Lodestar festival 2014

20 | August 21, 2014 | cambridge-news.co.uk | Cambridge News

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LodeStar Festival LodeStar Festival has a knack for spotting bands before they make it huge, and it looks to be the case once again with The Ramona Flowers. The Bristolian five-piece, named after a character in Scott Pilgrim vs The World, are Steve Bird on vocals, guitarist Sam James, bassist Wayne Jones, Dave Betts on keys and guitar, and drummer Ed Gallmore.

Already surprisingly popular in Japan, they make “indie-tronic” music featuring some “beautiful moments, then some heavier moments as well”, (Bird’s words not ours), as heard on their debut album, Dismantle and Rebuild.

Following on from a rousing set at Secret Garden Party and tours with Bombay Bicycle Club and Bastille, the Ramonas play LodeStar on the Friday night. And sure, they might not set the world alight with scintillating conversation, but their tunes aren’t half bad.

So Steve, what are your inspirations?

We all like different stuff, but as a band, when we were writing the album there was an American guy called Baths who we’re massive, massive fans of. We were listening to a lot of remixes, M83 and Radiohead too.

What do you want people to take from your music?

I hope they take a bit of joy out of listening to it. Some of the songs are kinda emotional, they might take people to some personal moments in their life, and then also optimism as well.

We’ve got some more uplifting tunes.

You say it’s emotional. What’s it like reliving your darker moments when performing live?

I’m the one who writes the lyrics so it can be quite personal. But it’s also quite inspiring to write a song about a hard moment in your life and then you play it live and people are singing it back. That’s quite a good moment too.

What did you grow up listening to?

Radiohead, Massive Attack and we loved LAMB, we were lucky enough to have LAMB to produce our record.

What were you doing before the music?

I’ve worked in lots of jobs, like lots of musicians do just to get by, working in shops. It

LodeStar Festival is upon us once again! ELLA WALKER rounds up the best the News-backed festival has to offer, and chats to ones to watch The Ramona Flowers

ETHEREAL: Submotion Orchestra

takes a bit of time.

The Guardian compared you to Bono. What do you make of that?

Haha, I get that quite a lot. I don’t mind really, he’s an amazing singer and I think most people at least love some U2 songs. I can’t imagine most people hate all U2 songs, they’re such a great band. It’s great to be compared to someone like that. And if I have half or a quarter the success he’s had then I’ll be happy.

What was it like touring with Bastille?

It was good fun – when we got the tour they were popular but they hadn’t reached where they are now. They went to number 1 while we were out on tour with them so they were just completely loving it and on a high.

What’s been the craziest moment so far?

There’s always mad moments in our band.

Bombay Bicycle Club went to number 1 while we were on tour with them a little while later, so I guess we’re a lucky charm.

what’s on ones to watch

l The Ramona Flowers

l Submotion Orchestra

Leeds seven-piece Submotion Orchestra blend electronica, jazz, dub and soul music, and, if you were at Secret Garden Party, you’ll know they’re ethereally good to watch live.

l Cambridge Improv Factory

Need a break from all the music?

Catch this comedy improv troupe making things up as they go along, and hopefully making your jaw ache with laughter too.

l Son of Jack

The singer-songwriter, real name JP Jones, has written hit records for The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, and is pretty great in his own right.

INDIE-TRONIC: The Ramona Flowers

Writer: Ella Walker Email: ella.walker@cambridge-news.co.uk

For breaking entertainment news for the city, visit cambridge-news.co.uk/whatson – plus follow @CamWhatsOn on Twitter

Cambridge News | cambridge-news.co.uk | August 21, 2014 | 21

l Catfish and the Bottlemen

Current Radio 1 playlist darlings, Catfish and the Bottlemen have earned Zane Lowe’s approval with all their singles being named Hottest Record in the World on release. Their debut album, The Balcony, is out next month peddling happy-go-lucky rock.

Catch them on the Friday night.

Remember 2007 single Worried About Ray? Well you needn’t be worried about Reading indie rockers The Hoosiers; despite parting ways with their record label, they’re still here!

Also playing on Sunday, expect tracks from their new album, The News From Nowhere.

l Delays

Saturday’s headliners, the Delays, are classic indie rockers from Southampton. After taking a break to focus on art careers and fatherhood, they’re back doing what they live, playing live and making crowds leap about.

l FEMME

Incorporating steel drums, as you do, the bright, bold and brash purveyors of 60s styled electro pop FEMME, are headlining on Sunday. Don’t recognise these particular whimsical performers? Check out the single Fever Boy – it’s quite wonderful – also, the Made in Chelsea crew are huge fans.

The BIG hitterss

g number 1 sellin • RÜFÜS are a ming all the way co t ac e us ho to live I’ve asked them from Australia! after party so it’s a DJ as a Sunday to the festival. ish really great fin moth are • Imperial MamLA to play tracks travelling from album Gold from their new tured on The fea Confetti. They eaking Dawn : Br Twilight Saga soundtrack!

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Friday’s headliners Public Service Broadcasting, pictured below, blur the line between music, documentary and history. Spilling electronic riffs across clipped snippets of public service information films from the 30s and 40s, they wear bow ties and send your dancing feet absolutely mad.

l The Hoosiers

These homegguys are wha t rown t alent you call Goldsta r–

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l Public Service Broadcasting

r Festival directo s t’ n Doug Durra top picks:

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ᔡ LodeStar Festival, Lode, Friday, August 29 - Sunday, August 31, gates open at 8am on Friday.

Mid-level tickets currently £20-£65 from (01223) 813318 / lodestarfestival.com.

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Get the latest breaking entertainment news at cambridge-news.co.uk/whatson

It’s not all about the music though. . .

On the food front, tuck into burgers, wood-fired pizza, Thai, doughnuts, vegan, gluten and lactose free stuff and sample booze from local brewery Calvors Brewery, including the LodeStar Festival Golden Ale. Then there’s poi fire shows, Ely’s Suspect Cru Dance Group and adventurous fundraising activities, namely beat the goalie for Addenbrooke’s, power kiting and archery for the Scouts. Plus, zorbing, dodgems, trampolines and craftiness to keep the whole family entertained.