It’s that time of year again, when in the run-up to Bloodstock we endeavour to interview every band gracing the SOPHIE, New Blood and Jägermeister stages from 8th – 11th August 2019. This means you’ve got a chance to read up on all your favourite bands set to play over the weekend and decide which new ones you’ll want to check out.
As ever, we’re predicting some horrible clashes because, true to form, there are some great bands across all three stages so you should start planning who you want to see.
Our thanks to all the bands / artists for taking the time out to answer our questions!
Blind River – S.O.P.H.I.E Stage, Thursday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Not as simple as you might think! We’re scattered across the South of England: Kent / Surrey / London / Hants. Some poor sod always gets a bitch of a drive home after rehearsals!
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Just over 2 years now. Things have progressed very quickly. We’ve all been in other bands for years and have got to the stage where we know what we want, and we know how to get it done. The last time we played Bloodstock we didn’t even have an album out. Word of mouth still outweighs social media likes!
Where does the name of the band come from?
We’ve kinda grown into it. At first it was a name we liked with a folklore-ish back history, but it makes more sense now to attach it to the way we naturally work. In much the same way as a river has to feel it’s way through the wilderness, we do the same with our riffs and song writing. We jump in blind and let the sound feel it’s way out!
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Loud. Energetic. Sincere. There’s no posturing here. No one’s doing this to be a rock star. We’re too long in the tooth to think this will lead to fortune or fame. We do it because we need to, and I think that comes across in our live show. People can sense that we’re doing this out of our love of music. We want to be the band that we want to see, and that’s all there is to it!
What’s your live show like?
See the above! Our straight forward attitude to playing our arses off and having a damn good time doing it is infectious. You can see the crowd lifting as our set continues. Some people don’t dig it, but mostly people seem to want to be part of the process – and they are. The reaction between this band and the audience is symbiotic. The more we enjoy ourselves, the more they enjoy themselves, the more we enjoy ourselves, and so on and so on into infinity. One of these days it’ll go too far, and our minds will simultaneously explode.
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Yeah, 2 years ago we kicked off the SOPHIE stage early on a Saturday morning. Hangovers all over the place, but the crowd were going nuts by the end. A morning none of us will ever forget!
How/when did you find out that you’d be playing the SOPHIE stage?
We played a fundraiser for the Sophie Lancaster fund at the end of last year, and Simon Hall basically invaded the stage after our set to insist that we play there again. The man has great taste!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
We’re mid-way through writing our new album, so there’ll be a new song or two in there…assuming I can the words! Not sure how long we’re playing for at the moment. Guess that might be kinda important! Basically, we don’t know – come find out with us!
Which other band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
Luckily there are no other stages open while we’re on, so if you think we suck, you’re fucked! I’m looking forward to spending the weekend wandering around looking for something new to grab my attention. That’s what’s so great about Bloodstock – there’s always something new to fall in love with.
What are you working on at the moment?
Album No.2. I’d say we’re about two-thirds of the way there. If all goes well, we’ll have it done and dusted by the end of the year, maybe sooner. I cannot wait for you to hear it!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
So many drunken foolish things. I once pulled a lighting rig down by mistake. Grabbed it to stop myself falling of stage. Ended up dragging it into the crowd. Thankfully it was a small place and nobody sued for damages.
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
Whatever is available – none of us can afford to be fussy! Anything other than Fosters…although if that’s all there is, I’ll suck it up and tuck in!
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