David Byrne has announced the first slate of acts for Meltdown Festival 2015, which he curates at the Southbank Centre in London from 17-30 August. The bill is unsurprisingly varied and eclectic and includes pioneering postpunk minimalists Young Marble Giants and singer-songwriter Anna Calvi.

David ByrneDavid Byrne has announced the likes of Anna Calvi and John Luther Adams for Meltdown Festival 2015

"Some of my choices come from the European continent - artists I have seen live or have their recordings on constant replay," Byrne said. "So in some sense, my suggestions have been a little more Euro-international than some previous Meltdowns. I'm not bragging and please let's not pull the 'world music' tag out - these are great contemporary artists from our neighbours, who, like many local artists, draw from a deep cultural well."

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Elsewhere on the bill, Byrne has commissioned Pulitzer prize-winning composer John Luther Adams to perform across the 21-acre site, while Calvi will perform with a 12-piece choir.

The line-up includes a strong theatre element and includes Byrne's own appearance over four nights in the performance We're Gonna Die. He said the companies involved were: "as engaging and exciting as the musicians who are inspiring and are the more likely choices for a Meltdown festival."

Byrne's Meltdown festival includes Anna Calvi, Young Marble Giants, William Onyeabor, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Young Jean Lee, Benjamin Clementine, Estrella Morente, Matthew Hebert, David Longstreth, Carmen Consoli, Gabi, Psapp, Maria Rodes, Sunn O))), Bianca Casady and theatre collective Gob Squad. 

Last year's Meltdown Festival was curated by James Lavelle and included performances from Polar Bear, Grandmaster Flash, Scratch Perverts, Unkle, DJ Shadow, Gilles Peterson and Edwyn Collins. 

More: David Byrne to curate Meltdown Festival at Southbank centre