Founder Rob Da Bank gears up
for Bestival Toronto and Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle
Rob, great to have you back at DMCWORLD young man, a simply stunning summer ahead of you. There is now less than 60 days to go to this year’s Bestival Toronto…can you please tell us your why you decided that your two headliners The Cure and Tame Impala were perfect to take centre stage this year…
Well I’ve been a long time huge fan of The Cure since I was 15 so we had to get them out to Toronto and Tame Impala are one of the best bands of the last 5 years and suit our psychedelic nature so it should be quite a party!
Great to see Jamie xx back after last year’s insane show on the Temple Stage. One of your personal highlights methinks?
Absolutely. I warmed up for him on the Temple Stage and he totally nailed it. Sometimes its annoying to have someone take over from you on the decks and rock it 100 times more but in Jamie’s case its a pleasure to warm up for someone like him…can’t wait to see him smash it again.
What are some of the major things you learnt from last year’s debut event, some things you are gonna tweak a little this year to make 2016 even better?
Well we held the first Bestival Toronto on an island and whilst it’s always fun getting a ferry to a festival, as we know only too well it did have its ups and downs. So we moved onto the mainland to a great new site closer to Toronto…but overall we were blown away that so many people ‘got’ Bestival straight away and all came dressed up and ready to party!
How much has the music genres changed this year?
Not a huge amount…our headliners are a bit more indie but there’s still a strong DJ and electronic presence.
What were some of your other highlights from 2015?
Nas was off the hook, our boys The Cuban Brothers got naked and rocked it, Flume, Caribou and Justin Martin all nailed it too.
Have you got your outfit sorted yet????
No…never ‘til the last 24 hours! I’m so slack, despite running the biggest dressing up parties in the world…I will do soon though!
Back in the UK at Camp Bestival I wanna mention the Invaders of the Future Stage where once again you will be bringing us a selection of brand new bands. Who are you really looking forward to unveil this year?
“Oh crikey Dan there’s so many amazing acts appearing this year. I’m really looking forward to Sunflower Bean, Vant, L.A. Salami…I could go on and on.”
Why is this arena so important to Camp Bestival?
“To me it’s the beating heart of the festival, it is so crucial for us all to represent who are the next artists coming through.
The late 80s/early 90s wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for Tears For Fears. Proper Balearic. What was your favourite tune from the duo back then and how hard was it to finally get them on board?
We have been after these guys for about six years to be honest, finally! Favourite track? Has to be the 12” version of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’, a classic.
Reggie ‘N’ Bollie. They’re gonna smash it right?
Hahaha – yeah my 10 year old son is very happy about that booking! I’m not a big fan of that kind of show, it’s a bit of fun and I’m sure they will go down a storm…
Acid Housewife with Lottie and Smokin Jo is an incredible part of this year’s Camp Bestival line up. The perfect party girls with the best house music on the planet. Why did you choose these girls of groove?
Charlotte’s husband and head of Wall of Sound Mark Jones wouldn’t stop asking me to book them and I finally caved in! Seriously though, they are a perfect fit for our event and made total sense.
Check out the Official Camp Bestival Aftermovie here…
What does David Roddigan bring to the party?
Ah Mr Rodigan, our first resident for life! He plays for us as long as he lives, that’s deal we have. An absolute legend who just understands our vibe.
And finally, I’ve always wondered…
…have you ever attempted the infamous Wall of Death?
You are joking, I’m not brave enough for that. I’d never get insured for starters…
http://www.bestival.ca
