Festival Q&A:
The Whip

Who else are you excited to see at Cotton Clouds this year?
I’m looking forward to the whole thing, to be honest, and all the fun and games that come with festival vibes. I’m a local lad and it’s been a dream of anyone that has a band from Saddleworth to play a festival in our own back yard, and it’s finally happening! It’s a perfect area for a festival and I hope the festival goes from strength to strength.

What’s your best festival memory?
Wowzers, so many happy memories. The first festival I went to was Reading ’95 and was pretty special. Foo Fighters’ first album in the tent, so many great bands in their prime too like Smashing Pumpkins, Pavement, Soundgarden. American bands were king around that period. Playing-wise, I think Fuji Rock in Japan was special, as it was our first trip over there. Playing at the top of the mountain in Austria at Snowbombing was special too. We did some Chinese festival in front of the Great Wall of China, which was bonkers!

What are your festival essentials?
If the weather’s sweet then let your freak flag fly. If it’s a bog don’t try and be too cool with the get-up – get practical, it’s about survival. Some decent boots, waterproofs, camping chair, loo roll. Think like a cub scout. Booze is essential in both scenarios, and a smile. For Cotton Clouds, I’m going minimal, as I can walk home and clean off the crud.

How does playing a festival differ from playing your own gig?
I love that at a festival everyone has a positive vibe and there’s a sense of being in it together to help the good times roll. People are really looking forward to Cotton Clouds, as it’s such a big thing for our villages. Come, rejoice, be happy please. You’re welcome.

What are you planning for your Cotton Clouds Festival set?
We’re probably going to throw something new in there. It’s long overdue but we are working on new songs and hope to get something out there one day! Our aim as always is to get people moving, smiling and happily embracing our blend of electronics and organics. I think we play Cotton Clouds at tea time when things begin getting exciting, as night time falls. As you have worked out it will be a special one for me, so I can’t wait for the fun to begin.