Paloma Faith & Speech Debelle to headline Liverpool Sound City 2010 + Seymour Stein

Liverpool Sound City have announced the first two headline acts to play in this year's music festival.

The girls lead the way with stunning vocalist Paloma Faith and Mercury Prize winner Speech Debelle visiting the city.

Also confirmed is musical legend Seymour Stein as the first of the keynote speakers, plus Wave Machines, Hook & the Twin, Grosvenor and Gold Panda joining the line up. They are all taking part in what has quickly become one of the top music festivals in the World today.

Kicking off the festival in style, retro soul singer Paloma Faith headlines the prestigious Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday 19 May, 2010. 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.

Paloma Faith said "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!"

Speech Debelle will be headlining O2 Academy 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 her stunning lyrics and smooth vocals.

Individual tickets go on sale Friday 5th February, 9am

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.

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.

Liverpool Sound City 2010 is beginning to shape up and replicate the resounding success of the 2009 festival, announcing a packed programme of live acts, special events and world renowned speakers and panellists who not only shape, but make the music industry.

Festival Director Dave Pichilingi said "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..."

Mr Pichilingi continued to say "Liverpool Sound City is about being the coolest and most exciting city centre music festival in the world. With Sound City we bring together the greatest new music and art from all over the world. Together with this we welcome the key execs, mavericks, new entrepreneurs and industry players from the international arena of music, media and technology businesses..."

Dates: Wed 19th - Sat 22nd May 2010
Location: 35 City Centre Venues, Liverpool, UK

TICKETS CURRENTLY ON SALE!

Ticket Price: Early Bird Festival Tickets: £40
Full Delegate Pass Tickets: £100
(Early Bird discount ends Friday 5th February 2010)

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 Friday 5th February, 9am via www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk
Or for Paloma Faith visit www.liverpoolphil.com
Or for Speech Debelle Tickets visit www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk

For the latest ticket information and more, go to:

Liverpool Sound City Offical Website
Liverpool Sound City on Twitter