kitty Daisy & Lewis are back for their third year along with Max Sedgley, Natty, Sportsday Megaphone and The Bobby McGees. If you haven’t seen Justin Robertson’s new band Thee Earls, Bestival will be your chance.

In the DJ box, James Lavelle joins the party for the first time; Mr Scruff will be mashing it up in his second Bestival appearance; Radio 1’s Annie Mac and dub pioneer Jah Shaka destroying the bassbins and Jose Padilla playing his famous sunset set, on the Sunday!

It doesn’t end there, more Bestival news heading your way next week.