Sound Collective
The artists that'll warm you up for SMS Festival
Your workout before you head to Germany's SMS Festival
SonneMondeSterne Festival (SMS) has been offering up a fierce array of electronic music since its humble beginnings as a 2,500 capcity event when it started back in 1997.
Since then the likes of Sven Väth, DJ Koze, Faithless, Laurent Garnier, The Chemical Brothers and Swedish House Mafia have all played the German festival held in Thuringia at the Bleilochtalsperre near Saalburg-Ebersdorf.
This year we're heading to festival with Smirnoff Sound Collective for a series of streams from our Smirnoff House stage. We've gathered together the artists you need to hear before you make the journey to the festival. Time to get your fists in the pump position.
The Chemical Brothers
If you missed The Chemical Brothers outrageous new live show at Sonar and Glastonbury then make sure you catch it at SMS. Huge new tracks and even bigger visuals. This is a must see.
Jeff Mills
Techno. Jeff Mills. Bangers. Legend. Phwoar. Face-melters. No brainer.
Rex The Dog
Rex The Dog's latest EP on Kompakt was a wonderfully glitchy and lively affair and we fully expect his live show ought to follow suit. Check him out for an analogue adventure.
Robag Wruhme
If you fancy something a little different from your average house and techno then Robag's your man. Expect trippyness, beautifully drawn-out melodies and and emotion-laced electronica like no other.
Faithless
On a similar level of greatness to Jeff Mills, Faithless are another epic festival act that need to be on your to-see list. All the hits, all the memories, all the euphoria.
Mathias Kaden
Since having Mathias Kaden in the office earlier in the year, we've not been able to get enough of him. His live set as SMS will be full to the brim with house and tech rollers. Check it for sure.
Dave Clarke
If you like your techno slamming, abrasive and four to the floor, then Dave Clarke is your guy. The undisputed king of pummelling beats, the British icon will be giving his soundsystem and crowd a good old workout. Sweatbands at the ready.
Tale Of Us
Over the last few years Italian duo Tale of Us have stormed to top of pretty much every line-up they grace and their rise doesn't look like it's slowing down. Remixes of Mano Le Tough and Caribou have furthered their reputation for synth-heavy, side-winding techno so popping in to see them play is a must.
DJ Rush
Do you hate it when the music you're listening to drops below 130bpm? So does DJ Rush and you can bet your bottom dollar that the expert techno selector will keep the pace high and the velocity fierce.
Boys Noize
What festival line-up would be complete without a smattering of heavy-artillery electro and who better to deliver that than Boys Noize. Playing in his home-country, the German will serve up only the best cuts fit for a fist pump. Big.
