The Futureheads' David 'Jaff' Craig talk to eFestivals

eFestivals got the chance to have a quick chat with the elusive David Craig a.k.a 'Jaff', the bassist in Sunderland based band The Futureheads ahead of their headlining performance at this year's Split Festival on Sunday 26th September alongside Maximo Park.

The Futureheads have been incredibly busy this summer playing festivals and gigs all over Europe, you guys where also one of the first bands on the bill at Leeds last month- how did it feel to kick off one of the UK's biggest festivals?
Playing Leeds and reading is always a laugh. We've played 4 times now and this was our second main stage performance. We loved every second and seeing that many people out to see us at 1pm was class.

Of course you're set to headline Split festival this month, which was originally set up and organised by the band. Is playing Spilt fest more special to you than being asked to play some of the bigger more established festivals that are around?
Split is the coolest! It's great for the area and it's great for us. Sunderland has produced some excellent bands over the years so it's only right it has a festival to match its musical output.

Do you feel as though there is more pressure on you guys when you play Split? Almost like there's more to prove considering you first organised it?
All local shows are the same pressure not just Split. This is our 10th year of being in the band so we're used to a lot of different situations. I think because we've always kept our feet on the ground and always loved Sunderland that the people from here respect us-so the show is gonna be great.

Wow you seem pretty confident, have The Futureheads never had a bad gig in Sunderland then?
We never have bad gigs there, one time a man punched a women in the face so we had to stop the gig, but those where the days...

Okay... moving on! Barry recently spoke about a cappella album from The Futureheads can we expect a taste of this from your set at Split?
Ha. We're recording an 'a cappella' record this year for release early next year. Whether or not we showcase it to split is, as they say, for us to know... sorry could I be more vague, ha ha.

November sees you guys embarking on a UK tour with Biffy Clyro, I understand the guys from Biffy personally asked you to support them? Can you tell us a little more about that?
Biffy are on Warner brothers, our old label. Allegedly, Warner didn't want us to get the tour but Biffy insisted. We've played with them a few times and they're great guys. So, how do you like them apples Warner's?

What are the bands plans for next year? More touring, ha ha?
A cappella album, a little tour, a new record? Who knows...

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