Gallops are one of the handful of lovely bands playing Upset’s stage at The Great Escape this weekend: you can find us at the Komedia on Friday 19th May from the awfully anti-social time of midnight through to 3am. What else are weekends for, eh? The band’s Mark Huckridge answers a few questions ahead of the event.
Hey Mark, how has 2017 been treating you guys so far? Are you all ok?
2017 has been great so far. We’ve released our new album ‘Bronze Mystic’ and it seems to be going down well. It’s ace to be getting out and playing live, too.
You’re at The Great Escape this month – it’s one you’ve played before, isn’t it? Do you have any previous highlights?
Yes, we have played it before, in 2011 (according to our friend Google). It was brilliant last time we played, it was our first time in Brighton and we love the place. I think it was the Prince Albert that we played last time around, and there was a queue stretching out of the venue to see us. Which was pretty cool/scary. Just looking back at the line-up from that year, we missed loads of great acts. Will try to see more shows this time.
You guys haven’t toured for a while, have you? Are you getting back into the swing of things?
No we haven’t toured for around four years. And yes, we definitely are. Although it’s a bit more gruelling now we’re marginally older. Looking forward to more gruel though, obviously.
Do you generally prefer playing multi-venue festivals, or muddy field ones?
Multi-venue for sure, we are house-cats to the nth degree.
Are you going to hang around for all of The Great Escape? Anyone you’re keen to catch while there?
Yes, we will be there from Thursday to Saturday I believe. Just scanning the line-up now. Would like to see Ikonika and Lee Gamble, but it’d be good to catch things I’ve not heard of before too.
What’s your technique for making the most of festivals?
Go steady on the ales, easier said than done in a festival though.
Are you playing anywhere else this summer?
We have ArcTanGent confirmed and we’re playing some more really good UK festivals, but the line-ups are not announced yet, plus we play festivals in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and China this summer.
Gallops play Upset’s stage at The Great Escape this weekend: visit greatescapefestival.com for all the info.
