But if that's not enough... then take a peak at my interview with Welsh rockers, Kids in Glass Houses!
Ahead of their headline show, which saw Merthyr Rock out with a bang, KIGH took time out of rehearing for an exclusive on the MRock fan blog. Find out what front-man Aled Phillips had to say before the weekend about the festival, the future and the stuff in-between!
How are you guys feeling about headlining Merthyr Rock this year?
Excited and a bit nervous.
Does it feel extra special to headline a festival in Wales?
Any show in Wales is special so headlining a festival adds that little bit extra.
Who are you looking forward to seeing this year at Merthyr Rock and why?
Future Of The Left. A hugely underrated band who deserve to be loved.
You guys curated one of the stages last year, how was that? How did you got about choosing the acts for the stage?
It was fun and challenging. We just looked at bands who don’t always get the breaks they deserve and tried to help in a small way.
So you did a gig at Le Pub recently – how was that? Why was it so important to you to help out?
It was great. It’s difficult being a small venue, making enough money to keep going and the gig world needs these small venues. Remember kids, small is beautiful.
What do you think of the impact that Merthyr Rock has had on bringing awareness to great Welsh music?
Anything that gets Wales and it’s music into the national consciousness is important. Merthyr Rock is just the sort of thing that makes that happen.
The Smart Casual vinyls are looking awesome! You must be proud of them? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Most bands want a ‘record deal’, not a ‘CD deal’. Vinyl is great.
How has it been playing Smart Casual around the UK again? Any particular highlights?
It’s nice to re-visit songs that we rarely play these days.
Do you have any pre-gig or pre-going-on-stage rituals?
Nothing. That sort of things a bit naff.
Have KIGH got anything big coming up in the next few months/2013 that the fans should look out for?
Album number four.
What have you guys been up to this summer?
A few shows and a few holidays. Some drinking and some fornicating.
If you could create your own ultimate festival, which bands/artists would you have playing (dead or alive)?
Prince and Michael Jackson. Anything else would be filler.
What are (or would be) your favourite songs to get you pumped to go on stage or on a night out?
‘Nothing Compares To You’. Sinead O’Conner’s version.
What are your personal favourite gigs that you’ve been to?
The good ones that you can’t remember the next day.
What are Kids in Glass Houses’ five festival essentials?
Prophylactics, johnnies, alcohol, condoms and booze.
You can find the interview and much more on the Merthyr Rock fan blog!
