The Skye's the limit: British Sea Power talk headlining Hinterland
Last year Hinterland was a greatly hyped festival that failed to live up to it’s potential. Complaints from fans, bands and industry types alike echoed the sentiment that ticket prices were too high, venues too spread out and the concept didn’t work across two nights.
Fast forward to 2010, the Hinterland team took this criticism on board and reworked the format to make the Glasgow festival an altogether much more enjoyable experience. £10 early bird tickets and the acts being concentrated on Saturday April 3, have made for a positive start.
stv.tv spoke to one of Hinterland’s headliners, British Sea Power, to get their thoughts on playing the musical showcase and to find out what we can expect from their forthcoming set.
When asked why the band decided to play Hinterland 2010, they told us: “We've just finished our new album and are looking forwards to playing some of the songs, but our keyboard player isn't coming so we can't play any new ones. This festival has Jeffrey Lewis and the Mystery Jets playing, so it's certainly no rum do.”
Guitarist Martin Noble added: “Scots know how to have a good time.”
Inner city festivals seems to be a growing trend but what do acts really make of them? The band told us: “Sometimes it works, sometimes it's sh***.They are generally great fun, so long as most people get to see the bands they want to see. City festivals mean you get to sleep in your own bed at the end of the night, if you’re unlucky.”
They added: South by Southwest in Texas is the biggest event like this. We always get free stuff there. Jeans, trainers, drinks, sunburn. You just have a photo taken with the product and then you can giver your mum some fancy trainers. It's not selling out…
They have a city festival in Brighton now called the Great Escape, they have some good bands playing this year. We're doing one in Leeds and Liverpool too soon.”
Hinterland has a stellar line-up this year including Mystery Jets, Jeffrey Lewis, DJ sets from Friendly Fires and Joe Goddard from Hot Chip, not to mention performances from up-and-coming Scottish acts like Panda Su and Kitty The Lion.
Who are British Sea Power looking forward to seeing? “Mystery Jets and Jeffrey Lewis. I haven't seen who else is playing though, so there should be a few surprises.”
It has been a while since fans have heard from British Sea Power, can we expect to hear songs from the forthcoming album? It seems unlikely as Martin revealed: “As I said, Phil our keyboard/cornet player can't make it and we need him for new songs. He's got some troubles. We might play a few oldies instead. The new album will be released after everyone has gotten over the world cup in July.”
Part of the forthcoming album was recorded on the Isle of Skye. Martin explained why.“Hamilton and Abi have moved up there now in a crofter’s cottage by the sea.They have been recording up there a lot, and I went up to do a few bits and bobs, and managed to see some Minke Whales too. It's ace up there.”
Although this year’s Hinterland line-up is sure to offer something for everyone, we wanted to know what Martin’s dream line-up would be. He told stv.tv: “Off the top of my head, Serge Gainbourg, The Stooges, Teenage Fanclub, Pavement, Tiny Tim, The Velvet Underground, The Pixies, Lady Gaga, MC Hammer, Earl Brutus, Elvis, Orange Juice, Meatloaf, Judas Priest, Deerhoof and Mazzy Star.”
Much like Hinterland, an eclectic bunch…
You can get the full line-up and all the latest Hinterland information at www.thehinterlandfestival.com
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