It’s that time of year again, when in the run-up to Bloodstock we endeavour to interview every band gracing the Sophie Lancaster, New Blood and Jägermeister stages from 8th – 11th August 2019. This means you’ve got a chance to read up on all your favourite bands set to play over the weekend and decide which new ones you’ll want to check out.
As ever, we’re predicting some horrible clashes because, true to form, there are some great bands across all three stages so you should start planning who you want to see.
Our thanks to all the bands for taking the time out to answer our questions!
Leadrobot – New Blood Stage, Sunday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
West Yorkshire. We’re based in Leeds although I’m originally from the North East. They hang monkeys where I’m from so I fled to Yorkshire.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
We’ve been playing as LEADROBOT for around 4 years, but the concept and idea of the band has been rattling around in Paul’s noggin for a few years before that.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Paul our guitarist came up with the name when he formed the band. He wanted something that sounded heavy and mechanical (Lead and Robot) and so the name was born. Plus, robots are awesome. Especially giant ones that destroy cities.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We describe ourselves as ‘Machine Metal’ or ‘Industrial Thrash’. We wanted to create something accessibly heavy if that makes sense and we think we’ve achieved that. We haven’t really come across other bands that sound like us.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
It’s a non-stop ride for 30 minutes to be honest. We’ve been described as ‘controlled chaos’ a few times. Big riffs, high speed. It’s an assault on all the senses. Turn it up, heads down and see you at the end.
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Between all the band members we’ve been every year since 2009 plus a couple of years before. It’s a great festival. Amazing atmosphere and always a very varied line-up. It’s one of the only festivals that prides itself on supporting unsigned, grass roots bands too.
Which M2tM region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
We came trough other channels. We’ve played the M2tM competition twice, both times reaching the final. This time though we were invited to play and we couldn’t feel more honoured.
Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Bloodstock?
An elated, overjoyed robot crew ready to unleash sonic rage.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
30 minutes of auditory horror. We pretty much don’t stop until the sets finished. Very high energy, very fast and very, very loud.
Which other bands do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
Loads! All Hail the Yeti, Aborted, Soilwork, Dee Snyder, Queensryche, Boss Keloid, Dimmu Borgir. Anthrax and The Wildhearts. Loads to watch!
What are you working on at the moment?
We’ve just finished up our first album Scream White Noise which we’re releasing in August. Other than that, we’ve been sorting some mini tours and a new EP which we should be releasing around Halloween.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
According to the other guys in the band it was probably when I jumped the barrier from the stage, walking over broken glass bare footed to break up a fight. All whilst still performing vocals. Spent a few days picking glass out of my feet.
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
I’d love to say we’re ‘metal’ and down a few shots of Jägermeister before we go on but the truth is, we normally have a few gallons of water before we hit the stage. Playing our set is like running a marathon!
