We’re thrilled that our Supersonic Festival 2022 was rated ★★★★★ and named as ‘a utopia’ by The Guardian this summer. We also received a plethora of glowing reviews of our 16th edition, including…

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“★★★★★ – Supersonic is not just a music festival, but a site for resistance and community, a utopia made briefly real.“

READ THE GUARDIAN REVIEW HERE.

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“★★★★★ – Audiences were treated to feral drum and bass, doom metal, twisted folk music and some seriously experimental weirdness, amongst much else… a weekend of serious musical strangeness” 

READ THE ART DESK’S REVIEW HERE. 

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“This is one of Supersonic’s core strengths: the way it tone-shifts between grinding sonic despair and expressions of positivity rooted in inclusivity and solidarity.”

THE WIRE MAGAZINE

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“When artists offer humble acknowledgement of how well they’re being treated by the crew and how nice it is to play for such a welcoming audience it just underlines what a special festival this is.”

READ THE ECHOES & DUST REVIEW HERE. 

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“A community exists around it, a music crowd seeking discovery rather than some predictable homogenous party… A little gem with a mighty message, Supersonic seeks to make you smile, think and extend – it was a genuine mission accomplished.”

READ BACKSEAT MAFIA’S REVIEW HERE.

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“When someone mentions Birmingham the first thing that springs to mind isn’t Black Sabbath. Nor is it Aston Villa F.C. Not even Godflesh. It’s Supersonic.”

READ THE SUN13 REVIEW HERE.

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“In the bathroom after the performance, I can hear two women speak about how they’ve never felt safer at an event. It’s a serious compliment for Supersonic given the state of things.”

READ GODISINTHETV REVIEW HERE.

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“In the bathroom after the performance, I can hear two women speak about how they’ve never felt safer at an event. It’s a serious compliment for Supersonic given the state of things.”

READ BIRMINGHAM REVIEW FOR FRIDAY + SATURDAY + SUNDAY 

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“One of Supersonic’s true talents is finding heaviness and experimentation in the most unexpected of crevices, but that doesn’t mean the curators shy away from tapping into Birmingham’s storied metal heritage.”

READ ASTRAL NOIZE REVIEW HERE.

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We’re delighted to welcome Emily Doyle our new Festival Assistant to the team for Supersonic 2022!

Emily is an avid gig-goer and multidisciplinary creative who moved to Birmingham for uni and never left. She enjoys doom, noise, and mushroom cultivation!

In today’s digital-first world, mobile numbers play a crucial role in identity verification, communication, and online transactions. Whether you are a business aiming to verify leads or an individual trying to identify unknown callers, having access to a reliable and accurate phone number lookup platform is invaluable. But with so many lookup tools available online, how do you find one that truly delivers accurate, real-time results — and for free? Discover the accurate free phone number lookup platform at IPQualityScore to instantly verify caller identities and detect fraudulent or spam numbers with ease.

This article explores what makes a phone number lookup service accurate, why it’s important, and how you can use it effectively to protect yourself and your business from fraud and spam.

Understanding Phone Number Lookup

A phone number lookup is a process of obtaining information about a person or organization associated with a specific number. It can reveal valuable details such as:

• The owner’s name or registered identity 
• The location or region of the number 
• The carrier or network provider 
• Whether the number is active or disconnected 
• The type of number — mobile, landline, VoIP, or toll-free 

In essence, a phone number lookup helps bridge the gap between a random number and a real identity. This capability is critical not just for individuals avoiding spam or scam calls, but also for businesses that rely on phone data for marketing, lead verification, and fraud prevention.

Why Accuracy Matters

Accuracy is the foundation of any lookup platform. An inaccurate lookup result can lead to poor decisions, wasted time, or even data breaches.

For instance, if a business relies on faulty phone data, it might end up sending messages to inactive numbers or engaging with fake accounts. On the other hand, an accurate lookup service ensures that every contact is real, active, and trustworthy.

The best phone number lookup platforms use multiple global data sources, real-time carrier information, and fraud detection APIs to provide up-to-date and verified results. These systems combine telecom data, online reputation analysis, and AI-driven validation to deliver precise outputs within seconds.

Benefits of a Free Phone Number Lookup Platform

While premium lookup tools exist for enterprises, there are several free lookup platforms that provide high-quality insights for everyday use. Here are the top advantages of using them:

1. Instant Results – Get details about any phone number within seconds without signing up or paying a fee. 
2. Fraud Protection – Identify scam or spam callers before engaging. 
3. Caller Verification – Confirm the identity of unknown callers for personal safety. 
4. Lead Validation – Businesses can ensure that their contact lists contain real, active numbers. 
5. Better Customer Engagement – Accurate data leads to more effective communication and reduced bounce rates. 

These free tools are particularly useful for freelancers, small businesses, and individuals who need reliable data without investing in large-scale enterprise systems.

Features of an Accurate Lookup Platform

When choosing a phone number lookup service, accuracy depends on the technology and data depth behind it. A truly accurate platform should include:

✅ Real-Time Data Sources: Updated telecom and carrier databases for live results.
✅ Global Coverage: Ability to look up numbers from any country or region.
✅ Fraud Detection Layer: Built-in risk scoring to identify suspicious or disposable numbers.
✅ Carrier Identification: Details about which network the number is registered with.
✅ User-Friendly Interface: Quick searches without complicated technical steps.

Some advanced platforms even include API integration, allowing developers to add phone validation directly into their applications or CRM systems.

How Businesses Use Phone Number Lookup

Businesses across industries use phone number lookup for multiple reasons:

1. E-commerce Verification: Online stores validate phone numbers during account creation or checkout to prevent fake orders. 
2. Financial Institutions: Banks and fintech companies use lookup data to confirm user identities during KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. 
3. Marketing & Lead Generation: Accurate phone data ensures that sales teams connect with real prospects. 
4. Fraud Detection: Lookup APIs detect fake or high-risk numbers linked to previous fraud activities. 
5. Customer Support: Identifying returning customers quickly through phone numbers improves service experience. 

These use cases highlight how phone number lookup has evolved from a basic contact finder to a core component of digital identity verification.

How to Use a Free Lookup Tool Effectively

To get the best results from a free lookup platform:

1. Choose a Trusted Source: Use reputable services known for reliable data accuracy. 
2. Avoid Spammy Sites: Some free tools may collect personal data; stick to verified providers. 
3. Validate Regularly: If using for business, run batch verifications periodically to maintain data freshness. 
4. Use APIs (If Available): Many platforms offer free API credits for automation. 
5. Respect Privacy Laws: Always comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA when using lookup services for business. 

By combining these practices, you can ensure ethical and effective use of lookup technology.

The Future of Phone Number Lookup Technology

With advancements in AI, big data analytics, and telecom integrations, phone number lookup tools are becoming more powerful and precise.
Future systems are expected to:

• Detect fraudulent behavior patterns instantly 
• Integrate device intelligence and location-based risk scoring 
• Offer real-time monitoring of number reputation 
• Provide cross-channel identity validation (email, IP, and device together) 

As fraud and spam continue to evolve, these tools will remain essential for maintaining trust in digital communication.

Conclusion

An accurate free phone number lookup platform is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a business protecting yourself from fraudulent leads or an individual ensuring your safety, these platforms provide instant access to reliable data that empowers better decisions.

When choosing one, focus on accuracy, reliability, and data transparency. A well-designed lookup tool not only helps you identify who’s behind a number but also builds a safer digital environment for everyone.

So, the next time you receive an unknown call or want to verify a contact, use a trusted phone number lookup platform — and enjoy the confidence that comes from accurate, real-time information.

 

 

Capsule is delighted to announce three new members have joined the board. Pictured, from left to right…

 

Pippa Moore, based in Brighton, is the Head of Fundraising at the De La Warr Pavilion (DLWP) in Bexhill, East Sussex. In 2017, Pippa helped to develop and fund the Outlands experimental music touring network. Outlands included nine national partners, including Supersonic, who commissioned and toured six new productions across the UK and the world.

Dr. Lina Khatib is the co-founder of the World Metal Congress and the director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House. Outside of her work in policy and music, she has created visual art, published seven books and is currently developing a theatrical performance. She is also an Associate of the Imperial War Museum Institute.

Benedict Fisheris a communications specialist, Ben has worked in the arts, tourism, property, and utilities sectors. He is currently director of communications at the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A huge fan of Capsule’s work since 2002, he has enjoyed dozens of our events over the last two decades.

Capsule is looking to recruit a part time, freelance Festival Assistant to support this year’s Supersonic.

• Role: Festival Assistant (Freelance Position)
• Deadline for application: 5pm, Monday 9 March, 2020
• Interview date: Monday 16, 2020
• Start date: Tuesday 6 April, 2020
• Fee: up to £5400 / 60 days @ £90 per day
• Duration: April – August 2020
• Frequency of days: 3 days per week – however this will increase during the week of the festival itself
• Essential dates: the successful candidate must be available to work Supersonic Festival 17-19 July, as well as days either side of this.

This role is designed to support the organisation, working across Supersonic Festival and our year-round live events programme. This role is based at the Capsule office in Digbeth, Birmingham.

For Supersonic Festival you will support all aspects of marketing and festival logistics. During the weekend itself this role will lead the festival’s ‘Marketplace’ with market traders, a small stage and workshop areas supported by a team of volunteers and any offsite projects. This role will also be responsible for capturing live audience feedback and contributing to the various social media platforms. To increase your social media traffic here see more boosting tools.

You will also work on all aspects of the year-round, live programme – supporting the promotion, research, marketing, venue and artist liaison.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and are keen to attract people of different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We actively seek board members to reflect a multitude of experiences and backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, people with a disability.

We are a small but ambitious organisation. This role would be ideal for an emerging and / or early-career, freelance arts professional, keen to expand their knowledge and enthusiasm and develop their skills in both the promotion and production of live events within a highly creative and dynamic organisation.

Application process:

To apply for this opportunity please email a completed equal opportunities form, CV, and a letter of application outlining how you feel you would fulfil this role to (maximum of 2 sides of A4) to [email protected] with ‘Festival Assistant’ in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is 5pm Monday 9 March, interviews will be taking place on Monday 16 March. We will notify candidates that we wish to interview by 5pm Wednesday 11 March. If you haven’t heard from us by then please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Due to the high volume of applications we cannot provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Capsule Board is seeking new members
Deadline: Friday 21 February 2020

“★★★★★ – The UK’s best small festival, Supersonic is world-class.” THE GUARDIAN

At a pivotal point in Capsule’s 20 year-long history of crafting extraordinary projects for curious audiences, we are looking for new Board members to work alongside our small but ambitious team to help deliver our vision.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and are keen to attract people of different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We actively seek board members to reflect a multitude of experiences and backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, people with a disability.

We are particularly interested in attracting applications from the following kinds of people:  

• Marketing and / or PR expertise – we are looking for support to help significantly increase the awareness and / or raise the profile of our work  
• Business, commercial strategy and / or entrepreneurial expertise – we would be interested to hear from anyone used to maximizing and generating revenue
• Someone with a senior role from a art and / or cultural organisation with an insight into opportunities on the horizon and professional networks you are willing to share
• We are also keen to hear from fans of our work – those who may / may not also have the kinds of professional expertise described above but are passionate and committed to our work and would be able to contribute invaluable insight

For more info and the recruitment pack see HERE

Capsule is delighted to announce that Stuart Rogers, formerly Executive Director Birmingham REP, has joined the organisation as Chair of the board.

Stuart Rogers was born and educated in Birmingham and has worked in theatre management/production since 1973 when he became Theatre Programmer for the Birmingham Arts Lab. He then moved on to manage the Gulbenkian Studio Theatre and Newcastle Playhouse in Newcastle upon Tyne, followed by periods as Executive Director for Chester Gateway Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse. Following a couple of years in the southern Italian city of Bari working with the international touring theatre company Teatro Kismet, Stuart returned to Birmingham in 2002 to take up the post of Executive Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He left that position in 2019 to concentrate on freelance producing.

Stuart has also undertaken a range of consultancy and training work including work for Arts Council England, The British Council, The Soros Foundation, Amsterdam Summer University, L’Université de Dijon, L’Institut Francais, NOROC, The Arab Arts Association Hackney Empire, M6 Theatre Company, Action Transport Theatre Company, Dance 4, Nuffield Theatre Southampton and The Welsh College of Dance & Drama.

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We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the Birmingham Awards for Arts & Culture Award of the Year. It’s been quite the year for us at Capsule.

Achieving a 5 star review and being named the UK’s best small festival by The Guardian for Supersonic Festival for our 15th edition.

 

“Finally cements the Midlands’ reputation as the home of a global musical phenomenon” – The Observer

As well as successfully conceiving and delivering our mammoth Home of Metal season this summer, which included our blockbuster exhibition ‘Black Sabbath 50 Years‘ which has attracted visitors from all over the world as well as create a strong sense of civic pride for the people of Birmingham. We achieved some pretty impressive press coverage which included: Channel 4 news, ITV news, BBC news, The Guardian, The Observer, The Times, I newspaper, Time Out, NME, Liverpool Echo as well as numerous European publications.

Dedicated fans and curious cultural audiences have travelled from countries as diverse and far as flung as Finland, Uruguay, France, Netherlands, Mexico, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Russia, Japan, Spain, Myanmar, USA, Malta, Greece and more, truly illustrating just how global the heavy metal phenomenon and influence is.

Visitor map for Home of Metal ‘Black Sabbath 50 Years’

In addition as part of the season we partnered with Eastside Projects to present a new exhibition by Monster Chetwynd, at New Art Gallery Walsall we invited Alan Kane to present 4 Bed Detached Home of Metal, which included works by Jeremy Deller, Una Hamilton Helle, Des Hughes, Jim Lambie, Sarah Lucas, Jessica Mallock, Mike Nelson, Simon Periton, Mark Titchner, Cathy Ward, Charlie Woolley and, of course, Alan Kane. And invited fans to display their metal collections within the gallery.

Ben Venom

At mac we presented the first UK solo show by US artist Ben Venom, All This Mayhem, as well as showing a selection of metal fan portraits in their Battle Jackets, with an exhibition titled Hand of Doom. We partnered with Centrala to create an exhibition which explored the Polish music scene under state control through archival material including letters, cassette tapes and zines, collected by Polish fans.

Our Home of Metal Volunteers

All made possible by an incredible group of volunteers that have worked with us and very generous funders and sponsors Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, Laney Amplification, Colmore Business District, BIMM. 

In Kind support came from Crystal Head Vodka, Hobgoblin, Music For Nations – Sony, Gibson Guitars, Eagle Rock Entertainment, BMG, Action Graphics, Dunlop

We’re up against all the big guys, so it would be quite something to be recognised for the work we’ve done to put Birmingham on the map culturally.