The first ever concert in Poland of THE FLAMING LIPS,  one of the biggest bands on the music scene will be a part of this year’s 5th edition of the most important Polish alternative festival! OFF Festival Katowice will take place on 5-8 August 2010 in Dolina Trzech Stawów (The Valley of Three Lakes). The new venue of the festival is one of the most attractive places in the city of Katowice, placed next to Muchowiec airport.

On Thursday 5th August the festival will begin with the concert of MATMOS (USA) – the great experimenting duo for the 1st time in Poland.

The weekend of 6-8 August will be filled with concerts and additional events such as art exhibitions and film screenings..  90 Polish and international artists will perform on 4 stages.

Already confirmed:
THE FLAMING LIPS (USA) is one of the most unconventional and unique rock bands, which appeared on the music scene in the last three decades. Their twelfth album “Embryonic” (Warner, 2009), recorded with such guests as Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), MGMT and Thorsten Wormann, is a complete masterpiece included in many ‘the best albums of 2009’ and ‘the best albums of the last decade’ lists. 
DINOSAUR JR. (USA) — An absolute cornerstone of alternative rock. Five years after getting back together, the legendary trio from Massachusetts are coming to Poland for the first time, featuring their original lineup: J Mascis (vocals, guitar), Lou Barlow (bass), and Murph (drums). “Farm” (Jagjaguwar, 2009) is the ninth studio album since the debut “Dinosaur” (1985) by the precursors of indie rock.a.
TINDERSTICKS (UK) — alternative rock’s most elegant incarnation, featuring the splendid baritone vocals of Stuart A. Staples and the talent of excellent multi-instrumentalists. This English band is promoting its eighth album — but their first on 4AD — titled “Falling Down A Mountain” (2010).
THE FALL (UK) - for the 1st time in Poland! Eccentric Mark E. Smith and his legendary band which has been performing and recording for thirty years. In April Domino Records will release the 28th album of music giants, Your Future Our Clutter.
MEW (DK) — a dream-pop trio with their groundbreaking, critically acclaimed album titled “No more stories Are told today I’m sorry They washed away No more stories The world is grey I’m tired Let’s wash away.”
THE HORRORS (UK) — alternative rock’s rising star. Authors of NME’s 2009 album of the year. Damon Albarn was impressed with “Primary Colours” (XL Recordings, 2009) as well, inviting the band to join Gorillaz on their latest album (“Plastic Beach”, EMI, 2010).
ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM (USA) – for the 1st time in Poland! One of the most important projects from American alternative hip hop scene. Last year, after 7-year hiatus, the band released their long-awaited album “Fluorescent Black” (Big Dada, 2009).
LENNY VALENTINO (PL) – this Polish project has a cult status among alternative music fans in Poland. Its only album “Uwaga! Jedzie tramwaj!” (Sissy Records, 2001) is claimed to be one of the milestones of Polish alternative music scene. Only at OFF Festival and in its original line-up: Artur Rojek – guitar and vocal, Mietall Walus - bass, Jacek Lachowicz - piano, Maciej Cieslak - guitar, Arkadiusz Kowalczyk – drums.
LALI PUNA (DE) – the main project of German label Morr Music founded by the members of The Notwist and Tied & Tickled Trio. In April, to the delight of independent electronic music, they will release their first album in six years. „Our Inventions” (Morr Music, 2010), recorded with Yukihiro Takashi from Yellow Magic Orchestra, will be their first new material since „Faking the Books” (2004).
EFTERKLANG (DK) - the experimenting pop band straight from Denmark. ” Magic Chairs“, Efterklang’s third full-length album (and their first on the legendary label 4AD) is out now.
SHEARWATER (USA) — A Texan band led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Meiburg. Shearwater’s “The Golden Archipelago” (Matador, 2010) is one of the most moving albums to come out in recent years, due in great part to the production efforts of John Congleton and the frontman’s music and lyrics, which depict the beauty and drama of nature destroyed by civilization.
NO AGE (USA) — a noise-pop duo on SUB POP. The leading representatives of the musical underground centered around Los Angeles’ famous club, the Smell. They are currently working on their 3rd long play (2nd for Sub Pop label), following the success of album "Nouns" (Sub Pop, 2008) and “Losing Feeling” EP (SUB POP, 2009).
TUNNG (UK) — Twisted pop and ‘folktronica’ from London. Known for their use of strange instruments, the band returns with their fourth album, “…And Then We Saw Land” (Thrill Jockey, 2010), inspired by their work with the Malian blues musicians from Tinariwen.
TRANS AM (USA) — A post-rock trio whose members hail from the legendary hardcore/ska collective BombLast. “Thing”, the ninth album in their discography, is coming out April 20, 2010 on Thrill Jockey.
EFTERKLANG (DK) - the experimenting pop band straight from Denmark. ” Magic Chairs“, Efterklang’s third full-length album (and their first on the legendary label 4AD) is out now.
SOMETHING LIKE ELVIS (PL) – the legend of Polish underground will perform in their original line-up. SLE split up in 2003 but decided to reactivate especially for OFF Festival 2010.
TORO Y MOI (USA) — Chazwick Bundick, a 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist and singer from South Carolina, whose album "Causers of This" lofted him up to his current status as one of the most promising débutantes on the chillwave scene.
DARKSTAR (UK) — This dubstep producer duo records for Hyperdub records, a company whose roster includes such bands as Burial. Darkstar’s singles have topped the charts and become hits on the dancefloors, while the list of fans awaiting their debut record include the members of Radiohead..
THE PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT (USA) — Avant-garde rock from New York City. They’ve played with such bands as Trans AM and have been compared to the likes of Acid Mothers Temple, Lightning Bolt, and Boredoms. The power trio’s second studio album after “Gamelan Into the Mink Supernatural” (No Quarter Records, 2005) is one of this summer’s most eagerly awaited premieres.
VOO VOO plays SNO-POWIĄZAŁKA (PL) — One of Poland’s most relevant musical groups. Voo Voo have been touring and recording incessantly for the past quarter century. They will be playing one of their best-known albums, “Sno-powiązałka”, in its entirety at the OFF Festival.
SZELEST SPADAJĄCYCH PAPIERKÓW (PL) — This legendary band is the co-father of the Tri-City underground. Closely tied in the 80’s to the artistic group Totart and the circles of the Orange Alternative, a subversive happening group. They return after many years with their second regular album, “Klętnictwo” (Nasiono, 2009), to lash out against the plastic superficiality of pop-culture with unrelenting noise.

ATLAS SOUND (USA) — Garage rock, ambient, and stream-of-consciousness by provocateur Bradford Cox. “Logos” (4AD, 2009) featuring a guest appearance by Noah Lennox (Panda Bear/Animal Collective) and Laetitii Sadier of Stereolab is the Deerhunter frontman’s second solo record.

ZS (USA) — Hailed by the New York Times as one of the strongest avant-garde bands in New York. Their next album, “New Slaves,” is coming out this May, and is expected to be a worthy successor to the free jazz and prog-rock experimentation on “Music of the Modern White” (Social Registry, 2009). ZS will perform as a part of the “Inspired by Chopin” project.

ECSTATIC SUNSHINE (USA) — The new wave of experimental pop. The third album “Yesterday’s Work” (Hoss Records, 2009) premiered last winter. Matt Papich will perform as a part of the “Inspired by Chopin” project, supporting Matmos at the OFF Festival Katowice 2010 opening concert.

MEMORY TAPES (USA) - is a one-man project of Dayve Hawk previously known from electro – dance Weird Tapes and melancholic Memory Cassette. He blended inspirations from both projects on his debut album „Seek Magic” (Sincerly Yours, 2009), which introduced a dose of „painfully dance pop” (Pitchfork).

THE VERY BEST (MW/UK) - the project is the effect of collaboration of Malawian vocalist Esau Mwamwaya and a European underground DJ/ producing duo Radioclit. Their energetic and multicultural album “Warm Heart of Africa” (Moshi Moshi, 2009), acclaimed by the critics and music fans, was recorded with such guests as M.I.A. and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend.

The TALLEST MAN ON EARTH (SE) — Kristian Matsson and his acoustic rock’n’roll from Scandinavia. Opened for Bon Iver. Proclaimed the successor to Bob Dylan after his enthralling debut album, “Shallow Grave” (Gravitation, 2008). His second record, “The Wild Hunt” (Dead Ocean) is expected to premiere in April.

JOKER feat. NOMAD (UK) — this 20-year-old from Bristol is believed to be the future of dubstep and grime. He has remixed such names as Roni Size and Simian Mobile Disco. Named producer of the year by Pitchfork in 2008. His freshly published track “Tron” (Kapsize, 2010) has been well received. His live act features MC Nomad.
HEY (PL) — one of the top names in Polish rock. At OFF Festival Katowice 2010 the band will present material off their exceptional recent record, “Miłość! Uwaga! Ratunku! Pomocy!” (QL Music, 2009), which shows a new and surprising side of the group.
HAPPY PILLS (PL) — tband’s name hasn’t changed since 1993, but their lineup has. Now featuring Natalia Fiedorczuk on vocals, Mariusz Szypura’s group returns after their 2002 breakup, playing shows and releasing a new album titled “Retrosexual” (EMI, April 13, 2010).
CIEŚLAK I KSIĘŻNICZKI (PL) — (Previously known as Tunes of Early Spring) Solo project of Maciek Cieślak, one of the most recognizable artists on Poland’s alternative scene. Ścianka’s frontman is backed by the forest sounds of violins and cellos played by Karolina Rec, Edyta Czerniewicz, and Julia Ziętek. Their debut on My Shit In Your Coffee is expected any day now.

O.S.T.R (PL) – one of the best freestyle rapper in Poland. The most creative and hard-working person on local music scene. He’s just released his eleventh album „Tylko dla dorosłych” (Asfalt Records, 2010), already acclaimed by Polish journalists.

LAO CHE (PL) – after releasing three great concept-albums, the band will release their new record „Prąd Stały / Prąd Zmienny” (Antena Krzyku/Opensources 2010) in March. Allegedly it was recorded without any ‘concept’ with collaboration with producer Marcin Bors (Hey, Nosowska, Pogodno).

LACHOWICZ (PL) – a significant artist on Polish alternative music scene. He co-founded such bands as: Ścianka and Lenny Valentino. Jacek Lachowicz released his latest solo album "Pigs, Joys And Organs" (Mystic, 2009) last year and the album was described by many as one of the best records of 2009.
19 WIOSEN (PL) – known for their characteristic sound, which they called „punk beyond time” (or: motored punk with leading keyboard sound). The premiere of their new album "Pożegnanie ze światem" (Galeria Raster) is planned for Spring 2010.
PLUM (PL) — a noise-rock trio that has played excellent shows with such bands as Victims Family, Sunshine, as well as the Butthole Surfers at OFF Festival CLUB 2009.
KUCZ/KULKA (PL) – the result of collaboration between Konrad Kucz, Gaba Kulka and the producer Bogdan Kondracki equals „Sleepwalk” (Jazzboy, 2009) performed live.

PRAWATT & MIRNA RAY (PL) – the collaboration of two friendly bands and the mixture of two sonic worlds: ambient/ electronica and alternative rock.

INDIGO TREE (PL) – the avant-pop band who released their first critically acclaimed album „Lullabies of Love and Death” (Ampersound 2009).

TIDES FROM NEBULA (PL) – the post-metal group who appeared on the music scene last year with their instrumental album „Aura” (Lou & Rocked Boys, 2009).

PABLOPAVO I LUDZIKI (PL) — Pablopavo, voice of the Warsaw band Vavamuffin and the precursor of the Polish variety of rapid-fire raggamuffin ranting. He performs on his first solo album “Telehon” (Karrot Kommando, 2009) and live accompanied by an eight piece ensemble of musicians and their impressive collection of instruments.
NATHALIE AND THE LONERS (PL) — A project by Natalia Fiedorczuk, also a member of Happy Pills and Orchid. Her intimate solo album titled “Go Dare” (Ampersand, 2009), recorded with Piotr Maciejewski (Muchy, Drivealone), is one of last year’s most successful debuts.
NIWEA (PL) — Wojtek Bąkowski and Dawid Szczęsny. Both are among the best-known artists of the younger generation, both in Poland and abroad. They come to Katowice with their new project’s fresh album, “…01” (Qulturap, 2010).

OFF Festival Katowice, 5th-8th of August, 2010.

Dolina Trzech Stawów
., . KATOWICE
Poland

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