Nineties alt.rockers Jesus Jones are getting their act together, writing new material and performing at the Gigantic Indie All Dayer (28 May). They tell Big Issue North their festival needs are simple.
Tell us what you’ve been up to since last summer?
Since last summer? Are you insane? Last week is already a distant memory. Highlights would probably include the tour we did in November and finally, finally cracking on with some new writing and recording all throughout the winter.
How would you describe your sound?
Truculent and determinedly individualistic, led by the nose and whatever is most interesting in bass-centric music. And then some far less pretentious guitars in a caveman-style.
You’re set to play Gigantic Festival 2016 – what can we expect?
A really great live band with a lot of songs you hadn’t remembered to forget, the soundtrack to a few parties past as well as some rocking new songs.
Who else are you excited to see at Gigantic?
I’m really excited to see the House of Love again. I loved the House of Love album in what, 1989? And songs like Love in a Car were very influential on me for years afterwards. Speaking of influential, the Wonder Stuff will be great as ever but it’s not like I won’t be familiar with them after all the tours we’ve done together. (If I’d imagined myself writing that sentence in 1988 I’d have been blown away.) I’m hoping we make it up there in time to see Menswear and Bentley Rhythm Ace too.
If you could curate your own festival what would the line up look like, with artists dead or alive?
It would be pretty eclectic with a lot of dubstep, trap and drum ‘n’ bass (the artist Corporate would have to be there, as would Pegboard Nerds and Joe Ford). I’d like to give Dirty Nil and Bear Hands a shot. Aqualung would definitely be there. My get-the-punters-in focus would be Iggy Azalea.
What’s your best festival memory?
Surviving Reading 1990. Who takes a baking potato to a festival to throw at a band?
What’s in your festival survival kit?
Red wine and a nurse. What else could you possibly need?
Apart from music, what should the ideal festival have?
A keen and curious crowd.
Antonia Charlesworth
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