Download Festival 2017 - Day One Review

SOMETHING very weird has happened. Download Festival has had a whole day without rain. Not only that, but it was sunny - proper, fucking sunny.

'But what of the bands?' I hear you ask. Well I'll give you a spoiler alert - despite the sun and beer and quality music all around, the day all ended a bit flat. But we'll get to that.

Motionless In White - Picture by Paulo Gonçalves

For once I was at Donnington bright and early and ready when NORTHLANE kicked off on the main stage and the Aussie boys were cracking and followed by the very popular MOTIONLESS IN WHITE. Great stuff to get the juices flowing.

I moved about for a while, taking in bits of ASTROID BOYS, CODE ORANGE and MACHINE GUN KELLY. The latter of those bands I didn't quite get and their cover of Oasis' Wonderwall was appalling - even if it did get the crowd singing.

MASTODON were next on the main stage and they too were a little disappointing. Not the band, I must say. You could see they were working their socks off and giving it their all as always, but the beautiful intricacies of their musicianship were - oddly - blown away in the wind. The sound just didn't carry as best it could. I did still enjoy the set though.

And then came the double-whammy that really cranked things up for me. I love a bit of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and they did not disappoint with a fierce set that included many of the favourites including Burn MF, Was It All Away, Bad Company and ended with The Bleeding. 

Five Finger Death Punch - Picture by Ben Gibson

They were followed by PROPHETS OF RAGE, who really rocked. Chuck D has such an amazing presence and the rest of the band were superb. Their set included a poignant tribute to Chris Cornell as they played a vocal-free version of Like A Stone. Beautiful.

SUM 41's return on the second stage was a welcome one. Frontman Deryck Whibley does look like he's been through the ringer, but there is still a power and angst there and some of the new songs are excellent. Alas, I missed the classics - Still Waiting, In Too Deep and Fat Lip - as I had to get to the main stage for the headliners.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN have a rightful place in rock and metal royalty. They are as original as they are brilliant in their music creation. I was excited to see how this translated to a live performance - a first for me. And it was a disappointment. For me, Serj Tankian's voice just didn't seem up to it and Daron Malakian seemed to have the hump with him.

And I don't think I've seen such a static headline act. Shavo Odadjian made something of a fist of it, but Serj and Daron were happy to remain behind their mic stand at all times. That meant the energy that their songs possess just didn't come across. It was OK. But you expect a lot more than OK from your headliners.

WEAK13 release video for Obey The Slave

UNDERGROUND post-punk band WEAK13 have released the video for their song Obey The Slave.

The track is taken from their 2016 album They Live and the video was filmed in a magistrates' court. It revolves around the theme of law and order with the song raising questions about authority and activism.

The band is currently preparing to record their second as yet untitled studio album with producer John Stewart at FrEQ in Coventry, England. 

Frontman and guitarist Nick J Townsend said: "We were so impressed with his engineering on the They Live album; it's important news that we'll be able to work with him again and we know already that he'll do the new material the justice it deserves." 

You can find out more about the band and the album at weak13official.com and watch the video below.

And check out the Q&A the band did with RealSoundsOK here.

Chris Flaskas Q&A

Your name:

Chris Flaskas.

Where are you from?

Born and bred on the famous Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Who else is in your live band?

I have been predominately been a solo multi-instrumentalist for some time now but as of late have finally formed a small band. I use a drummer trained in Middle Eastern percussion, and switch between a bassist and a lead guitarist. I play guitars, didgeridoos, harmonica and do vocals. 

How would you describe your sound?

I have branded my sound as "Earth Rock" which is a colourful mixture of roots, indie, rock, blues and folk. We have been described to be extremely uplifting, upbeat, funky and powerful with a touch of tribal spirit. 

Who are your main influences musically?

My Dad has probably been my biggest hero and inspiration. Since I was a grommet he's been gigging with many different bands. I also dig Xavier Rudd, John Butler, Ash Grunwald - actually theres too many to list. I'm really influenced by many genres and artists. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

My goal is to travel abroad globally playing shows, sharing my music's message and to becoming recognised as a key Australian singer-songwriter talent in the industry for my compositions. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Wow there have been so many highlights. I get a huge buzz off playing to big crowds. Some happy memories: 

1. Fans coming up and expressing how much my music has touched there heart and changed their life. 

2. Playing MainStage at local festivals. 

3. Supporting The Black Sorrows, Ash Grunwald, Wild Marmalade w/ Paul George from Tijuana Cartel, Kooyeh and many other Artists I love. 

4. Recording my first Album (A NEW SUN), my E.P (When The Gold Is Gone) and finally my latest Single release (Kings Of High). 

5. Touring. I love it.  

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

My capo exploding at an intimate show and the parts shooting in people’s faces. Haha funny, but not funny.  

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Ohh Maybe "When The Gold Is Gone". It’s tribal raw roots, what I love and do best. 

Where can we listen to it? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLOj8M3Zlg

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.chrisflaskas.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChrisFlaskasMusic/

https://twitter.com/flaskas_chris

https://soundcloud.com/chris-flaskas

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

Music has become more than an self-expression for me it’s become a way of living and viewing life. Each and every song is so special capturing a snippet of time in the past or future at that very moment it was created. I have come to see the importance for music in our world and am grateful as an emerging artist to understand this truth and share the heart of music with you all. Cheers for the recognition.  

Apollo Hooks Q&A

Your name:

Dylan Mitchell.

Where are you from?

Sydney, Australia.

Name of band:

Apollo Hooks.

Who else is in your band?

Jules Wucherer - Guitars, Theo Henry - Drums, Jordan Glass – Bass.

How would you describe yourselves?

We’re nice guys, I think. We’re ok at playing music too, so that’s alright. We play a bit of modern rock mixed with the tiniest hint of pop.

Who are your main influences musically?

Tom Petty, Powderfinger, Prince, John Bonham’s right foot, anyone in-tune...

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Just to be able to have it as a full time job would be epic! Hopefully people like it along the way too.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Finishing "Whatever You Do, Don’t", because it took three years and we FINALLY did it.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

When one of Australia’s top radio stations were premiering our single and they ended up playing a Nine Inch Nails song by mistake… And it wasn’t a GOOD Nine Inch Nails song.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Probably Coming Home. It’s an honest rock song tackling the real life issue of PTSD. We came up with it as a band and it’s my personal favourite on the record.

Where can we listen to it?

All good online retailers.

Where can we find out more about your music?

Official - www.apollohooks.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/apollohooks

Twitter - www.twitter.com/apollohooks

Instagram - www.instagram.com/apollohooks

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/ApolloHooks

Without Wings Q&A

Your name:

Kyle Turner.

Where are you from?

Sydney, Australia.

Name of band:

Without Wings.

Who else is in the band?

Simon and Roger on guitars, Moose on vocals and Shaun on drums

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

Musically I would say we are a progressive rock band that love to be loud and punchy but then also melodic in a way that we will stay in your head forever. As a group of guys we are all fun and energetic, always looking for ways to stir one another up for a laugh and maintain our strong camaraderie.    

Who are your main influences musically?

The biggest two are definitely Karnivool and The Butterfly Effect. Whenever we hear or talk about their songs the conversations last for ages and often turn into Shaun bringing up a video of them on YouTube mid rehearsal then realising 20 minutes have passed by.  

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To be honest when we became a full line-up it was without any major goals or agendas. Individually we each just wanted to have some fun playing and collaborating with strangers, and seeing what sort of relationship and sound we would build together. Once we knew we were clicking together and decided to hit the recording studio, it became a bit more results focused. Even still the main desire is to just play music with one another and have fun with it. It would be nice to reinvigorate the prog rock scene in Oz and give a different taste and feel to the genre, but so long as we are having fun and people are digging the sound we don’t mind where it takes us. 

What has been the highlight of you career so far?

Definitely the EP release. Whilst we have all been in other music scenes and bands, I myself never had the chance to take it to a recording studio and experience the actual printing of something with my name on it, so I’m very excited and happy to have done it in a genre that I hadn’t participated in before. And also do it with some great blokes.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Having just shared my excitement at being in a studio for the first time it’s probably also something that caused the most stress, and at times made us experience each other’s limits for the first time as well. Whilst it was an amazing process and 99% of it was incredibly fun, that 1% was enough to make us realise that next time we hit the studio it will be with a different and more organised approach.  

If you had to pick one song to represent your music what would it be and why?

Definitely Fire. When describing the band we say loud and punchy but also soft and melodic. Well, that describes Fire. It’s certainly the song that helped us find our sound and direction for the future.  

Where can we listen to it?

Here on Spotify

Where can we find out about your music?

We are on most social avenues of course, you can find us on Facebook, Spotify, iTunes and we also have our official website withoutwings.com.au where you can grab a copy of Catharsis.

Lucid AfterLife Q&A

Your name:

Nat Jack.

Where are you from?

Vancouver, Canada.

Name of band:

Lucid AfterLife.

Who else is in your band?

Thom Turner on guitar, Miles Morrison on bass and Matt Shearlaw on drums.

How would you describe yourselves?

Describing Lucid AfterLife to someone who has not been to see our live show is like describing a five-tab LSD trip to someone using only a stick. We give everything we have in every note. I am half-athlete, half-musician out there.

Who are your main influences musically?

Each member of the band has his own influences and bring them to the table, the styles are all over the place. Lately I have been listening to a lot of Bowie, Porcupine Tree and the The Mars Volta but I would say I played Monster Magnet on repeat when I was a young buck so you’re going to hear a bit of them in some songs

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I really don’t think there is more that I need to achieve, music is here and I can make it and hear it quite well, so I am grateful for that. The business side of things can be a real bore for me but I know it’s just part of being passionate about delivering my message on a wider platform.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Just getting to know my band mates on the road, jamming with them and making tunes. I am really just a mad man with a mic so being surrounded by the guys who bring real talent to the band allows me to explore deeper as a song writer, there is nothing like a spontaneous jam live on stage.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Forgive but don’t forget amigo.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

On the upcoming EP we have a song called “In All That I see”  I would say if I had to just pick one it would be her. The song paints an atmosphere that is perfect for the story that transpires. Lucid AfterLife is not about one style or genre it’s about enveloping a story with the certain vibe that allows you to become enthralled in the song .

Where can we listen to it? 

The song is not released just yet but there is a pre-sale link to the album at bandcamp.com (see below). The best way to hear it first is to sign up for our mailing list at lucidafterlife.ca

Where can we find out more about your music?

lucidafterlife1.bandcamp.com

Facebook.com/lucidafterlife

Or just email me directly at info@lucidafterlife.ca and we can chat riffs

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

I would like to thank you guys for taking the time to interview us and want to thank all the loyal Lucid fans who have been following and supporting through the years. I hope you guys enjoy our new EP “Occult Mafia Mistress” and we look forward to seeing you in your city.

Saint Sapphire Q&A

Band name:

Saint Sapphire.

Where are you from?

Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Who is in your band?

Samuel Morgan - Vocals, Guitar

Jack Walsh - Bass, Vocals

Thomas Ferris - Guitar

Andy Bowden - Drums

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

Liam Neeson herding sheep to loud guitars, loud bass, loud vocals and louder drums.

Who are your main influences musically?

Our influences generally range anywhere from the classic punk outfits like The Clash and The Buzzcocks to newer rock outfits like Foo Fighters, Green Day, My Chemical Romance etc.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To make good tunes that people like, and to hopefully make a few quid to buy some new clothes.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Definitely when we were compared to Green Day on a radio station in England, that was really cool for us! To be mentioned in the same breath as one of our main influences alone is surreal!

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

We once played a gig in Banbridge just outside Belfast where everything was just not going well, we had received a bollocking from the headlining band who honestly weren’t very nice people at all due to misunderstandings with gear etc and everything was just going wrong, but everyone has bad nights! Happens to the best of us!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Our newest single ‘Underneath The Sun’ is probably our favourite song (out of the ones we’ve released but more on unreleased songs later).

Where can we listen to it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pJPaDdaiFE

Where can we find out more about your music?

We’re on most social media sites, just find us on Facebook at Saint Sapphire and find us on Twitter and Instagram on @saintsapphireuk

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

Just make sure to keep up to date on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc about new releases! More information regarding our next release should be dropping very soon! 

Decline The Fall Q&A

Your name:

John Castiel.

Where are you from?

Malta.

Name of band:

Decline The Fall.

Who else is in your band?

Ehren Fenech : Drummer

Fabio Negro : Bassist 

Matthew Mercieca : Lead Guitarist 

Kris Farrugia : Rhythm Guitarist

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

We're four Maltese and an Italian that joined the band all in different times.

I personally describe ourselves as two trouble makers (John & Ehren), a father-like member ( Kris), The Italian that we all pick on (Fabio) and the nice Giant (Matthew).

Our music is a lot of different genres because we all come from different styles of music and we do our best to put all our influences in one song.

Who are your main influences musically?

We all have different influences and all have different favorite bands but if I had to mention some bands that we all agree on are Bullet for My Valentine and Killswitch Engage 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We're working hard so that maybe, we can actually make this our career 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

I think so far the highlight was the first gig. We had over 200 people for our debut and my first time singing with a band on stage. It was amazing.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Fabio wearing flip flops on a television interview. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Well if I had to pick one song that we released I would go for Mortal Men. It was the first song we released and it's something special to us. Now there are more songs that we didn't release yet that we would say THIS is us.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IptpdC0hfm8

Where can we find out more about your music?

facebook.com/declinethefall

twitter.com/declinethefall

Weesp Q&A

Your name: 

Lex.

Where are you from?

Minsk, Belarus.

Name of band:

Weesp.

Who else is in your band?

Mike (guitar)

Mi (bass)

Gul (drums)

Stak (keys)

How would you describe yourselves?

We make authentic alternative rock, using heavy guitar riffs and fat synth sounds. Although in general it’s rather dark, it’s also very energetic and sincere.

Who are your main influences musically?

Muse, Deftones, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Joy Division, Black Sabbath, Massive Attack, and many more.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We just want to be heard. We like to travel with concerts, meet new people, share our feelings about everything through music. We like experimenting and I hope that one day we can develop and bring a bit something really new in the world of music.  

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

We have recorded a debut LP album, called ‘The Void’ last year and had three European tours since then. We intend to keep that up and make bigger tours, maybe perform at some big festivals soon enough.  

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Oh I can’t remember any for some reason.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

If I have to choose only one - let it be ‘The Void’. A title song from our last album. It’s much less heavy that most of our songs, but, you know, it has one of those atmosphere that are very common for our band's music. It’s easy to feel and hard to describe. It is very unusual song and that is why we love it.

Where can we listen to it?

https://youtu.be/IiBolCm9PBM

You can also find it on your favourite streaming service or digital music store.

Where can we find out more about your music?

Website: http://www.weespofficial.com/

Biography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weesp_(band)

Subscribe to us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/weespwilldestroyus

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weespband

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BANDWEESP

Follow us on VK: http://vk.com/weespband

Feel free to contact us: weespband[AT]gmail.com

Buy our releases, CDs and merch: https://weesp.bandcamp.com/

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/weesp/id925286149

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Thank you for your attention, and please feel free to add on Facebook. It’s always great to have any feedback!

Leaving Eden Q&A

Your name: 

Eric Gynan.

Where are you from? 

Boston MA, USA.

Name of band:

Leaving Eden.

Who else is in your band?

Eve (lead vocals), Ryan Manning (drums) and Johnny V (bass).

How would you describe yourselves?

Well, we def like to have fun! We consider ourselves rock, metal, progressive, alternative  - so that there’s really no box to put us in. We even do acoustic unplugged stuff too!

Who are your main influences musically?

Let's see, we all are influenced by so many great artists but Ryan likes Suicidal Tendencies, Johnny likes Kiss, Eve likes Janis Joplin and I like Sabbath, Disturbed, and way too many to list. Love Ritchie Blackmoore though...

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Great question! I’m not in it for the lure of $$, or even fame for that matter. I just humbly write songs that I hope people will enjoy. We do write provocative lyrics which are reality based so that maybe one could be inspired.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

So many, that’s a tough question. Leaving Eden has toured the USA, UK and Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest national bands in the world including; Lacuna Coil, In This Moment, Black Sabbath (Heaven & Hell), Ronnie James Dio, Rob Zombie, 5 Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Marylyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Puddle of Mudd, Korn, Killswitch Engage, BuckCherry (Jefferson Starship, Big Brother and The Holding Company, Country Joe, 10 Years After, 40th Anniversary Woodstock) Shinedown, Dropkick Murphys, Alice in Chains, Papa Roach, Bret Micheals, Halestorm,Theory of a Deadman, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Hell Yeah, Trapt, Dope, Soil, Fuel, Queensryche, Saving Abel, Hinder, Damage Plan, 7Dust, Sebastian Bach, SoulFly, Days of the New, NonPoint, Drowning Pool, The Misfits, The Butcher Babies, Collective Soul, MushroomHead, Mudvayne, Chevelle, Godsmack, Powerman 5000, 10Years, Taproot, Gin Blossoms, Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG & The Scorpions), Herman Rarebell (The Scorpions), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Kittie, One Eyed Doll, Uncle Kracker, Tremonti (Creed/Alter Bridge) Lamb of God, Slayer, Stone Sour, Motorhead, Blackstone Cherry, HOOKERS & BLOW Featuring GUNS N' ROSES, QUIET RIOT, W.A.S.P. Members, Steven Tyler, Ted Nugent, Lita Ford, LA Guns, Trixter, Warrant, Apocalyptic Review (featuring members of Godsmack) & many more..

We were winners at the 2014 New England Music Awards (Best Hard Rock/Hard Core/Metal Act of the Year), winners of The 2015 Pulse Magazine Music Awards (Best Hard Rock/Hard Core/Metal Act of the Year) & (Sexiest Musician "Eve") and submitted for consideration to 15 categories for the Grammys this year. 

With all that said, Sharing the stage with Black Sabbath (Heaven and Hell) with Ronnie James Dio prior to his untimely death was incredible. I think playing Woodstock Anniversary was full circle in terms of where it all started. Got to hang out with Janis Joplin's band Big Bro and the Holding Co, Jefferson Starship, Country Joe, ya man too cool!

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Well, hmmm, I very, very seldom get drunk, maybe once every two years, and I remember on an off night on tour, we let our hair down (I have a shaved head lol) but anyways, ya probably want to forget doing cartwheels down the street somewhere in the Dakota’s...

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Another good question. Let's see, we got four Albums released to date:

Pinnacle - Welcome To My World -  Between Heaven and Hell - Tied and Bound

So I guess on our Pinnacle album released by Rock Ave Records USA, “Feel Alive” where I believe the lyrics and music are inspiring; “Walk on through before the door closes, you have one shot so you better make it right. The door is wide open, why are you waiting to feel alive?”

Where can we listen to it?

https://soundcloud.com/leavingeden

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/bandleavingeden/

www.twitter.com/Leavingeden

www.linkedin.com/in/leaving-eden-39320010

www.instagram.com/leavingedenofficial/

www.youtube.com/user/leavingedenband

www.soundcloud.com/leavingeden

www.reverbnation.com/leavingedenmusic

www.myspace.com/leavingedenband

www.bandsintown.com/LeavingEden

www.leavingeden.com

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Sure man, wanna thank ya for chatting with us here and ya, here’s our video for We Are Not Alone, https://youtu.be/lLMINm6TV3Y 

We are touring the USA, Canada and Europe so hopefully we can catch ya when we come thru! Peace!

Shadowqueen Q&A

Your name: 
Alex Deegan.

Where are you from?
Melbourne, Australia.

Name of band:
SHADOWQUEEN.

Who else is in your band?
Robbi Zana - lead vocals - bass guitar
Si Hopman - guitar - backing vocals

How would you describe yourselves?
We are a three-piece rock band that plays music that is diverse, dynamic and melodic.
We love music and we have a good sense of humour.

Who are your main influences musically?
So so many, a few that come to mind are Muse, QOTSA, RATM, Bowie, Prince, Led Zep, Queen, Midnight Oil, Kate Bush, Skunk Anansie, U2, Jack White...heaps more

What do you hope to achieve in music?
A healthy fan base worldwide so that we can write, record albums and tour the world.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Getting to support Shihad (NZ). And getting to support The Butterfly Effect (AU). Why? Because we all love and respect those bands.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Wasting time, period.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
That's a tough one because our new album hasn't been released and it's quite diverse, but I'll say our latest single: 'Waiting On You' it's a good representation of where the band is currently at; powerful, melodic, funky, playful and brash.

Where can we listen to it?
https://youtu.be/iXTvkyoIdos




Where can we find out more about your music?
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/sha...
Merch: http://shadowqueenmusic.bandcamp.com/...
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B009M56H4W
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/2J1DmV...
Subscribe to SHADOWQUEEN's channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Shadowqu...
Like on Facebook: https://facebook.com/shadowqueenmusic
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SHADOWQUEENband
Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/SHADOWQUEEN_
Official site: http://www.shadowqueen.com.au

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
Our new single and video 'Waiting On You' is out via all good digital distributors, and the video is on our YouTube page, check it out we hope you like it! Our sophomore album is due for release in early 2017! We hope to see you at a show!