TUSK Festival returns for its 9th edition this October, once again bringing its uniquely diverse programme of adventurous international music to the North East of England.

Continuing its partnership with Sage Gateshead, TUSK again makes full use of the landmark building, its flexible public spaces and truly high-end production values to showcase a TUSK 2019 line-up that is as unwavering as ever. Once more, alongside a truly eclectic and international music menu and TUSK’s trademark slew of UK debuts, festival-goers can again enjoy the festival’s renowned film programme, exhibitions, talks, installations, interactions and more.

TUSK Festival is renowned as one of the UK’s most adventurous music festivals.

“A multisensory showcase of sonic adventures” – The Guardian

“One of the finest – and friendliest – expressions of underground and experimental music culture in these islands” – The Quietus

Following the first spectacular line-up announcement for TUSK 2019 – including uncategorisable French legends MAGMA playing only one of two 2019 UK shows at TUSK to celebrate their 50 years and Afro-futurost rapper and poet MOOR MOTHER in a brand new collaboration with LONDON CONTEMPORARY ORCHESTRA – TUSK Festival now adds another eight fantastic acts to this year’s line-up, with news of the festival’s renowned film programme, exhibitions, talks, installations, interactions and more still to come.

The eight acts we are now announcing are as follows:

  • The utterly peerless THE NECKS“the greatest trio on earth” (New York Times), three Australians creating completely transcendental improvisations using only piano, drums and upright bass for more than 30 years
  • AUDREY CHEN, the revered Taiwanese-American musician using cello, voice and electronics
  • ELEH, the US analog synthesist creating elevating psychic bliss with a sound like Pandit Pran Nath trapped in circuit boards
  • LASSE MARHAUG & MARIAM REZAEI, a new collaboration by the Norwegian noise artist and Newcastle’s composer and performer, featuring four turntables and a string quartet
  • Albanian isopolyphonic vocal group GRUPI LAB, whose multi-part lead vocals soar above a profound bedrock of human drone
  • From Wales, JOHANN WLIGHT brings his achingly delicate musical organisms for an ultra-rare live appearance
  • Glasgow’s SONIC BOTHY, the group of musicians with and without additional learning support needs whose great new album Fields deftly explores improvisation with a diversity of instruments and sounds
  • And MONDO SADISTS, the Newcastle trio bringing their “carnival music for creeps” to TUSK 2019.

These eight great additions join the six acts already announced for TUSK 2019:

  • Legendary French band MAGMA, performing in Sage One in one of only two UK shows this year to celebrate their 50th anniversary
  • Electronic music artist and poet MOOR MOTHER and LONDON CONTEMPORARY ORCHESTRA premier their new collaboration, first proposed by TUSK and touring after its TUSK premiere
  • CEYLON MANGE, the trio of UK underground veterans Karen Constance and Dylan Nyoukis with Bill Nace, best known as half of Body/Head with Kim Gordon
  • From Phoenix, Arizona, SUNN TRIO’s sound merges elements of Arabic guitars, free jazz and experimental rock
  • Newcastle duo ACRID LACTATIONS bring their unfiltered utterances and spontaneous concrète to TUSK
  • Post-minimalist electro-acoustic group MIR8 add Tyneside’s Faye McCalman to their line-up for their North East debut

TUSK Festival 11-13 October 2019

There are many more acts still to be announced, plus films, talks, exhibitions, workshops and more and after hours actions and exhibitions at The Old Police House and Workplace Gallery.

Weekend passes for TUSK 2019 are now on sale at £70. Day tickets will go on sale later in the year.

Book Now – http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/tusk-festival-weekend/