It’s 2000trees weekend! Hooray. Three days of debauchery at Upcote Farm near Cheltenham, alongside 120 of the best rock bands around – including Upset faves Lower Than Atlantis, The Menzingers, The Front Bottoms, Nothing But Thieves, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Deaf Havana, Mallory Knox – and Jamie Lenman, who definitely recommends bringing some loo roll.
Hey Jamie, how has 2017 been treating you so far?
It’s all been very exciting since January – I’ve released two singles, and now I’m gearing up for a UK tour. Lots of rehearsals, interviews, designing t-shirts and cover art, etc.
So you’re playing 2000trees soon – have you been before?
I have been there before yes. The best thing I experienced was when I managed to convince the person on the bacon buttie stall to pop a hash brown in there as well – and then I ate this marvellous thing while watching the St Pierre Snake Invasion perform what felt like a headline set on the main stage even though it was only about 2pm.
What’s your favourite thing about playing festivals like 2000trees?
There aren’t many festivals like 2000trees, maybe ArcTanGent, but that’s a bit of a cheat. It’s a lot smaller than your average; it feels a lot friendlier. It’s like the organisers still remember/know what it’s like to be a festival goer themselves and keep that in mind when planning everything, so it’s a very pleasant experience.
Are there any must-have items you try to take with you?
TOILET. PAPER.
Are there any bands on the line-up you’re looking forward to catching up with, or seeing play?
Well, my buddies the Snakes are going to be there, so it’ll be good to see them, plus Black Peaks and Feed The Rhino, good old chums. Frank Carter isn’t my chum but I hope he will be and I can’t wait to see his set.
Are you going to hang around all weekend to soak up the festival atmosphere?
If I can find that bacon buttie stall again, then I might not leave at all.
What do you think makes the perfect festival set?
Well, you can’t get too deep into album cuts, you gotta cast a wider net really cos you’re not playing to your own crowd, you’re trying to engage the interest of folks who might not have heard you before. Keep it snappy. A fun cover is a defo.
What else have you got coming up this year?
Crikey – more shows, more singles, probably an album at some point and of course a fragrance. One of these is not true.
2000trees takes place at Upcote Farm from 6th-8th July. Visit twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk for details and tickets.
