Sonic Boom Six's Laila speaks to eFestivals at this year's Y-Not

Y-Not Festival 2014

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August 2014
Mouldridge Lane, Pikehall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2PH, England MAP
£84.50 (+ booking fee) - SOLD OUT

Daily capacity: 8,000

eFestivals had a quick catch up with Laila Khan from Sonic Boom Six after their main stage Y-Not slot.

How many festivals do you have this Summer / which ones?

Laila: After this? Four. We're playing a cider festival tomorrow, and then we're playing Nozstock on Sunday, which seems to be the same kind of bands, like Dizzie Rascal is playing that and then we've got Boomtown Fair the week after that, and then we've got another one I can't remember!

You have been going for over a decade... what's your favourite festival memory?

Laila: Playing main stage Reading and Leeds.
eFestivals: You've played the Lock Up a few times.
Laila: Yeah yeah, we've played the Lock Up like four times before.

The first time I saw you was at Strummercamp; you have played there a few times, would you return?

Laila: Oh god yeah, we've played Strummercamp a couple of times. Yeah, we would return.

How do festivals and your own shows differ to you as a performer?

Laila: With festivals you never really know what to expect, because people are here to see some many different bands, you never know whether they're here to see you or not, but we kinda like the aspect of not knowing. When it's your own gig it's really good because no one's forced to watch ya! [laughs]

What is your favourite festival to play at?

Laila: We love all festivals. As long as there's a crowd there and it's not pissing it down.
eFestivals: Is it the first time you have played this one?
Laila: No, we played this one about three years ago.
Barney: I like Y-Not festival, it's my favourite one!

You are here with bands you have toured with before (Reel Big Fish, Itch), is it a bit like a reunion backstage?

Laila: Yeah, I've just went and hung out with Reel Big Fish on their bus and caught up with them. Itch was in here before. Yeah it's nice. It was good today because all them people watched us from the side of the stage and we were good. I feel like we're never that... whenever people are watching us we tend to mess up and stuff, but no, today was really good.

Is there anywhere you haven't played but would like to?

Laila: Australia, India, Brazil. Yeah, there's a couple.

Any festivals you really want to play that you haven't?

Laila: Fuji Rocks in Japan. I've always wanted to play that one. I know when the Beastie boys went there it was like amazing.
eFestivals: Have you been to Japan?
Laila: Yeah, we've been and played a few gigs but not Fuji Rocks.

How do you feel about Mike Davies Radio 1 show being cancelled? How do you see punk being broadcast in the UK from now on?

Laila: Well, yeah, it's pretty shit, but, it didn't come as a surprise, just because, ya know, there isn't really anything for punk or ska or anything. It felt like it was on borrowed time, just because it's Radio 1 innit. They're gonna favour what's popular or what should be popular.

Your last full length release was your self-titled album in 2012. Any plans for the next one?

Laila: Yeah, we're recording on Wednesday. We go in on Wednesday and start recording the album. It's exciting!

Anything you want to add?

Laila: We're recording album number 5, starting on Wednesday. We've got a Pledge campaign going for that. We do regular updates on there. It's kinda like a ska party vibe. If you like that kind of thing go to pledgemusic.com/sonicboomsix and pledge please!

interview by: Danielle Millea