A Taste Of New Blood – Broken Calling

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If you are a frequent at Bloodstock you’ll know how amazing the talent of the New Blood stage is. This year is no different and we here at The Rock Fix love seeing the new wave of bands breaking the mould and disrupting the fabric of the scene. That’s why we reached out to Broken Calling and spoke about their upcoming set at this year’s Bloodstock Open Air and what it means to them to be playing the festival!

Hope you’re doing well! With Bloodstock creeping ever closer, how are you feeling about hitting the New Blood Stage?

Martin: Excited but I know I have to hold in the urge to go completely feral and climb the sides of it.

Connor: It hasn’t fully set in yet that we’re playing one of the biggest festivals in the country. For us it’s a dream come true.

Bloodstock is one of the leading festivals when it comes to giving up-and-coming artists a chance, how important do you think this platform is for aspiring bands?

Martin: Incredibly important. I think more festivals need to take note, a lot of the “old reliable” headliners are getting to the end of their runs now and I think all the layers of the cake need to move up, without supporting the underground and bringing up the newer headline worthy artists it’s not a sustainable scene.

Connor: Same answer as Martin really! It’s always about “What’s next?” You always hear about who the next big Festivals bands will be, and the next generation needs their chance to show their Metal! (Pun intended).

Being at the UK’s largest metal festival, how has your preparation changed compared to a normal club show?

Martin: For myself it’s a move bigger, play tighter mentality, even if that’s me over compensating for the stage fright.

Connor: A lot more prep, and paperwork! But it’s all worth it! We want to make the most of this!

A band’s image and sound are a big part of what makes them attractive to a wider fan base so how would you describe your style?

Martin: In fashion or music? In music I’d say we’re quite melodic in style with a lot of new metal influences and some heavier and more out there sounds for added flavour. In fashion? charity shop finds.

Connor: 6 nutters who want to just make some noise, have a good time, and dress however we want! I think the rule book gets thrown out with us!

The music landscape is ever-changing and social media is a big part of that. With bands like Bad Omens and Sleep Token gaining massive popularity through TikTok, how do you think that’ll affect metal as a whole?

Martin: I think it’s an incredible thing for the metal landscape, it’s diversifying the available influences that younger bands can pull from as metal in all its forms is being more accepted by the mainstream and the tours that are happening now are insane.

Connor: For me it’s a double edged sword. On one side like Martin said it’s great for up and coming bands to get out there and spread the word of what they do. But it also means you’re judged on your numbers, not your music. Especially when those numbers can be manipulated.

Over the past few years, countless local venues have unfortunately had to close their doors due to rising costs. What are your thoughts on the current state of grassroots music venues around the area you’re based?

Martin: I know I should be supportive of all aspects of the scene but honestly for a lot of grass roots venues I feel like it was inevitable. Before Covid it was hard for them to bring people through the doors and build a regular crowd, because the business model was unsupported and many promoters just didn’t do their job. With very few people, bands weren’t getting paid the expenses making being in a band or running a small venue incredibly difficult and expensive.

Connor: If you’re worried about your local gig venue closing. Go to their gigs. Support Promoters, Bands and Staff. Pack out their shows. The only way we survive is together. The Government definitely doesn’t do enough either. Our song ‘Redemption’ says what we think about them.

Let’s get a bit more light-hearted! Obviously, you have your own set to look forward to at Bloodstock but which band on the lineup is your must-see ACT?

Martin: Personally, Black Coast, In Flames and Knocked Loose are my immediate fan girl bands.

Connor: We actually have a fair few mates playing this year! Black Coast, Pryma, Beyond Your Design, Shoot To Kill to name a few! But obviously we’re gonna check out the big boys like Knocked Loose and Killswitch Engage.

With Festival season, unfortunately, nearing an end, do you have many plans for the upcoming colder months?

Martin: We’ve got an excursion to Europe to finalise but that and probably working on a load of new material.

Connor: We are planning a Euro run in November! Plus a cheeky show here and there. And maybe even a new Track!

That’s all I’ve got for you today! Is there anything you’d like to add or promote?

Connor: We’ve just dropped our new Single ‘Virus’! Out on all Streaming platforms! Featuring our new Vocalist Tanzy Velane! So check that out! And we’ll see you all on the New Blood Stage! Saturday 12th August! Be There!