Rat Boy: “Live at Leeds was sick - some kid did poetry up on stage”

If we’ve learned one thing from Rat Boy over the past year, it’s that, when he gets on stage, he likes to cause a bit of a riot. Whether that be with mosh pits, stage invasions, or just the odd broken limb - don’t ask! - Jordan Cardy sure knows how to leave a mark on a festival and this summer, things are only going to get crazier.

Having already appeared at Live at Leeds last year, Cardy’s going to be returning again in 2016 but this time he’ll be headlining DIY’s own stage at The Brudenell Social Club and undoubtedly causing a right ruckus at the same time. Ahead of his stint at the infamous Leeds venue, we sat down Jordan and drummer Noah Booth to find out just how last year went for the band, and how far along the debut album is…

—

You’re playing Live at Leeds for us. How was playing it last year?
Jordan Cardy: It was sick. Some kid did poetry up on stage. He jumped through the crowd, walked on the stage and did his thing. We only played Leeds previously with Circa Waves.

So, is the album done and dusted? Will you be playing new songs?
Jordan: It’s in progress. My style has changed since the first mixtape. Not loads, but it’s cool to have the songs I had two years ago and the ones I have now. Hearing the old vocal takes, I sound so much younger. It’s cool to keep all of that together. I’m excited to make the second album though. I’m excited to finish this one, so I can get that sorted and do the whole process again, bringing in stuff that I’ve learnt.

What’s your favourite festival and why?
Jordan: Whichever one turned us off midway through playing. Freedom Festival! It didn’t even get out of hand.
Noah Booth (drums): It kind of did, because they dragged you off stage.
Jordan: They pulled us off stage, and I went to go back up but the security guard pulled me down the staircase by my neck. The security shut off the power without permission from anyone. It makes people worse, because everyone was shouting and shit. Not sure why it’s called Freedom Festival.

It doesn’t seem like you specifically go on stage and tell people to lose their minds.
Jordan: It’s probably the opposite, the other way round. It just happens. We do it on Twitter sometimes, tell fans to “get mental”. It’s not like people go too far, but you do start worrying about them. You don’t want anyone to actually damage themselves.