More about: 2000 Trees Festival

Have you ever been to Cheltenham? Mate, it’s bloody lovely! We’re talking quaint buildings, a beautiful countryside, gorgeous scenery and generally just somewhere lovely to hang your hat and chill out. Yeah, there is nowhere better to take the time to relax and just appreciate everything peaceful about life. Wait a second… do you hear that?

It’s a distant rumble, footsteps, lots of footsteps, shoes for stomping, shoes for stomping and dancing and moshing, heading right this way! Wheels, wheels of drum cases and amps, massive amps, higher than these quaint buildings could ever dream of getting. And, what else, that smell, that unmistakable smell and atmosphere, an atmosphere of unfulfillment merged with being too full of oneself… oh god… must be musicians! And finally, the unmistakable sensation of good times laced with distortion and heavy drums… oh god… must be 2000 Trees!

“It’s one of our favourite festivals and a highlight of the summer!” - Henry Cox, Boston Manor

2000 Trees is a festival which is not only loved by those who attend but has received praise from those who have played in the past. It gives smaller bands a chance to get their music in front of those who want to see and provides them with a space to return when they get big.

“2000 Trees is my favourite of all the UK festivals. It’s really awkward saying that, because you don’t want to upset the other festivals, but it’s one of the first festivals that took a chance on us when we began. We played there in 2015, then played the main stage, then came back and headlines the second stage in 2018. We’ve had a long history with that festival. They help young, small bands to get a start by offering them a platform, so it’s always been my goal to come back. This year, it’s the biggest slot they’ve ever given us, second from top on the main stage. At this stage in our career – with a second album that’s not even out yet – that means a lot. I think the festival aligns with then values and ethics of the band, which is really cool.” – Will Gould, Creeper

“2000 Trees Festival have been OG supporters of Tigercub. I remember the first time we played, I saw so many people wearing t-shirts of smaller alternative bands that I liked… It seemed like this really was the place that people come to support upcoming music, I was proved right when I walked on stage later that afternoon as there was a full tent of people raging out of their minds to our set.” – Jamie, Tigercub

Starting on July 5^th, the festival is going to come round quick. So, who should you be checking out if you’re heading down?

SOFT PLAY

It was only a few months or so ago that legendary rock two piece formally known as ‘Slaves’ announced they were getting back together under the new name, ‘SOFT PLAY’. Following this announcement, if you were to study the bands social media, it becomes clear they’re neck deep in making new music, which will hopefully be released at some point this year. It also becomes clear, that whilst this new music is getting made, live performances are pretty rare, except for their headline set at 2000 Trees.

There are many reasons why this duo became so popular after the release of their debut. They have a sound that invokes the rebellious spirit of 70’s England, one that takes you back to the 100 Club, tattoos and mohawks around you, Vivienne Westwood smoking in the corner and Sid Vicious pogo dancing and fighting. The music is also a lot of fun though. It’s giddy anger. One that will have you screaming out mantras of “cheer up London” one minute and laughing with your friends the next.

One of the main reasons the two became so popular was the vigour and energy they brought into their live shows. They were untouchable at the time, with no one else being able to match their energy or encapsulate an audience in the same way. It’s good to have them back and anyone in attendance at 2000 Trees will be lucky to see them.

Bob Vylan

Speaking of two pieces who bring a good live show, another band that you simply cannot miss is Bob Vylan. Following a review of Bob Vylan earlier in the year, it’s hard to deny that Gigwise are big fans. A wholesomeness and an anger comes with each track they play, and there’s a real community during their sets, but the energy that comes within that community is enough to get anyone excited. Real rebellion, proper anger, proper anger articulated to the 9^th degree, all placed with bookmarks of light stretching and fans climbing on stage. There is no proper way to articulate the importance of Bob Vylan and how vital it is for anyone heading to 2000 Trees to catch their set. Just trust us.

Prima Queen

Prima Queen have been making waves for a while now but following the release of their debut album and the positive reception it’s received, those waves are now a full blown tsunami. They’re only just getting properly started and already smashing it, with a clear diversity in their songs and a genuine poetic nature behind their lyrics. 2000 Trees forms a run of different festival shows that they’re doing this summer, the demand being a clear reflection of their ability as songwriters and as a live act. To put it plainly, Prima Queen simply aren’t a band to miss.

Black Honey

The Tarantino fanatics this year added a third banging album to an arsenal set to kill with “A Fistful of Peaches.” There is rock n roll embedded in every tune they write, even if the earlier pandering for chart placement was anything but. Nevertheless, these are still a really fun band to catch live and should certainly be on your ones to watch list heading into 2000 Trees.

Electric Six

Let’s face it, musicians, and we as fans, can all be a bit serious every now and then. It’s all good worrying about looking cool, or raising a fist to Bob Vylan and Soft Play, blurting a big fuck you to the corrupt, using the undeniable medium of music to give a voice to those who can’t speak up for themselves, but you’re at a festival, why not have a bit of fun on the side?

There is a massive place in music these days, where a lot of acts are self-obsessed ‘punks’ who are about as rebellious as parking on double yellows to pop into an off license and buy a kombucha, for artists who take their craft seriously but not themselves. Bands smashing it at the minute include the likes of Viagra Boys and Warmduscher, but the OGs are heading to 2000 Trees and as such, why not let loose with Electric Six?

I don’t care how cool you think you are, how dressed to the nines you are, the minute you hear that sexy little lick that opens the door to ‘Danger! High Voltage’, that all goes out the window, it’s dancing shoes on and get those hips a moving. A lot of music today forgets to have fun, so remind yourself of the fun at 2000 Trees with an Electric Six set.

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More about: 2000 Trees Festival