With Reading and Leeds Festival just around the corner, we decided to see how some of the bands on the bill are feeling about playing, and what we can look forward to from their sets.
This time, we chat to ROAM, the latest band flying the flag for the burgeoning UK pop-punk scene. Having clocked up a summer Stateside on Warped Tour, the Eastbourne lads are preparing for their first time at Reading and Leeds, and as vocalist Alex Costello tells us, things have never been better.
How does it feel to be making your Reading and Leeds debut?
Alex: I am so excited to play Reading and Leeds festivals. I know it’s going to be one that we remember forever.
Since you released your debut album Backbone in January, it really feels as though things have taken off for ROAM. Would you agree?
Alex: I would agree. It’s strange because we felt like we could only call ourselves a real band after putting out our first album. From then on we have had the chances to play countries we never thought we would play like Japan. So I feel like after putting out the album in January things have definitely taken off.
How has Warped Tour been? Has it given you more of a feel for playing to bigger crowds?
Alex: It’s been one of favourite tours to date, first time touring the States in the summer so it’s always good weather. The crowds are definitely growing, and even when they are smaller crowds, there’s nothing to get disheartened about because you’re only growing and have to start somewhere.
What can we expect from your set?
Alex: We still have to think about what we are going to be playing. We do want to change the set up a bit from the current one. We will be discussing it at rehearsal after Warped is finished.
Finally, is there anyone else you’re looking forward to seeing?
Alex: Good Charlotte are always great to watch and Tonight Alive. Good to see them Aussies!
Interview by Luke Nuttall
ROAM’s debut album ‘Backbone’ is out now on Hopeless Records.
The band play the Lock-Up Stage at Reading on Sunday 28th August and Leeds on Friday 26th August.
