Here we go again… Last year we covered every band on the Hobgoblin New Blood and Jagermeister stages in the run-up to Bloodstock 2015. This year, we’re going one better and aim to have interviews from all the bands on those two stages as well as all of those on the SOPHIE stage prior to the event kicking off on August 11th. That’s almost 100 interviews to get online for you lucky people over the course of the next couple of weeks. I bloody love this job, but you lot owe me a beer at Catton Hall, right?
Thanks to all the bands who’ve taken the time to respond!
Shining (NOR) – SOPHIE Stage, Saturday
Frontman and lead saxophonist Jørgen Munkeby took time out while on the road to throw some answers at us!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Yo dude! We’re straight outta Norway! Norwegians Wit Attitude!
How did you meet?
Initially the band was founded at The Norwegian State Academy Of Music where all the band was studying jazz music. But that was a loooong time ago, and we were playing very different music than we are playing now. Since then the lineup has changed quite a bit, and it’s hard to pinpoint where we’ve met for the first time. Mostly the musicians are just great musicians that I’ve heard about from and in other bands, then tried out in a rehearsal.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
We started out in 1999, so it’s too many years to count on your fingers on one go.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Our band name “Shining” was inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s movie “The Shining”.
What are your influences – individually or as a band?
During our long career we’ve been inspired by everything from Bela Bartok to Biffy Clyro, Miles Davis to Meshuggah, and Mahler to Manson.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
For the last few years we’ve described our music as Blackjazz, which is a unique blend of jazz and metal.
What’s your live show like – why should the baying hordes troop over to the stage you’re playing on to watch you?
Our live shows are great, and the baying hordes should come to see us because we play great music that will tinkle their brains and soothe their hearts and put fire in their bellies.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
I got an email from our manager than had got an email from our booking agent that had got an email from the festival. That’s how it goes.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
It’s summer, so we’re putting all our Blackjazz summer hits on display!
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
I know that we’re playing right after Gojira, so that seems like a great match, as their audience can come right over to us afterwards.
What are you working on at the moment?
In addition to working on new music for Shining, I just finished bouncing down some tracks for a new song I’ve made with Ex-Megadeth guitarist icon Marty Friedman. He’s flown from Tokyo to LA to record drums for this song, and I can’t wait to hear the freshly recorder tracks!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
Ooh, I’ve been a touring musician since I was 15 years old, so I’ve seen a loooooot. Can’t think of anything suitable in particular, though, but just read any biography from a touring band and you’ll know what it is to be a touring musician.
What advice would you give to a young band just starting out today?
Get good. Get real good.
If you could be part of any 3-band line-up who else would you have on the bill? One band above you and one below – a chance to plug a smaller, unsigned act!
I’d like to play on the very last show Dillinger Escape Plan plays. It would be fun if Phuture Doom also played.
What stage / time are you playing at Bloodstock (if you have your slot yet!)
We’re playing at the Sophie Lancaster Stage. I think we’re playing at around 8 or 9 PM.
