News Reading & Leeds 2011: Cloud Control

Aussies Cloud Control are over in the UK for their sets half way up the Festival Republic Stage, where it’s very likely they’ll play a hefty chunk of 2010 debut album, ‘Bliss Release’. Answering our Reading and Leeds questions on behalf of the band is vocalist Alister Wright.

How many times have you played the festival before? What’s been your favourite?
Yeah we haven’t played before. I guess that means this upcoming gig will be the best by default.

Reading and Leeds is known as a ‘rock’ festival. What’s the least rock ‘n roll thing you’ve ever done - at a festival, or anywhere else?
Before this interview I was playing Fallout on my laptop in the tour van. Video games are fairly low on the rock scale, right? Every day I commit rock crimes.

What’s the best thing about playing festivals?
After playing about a million festivals this summer, surprisingly the best part is still actually getting on stage and playing the thing. You end up spending a lot of time doing nothing and eating corn chips and hummus but then getting up there and slamming it down is still the best.

A few rainy festivals this summer have seen artists going on stage in their wellington boots. Is this something you’ve done or would consider?
I’d probably be more likely to not wear shoes. One time a couple of months ago it rained so hard on stage that my pedal case filled up with water and our guitars stopped working before we were dragged off stage. Ironically the festival was called ‘Hurricane’.

Who’s been your favourite artist to watch at festivals so far this summer?
To be completely honest I don’t usually watch bands at festivals, just hang out and have a good time with friends. Though I did see Chad VanGaalen last week at his own show and it was amazing. Go watch him!

What’s the secret to festival success?
If I told you I’d have to kill you.