With the summer festival circuit nearing its close, there’s one lesser-known, yet highly-revered festival you don’t want to miss. Quickly sneaking around the corner, Field Maneuvers takes place on August 21st to the 23rd. For those who haven’t heard of FM, you may be shocked at just how much this highly innovative, community-driven festival has to offer. Tucked away in some secret location in Norfolk, guests from all over the United Kingdom and beyond make the trek to set up camp. This year’s lineup is as cutting-edge as it usually is, bringing together industry icons and debut performances from some of the most dynamic talent on the scene.
Field Maneuvers is not shy about its principles. Its focuses lie in audience experience, highlighting emerging talent. The lineup is composed of a wide range of musicians and performers, with a schedule that is as global as its audience. The lineup includes Jana Rush, a Chicagoan who is making the long journey across the pond for her only UK show of the season. Other US performances include Detroit in Effect and Mike Servito. As for UK legends, guests can witness Ratty, MC Boogieman, Louise Plus One, DJ Storm, and Mark Archer. Those of which brandish some of the longstanding energies that established the UK dance floors we know and love today. Other performances from FAFF, Neil Landstrumm, and Paranoid London are sure to leave a lasting impact.
The festival is no stranger to takeovers and collaborations with heavyweights on the scene. Attendees will also get the chance to experience U-Haul Dyke Rescue’s legendary arm wrestling competitions live. This London-based events collective is deeply entrenched in highlighting and platforming FLINTA talent and attendees. The project is spear-headed by Lucy Nurnberg and Ali Wagner, who are “on a mission to make space for the dykes around the world”. Amongst other contributors, the festival has brought on Harmony Rec. x Step Ball Chain. This takeover brings together artists from Prague and Berlin, focusing on sapphic trance, led by D. Tiffany and Roza Terenzi.
One of the highlights on this year’s lineup is Tash LC, who like many modern creatives, brings a plethora of talents to the table. This musician is also a collector, broadcaster, and presenter. Tash LC is particularly praised for the way she blends genres and musicalities from inspirations across the global club scene. Amongst her varied sets, you’ll hear the likes of traditional Afro-diasporic sounds, like Soukous and Merenge. Though she doesn’t stop there, incorporating other influences like Kuduro and Soca, she sets these sounds against hypnotic percussive club rhythms. Many of which can be pinpointed back to The Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America.
NOCTIS took some time before the festival to understand Tash LC’s practise a little more, digging into what’s so special about Field Maneuvers Festival, and what it means to be an artist in today’s creative climate.
Why is it important to bring underrepresented voices and creatives to the stage?
I feel like it goes without saying but, marginalised voices and experiences are what makes spaces so diverse and interesting. There’s so much to be offered by people who aren’t widely represented whether it’s racially or class or gender. For me, an ideal dancefloor is one where I’m around a multitude of different people all contributing their experiences to space. The most exciting and innovative art is often coming from those who are underrepresented, like Mapanta in South Africa or Singeli from Tanzania
What has been the biggest “ah-ha” moment in your career so far… The experience that made you realise “this is what I’m supposed to be doing”?
Hmm there’s definitely been a few. I love doing workshops because they’re a moment outside of the club that I get to feel the tangible impact of helping people gain new skills and confidence. Also anytime I throw parties and go into the crowd and feel people connecting with the music. It’s such a special feeling
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, both in music and other worlds?
So many people! I always admire Jamz Supernova, Linnett Kamala, Charlie Dark, Hassan Hajaj, Mina, Jyoty, TraTraTrax, Joe Cotch… People who create community as well as platform incredible music and art.
Late night in the studio, what’s your go-to caffeine boost?
I do love a coffee but not late night, so gotta say a mate or just a classic Earl Gray.
If you could be dressed by any upcoming designer/brand for touring, who would it be?
I loveeee Meji. Their West African designs and graphics are so fun, cheeky, and speak to a generation of cool young people in the diaspora. I’m also a huge fan of K&R who I’ve started working with a lot recently. They’re a London based brand and their designs are so flattering and feel like they were made for me.
Dream collaboration?
I’ve got lots of people on my dream b2b list but a few would be Ben UFO, Greg, Batu, Crystallmess, Edna Martinez, TSVI, Don Alirio, Awulkuhn.
What was the most significant venue you’ve ever performed at?
I really love playing outdoor parties for the public. They’re always my most fulfilling shows because anyone can experience music and everyone’s welcome. I had an incredible experience playing in Kipseli Market a few years ago in Athens with Stegi Radio. It was a public show and the vibes were insane.
Where do you hope your music and mixing takes the audience?
To new places I hope! I always want people to discover something in my sets and for people to feel taken on a journey into somewhat familiar but also new places.
What about Field Maneuvers most excites you?
Being with my friends for sure. It’s the one festival we’ve all been doing as a group for the past few years which means a lot to me, as I rarely have the opportunity to do a full festival these days. It’s a moment for us all to be together and just let loose. I also love Sputnik and I’m so gassssssed to be playing there this year.
Who are you most excited to see perform at the festival this year?
Detroit In Effect, I think. I’ve really been enjoying that kind of Detroit sound over the last few years and I know it’s gonna be sexy and bouncy as hell.
Any upcoming projects you want our readership to know about?
My party and label Club Yeke is currently doing a residency at Ormside Projects in Bermondsey. We have 2 dates left: Notting Hill Carnival on 30th August and I’m playing all night long on 16th October! Come xx
If you could go back in time to speak with your younger self, what advice would you give them about entering the creative industry?
There’s no linear path so just throw yourself into as much as possible, try not to overthink the outcome or strategy. Have fun with it and focus on you and your journey rather than everyone else’s.
Get your tickets for Field Maneuvers now
Follow Field Maneuvers on Instagram
Follow Tash LC on Instagram
Words: Lauren Bulla
Photographer: Khris Cowley