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!
SKAM
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
From the heart of the country, sunny Leicester.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
The band has been going for years, myself (Steve) and Matt have been playing in bands together since we were kids but SKAM has been going in its current incarnation for about 5 years.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Well, we wanted a name that was not genre specific, we play a mix of hard rock, metal and classic rock so we wanted a really ambiguous name. When we decided on the name, our drummer was named Kieran. So we took an initial from all of us: Steve, Kieran And Matt. Now my brother, Neal, is on drums so I’m not sure how that would work now.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
SKAM makes music that is a culmination of the sounds we love and grew up with. We write songs we like, we don’t follow a trend or write for radio. We enjoy kick-ass hard-hitting grooves. But above anything, I see the music as a melting pot of different styles. I like to think that we are varied and can’t be pigeon-holed into just one style. When people listen we want them to hear heavy 70s rock with a sprinkling of grunge and the odd flourish of NWOBHM.
What’s your live show like? Why should people watch you?
Power, fun, energy and passion. We take great pride in what we do. With my arrogant hat on we are rarely matched on stage performance. The energy is infectious and we can’t help but move and throw ourselves in the show. Matt alone is famous for his gurning but none of it is put on; it’s just what comes naturally when you’re having the time of your life on stage!
Have you played Wildfire before? If so, when?
Yes, in fact we played last year. It’s such a fantastic festival. A real community atmosphere, and the fact that no stage runs over another means that everyone gets to see every band which is always great for all!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
We have a new album out so we are playing a lot of new stuff but there are some SKAM classics in there that fans of the band come to expect. When you have a short set of 40 minutes or so, you need to hit people hard and fast and leave them gagging for more.
Which band are you most looking forward to seeing?
There are loads of new bands I’m looking forward to checking out who are part of the NWOCR (New Wave of Classic Rock), Dead Man’s Whiskey, Ryders Creed, Samarkind and The Rocket Dolls to name a few. But I’m always excited to see my boys Florence Black and Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows, Theia and These Wicked Rivers. It’s such a great line up!
What have you got planned for the second half of 2018?
Festivals over the summer then more touring in the Autumn, we’re thinking about releasing an EP and taking the next step to taking over the world!
What’s been the highlight for the band’s career so far?
We are so lucky to get to do what we do. We have done some things that bands only dream of; we toured with Airbourne which was a massive highlight. But to be honest the response and love that fans have shown us since the release of our last album, The Amazing Memoirs of Geoffrey Goddard, has blown us away. The response has been better than anything we have ever done before.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Back in the day we used to just play in our pants. But we are far too old for all that. I once ran around the block whilst playing a solo. People thought I had gone home it took so long! I’ve also downed a bottle of Jäger onstage…which was a mistake!.
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!
Wow, so many to choose from. I would have loved to support Black Spiders, they really played kick ass rock and roll and I regret never managing to share a stage with them. To open the show I would pick Dig Lazarus. They are a local Leicester band, a three piece that rock the house and are just getting their name out there. Everyone should check ‘em out!
What day/time are you playing at Wildfire? (If you have your slot yet!)
We are playing Saturday afternoon.
Pistonhead Lager, Cloven Hoof rum or Thistly Cross cider? And yes, we’ll be counting the votes!
Well, we’re all ale drinkers so I can’t choose the lager, so I’m going with the rum!
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