Due to the huge number of bands playing at Bloodstock this year, and the fact that our two roving reporters will actually want to watch some of them, we’re doing a little round of pre-festival interviews this year. We’re focussing on the bands playing the Jagermeister and Hobgoblin New Blood Stages so they get a chance to convince you to go and watch them. , these guys and gals are the future of our musical world!
Bass player Soff takes over the keyboard for Witch Tripper…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We Are From Mansfield, Notts
How did you meet?
Me and Richie (guitar/vocals) have known each other for a few years now. I used to teach at Richie’s studio where he teaches guitar. After I left we didn’t see each other for a few years, then one drunken night at our local pub we bumped into each other and decided we were starting a band up!
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Just over 18 months now – we kicked it all off in January 2014.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Bit of a weird one… I’ve liked this name for a few years now. I had no idea how it got in my head, but I always liked band names – like cool band names. It then turned out Down wrote a song called “Witch Tripper” and that was just it.
What are your influences – individually or as a band?
(Stoff bass) – for me its all the stoner/desert greats, Clutch, Kyuss, Unida, Orange Goblin and of course Sabbath!
(Richie Guitar/Vocals) Jimmy Hendrix, Clutch, Extreme, Slash and Muddy Waters.
(Jimmy Drums) – Motley Crue, Anthrax. Avenged Sevenfold, all the heavy hitters!
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Kinda hard to describe. We have all these common influences and a mix retro and modern rock flowing through. It’s hard hitting groovy and powerful just from the three of us.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
A big fucking party! We’ve probably done around 30-40 shows in the past 18 months we’ve been going, every one has been a blast. We always put our all into it as we love it so much. I would always expect a good time at our gigs!
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
The final of the M2TM show at our local haunt – The Intake in Mansfield. We entered as we’d know we’d get to play with some awesome bands and meet new guys to play with. Never for one second did we think we’d get through to the final, but the crowd and the organisers’ reactions each time were humbling and so unexpected. We actually came came second but the M2tm guys liked us so much they gave us the opportunity to rock Bloodstock. I couldn’t actually make the final as I had tickets to AC/DC in London, so I got the phone call on the bus back to the hotel! That was a good day!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Well what can we say? Hard, groovy and filthy!
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
Well we are headlining the Jager stage which coincides with the changeovers on the main stage so all going well we don’t cross paths with Trivium!!
What are you working on at the moment?
Just finished a new 4 track EP which we hope to have ready for Bloodstock! Booking more gigs for the rest of the year and just getting out there!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
I came and played a gig after an all day drinking session on my mates stag do – that was memorable! (barely). I’m sure Richie has loads of stories from Vampires Rock.
What advice would you give to a young band just starting out today?
Just do it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you could be part of any 3-band line-up who else would you have on the bill? One band above you and one below – a chance to plug a smaller, unsigned act!
Well we’d love to one of our big influences like Clutch or Orange Goblin and I’m Sure Richie wouldn’t mind ing Slash or Alter Bridge, maybe even Sabbath! As for the opening act, well we’ve got loads of pals in bands. I’d ask our buddies in Widows or Master Charger for that honour.
Witch Tripper headline the Jagermeister Stage on the Friday.
Witch Tripper: facebook | reverbnation
