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Current mood:  bouncy
With the first edition of Tignesfest over we are sad to be back in the UK, but have lots of great memories that will keep us smiling for the rest of the year!
"I had the time of my life at TignesFest 2008, the best snowboarding I've ever experienced in the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Truly jaw dropping. The music was so special too. The Shoes and Primary1 were a revelation, Autokratz' set was a stunner and A Human's impromtu show was a moment I will tell my grandchildren about. I'll keep these memories with me and I'll still be smiling about them on my deathbed" enthuses Eddy Temple Morris.
Taking place from 17th – 20th April, Tignesfest included a bit of everything from DJs to live bands to exclusive acoustic sets and set in the breathtaking backdrop of The Alps.
After a three hour coach ride from Grenoble airport, sprits were high as we reached the resort of Tignes - which also happens to be one of the highest ski resorts in the world! Everyone received a warm welcome at Pignata for pizza and wine before checking out the sights and sounds.
Marine Parade's darling, Alex Metric kicked off the proceeds with an exuberant Ableton set in Le Ski Bistro – a ski shop by day and a bar by night – there was spirits spilled, hips jostling and crowd surfing galore, followed by South Central who then shook the foundations of the Melting Pot only to be out 'hooded' by The Bloody Beetroots (what is it with the hoody conglomerates). Both duo's battled it out and the outcome was a night of unadulterated electroclash mayhem.
Up bright and early on Friday to clear hangovers with some cool, fresh air, gathering at the Ski Bistro Shop for paraphanalia to hit the slopes. Band members rubbed shoulders with press and punters as everyone crowded into the shop to get kitted out with skis, snowboards and ski boots. Tignes has some of the best pistes for all levels but were they ready for the TignesFest entourage and Eddy TM in his X Men like suit.
As quickly as they'd arrived, everyone dispersed onto the green, blue and red runs. And for those who wanted to take it more sedately, there were dog sleighs and cable cars. The views from the mountains were truly breathtaking and there were endless slopes to explore. You could even ski to neighbouring resort Val D'Isere.
As the sun began to fade, sadly a thick blanket of cloud moved in and the weather took a turn for the worse. Undeterred The Loose Cannons took to the outdoor stage and kicked off the proceedings. As the crowds began to gather they were treated to performances from James Yuill who's smooth and haunting voice was the perfect introduction to what was set to be a cocktail of new and up and coming bands showcasing their talents. The Shoes threw down some fierce electronic sounds rocking the stage and enthused that it was a "unique experience performing in the snow... cold outside but warm inside!!"
As the snow came down harder so did the beats with Poney Poney thrashing out their tunes to the delights of the crowd. Primary 1 went a step further, with Joe Flory braving the cold and enduring a strip tease by taking off a layer of clothing for each track they played.
Eventually the conditions became too difficult to continue, which was much to the disappointed of the bands that had not yet played, including the Autokratz, Cristal Palace Band, A Human and Trash Fashion. And although the temperatures were below freezing it was truly magical watching everyone dancing in the snow.
Luckily the promoters did some quick thinking and the Avalanche-inducing blizzards did not prevent them from putting on a show. They moved the party to a club, and Autokratz took to the decks. And whilst they were banging out the tunes and entertaining the crowds and other acts who weren't able to perform, A Human decided to play an impromptu set as they had travelled so far and were determined to play. Fashioning a drum kit out of a beer crate, sledge and an upside down stool with four glasses on the legs and delivering a short but beautiful set that was one of the many special moments of TignesFest. "J Human used a sledge and a bar stool with plastic glasses on as a drum kit, Mellay Human smashed his Guitar in half, Ben human played his base so loudly nobody could breath and CMore Human used his keyboard as a drum, whilst doing Christ like poses against a wall." Enthuses Dave A Human. "In short we were all a little giddy from the altitude" And that we were after downing a few yega bombs as recommended by the locals.
Saturday was another full day on the slopes and then onto Apres Ski where the acoustic sets were a true delight! First up was Naomi Roper at the Loop Bar. With not a snowflake in sight and the sun shining, she played a sultry acoustic set to a receptive crowd. Then it was off to Café Rouge for French artist Chris Lung. She sang in English and French and played guitar accompanied by percussive drums and a Keith Richards on speed lookalike playing the harmonica.
Moving to the Couloir, a buffet was laid out to keep our energy levels up for the night ahead. Boy-8Bit was on the decks and Alex Metirc was treated to a huge chocolate cake decked out with sparklers to celebrate his birthday. "The best weekend I've had in ages! Great music, great people and an awesome location!" exclaimed the birthday boy.
Cut to the Melting Pot, for The Loose Cannons, Alex Skt and a sprinkling of drum and bass from the Dark Jedis and the night was at an end, meanwhile at Bagus Bar, Poney Poney, Primary 1 and The Shoes were having a disco classic IPod off to the revellers delight.
Suffice to say, TignesFest was a weekend full of fun where new friendships were made and great new music was played, despite the weather! Really looking forward to next year's event.
www.tignesfest.com
www.myspace.com/tignesfest
11:16 PM
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