The Beat Hotel in Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven...

Music

The original 'Beat Hotel' has roots in the Latin Quarter of Paris, during the early 1960's this fabulous place opened its doors to writers and artists, who once there, never left… Free from America’s moral rules, they were left to their own devices.

A shabby, “class 13” put-me-up but with world class taste that nobody could fault.

Fast forward half a century and we have 'The Beat' reincarnated…. However this time its in a whole new vain. Live music, DJs, one-off culinary collaborations and talks programmed by some of the planets greatest voices. The Beat Hotel will touch down in Marrakesh, Morocco between the 28th and 31st of March later this year.

We take you through a taste of the crew set to be the soundtrack of your break to the promised land. Rolling Atlas Mountains, sunset-soaked palm trees, colourful cocktails and music beneath the stars. Soak it up…

1. Andrew Weatherall

Andrew Weatherall, the 60's child has seen it all – from the sounds of Madchester to psychedelic rock and acid house. One for the midnight dancers – dark, bleepy, acidic, synth weirdness – that’s why he's loved. A man who can unravel the layers…

Check out the dubby "Blue Bullet" which in fact references a similar instrument to the Moroccan Medina, quite fitting really.

2. Gerd Janson

Enter the dreamworld of Gerd Janson, a true legend in his field. Janson has been a notorious regular at Manheim’s Milk Club across the years. Now, he travels the world exploring his deep love for house, disco and electronica. He’s played across the globe and is still loved on home soil as a consistent presence at respected venues such as Frankfurt’s Robert Johnson and Berghain. Today he runs one of the most talked about German labels, Running Back. A true jack of all trades, a music journalist for Groove magazine and Spex, an international DJ and label boss… Gerd welcomes the crowd with open arms and in return they welcome him back.

3. Job Jobse

Odd Job? No, it’s Job Jobse.

You might have heard him praised upon those long reminiscent walks back to the car park after a big festival weekender. Often noted, as one to remember or maybe his memorable back to backs with Ben UFO or Joy Orbison might ring a bell. A humble presence who lets his music do the talking.

4. Gilles Peterson

Man of the hour, a spokesman, a disc jockey, a broadcaster and a curator. The list is never-ending. Whether it's via BBC 6 Music, Brownswood Records, Worldwide Festival or Havana Cultura, Gilles is truly the key to what’s good. Step foot amidst his party and you’re bound to find a pleasant surprise. Acid Jazz, Drum 'n' Bass, Brasilia, Broken-Beat, Hip-Hop, Dub, Funk, Soul, Electronica and beyond: Peterson will take you around the world and back again.

5. Deep Throat Choir

Perhaps one of the most musically intriuging acts on the festival line up. The all female collective have stripped back music to the bare essentials building a performance of stand alone vocals and percussion. Hypnotic and moving, their music has the potential to transcend space and time. Beautiful, innovative and pure, they might just be the perfer accompaniment to the beautiful settings of Marrakesh.

6. Lovefingers

The ESP Institute label boss has helped champion a new wave of producers and musicians through his distinguished label. However, his fun filled skills behind the decks have rightly earnt him a place amidst some of our favourite selectors of present. Capable of exploring the very depths of experimental music and playing party starting music in equal measure. He might just be one of the most innovative selectors on the line up this year.

7. Donna Leake

A humble selector and a woman who has been bringing wonder in recent years. Although some might know her a little closer to home as part of her involvement in Brilliant Corners – Leake offers more than just a sonic experience, presenting her soundscape through jazz, afrobeat and other worldly pleasures. Donna is a real-life dj, an authentic one at that who truly lives, breathes and feels the music.

8. Nabihah Iqbal

Nabihah is a true English goddess of culture that glows in all her glory, amongst the crowd. Rooted in the knowledge of ethnomusicology after hearing the Kora for the first time at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. She gained insight into the cross-culture streams of musical history. With an MPhil in African history, time spent as a human rights worker for a lawyer in South Africa… All whilst crafting her skills as a true artist and DJ, it’s hard not to see why people magnetize to the wonder-woman.

9. Peach

Her music is simply, peachy… Have a bite and it’ll leave you wanting more. A refreshing new female face on the scene, here to take you on a whirlwind after those dozy late-afternoon siestas. She will wake you up and shake you up to the sounds of bouncing electro, one to keep the fire burning throughout the weekend. If you haven’t already stumbled across this luptuous fruity character, find her infiltrating her vigour amidst the Moroccan outback.

10. Palms Trax

From the humble roots of an organic set up in his home studio – Palms Trax began to experiment with melodic synths and smooth undulating drum patterns that are reminiscent of Legowelt and the Nu-Groove-era. He’s truly carved out a sound of his own for this day and age.The Berlin based producer has become a household favourite having released music on the likes of Lobster Theremin, Dekmantel and Secretsundaze. He delivers each and every time.