It isn’t often that we see incredible local talent such as Girl Friend, and Glass Caves, come together with the established musical names of, Jess Glynne and Circa Waves. This year, Live at Leeds Festival is boasting an extensive line-up which brings the likes of upcoming disco-pop Girl Friend, with the infectious indie-rap of Rat Boy and the surreal vocals of Dan Croll. Girl Friend is to join the epic line up as the tenth anniversary of this iconic festival brings the music industry together as a community and shares respect and gratitude for music in all its various forms across the city.
We went and asked Girl Friend, about their set at Live at Leeds, and what they think about the line-up.
Stephen McMahon: Hello Amory, firstly just tell me about the band Girl Friend. Also, where did the name come from?
Amory: Girl friend, it’s a strange thing. We’ve gone through a few incarnations of this band. Originally we had a couple of session players, and we all had a similar trait in that we would joke about stealing people’s girl friends. Eventually, it became a name that stuck. I don’t know who suggested it, but we thought the name itself would work for a band, so we gave it a chance. It became a challenge though with that name, because if anyone searches us on Google, there is probably 40,000 results before you find our music.
SM: So talk us through some the atmosphere at your shows. I can imagine it being quite upbeat, a lot of dancing, the noise, the audience. How do people respond to hearing your music live?
A: Well that’s kind of what we have in mind when were creating the actual music, we want that kind of disco element to it. It’s pop, it’s supposed to be fun. Our gigs are supposed to be a place where people can forget the normal world and just have fun and let go. So I guess that’s what it’s all about. People seem to connect with it well, as long as they’re all dancing then we’re doing it right
SM: So Live at Leeds, I believe it’s your first time at the festival, are you excited?
A: Yeah we’ve never played the festival before, but we have played in Leeds. We worked with a couple of producers there, and we actually played there at the beginning of the year. I do really like playing in Leeds, and I think we may have played the venue that we are playing on Saturday. (Belgrave music hall at 4 o’clock)
SM: What is getting you most excited about the festival to say it’s your first time?
A: There are a few things really. All of the acts are really varied, I was looking at it online – We Are Scientists are playing, Jess Glynne, Blossoms, who we know from both coming out of Manchester and having connections – really nice guys. I suppose the fact that it’s just so varied and so welcoming too newer bands whilst also incorporating the bigger established bands as well. It’s a great mix.
SM: So what do you have in store for the show?
A: Well, you’re going to have to wait and see. There will be some intense pop music as ever! We’re going to have a new lighting setup which is really cool too, but its one of those things you have to come a see for yourself to really experience.
SM: There are many other acts at this festival and loads on at the same time as you but at different venues. What makes you so different? What makes you stand out? Why should people see you at 4 o’clock instead of another act?
A: Maybe just listen to our newest track, ‘Tragic On The Dancefloor’ and if you like it and feel like it is worthy of your time at 4 o’clock then come and see us. I’ll make sure its worth your while. You can hear the track on Soundcloud, soon it will also be on Spotify. Also, while you’re you at it, listen to the rest!
Amory – Girl Friend – Live at Leeds – Sat 30th April – Belgrave music hall – 4 o’clock.
For all information on Live At Leeds go to the website – http://liveatleeds.com
Follow Stephen McMahon on Twitter @McMahonRadioDJ and join him on his exclusive radio show, The Fresh Music Fix, for an update on all the best music that is only a few days old!
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Mondays from 5pm with Stephen McMahon on The Fresh Music Fix
You can Listen to the full recording of the interview here
