Camden Rocks // Airways, River Hounds // As Sirens Fall, Megan Willis // Confessions of a Traitor // Suspects // The Gulps, Man The Lifeboats // Witching Season, Raveneye // Healthy Junkies // Cavalcade // Natalie Shay // Leontas // Edgar Road
Article 4? You thought we were joking when we said we interviewed a lot of people, didn’t you? Well… all fool you! For those of you who may not know, we have done coverage for the Camden Rocks Festival tomorrow in London. Featuring artists, fans, bands, festival goers and most probably your gandads hamster in the pursuit of coverage perfection.
Artists featured throughout this article include: Airways, River Hounds, As Sirens Fall, Megan Willis, Confessions of a Traitor, Suspects, The Gulps, Man The Lifeboats, Witching Season, Raveneye, Healthy Junkies, Cavalcade, Natalie Shay, Leontas, Edgar Road
Be sure to have a look at some of the great acts mentioned here!
Airways
If Cage The Elephant, Arctic Monkeys and Gorillaz were to have a love child, it would sound like Airways. Alright, so that might be a three-way, but it would describe the awesome four-piece indie rock band from Peterborough relatively well. After releasing their first song in 2016, Jake, Alex, Jamie and Brian, have experienced nothing but success in their musical career moving from your average lad to playing festivals like SXSW in 2017 and preparing for an international tour with Nothing But Thieves. To see them perform, get down to Dingwalls Canalside at 9:30pm.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
Hoping to catch Twin Atlantic for the first time, and our friends in Dead! and Inklings.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
We still need to have a full look at the schedule but we play pretty late so I’m sure we’ll miss something good haha.
Who would you recommend for next year?
Kendrick Lamar.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
Loads of great rock bands at a great price and in a great area!
River Hounds
Formed in London at the beginning of 2017, River Hounds can be described as an exciting four-piece rock band that embraces modern rock and roll while remaining true to the superior forces of Hendrix, Zeppelin and Oasis. Rich Grisman, Tony Crumpton, Manol Marekov and Dimi Balev released their debut EP in 2017 along with several self-produced videos catapulting them to national stardom and a growing fanbase. To join in on this explosion, come and see River Hounds perform at 2pm at Gabeto.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
Missing Andy (we partied with them a few years back) Rival Karma (we were on the bill together at Rock the Boat at The Finsbury), Massive Wagons (because we love the chaps at earache records and all they do), British Sea Power (cause they have a song about Canvey Island).
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
Everyone who plays after we get off stage and start on the rum…
Who would you recommend for next year?
River Hounds
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
Bands, beers & bandoliers…
As Sirens Fall
With the release of their debut EP ‘The Hospital Party’ in 2016, As Sirens Fall has seen a remarkable explosion in their musical career. Mikey Lord, Adam Doveston, Richard Hadley, Jason Doveston and Jarlath McCaughery are the talented group making up this Yorkshire-based “aggressive pop” phenomenon who have received both national and international acclaim. Having been featured in Rock Sound, Kerrang! and BBC Introducing, As Sirens Fall, are now preparing for the festival season after their first European Tour. They will be onstage at 10pm at The Dev – be there or be square!
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
So many great bands are playing so there’s a big list, but we probably have to go with Twin Atlantic, Miss Vincent, Press to Meco and Mallory Knox, looking forward to seeing those guys because we haven’t seen them since they’ve become a 4 piece, will be interesting to hear the older songs.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
We won’t be able to watch Dead! As they’re on at the same time. Love those guys!
Who would you recommend for next year?
We’d have to recommend our friends in Minus Alive, Empathy Test and Tomorrow is Lost, all great bands!
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
Over 200 bands in 20 venues in one of the coolest places in the UK, need we say more?
We’re very excited to be involved this year!
Megan Willis
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
I’m really excited to see BlackWaters. I’ve been following them from the very beginning (I have the flyer from one of their first ever gigs in my wallet) and I’ve watched them grow as a band but haven’t managed to catch them recently. Same with Sophie and the Giants. Went to music college with both of them. I’m also excited to see Dead! They’re bloody good and I haven’t managed to get round to seeing them yet. Also, Lots Holloway, saw her play at Brighton Pride a few years ago (think it was 2015) and she was brilliant, can’t wait to see how she has developed as an artist.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
Probably going to miss Hands off Gretel as they clash with BlackWaters. Also, I’ll probably end up missing Sikth, as Dead! are playing at the same time and I think my plan to go to see PiL open, go catch at least part of Dead!‘s set then try and get into Underworld might not come off.
Who would you recommend for next year?
Definitely The Wholls, Freakouts, PussyLiquor, The Nyx, The Menstrual Cramps (although they hate CR, bad artist treatment) Bad Sidekick.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
There are 20 venues, all with amazing lineups. The best look like The Underworld, although I might not make it as there are a lot of smaller bands that I want to check out, followed by The Hawley Arms, I’m going to see at least 3 bands there hopefully. There’s such a diverse range of music, it would be silly to miss it. Considering tickets are only £55 for the fest and the after party including fees and there are some really big names playing, they’re a steal.
Confessions of a Traitor
Founded in 2013 in London, Confessions Of A Traitor is a raw metalcore great that prides themselves on their energetic, intense, and attention-grabbing live performances. Influenced by many different artists, Stephan MacConville, Jack Darnell, Tony Nagle and Seb Olrog, have developed an unparalleled sound that has been acknowledged on an international scale. After their second EP ‘Illuminate’, Confessions Of A Traitor went on to support popular artists such as Gallows, Architects and Blessthefall. You can enjoy their “sweat the expletive out of the performance” show at 9pm at The Dev.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
We can’t wait to see our friends in Crazytown as we toured with them in January, plus our bros in The Fallen State. It’s been a little while since we’ve seen Canvas too, played a festival show with them last year, so looking forward to them. Also Mallory Knox again and Bad Sign for the first time, Death Remains and Create To Inspire. There’s so much great talent on this year!
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
Hopefully, no one! We’re aiming to be around the whole day, then we play at 9pm at Devonshire Arms, and head back to see the festival headliners! It’s our first Camden Rocks we’ve been too as well as playing this year so we can’t wait for the atmosphere and to see loads of people supporting the heavy scene!
Who would you recommend for next year?
Oh wow, there’s so many… A few standouts are Blood Youth. They’re killing it right now and such an awesome band. We had the pleasure of playing with them at the Blessthefall Underworld show last year. Also our dudes in Continents and To Kill Achilles would tear up Camden Rocks!
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
This festival is one of the best and biggest alternative festivals around today, showcasing the best underground heavier music and big headline names, past and present! There’s nothing like Camden Rocks as it’s over 20 different venues!
Suspects
Suspects are a three piece indie band already supporting the likes of RATBOY at the O2 Academy Brixton great things are on the horizon for these cheeky Essex lads. Playing at the Crescent at 14:30.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
Hacktivist, Mallory Knox and Sleep Token! Hacktivist are an old favourite and Sleep Token look amazing live!
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
To be honest with you, we don’t know loads of the bands playing so are hoping to just go with the flow and discover some new music.
Who would you recommend for next year?
Our buddy’s State of Millenia would fit the lineup perfectly if you want a nice bit of pop-punk.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
A perfect combo of new and older bands to discover whilst enjoying all the different venues in Camden.
The Gulps
The Gulps are five rebellious nutcases who play and run through the lively streets of London – the art of rock n roll with a cheeky twist. Catch them at Dingwalls Canalside for 12:30.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
As our influences stem mainly from punk rock, seeing Public Image LTD when they play Camden Rocks we imagine will be biblical and salty. Both Jonny Lydon’s music and his character have played a huge part in our musical background, Camden is, of course, renowned for its punk history, so we expect it to be muy bien.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
The Rifles, Charlie ( guitar, the beauty of the band) is a fan, it will be nice to see an acoustic set in a day we imagine will be fairly full on.
Who would you recommend for next year?
The Prodigy. Through their music is mainly electronic, they have a punk attitude and we think it would be something different for the festival and accept it for the public.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
The Gulps are playing…! It’s a celebration of the spirit of Camden with both legends playing and so many new bands, and it’s a day when thousands of music fans get together and the rock and roll in Camden is not dead.
Man The Lifeboats
Man The Lifeboats play raucous upbeat folk music for those who like a drink with their tunes. Appearing at Belushi’s for 20:00.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
We are looking forward to seeing Mick O’Toole. We’ve checked their music out but never seen them live. Also, there’s The Urban Voodoo Machine, who we just saw play at Bearded Theory Festival and who were absolutely amazing. Of course, PiL have to be on the list, John Lydon playing in Camden just feels like such a perfect thing. And there are The Men They Couldn’t Hang for keeping the folk flag flying for longer than most of us in Man The Lifeboats have been alive.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
No, we think we can see everyone on our hitlist but we’re sure there will be loads of great bands playing that we just haven’t heard of yet and we miss by accident. You can’t win them all.
Who would you recommend for next year?
(As in who would be good to see play? If so…) Holy Moly and the Crackers or Skinny Lister. Those are both storming bands with broad appeal. If you like rock or folk you’ll want to check them out, they put on great live shows and as far as we know they’ve not played a Camden Rocks before.
Witching Season
Witching Season bring music from beyond the apocalypse, a psychedelic meltdown with heavy riffs weaving bass and huge drums. Appearing at Belushi’s for 13:00.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
Mainly P.I.L. There’s so much you can say about this band but they just have something no one else has or has ever had. When I hear John Lydon shout “Hello! Hello!” I’ll be going mental! One of my earliest memories of enjoying music was with P.I.L, obviously being played by my dad and uncle as it was before my time but it really resonated ~ Tom
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
Tequila Mockingbird – what a great name, love it!
Who would you recommend for next year?
I think “Purson” and “Lo Chief” both bands have a real 60/70’s vibe, great bluesy tones, you should check them out! If I was thinking of headliners, I’d love to see C.W Stoneking (so unique and takes you somewhere special), Iggy Pop (do I need to explain?) Brody Dalle (one of the best live acts I’ve seen) and the Alain Johannes band! (Probably one of my greatest influences and an actual genius)
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
There’s tons of great music and bands for the price of 1 – what’s better than that!? It has it all from legends to future legends, it’s a no-brainer!
Raveneye
Raveneye have cemented themselves firmly within the rock industry, supporting the likes of Slash. Raveneye are a high energy rock act not to be missed, so get down to Dingwalls for 18:45.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
There is a lot. We have loads of buddies we have toured/played shows with who are on the lineup this year, Black Map, Rival Karma, Reigning Days.
Need to see Hackivist though. Love those guys, MASSIVE riffs. From Milton Keynes too. So we have got to represent you know?
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
There is a band called Hands Off Gretel that are KILLER. Wicked Grunge vibe, similar to Mudhoney, Hole etc.
Loud, raw, noisy with great songs, HOWEVER, they are on stage when we are this year. So… that SUCKS.
Who would you recommend for next year?
Be awesome to see the guys in Dinosaur Pileup headline or Lower Than Atlantis. Two insane live bands.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
You aren’t going to find a better scene of music than London, I don’t think. The whole festival is so diverse with so many different venues and bands all SO close to each other.
Healthy Junkies
Healthy Junkies play their own style, full of raw energy and are here to entertain, without compromising to fit in. Full to the brim with memorable songs and a show that you won’t forget. Head towards The Black Heart for 19:30.
(Nina Courson, Healthy Junkies. Photo credit: Lisa Knight)
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
We are looking forward to seeing the bands we know like Weekend Recovery, False Heads, Indya, Bexatron, Black Sixteen, The Soap Girls, The Kut, Hands Off Gretel, The Ramonas, Skarlett Riot, St Agnes, Echobelly, The Professionals, October Drift and of course PIL. Also, we are looking forward to stumbling across bands that we don’t know already, that is always one of the best parts of a festival like this…
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year
Fortunately, the bands we do know are not particularly clashing with each other…
Who would you recommend for next year?
We would recommend A void, Jellly, Pollypickpocketz, Neon Animal ( Who played last year), Minatore, Starsha Lee, Yur Mum, Spider Redundant, Dragster. These are all bands we have played with many times and like to hang out with. There are more of course but these bands spring to mind.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
I would say that Camden rocks festival is an amazing day out. It is mayhem, chaos, live music, encapsulates the spirit of rock and should not be missed on any account… You get to see top, well-known bands alongside cool new and up and coming bands. If you like live Rock bands then this is your fix…
Cavalcade
Cavalcade not just your average alternative indie rock band, toe-tapping tunes with a complete sense of sentiment. Already gaining the backing of This Feeling, these lads are ones to watch. Go down to Crescent for 15:30.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
False Heads, Sisteray, The Kings Parade, Lucie Barat, Maximo Park, PIL to name a few. Our lead singer and bassist (Connor and Tom) went to see False Heads last year and have been banging on about seeing them live ever since so we’re all pretty buzzed for that. Our boys Sisteray always put on a huge show and they’re playing an hour or so after us at The Crescent so they’re definitely ones to get down for! I’m personally buzzing to see The Kings Parade, I saw them a few years ago and I’ve been a big fan of them ever since. The lead singer has an incredible voice and I love their style. They’re playing the same venue as us as well actually but much later in the night.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year
Towers of London. Tom was really into them when he was about 13, but their set is half an hour before ours on the other side of Camden. I reckon he’ll try and catch the first couple of songs but it will be a tight squeeze!
Who would you recommend for next year?
I’d love to see SHEAFS play at KOKO or something, those boys deserve a big stage. One of the best up and coming bands around in my opinion! We also recently played with a band called Modern Strangers who are really good live. A couple of our mates have also really got into their tunes since.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
It’s just a great day out for all age’s man. Our mates and our parents and their friends came last year and everyone just had a quality day in the sun with booze and great live music – what more could you want? I’d also say that it’s a great platform for up and coming bands. As much as the festival always has fantastic headliners, we’re more excited to see and support the less well-known bands – it won’t be long until those bands are headlining so get in there before it happens.
Natalie Shay
Natalie Shay creates a beautiful fusion of indie pop sensibility within her music. Only 19 years old, Shay has won multiple awards for her music. Down at Brewdog Accoustic for 15:30.
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
Natalie Shay ;)… Natalie Shay because it’s myself. Eliza and The Bear. Maximo Park. Eliza and The Bear because they have been one of my favourite bands for a long time. They’ve released some new stuff recently with a fresh sound I’m looking forward to seeing it live.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
I’m not entirely sure on that yet
Who would you recommend for next year?
Little Comets.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
A great way to discover new music and watch your fave bands too all in one place. Not many festivals offer opportunities to completely unsigned acts like this.
Leontas
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
We are really looking forward to seeing: Twin Atlantic! They totally blew us away from the first time we heard them on the radio. So we’d love to see their show. Also very curious to see Blood Red Shoes. They are one of the hottest rock duos at the moment so they are our direct competitors! Always in a good way though. Let’s not forget our very good friends that are also performing this year and we will be going to support. I am talking about:
Panic Island, who are also releasing their new Single “Kiss America” on the same day. Flavour Nurse, whom you definitely have to check out if you haven’t! Via Dolorosa, whose show will keep you breathless from start to end.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
We will be playing quite early actually. Our stage time is at 12.30 which means that we will be done by 13.00. So hopefully will manage to catch all the bands that we want to see.
Who would you recommend for next year?
There’s a lot of amazing bands out there!! But if I had to recommend someone it would be The Escapes. We auditioned with them for another festival and they were sublime.
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s
We all love Camden Town. It was the first place I went to when I first came to London and I just fell in love with it forever after.
Edgar Road
Who are you looking forward to seeing at Camden Rocks Festival 2018?
We are really stoked about the opportunity to see Twin Atlantic and our fellow competition winners Thieves of Liberty and the suspects. We have been big fans of the La Fontaines for a good few years and hope to get a chance to hang out with the groovy dudes.
Is there any band you want to see that you’ll be forced to miss this year?
I think we will hit all the main bands we want to see but are looking forward to going walkabout for a long day of rock and rum
Who would you recommend for next year?
We would love for our good friends “Gordon James and the Power” who are gaining recognition at a speed and also a true visual and audient experience with North Scotland Rock gods “Livestrong”
How would you sell the event to someone thinking of attending this year’s festival?
A colourful mix of full-on festival vibes with a plethora of backdrops in good old Landan town mate.