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Interview: Jeremy Cunningham of Levellers
He’s a man well acquainted with Shiiine having performed at both our Weekenders in 2015 and 2016. Ahead of his third appearance this November with The Wonder Stuff, we catch up with the one and only Miles Hunt…
Hi Miles. You seem to like Shiiine On… How would you describe it and why should artists play it?
It’s big, it’s busy and it’s very well put together. Like a traditional rock festival but with no threat of rain or horrible toilets.
What are your views on people who call it retro even though the vast majority of acts on the line up are still recording new music?
People are more than welcome to their own views, I’m way past contradicting other people’s idea of what we’re doing these days. A waste of my time and energy.
The Bescott stadium. What was the best part of the event?
Looking out at so many enthusiastic young faces, no matter that it was pissing down of rain and there was no bar. We were all there for the togetherness of it all. Oh and for the tunes. It will remain a very happy day in my memory.
What’s your thoughts on Brexit, Trump and society in general?
Our media is a fucking disgrace. Our politicians are a fucking disgrace. And if we all allow this to continue, then we are all a fucking disgrace.
Back in the day there was only NME and a few other bits of and bobs of music press. How do you view social media and it’s impact on music today?
The internet in general has weakened youth culture. I’m glad that I had my formative years in an age before social media. Everything is worse for it.
What was the first album you ever bought?
Honestly don’t recall. First 7″ was Golden Earring’s ‘Radar Love’ though.
If you had to pick, what are your top 5 Stuffies songs?
Sing The Absurd
Room 512, All The News That’s Fit To Print
On The Ropes
Good Deeds & Highs
Oh No!
Do you have any plans to tour the old albums?
Not at the minute.
Why aren’t there any decent front men with opinions anymore?
There probably are. In fact I know there are, Samuel T. Herring from Future Islands is amazing. The problem for people our age is that we’ve seen so much brilliance in our years. It’s hard for us to see originality or to be impressed. But I do know what you mean, there does seem to be a disproportionate amount of dreary little turds out there these days when it comes to them having opinions. Where indeed are the new Lydons, Strummers, Wellers and Robinsons?
Did pop eat itself in the end?
Fuckin’ years ago mate.
Can you give us 10 great tunes people may not have heard before?
Yep, mine and Erica’s new album ‘We Came Here To Work’. Now go rectify that.
What’s your favourite Wonder Stuff t-shirt? And favourite other band t-shirt?
I’m not much of a band t-shirt wearer, but I do love my gold embossed ‘Super Yob’ Slade t-shirt that my brother got me a coupla years ago.
What is the best gig you’ve ever been to as a punter?
Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Slade, The Jam, Jane’s Addiction, Damien Dempsey, Faith No More. Too many to choose from.
It’s your third year at Shiiine – what’s been your highlight from your previous two appearances?
Having a gentle fag with Ian McCulloch from Echo & The Bunnymen out behind the main stage. Now there’s a proper fuckin’ rock star!
What’s the best festival set you’ve ever played?
No memory.
And what about the worst?
Headlining Reading Festival in 1992. I may have had too much to drink.
Finally, do you have a message for those going to Shiiine?
Enjoy yerselves, look after each other and stay away from the brown acid.
Milo xxxx