Melt! 2012

Art & Culture

Having fast become one of Germany’s most popular music festivals, the aptly named Melt! not only attracts an international crowd of revelers, but also succeeds in putting together one the most eclectic line-ups your likely to see. With cutting edge electronic artists like techno legend Dave Clarke and master of relentless bass-lines, Adam Beyer stepping up beside Hollywood Sadcore newcomer Lana Del Rey and South London’s soul and hip-hop artist Plan B.

Beth Ditto with her powerful voice will be fronting the Gossip for their second headline slot at Melt! while Bloc Party will be celebrating their reunion following Kele Okereke’s departure to focus on his solo career. They have now regrouped and come armed with a wealth of new material ready to unleash on the crowd before it’s release later this year.

French electro duo Justice will be making their debut at the festival, while Modeselector are set to host their popular Melt!selctor stage for the third year running. 2012 sees further prominent collaborations as Richie Hawtin takes over the Big Wheel stage and Bpitch label boss and techno mistress Ellen Allien will be seeing in the crowds on the Sleepless Floor. DJ sets have also been confirmed from Visionquest and Crosstown Rebels star Seth Troxler as well as the Berlin-based Tales Of Us.

Famed for their high production levels and dazzling lazar displays Melt! is staged in a disused open air museum of giant machines, some scaling 30m, providing a unique industrial back drop for maximum visual impact.

Although tranditionally a camping festival, this year festival goers will have the option of sleeping (and travellng) in style aboard the Hotel Train which offers transport from Cologne and accommodation for 600.

The line-up so far: