Glastonbury’s Michael Eavis will be introducing music acts in the Pilton tent at the Royal Bath & West Show; we offer a sneak preview of who’s playing.
Imprints
Lively gypsy folk rock band Imprints has just gained a slot on a stage at Glastonbury, and will be performing on the Pilton stage on the Friday of the Bath & West Show.
From humble beginnings six years ago when Andy Truckle and Vince Martin busked on the streets of Falmouth, they have now moved to Bristol and gained three new members – Tom Bangham, Tom Cornwall and Annie Wright.
“The Bath & West Show is local for us, I’ve been going since I was in my pushchair,” says Kate Middleton, band manager. “We’ve played there for the past three years and it’s fantastic, the audience always end up dancing.
“They’re all exceptional musicians; Vince on the violin is insane. He can play things that most violin players can only dream of while doing a jig! You can be sure to have an entertaining night.”
Square One
Five musicians from Taunton make the band Square One. “It’s best described as whisky fuelled southern rock,” says Sam Boxell, singer and guitarist.
The local lads have recently played London’s O2 in the Country2Country evening, as well as various local festivals, garden parties and beer festivals.
But this is their first time at the Bath & West Show, and they’re excited about the set. “Our set is really high energy – on our recordings it sounds quite polished but on stage we put so much energy in we’re literally dripping in sweat when we come off,” says Sam.
“It’s a longer set than we’re used to so it will be nice to bring out some of the songs we normally don’t get time to play.”
They write all their own music based on life experiences. “Our lyrics have meaning, it could be about relationships or parties – I’ll go to the boys with an idea or a few lines then we’ll build on it together,” explains Sam.
“We’re lucky because we have our own space so we can record as we’re figuring it out, then it’s finished there and then.”
Joining Sam is; Andrew Willett on lead guitar, Dan Russell on banjo and mandolin, Ben Jenson on bass and Sam Boughten on drums. “They all sing too so they’re on backing vocals as well.”
Having started the band in 2015 they have gone from strength to strength and have 24 gigs already set up for this year. “Every time we play a gig we’ll have five people come up to us afterwards and ask us if we could get involved with their beer festival or garden party.”
Molly Anne
Also playing on the Friday is Molly Anne, who will be bringing a touch of country to the stage with a soulful country-inspired sound mixing elements of indie and folk. She draws inspiration from artists like Bob Dylan, Passenger and Mumford and Sons and has been enjoying sell-out headline shows in her local county of Gloucestershire as well as supporting performers like Noble Jacks and Cara Dillon on their UK tours.
“I will be returning to the Bath & West Show with my solo show in a Nashville, songwriters-session style performance,” says Molly. “Sharing the stories and the processes behind my songs, I will accompany myself on acoustic guitar and harmonica along with my distinct vocals.”
The Leylines
Founded by a group of musicians in Weston-Super-Mare in 2013 the band comprises Steve Mitchell (vocals/guitar), Hannah Johns (violin), Dan Thompson (electric guitar), Sean Booth (bass) and Dave Burbidge (drums). Each bringing their own individual music styles, they have created something which isn’t quite folk and is sort of punk.
Their unique sound, combined with Steve’s lyrics centred around life on the road and the state of society, has launched the band into the heart of the live music community and made them firm favourites on the festival circuit. They have had national tours including Glastonbury Festival, Beautiful Days and Big Feastival.
Live music will take place throughout the Bath & West Show, with other performers including Rule the World – the UK’s best Take That tribute band, with The Leylines headlining on the Friday night. The Pilton Tent is surrounded by fresh local food and drink suppliers, and there is even camping on-site, so why not make a true festival of it?
