It’s that time of year where we set out to interview as many of the Sophie, New Blood, and Jager bands as we can in the lead-up to one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, Bloodstock. Answering our questions here are The Best Medicine who play the New Blood Stage on Thursday.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We hail from the home counties, specifically Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. We all grew up around here and feel very fortunate to be part of such a vibrant music scene.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
We got chatting at Bloodstock 2018. One of those drunken late night conversations where you plan to take on the world. Luckily, this time it actually led to something great, as within a month of the festival, we had begun rehearsing and writing tunes. Roughly three years together, although the pandemic got in the way, so it feels like we’re only just getting started.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Ryan and I were writing riffs one evening. He was feeling under the weather, and had brought some whiskey and lemons with him, insisting that it was “the best medicine” for what was ailing him. We both looked at each other and smiled and the name stuck.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We write blues-driven hard rock. It was a very deliberate decision to explore that genre because it seemed to be at the heart of everything that we love about music. We’re intent on creating big meaty hooks, that keep people tapping and humming along, long after we have finished playing. Hopefully, that is something that makes us stand out.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
After the time we have all had in recent years, I think most people are up for a good party more than anything else. That is definitely what we bring to the table. We like to enjoy ourselves and we don’t take anything too seriously. That sort of energy is contagious and tends to be what draws people to us.
If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
The majority of us have been to Bloodstock multiple times and we love it. It is hands down the best metal festival in the UK. There is something about the atmosphere and the feeling of camaraderie which is undeniable. We have had some of our best times there and we can’t wait to do it all again!
Which M2tM region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
Bloodstock were looking for acts for this year’s extended bill on the Thursday. Simon Hall heard some of the pre-production demos that we completed for the EP and was suitably impressed. We are immensely grateful to be invited to the party of the year.
Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Bloodstock?
It felt totally surreal and like a dream come true.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
We will be playing our new EP Miracle Cure, in its entirety from beginning to end, plus some older tunes if we have time. This new record is our biggest achievement to date and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
The bill is incredibly strong this year and the Bloodstock team have done an amazing job replacing those bands who couldn’t make it due to travel restrictions. We are determined to check out everything we can. Some of our favourites are: Devin Townsend, Orange Goblin, Conjurer, Napalm Death, Black Spiders, Green Lung, Beholder, Conan, Raging Speedhorn, Vexed, Black Atlas and Spectral Darkwave (both from our local Hitchin M2TM!) the list goes on…
What are you working on at the moment?
We are mostly in rehearsals, trying to make sure we are on form for our shows. A number of the songs from the EP were partially rewritten in the studio so we are relearning them. There is also a lyric video in the works, for the second single from the EP, “Outlaws”, so look out for that!
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
We played a very eclectic show for our friend Matt’s birthday. Everyone was in fancy dress and we decided to play a game with the audience where they had to pile on stage and dress Matt up in everything they could find. Needless to say, it was complete carnage. Streamers, balloons, a ball pit, drinks flying everywhere. Not one that we will forget in a hurry!
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
It is a bit of a cliché, but a little whiskey goes a long way!
The Best Medicine: facebook | instagram | spotify | youtube
