Bastille singer Dan Smith talks about Reading Festival and Glastonbury

How was Glastonbury?

It was really fun thanks. I've been as a punter for the last six years so it was great to be able to go back with the band and play. Luckily we played on the Friday and got the gig out the way so I got to just enjoy the festival for the rest of the weekend. We were totally blown away by how many people came along to see us as well.

How do you feel about performing at Reading this summer?

We can't wait. It was definitely our favourite festival last year in terms of the gig we ended up having. We're playing on a slightly bigger stage this time round so let's hope anyone comes along to see us.

Have you been there before as a festival-goer rather than a performer?

Yeah I went a few times when I was younger. In fact it might have been the first festival I ever went to.

What were your Reading experiences like?

The lineup is always awesome, I saw loads of bands there for the fist time. The camping is always a bit mental, but I seem to have got away without any third degree burns so far.

What do you think of the line-up this year, and the headline acts in particular?

I'd love to have seen Eminem. I used to listen to him loads when I was a kid. We saw Greenday play at a festival in Germany recently and they were awesome. I'm also looking forward to seeing Major Lazer, Alt-J, Haim, CHVRCHES and MSMR. Loads of bands.

What can the crowd expect from your set?

A mix of stuff from our album, mixtapes and EPs. I think our live sound is a bit tougher than us on record, and I guess we'll just try and have fun.

Read the full interview in today's Advertiser and tomorrow's Express, as well as an interview with Arcane Roots.

See next week's Advertiser and Express papers for interviews with Biffy Clyro and Funeral For A Friend.

Interview courtesy of Jenny Entwistle at Chuff Media.