Retro Future Festival - London 2019 - Retro Future Festival

Retro Future Festival is back for its third annual UK instalment at 26 Leake Street situated underneath Waterloo station in London!

For one night only, Travel “Back to the Future” and prepare yourself for 12 hours of Epic Synth and Retro Wave artists from the UK and Overseas as well as Gaming, Cosplay, Merch and more with what promises to be the Biggest Retro party of the year!

Doors at 5pm. Live acts & DJ's performing on main stage & VIP Bar until 5am!

PERFORMING LIVE ON MAIN STAGE!

DANGER // MAKEUP AND VANITY SET (UK Debut) // BETAMAXX (UK Debut) // STARCADIAN // LEBROCK // SUNGLASSES KID // VINCENZO SALVIA // MAXTHOR (Live debut) // DUETT & STEWART LOCKWOOD // DJ SHE RA

LIVE DJ's IN THE VIP LOUNGE!

DJ ACES HIGH // DJ SPACE JAMS // STAR NOIR // IVERSEN B2B // MILANO 84 // L.A ROCK

WHAT TO EXPECT

Amazing Live Synthwave artists from across the Globe
Lights and Lasers
Stunning Visuals
Retro Arcade Gaming
Retro Gaming consoles
VIP Lounge
Retro Cocktails

Retro Motors
Retro and Artist Merchandise
80's & Retro Cosplay
Arnold the Entertainer
Mega Giveaways
Face painting and glitter
80's and Sci-Fi Art
Non Stop 12 Hour party from Dusk until Dawn (Minus the Vampires)

THE ARTISTS

MAIN STAGE

Duett & Stewart Lockwood (UK)

Influences ranging from synth-engulfed soundtracks of the 80s, to early electronica albums, staying cool in tropical climes. Duett stuns synthwave fans with releases Horizons, Borderline and the Connections EP.

Lebrock (UK)

Lebrock are back to invite you to join them on a journey back to the future, mixing epic neon retro soundtracks with the modern Synthwave movement. The perfect marriage of modern digital and analogue Electro-Rock.

Vincenzo Salvia (ITALY)

Born in 1983 in Potenza, Southern Italy Vincenzo has been playing music for most of his life, In summer 2011 he took on the name Vincenzo Salvia where he started to work also for TV commercials (Mediaset) and soundtracks, summer of 2012 was when he released his first true inspired “Outrun” album: “Voyage” Where he officially entered into the “Synthwave” scene.

Maxthor (SPAIN)

Maxthor is a musician/producer from Spain whose music is inspired by a wide spectrum of genres from the 80's. His style is a blend of italo disco, synthpop and classic metal and it's accompanied by a spacy futuristic atmosphere and retro-nostalgia aesthetics. Some of his main influences are Michael Cretu, Phil Collins, Modern Talking, Survivor or Ronnie James Dio.

In 2014, Maxthor released an EP titled 'Black Fire' and his debut album, 'Another World', came out in 2016. His songs have been included in movie soundtracks ('The Summoner', 'Killer Kate') and compilations (ZYX Italo Disco New Generation, Future City Compilation, Retro Futurism). In March 2019 he released a single titled 'Run' that will be part of his upcoming album.

Now Maxthor becomes a three member band to start performing live shows.

Sunglasses Kid (UK)

Sunglasses kid is a British music producer who takes you out of the daily grind and delivers you to pure nostalgia. His music is a mix of vocal driven pop and romantic electronic instrumentals, influenced by the music, movies and fashion of the late 80s, early 90s, see him live on the main stage at Retro Future Festival 2019.

Starcadian (USA)

Starcadian is an independent electronic producer and musician. His music first gained notoriety with the release of his hit music video for the song HE^RT and subsequent screening at the SXSW music festival. The debut album, ‘Sunset Blood’, was released on October 31st, 2013 to rave reviews and with its genre bending voyage through 80’s fantasy soundtracks, electro and pop, has become a staple of the synth scene It was quickly followed by the EP ‘Saturdaze’, which stayed at the top of the Bandcamp Electronic Music charts for weeks. Since then, his music has been featured in HBO shows, Asics campaigns, League Of Legends and Korg commercials among other things.

Betamaxx (USA)

Betamaxx is an 80’s synth revival project by Nick Morey, hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania U.S.A. The project was formed in mid 2012 with the release of “Lost Formats” LP in late September of that year.

The name “Betamaxx” was contrived from Sony’s “Betamax” movie player which rivaled VHS in the early-mid 80’s, ultimately losing the format war. Betamaxx’s sound is inspired and created with a use of analog and digital hardware synths from the 80’s and today including the Roland Juno-60, Sequential Circuits Prophet-6 and, Korg’s M1 workstation. Combining these sounds with a soundtrack inspiration in mind, Betamaxx has created a neo retro-future sound similar to the likes of John Hughes, and John Carpenter. He has been featured on such works at the “Kung Fury” official soundtrack, and the Amazon prime series “Red Oaks”. His most notable remix was Tangerine Dream’s “Love on a Real Train” from the “Risky Business” soundtrack.

Makeup and Vanity Set (USA)

MAKEUP AND VANITY SET is an American electronic musician from Nashville, TN. He has been creating dark, expansive electronic music for the past two decades, releasing numerous albums, EPs and soundtracks. His past work includes the horror trilogy CHARLES PARK, the science fiction epic 88:88 and the dystopian double-album WILDERNESS. MAVS’ output has included releases with Telefuture Records (US), YK Records (US), Data Airlines (FR) and Electric Dreams Records (US). His soundtrack work includes films such as DEATH NOTE (Netflix), Godzilla vs. Kong (Legendary) and the podcasts UP AND VANISHED, MONSTER, and TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA (Tenderfoot).

DANGER! (FRANCE)

Words from the legend himself!

“As a child, I grew up sitting in front of a computer by myself. That is where I learnt about music; playing video games and watching endless reruns of cartoons and American TV shows. Television gave me shelter when I was alone, nursed me with Hollywood’s mythologies. It guided me through nameless countries; with it I brought down colossuses and climbed mountains. I preached its beliefs. But when I grew up, all my heroes died.

Today, I still come to mourn in deserted movie theatres. There, lights flash before my eyes. But I don’t feel anything in face of the latest blockbusters and their visual explosions, these chaotic clusters where Mechas and Kaijus pile up in between fights under the rain, tsunamis and apocalyptic scenes… Yet I feel numb, except for the roaring sub-basses that fill the void of cinemas. My music is for those who, like me, have grown up amongst the ruins of blockbusters. For them my bass trembles and my synths screech.

But I know that beyond this digital coldness lie other horizons, other possibilities."

HOSTED BY Dj She Ra (AUSTRALIA)

Dj She-Ra (Based in London, UK) is back for Retro Future Festival 2019! Spinning some Retro tracks in between to acts and winding down the night with the best in synthwave and classic 80s alternative! Australian made, London living, Dj SHE-RA has been spinning for 15yrs in alternative scenes around the world, through London, Ibiza, Berlin, Brighton, Belfast, Warsaw, Melbourne & Sydney. The 80s started her passion for synthesisers which then spread into italo disco and now synthwave, retrofuture wave and outrun. SHE-RA runs the first regular italo/synthwave night in London called ‘Chiaroscuro’ in Hackney. Come along to be transported onto a dark disco synth neon spaceship zooming through the stars!

VIP LOUNGE DJ'S

DJ Aces High

Some fella from the south of England that DJ's clubs, festivals and parties. He likes any music that's fun and loud, that makes ya bang your head or shake ya rump. Prepare for a set of 80's cheese to start off the night!

DJ Space Jams

Big lover of all things funky! Expect 80's funk, Future Funk and italia disco.

Star Noir DJ Set

An Electronic artist trying to make sense of the world through music.

Hack the planet. Expect some Epic Synthwave.

Iversen B2B DJ Set

Josh Iverson (IVERSEN) is a London based producer releasing his debut E.P Arcade. Kings of Leon meets Kavinsky with a sound that aims to encapsulate the "Outrun" scene, he goes back to back with counterpart Johnny Royall for a set of feel good classics.

Milano 84 DJ Set

Inspired by his passion for electronic music, analogue waves and the 80s, MILANO-84 debuts on July 17 with his first single OFFSHORE just in time for Retro Future Festival London 2019.

L.A. Rock

One half of the Steel City Collective, L.A. Rock has been trailblazing the electronic music scene in Sheffield for years, filling floors with his on-point blend of nu-disco, tek-funk and French Touch. More recently Rock’s mixes have matured into a more progressive, harder-edged sound, celebrating the best from the Outrun and Synthwave scene whilst maintaining a groove driven sensibility.

DJ Rob Green

Rob Green cut his teeth on the progressive house scene in the 90’s selling bucket loads of Records played by the likes of Sasha and John Digweed. He has been played on Radio 1 by Pete Tong and played guest DJ at venues such as the legendary Hacienda. Rob now hosts The Synth Wave Show on Portobello Radio and releases synthwave records under the name The Department and DJs regularly in London and Ibiza.

THE VENUE

26 Leake Street is the flagship site and HQ of the Lost Rivers brewing CO. With a total capacity of a shade under 2000 people, the venue is possibly London's most Chic offering of this size. Located under Waterloo station on Southbank this Multi purpose venue is home to the best in craft beer. Wrapped within the historic Leake Street Graffiti tunnels, This coolest of venues is flanked by three stunning arched cellars, incorporating a destination bar, cafe, open kitchen and two blank canvas. For information on parking and how to get to the venue please visit https://www.26leakestreet.com/how-to-find-us

VIP LOUNGE

Want a free poster and a drink? Want the chance to bump into your favourite artist? Have that chance to take a seat after dancing the night away?

If the answer to any of these is YES then you'll need a VIP ticket!

VIP Lounge tickets gives you access to ‘The Rat Bar’ at 26 Leake Street with some Huge Benefits! Limited to 50 people.

Queue jump
Private Bar
Free Retro Future Fest London 2019 poster
Complimentary Retro Cocktail Upon Arrival
Even more Synth and 80s DJ's
VIP seating area

And what's more, the Rat Bar will be for Crew, Artists and VIPs only.

MERCHANDISE

Awesome quality merchandise from all of our artists including T-shirts, Hoodies, LPs, Badges and more as well as our own official Retro Future Festival stand with even more fantastic goodies and gadgets. Also Welcoming Forces Design and Mizucat with their own official Stalls.

Born out of a love for 80s fashion, record sleeves and VHS tapes, London-based Forces Creative (aka Mark Sadler), brings you a range of merchandise drenched in nostalgia. Originally working on logos, posters and music commissions for a wide range of clients, Mark decided to extend his work over into apparel and accessories. If it’s a record sleeve-inspired art print you’re after or just a t-shirt that conjures up memories of vintage VHS boxes, then look no further.

With over 12 years of art experience working as a media designer in a photo studio inspired by different movies, music and artwork of the 80s and early 90s we welcome back Mizucat with an assortment of retro goodies.

Pre order Limited Edition Posters, T-Shirts and Hoodies below with the Retro Future Festival London 2019 Logo on the Front and our poster on the back today to receive 10% off and entry to our VIP Upgrade competition.

Posters come in A3 and A2. T-shirts & Hoodies come in White and black and range from Sizes XS to XXL. Please contact us if you would like to pre order any other sizes.

RETRO GAMING

Retro Arcade Gaming and Retro consoles machines set up around the venue in conjunction with the awesome Cardboard Arcade!

Expect some old school Sega and Nintendo classics such as Mortal Kombat, Streets of Rage, Mario Kart and more all on free play!

See Links Below for Cardboard Arcade.

RETRO MOTORS

Mike Belshaw, writer of Retro Motors for New Retro Wave will be in attendance and bringing with him “Alita” his Nissan 300ZX. Mike has been writing for NRW since 2017 and will be promoting the new Youtube series. Previews and video will be screened and you can talk to Mike about the cars featured so far and what’s to come!

RETRO FACE PAINTING & GLITTER

Changing Faces is back to give you that party makeover! Pick a certain 80's Look/Character or just get glamorous with Glitter! See link at the bottom of the event description for more Information on Changing faces and what they do.

RETRO AND 80's COSPLAY

Prizes for the Best Dressed cosplayer including drinks vouchers, merchandise and VIP Upgrades!

Categories include :-

80's Cult, Sci-Fi and Synth Movies!

Think ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Total Recall’, ‘Robocop’, ‘The Terminator’, ‘Escape from LA’, ‘The Warriors’, ‘Drive’ and so many More!

80's Cartoons!
Think 'Thundercats', 'Transformers', He-man, 'Teenage mutant Ninja Turtles'

Retro Gaming!

Think ‘Super Mario’, ‘Mortal Kombat’, ‘Street Fighter’, ‘Legend of Zelda’, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, ‘Pac-Man’ amongst many others.

Loud and proud!

The louder the colours the better, think 80's Fashion! Big hair, Vibrant Colours and Neon!

Message us today if you're dressing up and we will look out for you at the festival.

ARNOLD THE ENTERTAINER

Arnold the Entertainer-nator

The most unique and sought after Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator costumed character tribute in Europe and beyond. With Arnie inspired humour he regularly appears at major events to promote the Terminator character, posing for photos and videos while entertaining young and old alike. His voice that is undeniably Arnold and a "head" to toe costume right out of the movies his goal is to entertain and he does just that.

It began 9 years ago when Hollywood actress Linda Hamilton Aka Sarah Conner from the Terminator movies was so impressed with his voice she expressed that "he was born for this"! In the last nine years he has made multiple appearances to include the live semi final of Britain's Got Talent, numerous charity and corporate events, Comic Cons around Europe and public and private events.

Catch him entertaining the Crowd at Retro Future Festival, London, 2019.

VOLUNTEERS

Want a Free ticket for a few hours work?!

This year we have positions in General Stewarding, Artist Liaison, Set Up and RFF Ambassadors!

Duties will include things like, taking tickets, giving directions, looking after staff, Artist angels, backstage, promotion and more.

To apply to be a volunteer please click the button

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER

AMBASSADORS

To become a Retro Future Festival Ambassador please click the button

APPLY TO AMBASSADOR

ABOUT RETRO FUTURE FESTIVAL

Retro Future Fest is a celebration of all things Retro Electro and Synthwave - The music, the 80s lifestyle, movies, gaming, lights, neon, lasers. We book artists from across the globe to give people the chance to see their favourite acts. There’s also console retro gaming, fantastic merchandise and giveaways, live entertainment, movie and music cosplayers and more! A party not to be missed.