Festival Q&A: Chris McCormack — Festival Organiser, Camden Rocks
Camden Rocks Festival returns to the pubs and clubs of Camden this summer (June 1–2), and this year’s lineup is looking stronger than ever, with a staggering array of acts to suit almost any music taste. For live music lovers, there’s no better way to experience the most exciting up and coming artists, all within shouting distance of each other.
We’re particularly excited for this year’s festival, which sees headliners Frank Turner and Deaf Havana joined by the likes of The Pigeon Detectives, Ash, New Model Army, The Wonder Stuff and Carl Barât to name just a few.
We spoke to festival organiser Chris McCormack to get the inside scoop on this year’s festival along with a few tips for those looking to go off the beaten track.
Tell us a little about the history of Camden Rocks Festival.
We did the first Camden Rocks back in 2009 with just twenty five bands and five venues. From there it’s escalated year on year to where we’re at now with four hundred bands in twenty venues over two days!
How has the festival changed over the years?
It might have gotten bigger but the essence has always been the same — great music in great venues, with a good dose of Camden spirit thrown in.
What sets Camden Rocks apart from other festivals?
We’re a small independent business and we work putting on shows in Camden with emerging talent all year around, so what you see at the festival is the cream of the crop of emerging talent coming through.
What can audiences expect at this year’s festival?
We’re super happy with this years line up and think it’s our best yet. Whatever kind of music you’re in to you can expect a cracking day out in Camden.
There are over 400 bands and artists playing at Camden Rocks this year, how do you organise such a huge lineup?
It’s a year round job, the only way to manage it is by starting on the next year’s event pretty much as soon as the festival finishes! We have a great team too and must give a shout out to all the Camden venues who play a big part in this running smoothly.
With so many artists to see, who are your personal picks for this year’s festival? Any hidden gems?
There’s a load of great young bands coming out of Scotland that I’m excited about. Check out Heavy Rapids, Rascalton and the Dunts. I really want to check out Strange Bones and Desperate Journalists too.
Who would you most like to see perform at Camden Rocks in the future?
The Sex Pistols… If they ever toured again. They were a massively inspiring band for me.
Any advice for first-time festival goers?
Make sure you pick up a festival programme… we give these out free at the wristband exchange and it has all the stage times etc so you can plan your day and keep an eye on everything.
Where can our readers keep up with the latest news from the festival?
On our website www.camdenrocksfestival.com there’s a great preview page where you can check out the profiles of each band playing. And you can get a feel for the weekend on our socials @CamdenRocksFestival (Facebook) or @CamdenRocksFest (Instagram and Twitter).
That’s all for this week’s post, but if you’re heading to Camden Rocks, what are your picks for must-see bands this year? Feel free to let us know in the comments, and in the meantime, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
