Lyrebirds talk to eFestivals at Hard Rock Calling

Hard Rock Calling 2009 interview

By Nick Hagan | Published: Wed 15th Jul 2009

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June 2009
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH, England MAP
£45 for Saturday
Last updated: Mon 15th Jun 2009

Following in the footsteps of Editors and White Lies, Brighton four-piece Lyrebirds are already blazing a trail with their compelling brand of gloom rock, despite being as yet unsigned. Efestivals grabbed a few minutes of their time to talk festivals, free booze and future ambitions.

So how's the weekend been for you so far guys?
It's been really fun. We're the only unsigned band here this weekend, and we haven't had anything out yet. So it's great we can play here.

So how did you land a slot at Hyde Park Calling?
Blagged it! (laughs). No, it was through our management. They're pretty good. So this is our first festival. Well, we did Great Escape. It was a great one to do, but not quite the same as this.

So what do you make of Hard Rock Calling as a festival?
This is much more of a full-on festival, with lots of different stages, loads of big names. It's great, there's some great stuff on the bill, and it's all quite varied. The whole festival seems to have a really nice, chilled out vibe. It's a great alternative to Glastonbury actually.

Who else are you looking forward to seeing over the weekend?
Tonight, Neil Young. He's a legend. We also saw Echo and the Bunnymen last night, they're like complete heroes to us. They were amazing, really cool. Oh, and Mumford and Sons- they're on in two minutes!

Don't worry, we'll make it snappy. What are your plans for the future?
We're doing a single on Chess Club, which is out September, October. Then hopefully do the first record at the end of the year. All the songs are ready for it, and we can't wait to get started.

Finally, any top festival tips for people going this summer?
Take EVERYTHING you can! Pack it all it. Bring sunglasses with two arms! And get a press pass- there’s free booze! Some of the people who played didn't even get that, they were trying to break in! All these journalists were blocking them! So yeah, get a press pass and you're sorted. And see Echo [and the Bunnymen] if they're playing.
interview by: Nick Hagan


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