SPEECH DEBELLE, PALOMA FAITH & SEYMOUR STEIN CONFIRMED FOR LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY

PLUS: WAVE MACHINES, HOOK & THE TWIN, GROSVENOR, GOLD PANDA JOIN THE LINE UP

Liverpool Sound City announce Mercury Prize winner Speech Debelle and stunning vocalist Paloma Faith as the first of their headline acts for this year's festival, alongside musical legend Seymour Stein as the first of their keynote speakers.

Kicking off the festival in style, retro soul singer Paloma Faith headlines the prestigious Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday 19th May. Faith released her debut album ‘Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?' at the end of 2009 to rave reviews following a summer of stunning shows. The multi talented, Hackney born, ex-burlesque dancer sets herself apart with unique theatrical performances that promise to take the festival by storm.
"I'm so excited to perform at such a prestigious event; Liverpool is supposed to be the centre of the arts in Britain and that's where I want to be, smack bang in the centre of the arts!" - Paloma Faith

Speech Debelle will be headlining O2 Academy2 Liverpool on Friday 21st May. Debelle has risen from hostel dwelling and bad deeds on a wave of critical acclaim to an articulate, honest and abrupt performer whose thoughts, beliefs, mistakes, love, anguish & humour are reflected in every performance through he stunning lyrics and smooth vocals.

Individual tickets go on sale Friday 5th February, 9am
www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk

In contrast to the live performances, the festivals first keynote speaker to be announced is musical royalty Seymour Stein. Stein was the founder of Sire Records and famous for signing artists such as Madonna, The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and Liverpool's own Echo and the Bunnymen. A musical mastermind in his own right, Stein will be in conversation with a surprise celebrity guest whom he has worked with in the past.

Showcasing the best in local and international talent, Liverpool Sound City have also confirmed local lads Wave Machines, who deliver art pop rhythms, soaring synths and infectious gigs. Hailed by NME as this year's ‘ones to watch', Wave Machines recently took Dubai Sound City by storm and promise to bring a vibrant taste of the Liverpool underground to the festival. And Liverpool hotspot Korova (set up by pioneers of electro-clash Ladytron) will host crafty electronica act Gold Panda on Friday 21st May, with guests Hook and the Twin from Bristol and dance act Grosvenor.

To see these acts and more to be announced in the coming weeks visit www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
Early Bird discounted ticket offers end this Friday 5th February.

"We are delighted to be announcing 2 sterling acts for Liverpool Sound City 2010. To launch the festival in grand style on 19th May we have the amazing Paloma Faith in the splendid setting of the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Alongside her we have Mercury Award Prize winner Speech Debelle who will be bringing her stunning live show to our partner venue, O2Academy2 Liverpool on 21st May. Watch out for many more announcements over the coming weeks..." Dave Pichilingi, Festival Director

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

KEY INFO

Date: 19th - 22nd May 2010
Location: 35 various venues, Liverpool.
Ticket Price: Early Bird Festival Tickets: £40 (ENDS 5TH FEBRUARY)
Early Bird Full Delegate Pass Tickets: £100 (ENDS 5TH FEBRUARY)

Standard Festival Ticket Price: £45
Standard Full Delegate Pass: £150

Walk up Festival Ticket: £60
Walk up Full Delegate pass: £200

Individual gig tickets are also available via www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
Or for Paloma Faith visit http://www.liverpoolphil.com/2883/events-contemporary-music/paloma-faith.html
Or for Speech Debelle Tickets visit http://www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk/

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NOT FOR PUBLICATION

LIVERPOOL SOUND CITY IS SUPPORTED BY:
Merseyside ACME
Liverpool Vision

North West Vision and Media
Northwest Vision and Media works on behalf of the digital and creative industries in the Northwest to create a world-class digital and creative economy within the region. We provide strategic leadership, help to build businesses, develop skills and talent, encourage and invest in production and inspire audiences.
Find out more at www.visionandmedia.co.uk or follow us on twitter: @Visionandmedia.
Northwest Vision and Media is funded by the UK Film Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, European Funds, Skillset, local, city and council authorities across the region.

About 02 Academy Liverpool:
O2 Academy Liverpool launched in September 2003 with local heroes Shack and quickly made a fantastic names for itself, thanks to its unique warehouse feel and secondary stand-alone venue, O2 Academy2 Liverpool, that not only offers great diversity for club nights but also acts as a showcase forum for emerging talent from the surrounding areas and a platform for new bands on national tours.
www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk

About Academy Music Group:
Academy Music Group (AMG), whose shareholders include Live Nation, SJM Concerts and Metropolis Music, is the UK's leading owner and operator of multi-award winning, nationwide O2 Academy venues in Brixton (London), Islington (London), Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Oxford and Bournemouth as well as O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (London). AMG is also a majority shareholder in O2 ABC Glasgow.
www.academy-music-group.co.uk

PRESS CONTACT ANNA WADE anna@desylvapr.com / HOLLY DE SYLVA: holly@desylvapr.com
FESTIVAL HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS carly@weareboss.co.uk