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!
Sophie Sparham – Jagermeister stage, Friday
Simple things first – where are you from?
I’m from Derby, born and bred.
How long have you been performing your poetry?
I’ve been gigging my poetry for about three years now up and down the country.
Describe your poetry. What makes you unique?
I’m a Derbyshire lass who isn’t afraid to take poetry to extreme metal and prove that not only does it hold up against the blastbeats, but it’s also not what many people think. I’ve never known another poet play Bloodstock before so I guess that’s pretty unique! I write poetry that’s down to earth and about everyday situations that people experience throughout life, whilst also addressing some social issues in the process. The subjects range from working class city living, walking home from a nightshift to my undying love of Napalm Death.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another artist / band?
Fiery, funny and full of passion. I like to deliver poetry that packs a punch, but also have a banter with the crowd. I’ve written a few special poems relating to music, friends and festivals specifically for the festival so I’m looking forward to sharing them. I know some people may think ‘urgh poetry, boring’ but I’m looking to break down people’s perception that poetry is posh or dull or for the elite classes because let me tell you… I definitely ain’t posh.
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Bloodstock was one of the first festivals I ever attended and I’ve been going ever since. It’s my favourite festival and I keep pinching myself that I’m playing.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
I found out a month or so ago when Rob, one of the compéres called and asked me. I was over the moon!
Which other artists / bands do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them perform?
I’m proper hyped about Anthrax, Rotting Christ, The Wildhearts, Sulphur, Witch Tripper and Grand Magus to name a few but there’s so many great bands on the line up. I’m excited to discover new bands that I haven’t heard before.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently getting ready to start writing my second collection of poetry in which I’m gonna be looking at Derbyshire dialect and I’m really hyped about it me duck!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I went to see Slayer in Seattle and saw someone crowd surf in a wheelchair. I’ve seen some pretty mad things in my time at gigs but most of them aren’t clean enough for this interview!
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
I’m a non-drinker but I do like a good cuppa tea or a coffee. I’ll be playing Bloodstock on my birthday which also marks two years of sobriety for me. So to answer your question, I like my music like my coffee, black.
Header image by ACJ Media
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