Reading & Leeds 2014 60 Seconds With… Of Mice & Men

Following the recent release of the band’s new album ‘Restoring Force’ - and prior to their massive UK tour with Linkin Park, which culminates with a date at The O2 in London - Of Mice & Men will headline The Pit stage at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival. Drummer Valentino Arteaga spares a little time to answer a few quick-fire questions.

Hello Valentino, how are you?
I’m doin’ well just chillin’ out at Warped Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.

Are you planning anything special for your Reading & Leeds sets?
We’re really excited to be playing new material, so that will be really special.

Have you been to the festival before?
This will be our first time and we couldn’t be more excited!

You’re playing the Lock Up/Pit tent, is there anyone else on that stage you’d especially recommend people to go see?
Issues, Woven War and Crosses.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing yourself?
Our fans!

If you could book any band at all to headline the festival, who would you choose?
Rage Against The Machine ‘cause they’re one of the best bands on the planet.

You’ve just released your new album, ‘Restoring Force’, how has it been going down with festival crowds?
The new material has been going over great! ‘Feels Like Forever’ has some of the loudest crowd singing of any song we play.

What have you got planned for beyond Reading & Leeds?
We just announced a tour with Linkin Park in November that goes through some UK and European markets, so come see us again soon!