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 Yonaka, who have loads of new material on the way…
Hi Theresa, how’s it going?
I’m really good, thanks! Currently in Switzerland, as we’re playing a festival.
Have you enjoyed 2018 so far? What’ve been your highlights?
It’s been a great year so far. We’re currently on the European festival circuit, which is a first for us. A highlight has been playing Open’er Festival in Poland and Paleo in Switzerland. And releasing ‘Fired Up’, of course!
Which of your songs typically goes down best with a festival crowd?
Cannot wait to play to this rowdy festival! I reckon ‘Bublegum’, ‘F.W.T.B.’, ‘God’s and Lovers’, ‘Rockstar’ and more!
Do you have anything special planned for your set, like new material or a flashy stage set up?
Lots of new material coming and we’re definitely expanding our show at the moment.
If money and time were no object, what would be your dream stage prop?
A huge bubble, so you enter a new world where you get lost for the time of the set.
Which would be the worst possible band you could clash with from this year’s Reading & Leeds bill?
Kendrick Lamar, because he’s a genius.
Who would you like to see headline in 2019?
Die Antwoord.
Do you camp at festivals, or avoid tents at all costs?
I used to camp, but lately, we’ve been in and out.
What’s your number one tip for surviving a weekend in a field? You’re not allowed to say staying hydrated.
Powernaps.
What are you up to for the remainder of the year?
Lots more festivals; a London show in October; writing, recording, releasing more music.
Taken from the September issue of Upset. Yonaka play Reading on Friday 24th August, and Leeds on Saturday 25th August.
