It’s Reading & Leeds time – the second to best long weekend of the year, only beaten by the chocolate-filled one earlier in the year where you also get Friday off too. You know the one, right? Goodo. Anyway, a bunch of Upset’s fave bands are going, and a few of them have filled out our getting-ready-for-Reading Q&A, including our pal Awsten from Waterparks. He’s really not a fan of camping.
Hey Awsten, how’s it going?
I just woke up, and I’m holding a hot coffee on my face. We’re currently on Warped Tour which means I feel like I’m about to die at all times.
Have you enjoyed 2018 so far? What’ve been your highlights?
It’s been pretty nice for us as a band! I just put out a hair dye with Manic Panic which is the hair dye company I’ve used since before we mattered, so that’s cool!
Which of your songs typically goes down best with a festival crowd?
‘Take Her To The Moon’ has become a new favourite and pretty much always goes off super hard. I like playing ‘Lucky People’ too. And all our other songs too.
Do you have anything special planned for your set, like new material or a flashy stage set up?
I have things in mind for a stage set up, but we’ll see if that can happen. Stuff can be tricky to pull off overseas.
If money and time were no object, what would be your dream stage prop?
Jesus, this is a damn question. I’d make Otto dress up like a cherry, and Geoff dress up like a minion. I’d wear my mom’s wedding dress and instead of confetti, $100 bills would rain from the ceiling, and a riot would start and strobe lights would be blasting everyone in the building. God, I’m a monster.
Which would be the worst possible band you could clash with from this year’s Reading & Leeds bill?
Fall Out Boy because I wouldn’t show up to the Waterparks set.
Which of the headliners is your fave?
Panic Urie has such a flawless voice, he makes me insecure. Pete’s lyrics are my fave though.
Who would you like to see headline in 2019?
Waterparks.
Do you camp at festivals, or avoid tents at all costs?
Oh my god, never. I’ve never even been camping. I skipped school a few times to get barricade at shows, but I’ve never camped for anyone haha.
What’s your number one tip for surviving a weekend in a field? You’re not allowed to say staying hydrated.
1. Don’t.
2. Don’t go.
3. Get a hotel.
4. Why would you ever.
5. Big mistake.
What are you up to for the remainder of the year?
For the remainder of the year we’re gonna be touring and working on things because here in our cute as pop band kingdom we never stop doing THINGS.
Taken from the September issue of Upset. Waterparks play Reading on Friday 24th August, and Leeds on Saturday 25th August.
