Much like we endeavour every year before Bloodstock, this year, for Scotland’s Wildfire Festival which kicks off on 22nd June, we’re interviewing every band set to play the stages of Wiston. You get to hear (or read) right from the horse’s mouth who you should be watching over the course of the weekend.
Previous years have seen some excellent acts grace the stages as our reviews can attest to and trust us when we say this year is no different! So get reading and listening so you can plan your coffee/beer/food breaks accordingly…
Our thanks to all the bands for taking the time out to answer our questions!
Samarkind
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Hi guys and all at Moshville Times! I (David) was born in Birmingham, England, Irish parents and raised in Dublin. Michal is from Poland, Mark is from Dublin too, as is our new drummer Darragh.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Myself and Michal have been writing together for over two years and as a band we are together just over a year.
Where does the name of the band come from?
We were looking for something a little off centre, so after some light reading and research came across Samarkind, a mystical medieval place where poets, artists, and musicians used to congregate and swap ideas and share creativity.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Samarkind play blues fused hard rock, big songs, vocals and guitar – sometimes called classic rock with an emphasis on dynamics. Unique would be a big statement, however we like to think that we are resurrecting the lead singer/lead guitarist dynamic in a Zep/Purple type of way but with a modern twist.
What’s your live show like? Why should people watch you?
The show touches on many facets from, light and shade and huge thundering riffs to quiet, deep moments engaging a wide range of artistic emotions with an unpredictable streak, no two shows are the same.
Have you played Wildfire before? If so, when?
No, we have never been to Wildfire but are so looking forward to the celebration of what is called NWOCR!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
The setlist will be most of the album with a couple of other songs we enjoy playing.
Which band are you most looking forward to seeing?
Theres a few goodies Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows, Aaron Buchanan, and more!
What have you got planned for the second half of 2018?
Its a busy year, a few festivals coming up during the summer, then we start writing and recording a new album late August, followed by some dates in Europe.
What’s been the highlight for the bands career so far?
The highlights have been the fanbase we have created, we have been blown away by the global appreciation of the album and ongoing support. Its a huge buzz hearing your record on the big radio stations and of course we love the reviews!!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I did a show with WASP a few years ago and Blackie’s codpiece exploded! He sounded like Aled Jones for a few days after it!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Hmmm interesting, in a dreamworld it would be Purple Mk3 and Rival Sons! We had a fantastic Aussie/Irish band open for us in Dublin recently called Jailbirds, no nonsense straight up rock ‘n’ roll!
What day/time are you playing at Wildfire? (If you have your slot yet!)
I think its Saturday afternoon.
Pistonhead Lager, Cloven Hoof rum or Thistly Cross cider? And yes, we’ll be counting the votes!
We are sponsored by the most delicious spiced rum on the planet an Irish product…SPIKE RUM!