Culture Interviews Music

Bastille: An interview with Dan Smith, Chris Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson at Victorious Festival

Bastille: An interview with Dan Smith, Chris Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson at Victorious Festival

Festival hopping sounds like the perfect description for this summer’s activity of synth-pop rock band Bastille, as the four-piece run across the country to perform at three festivals (Reading, Victorious and Leeds) in three days for the utter satisfaction of fans. Dan Smith, Chris Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson know how to put on a show that is not only a pleasure for the ears but, most importantly, a fully enjoyable experience in big crowds, and they confirmed it time and time again during this August Bank Holiday: dancing until the ground trembled and engaging on and off stage, all with state-of-the-art video installations playing out in the background.

Just a few weeks ago, an extended edition of their latest project, Give Me the Future + Dreams of the Past, was released as the completion of a concept album tackling themes of escapism, nostalgia, technology and relationships, featuring mixtapes and top-level collaborations, and marked by synth-pop and hyper-danceable rhythms.

The Upcoming caught up with the band just before their show at Portsmouth’s Victorious festival to talk about the inspiration behind their live performances, their most fun song to play and the style of their new hits.

Cristiana Ferrauti

For further information and future events visit Bastille’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Shut Off the Lights here:

More in Culture

Bar Douro London Bridge to reopen with month-long Portuguese street festival celebrations

Food & Travel Desk

London Restaurant Festival returns in 2025 with new events, hidden gems, and citywide culinary celebrations

Food & Travel Desk

Parasol opens in Dalston, reimagining The Nest as a new cocktail and music bar

Food & Travel Desk

Iginio Massari brings the art of panettone to London with a masterclass: “Without curiosity you don’t improve”

Filippo L'Astorina, the Editor

Arcade Fire at the Royal Albert Hall

Filippo L'Astorina, the Editor

Damiano David – Funny Little Fears

Benedetta Mancusi

The Deep Blue Sea at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Ruweyda Sheik-Ali

Gunthorpe’s The Anchor and Tom Browns reopen after full revamp

Food & Travel Desk

Hallow Road

Andrew Murray