The Loop Festival
Brighton…get ready to rock
July 10th-12th
Hi Jason, great festival in Brighton town – the place has always had a huge musical presence – from the days of Primal Scream knocking around everywhere off their tits with Andrew Weatherall, Fatboy Slim and Zoe taking up a residence on shingly beach, The Brighton Festival with the promoters taking everyone up in helicopters, The Zap Club – simply one of the best clubs ever and just overall, for a few years – Brighton was the don. How did you get into the Brighton clubbing scene in the first place?
“Well I’m from London originally – I got into the scene via Pirate Radio, building transmitters around the time of the Jungle and Hardcore scene in 1989 and 1990 for stations like Energy. My best mate moved to Brighton and I used to go down there most weekends, and just simply fell in love with the vibe. Free parties, the legal club’s where similar to those in London – I suppose along with Nottingham, these three towns/cities were the coolest places to club back then.
But then a lull in your DJing career, what happened there?
“To be honest, I just got bored with it all. Bored of DJing. Then I went to the ‘Sonar Festival’ in Barcelona with some friends and it just blew me away. My energy returned overnight.”
What was the first EVER festival you went to?
“Well I think I have already answered that one. ‘Sonar’. The whole way the promoter’s organise it, so professional. The daytime is just superb, Bestival too, off the hook. We have tried to re-create that at Loop – everyone running around Victoria Gardens trying to see as many bands and DJs as possible.”
A big festival at Loop this year – year three, which bands and DJs are you looking forward to the most in July?
“Dan, look at our line up, how on earth could I pick one or two from this lot… Fever Ray, Matthew Herbert Big Band, Squarepusher, múm (live and DJ), Telepathe, The Field, The Juan Maclean, The XX, Datarock, Esser, Joakim and the Disco, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Glimmers, We Have Band, Emilíana Torrini, The Invisible, Tunng, Plugs, Zomby, The Qemists, Riton, CasioKids… need I go on?
I see you are expanding your visuals this year with ‘onedotzero’ – what will they bring to the festival this year that’s new?
“Loads this year. Huge screens, lots of film animation – we’ve always had a visual program in the past, either doing it ourselves or using students from local colleges on courses. This year however, we are stepping up a level.”
Best thing about living in Brighton?
The best? – The Loop Festival of course!”
And the worst thing about working in Brighton?
“Again, to do with club running/festivals. Everyone is so laid back they all buy tickets right at the last minute. Very frustrating.”
What one band that you haven’t had on at Loop would you want to headline?
“Easy, Dead or Alive – Brighton would go mental.”
What do you think takes ‘Loop’ apart from other festivals, what makes you different?
“The diversity line up, it’s not to big just 5000 per day – we have an intimate vibe and very friendly.”
Who is your favourite DJ on the planet?
“Another easy question, 2 many DJs.”
What band, behind closed doors is your ‘guilty pleasure’ at home?
“Ha ha. Prince – but he’s not embarrassing is he?