Bloodstock Bound: Tealdeer
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 Tealdeer
The Razor's Edge: Please introduce yourself and your band mates.
Tealdeer: BUCK UP, tealdeer is here! We got Ted Claxton providing vocals and general stage hype, Phil King (me) shouting on bass, Tommy Ratcliffe on guitar and clean vox, Rob Green on the drum kit, and ODM (Ominous Deer Man) himself on lead guitar.
The Razor's Edge: How would you describe your sound?
Tealdeer: Ominous Deer Anthems. We give you the breakdowns and anthemic choruses you crave, and twist it up with a different dash of crazy in every song. Gothic choirs, carnival vibes, Easter eggs galore, they're all welcome here.
The Razor's Edge: How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?
Tealdeer: We have been fortunate enough to be able to work with Harry from Mosaic Music for the best part of the last year. His management secured us a slot in Metal To The Masses, where it was then our job to take it to the finish line along with our awesome fans.
The Razor's Edge: How tough was the competition this year?
Tealdeer: Absolutely off the charts! Round 1 saw us up against contest favourites Frame The Hero, which was real skin-of-the-teeth stuff, not to mention our personal favourites which includes the likes of Hrönn, King Abyss, and Death Warmed Up. Even in the semis, Speaking With Spirits made history by spawning the first ever row pit at The Tap n’ Tumbler!
The Razor's Edge: What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?
Tealdeer: As individuals, we have all seen our fair share of minor success from our past projects. To play Bloodstock now, together, feels like a culmination of our past training. We said when we started tealdeer, “let's do it properly”. Bloodstock really does feel like a badge of honour, a mark of pride and an extreme privilege all wrapped into one package.
The Razor's Edge: For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?
Tealdeer: We aim to bring our fullest energy to every show, whether it's Bloodstock or in your back garden. Expect to see ODM donning his infamous mask, Ted going balls to the wall with energy, and music that makes you want to get up and get weird. We'll be opening up some pits, but don't be too surprised if you see some ballroom dance or waltzing in there too…
The Razor's Edge: What day are you performing?
Tealdeer: Friday - set times TBA, keep your eyes peeled on our socials.
The Razor's Edge: What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?
Tealdeer: ODM is itching to see Thrown, and Rob loves Trivium so he's hoping we don't clash. The rest of us are likely to be hanging at the New Blood stage, taking in all the new talent and hoping to widen our network of friends for more fun in the future.
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?
Tealdeer: The timing of Bloodstock itself is brilliant for us, as we have recently released our latest EP called MENACE, available now in all the usual places! We are aiming to use that as a jumping off point to play shows further afield, build our audience more and generally keep up the momentum we've gained from Metal 2 The Masses.
The Razor's Edge: Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?
Tealdeer: Us Burtonian peasant boys have never had the luxury of attending Bloodstock before! Living so nearby, I imagine most of us will be going back home to nap before hitting up the festival again in the morning. Ideal, because that means we can hang out wherever we like until whenever we like, and by no means will any of us be having an early night!
The Razor's Edge: You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?
Tealdeer: ODM loves his beer, so expect to see a cup in his hand most of the time. I need constant fuel like a hummingbird, so it's energy drinks for me. The others aren't so picky, except for perhaps Ted who hydrates with good old fashioned H2O to make sure he's in top shape to perform. That man needs no Dutch courage anyway!
The Razor's Edge: See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!
Tealdeer: Thankyou for having us, and remember: if it's gold that you hear in your ear then it's tealdeer, ᛗᛟᚦᛖᚱᚠᚢᚲᚲᛖᚱ! Go say hi to us on socials, check out our music, and hit up our merch stands. Ominous Deer Man send his blessings to whoever reads this, and wishes you all a happy Bloodstock!
