With just one calendar month to go until Uncut’s favourite event of the summer, we’ll be bringing you daily artist previews, news updates and prize giveaways as we count down to Suffolk…
Today: The Gaslight Anthem‘s guitarist Alex Rosamilia took a couple of minutes out of the band’s hectic touring schedule to tell Uncut about their just announced slot at Latitude 2009…
UNCUT: You’ve been on a lengthy US tour, before hitting Europe, have you noticed any differences in how you are received by fans on both sides of the water?
ALEX: I have noticed that different countries have different reactions to music. Some have a physical reaction, and some have a more pensive reaction.
U: Live, do you have to prepare any differently, mentally, when playing large festival shows compared to your own club shows?
AR: I listen to the same 5 songs before any show. That way, I can be in the same mental state no matter where I am.
U: Do you have time to write new material while on the road?
AR: We’ve actually just started. When you’re on the road as much as we are, it’s hard not to write on the road.
U:You’re playing the main stage at a lot of big festivals this summer, including Latitude, how does that feel? Will there be any surprises?
AR: Well, our fans would come to any stage to see us. And we are working on a couple covers….
U: You’re playing the main stage the same evening as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – will you be watching them perform? Are there any other bands on Sunday that you’ll be checking out? Wild Beasts? Magazine?Thom Yorke?
AR: Heck yeah, this festival in particular is one I’m definitely looking forward to.
U:What is your top festival survival tip!?
AR: For bands or fans, water and sunscreen, and in the UK – wellies!
The Gaslight Anthem play the Obelisk Arena at Latitude 2009 on Sunday July 19
For a chance to win a signed copy of The Gaslight Anthem’s ‘The ’59 sound’ album and a t-shirt, go to Uncut’s competitions page here! There are three sets of prizes up for grabs!
Don’t forget; you can still get tickets for the four-day event; with music headliners including Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds here at www.latitudefestival.co.uk