Our regular run-down of as many of the upcoming Bloodstock bands as we can get to talk to us! Skies Turn Black play the Jager stage on the Sunday…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Yeah, that’s not so simple for us. We say we are from the North of England to cover all platforms. But we range from Huddersfield, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool and Durham.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
We’ve been playing together since uni, which was 8 years ago. But under this line up, it’s been around 3 years.
Where does the name of the band come from?
It comes from a Malefice track.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
There’s various metal influences in our sound, from the NWOBHM, to power metal, to hair metal; there’s’ a good bit going on. With the addition of Xander on keytar, we’ve had the opportunity to play a little more with synths and electronics, so that has been really exciting.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
The live shows are really fun. Lots of moments for a headbang, lots of moments for a boogie and a mosh. Having two front men has given us a whole new energy with live shows and having the keytar has spiced up our instrumental sections. Its so great having a keytar that solos like a beast. That’s worth showing up for.
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Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Yes! It was pre-pandemic, but it was lush. I have been to a lot of festivals having worked at them for years and it’s one of the only ones you really feel a sense of community and just positive vibes that you don’t get with a lot of pop festivals. Maybe it’s the overall passion for music that the people have, but it is a community I am really proud to feel a part of.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
We sent a demo of The Skies Are Falling Down out to various promoters and festivals and Bloodstock was one that picked it up and thought it was sick! It’s a tune we are incredibly proud of and so grateful to Si for giving it a listen and reaching out.
What sort of setlist can we expect?
I think we have a nice mix of songs from the album and some newer tunes. The Skies Are Falling Down must be a feature. It’s massive. We do have a brand new song that is only being played live in our warm up shows so far, that we are excited to showcase. We played it for the first time last night and it hit so hard.
Which other band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
I think we have all mentioned someone different really! Names like, In Flames, Sepultura, Helloween, Royal Replublic, have all been mentioned. For me it was Zeal and Ardor that I am excited to see, but after listening to a few Bloodstock playlists I discovered The Church of the Cosmic Skull who are just amazing. I think we do actually clash with them too which is hilarious. Gutted!
What are you working on at the moment?
An album! We wanted some new music out ready for Bloodstock but these are the singles from the album we are finishing off at the moment.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I always used to be a bit of a bugger for heading to the bar mid set or mid song. The joys of the wireless kit is you can have a bit of a wander. So, ordering a pint and being fed shots of Jager while I was still playing by people at the bar was pretty fun.
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
It’s a pretty tight tossup between Jager and a Snickers shot. If you haven’t had a Snickers Shot before it can be a life changing moment. Half Frangelico, Half Kaluha, little sprinkle of sea salt. It is spot on.
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