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!
Jukebox Monkey – Jagermeister stage, Sunday
Vocalist Dabs answered the questions for us…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re from all over Kent! Although it’s a matter of opinion whether we’re a Kentish Band or a Band of Kent. That won’t make sense if you’re not from Kent.
How did you meet?
Ah the usual way bands meet – some of us played together in old bands, others were drinking buddies who got drafted. Nothing cool, like meeting on Grindr or something.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Since 2010. We’re old.
Where does the name of the band come from?
It came from the desperation of having to call your band something, like all band names. Jukebox Monkey sounded cool, after all – what’s cooler than monkeys? We were called Big Nasty for a little while, until we decided that it sounded too much like a vicious sex aid.
What are your influences – individually or as a band?
Lots of groovy heavy stuff. Clutch, CoC, Mastodon, Kyuss, etc. But we’ve got a lot of love for metal, grunge, blues and all kinds of guitar music. As long as it’s organic and heavy, we’re interested.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
It’s heavy as hell, with huge grooves and massive vocal hooks. I guess what makes us unique is that it’s all about great songs, we’re not just trying to out-heavy or out-stoner the next band. We’ve got brains as well as massive bollocks.
What’s your live show like – why should the baying hordes troop over to the stage you’re playing on to watch you?
Beards, energy, riffs, power, groove, and great, great, great songs.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
Simon Hall had a cheeky word with our drummer after we played a particularly storming gig in Gravesend in May. We just assumed they were sharing beard grooming tips or something.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Banger. Banger. Banger. Banger. Banger. Beer.
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
It’s different for each of us, CoC, Mastodon, Gojira, Slayer, Paradise Lost… but hey, as long as the beer tent is still open when we’re done, it’s all gravy.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’re in the middle of pre-production for our new album at the moment. It’s pretty much written, and we’re going in to record it in September. Frankly, playing a festival in the middle of it is a pain in the arse. I hope everyone appreciates the effort!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
I played a gig while on fire once. Birthday cake, pernod shots, drunk stripper. Long story.
What advice would you give to a young band just starting out today?
Listen to Jukebox Monkey. And come to Jukebox Monkey shows. And buy Jukebox Monkey T-Shirts.
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!
It would have to be five bands! We’re the kind of band that would literally beat the other guys to death to have our pick. But hey, I’m filling this in, so it would be Clutch above and Stone Kings below. Although they’d be pissed at being described as “smaller” than us…
What stage / time are you playing at Bloodstock (if you have your slot yet!)
Sunday, on the Jagermeister stage. No idea what time yet, but if you smell burning beard hair, come running.
