Bloodstock Bound: Headcount
As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.
Today we chat with Headcount
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Headcount: We are Headcount, a crossover metal band from Hertfordshire. On lead vocals we have Joe Clinton, on bass we have Ellis Davey, Louis Osman on drums, Alfred Gubby on lead guitar and myself, Joe Francis Milbourn (Milbs for short) on guitar and backing vocals.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
Headcount: We like to get our inspiration from all across the metal spectrum but our style is probably best described as crossover- a dangerous meeting between metal and hardcore. Keen-eared listeners should pick up a variety of other influences in our set though!
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Headcount: We entered the Hertfordshire edition of M2TM at Club 85 in Hitchin and ended up winning!
The Razor's Edge: How tough was the competition this year?
Headcount: Very bloody hard. Hertfordshire is kind of a hidden gem in terms of the UK metal scene and this was very clearly reflected in the quality of bands playing at M2TM. I’d like to give a personal shout out to Broken State who are an incredible live act and I’m sure you’ll see them at Bloodstock before long.
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Headcount: It’s really quite surreal- to be given an opportunity such as this to play music we’ve created at such a prestigious and importantly independent music festival is an honour. To see our name on the line up along legends such as Gojira, Fear Factory and Obituary is mad and I’m not used to it yet admittedly!
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Headcount: The key word is energy. Regardless if we’re playing an early afternoon or evening set, we will always give absolutely everything on stage and we find that this is usually mirrored by the crowd! We’re also suckers for a good hook (no, we’re not going to punch you in the pit) so I’m sure our set will leave a track or two of ours floating in your head for a while. Finally- we have been known to drop a fat disgusting breakdown on unsuspecting crowds, so be prepared.
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Headcount: Sunday- come to the Sabbath!
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Headcount: We’re very excited to catch up with some old friends who are also performing- namely fellow M2TM winners Devil Husk and our very good friends in Lowdown who have been so supportive of us throughout our journey so far. Both are AMAZING live so don’t miss out! Other than that- Obituary, Gojira, Static-X, Mastodon and of course Nailbomb!
The Razor's Edge: Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first steppingstone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?
Headcount: We’re hoping to get into the studio in August the week after Bloodstock to record our debut album which is really exciting- the new material we’ve be playing has had a great reception at our gigs already and we can’t wait to release it!
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Headcount: I have zero clue about where we’ll be- none of us have had the pleasure of attending Bloodstock before- but we’re certainly going to be camping for the duration of the festival!
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
Headcount: I will be doing my part to make sure there are no empty kegs of lager left at the end of the festival, and Alfred will likely be consuming about 5 cans of Monster energy per day. I’ve also noticed Timothy Taylor are sponsoring the event so will be looking forward to many delicious pints of Landlord!
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!
Headcount: See you there! We can’t wait.
