We’ve been lucky enough to be asked to sponsor the first ever Hella Rock Festival so we thought in the run-up to the big day, we best get to know the bands we’ll be seeing over the course of the day. So let’s hear from those at the top of the poster – Gorilla Riot!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re all personally from all over (Manchester, Ruti in Switzerland, Glossop, Sheffield, Cardiff), but we’ve all lived in Manchester for years.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Ten fucking years!
Where does the name of the band come from?
It’s nonsense.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We are very much a product of all of our different influences. We’re a rock band but our music is inspired by blues, soul, country, gospel, pop, grunge, stoner, funk, classical and the list goes on. I guess the most unique thing about our music is that we like to be versatile. All of our releases are different from one another. There’s just one common thread that binds them all, you can nod your head to it.
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What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you rather than hanging at the bar or grabbing some merch?
Our live show is not a show! Some artists will put on a big show and perform for the audience and that can be amazing to watch, but that’s not us. We just walk up there and play some tunes with our best mates. We’re an honest band who just loves to play music and hang out with the crowd. That honesty is what will keep you away from the bar rather than a “performance” as such. Don’t let us keep you away from the bar for too long, though!
How does it feel to be performing at the first Hella Rock Festival?
It’s an honour to headline the inaugural Hella Rock Fest! Great name, great line up. It’ll be our first time playing in Coventry, too so we’re hella excited!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Seventeen trip-hop anthems and an epic spoken word finale.
Which other band on the bill are you most looking forward to catching?
We’re not gonna pick one out! We’re genuinely looking forward to watching them all.
What are you working on at the moment?
We’ve been very busy behind the scenes. We’ve got a new album coming out in Autumn 2024, we’ve got a couple of extensive UK tours coming plus a smaller “stripped” semi-acoustic run of dates and a possible North American run. A lot of balls in the air! Plus we’re still trying to play with Seal but we can’t seem to get ahold of him. We’ve been trying for ten years…
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What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Is there no mystery left in romance anymore?!
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
Wild Turkey honey whisky.
Gorilla Riot: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
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