In 2014 the ’Island of Freedom’ will take place one week later than previously. Károly Gerendai, founder and main organizer of Sziget Festival, said: „It seems like a good decision that we put the date of Sziget one week later, because now we can announce better names compared to this time last year. To put it simple there is a better chance that bands are on a European tour at this part of the month.”

Sziget Festival was once again shortlisted amongst the top ten major European festivals this year at the European Festival Awards. As always, the music line-up will feature acts from various genres, while stars and smaller, but super exciting acts will both be presented at the stages of the event. The first names are…

Queens of the Stone Age, the legendary rock band from Palm Desert, California, is known for its riff-oriented, heavy rock music. The cornerstone and charismatic leader of QOTSA is the singer-guitarist, Grammy Award winner, Josh Homme. Their latest album from 2013...Like Clockwork has an amazing list of contributors like Joey Castillo (former drummer), Mark Lanegan (regular collaborator and former member) and also Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). This year they are going to rock Sziget Festival for sure.

Calvin Harris is one of the biggest names in mainstream electronic music today. We can associate uncountable first class EDM songs to the Scottish singer, songwriter, producer and DJ. These masterpieces are not just well-known to everyone, but are 100% party anthems featuring all stars. Now he is even more popular with his newest third album, 18 Months.

Placebo, enjoys an ever growing level of success around the world with their unique blend of music and outstanding live performances. Their dark and melodic trademark sound featuring singer Brian Molko’s instantly recognizable vocals has become one of the strongest brands in rock over the past decade. Last year they have released their seventh studio album Loud Like Love.

The American alternative rock band, Imagine Dragons, becomes more and more successful. They do not only have a unique sound, but they create an own world with romantic, solid, fascinating atmosphere thanks to the passion and professionalism of its members. This year they won the award for ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at the European Festival Awards.

Formed in London by Dan Smith, Bastille, is a highly popular alternative rock band today. The band was started out as a solo project of the singer/songwriter Smith, but later expanded to a quartet. Their debut album, Bad Blood, was released last year and received a good reception. Their most successful single “Pompeii” and their whole show will be a must-see at Sziget.

Stromae, the Belgian singer-songwriter is a very charismatic personality, who merges electronic, hip-hop, eurodance and traditional African vibes in his music. He is not only popular, but received many important awards from the industry. He has released two albums so far and has made dance millions with his singles as Alors on danse or Papaoutai.

The British indie rock band, Klaxons, will bring the audience something very special and unique. They merge some materials from post-punk and pop with the vibe of psychedelic rock’n’roll. Their last album Surfing the Void was a great success and hopefully this year Szitizens can enjoy some songs from their forthcoming album as well.

Laidback Luke is a real innovator in dance music, who will be powering dance music to the crowd at Sziget this year. The Dutch DJ has works together with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike or Hardwell, but he is also responsible for EDM’s most sought after remixes as a recent demand on Martin Solveig’s ‘Hey Now’, ‘Thinking About You’ featuring Ayar Marar for Calvin Harris and Robin Thicke featuring Pharrel and T.I on chart busting ‘Blurred Lines’.

As an exciting element at Sziget, Starlight Girls, will make an appearance with their unique and alternative sound. The Brooklyn-based group lives in a swirling fun house of everything you don’t hate about music, drawing their influence from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the future.

Day 0 (August 12) will be a terrific warm-up day, where among many acts Queens of the Stone Age will rock the stage, so those who have a weekly pass with camping can enjoy the gig of the Californian band. The full program of the warm-up days will be revealed shortly.

Check out the official aftermovie from last year to have a better insight of the programs, venues and feeling of Sziget

More acts to come in the upcoming weeks!

Tickets and more information: www.szigetfestival.com