2000 Trees Festival Preview: Interview With 'Hell Is For Heroes'

Ahead of their performance at this years 2000 Trees Festival we've had a quick chat with Hell Is For Heroes.

So, you’ve played some of the biggest festivals in the country; are you excited to play 2000 Trees?

We are! It’s a festival where each year the line-up is great. I think we’ve been asked to play it in the past and always loved the idea, but weren’t really ready to play shows. We’ve played some shows this year and really enjoyed it so we’re super excited for this one.

Any interesting stories from previous festivals you’ve played?

Somewhere in Europe [I can’t remember which festival] we were due to go on but couldn’t find Justin our singer. We took the risk that he’d be within earshot of the stage we were playing so just went on, struck a chord, introduced ourselves and started the first tune. Turns out he was having a pre-gig visit to the bathroom. I have never seen him move as quick as the sprint onstage that day.

2000 Trees has a capacity of 5,000, how does this add to the atmosphere of the festival?

A festival of that size makes you feel like you’re surrounded by kindred spirits. I think a lot of bands are going to play some of their favourite ever shows at 2000 Trees.

Which bands are you hoping to watch while at the festival?

We’re just there on Saturday, unfortunately, but we’re gonna try and catch as many bands as we can but hopefully we’ll catch Basement, Raging Speedhorn, the headliners Enter Shikari, and maybe see what’s going on at the Forest Stage too.

Any tips for someone’s first time at 2000 Trees?

Not really. Have fun but don’t be a dick!

What’s your go-to festival food?

Eating’s cheating.

Your recent headline tour was incredible – Shepherd’s Bush Empire exploded with passion and energy – was it as easy as it looked getting back into touring?

Thanks! It did all come together quite naturally. We rehearsed A LOT, but even early on the songs were feeling good. And just spending time together with each other … the whole thing just felt like a celebration.

Does 'Neon Handshake' still feel as big a record as it did back in 2003?

BIGGER!

Will the audience at 2000 Trees get to hear more tracks from 'Transmit Disrupt' and the self-titled album compared to your headline tour earlier in the year?

Not sure yet, we have no other shows lined up, so we’re still chatting through what we want to play …

What’s the plan for Hell Is For Heroes in the future?

Not sure about this either! We have loved playing shows this year, and we have some ideas floating around for new music that feels good. I think once 2000 Trees is done, we’ll maybe work on the new stuff a little more and see if it’s worth sharing.

Finally, what’s your number one festival tip?

Look out for your mates.

Will x

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HIFHLDN/

Interview - Jake Williams