One of the great things about Download is finding those bands that you don’t know much about and going to check them out. For the artists it can often be the biggest event they’ve done to date, and that includes not just UK performers but those from around the world. AntiSaint were clearly lapping up every moment of their time at Donington. Here Gary Trueman chats to the guys about their Download experience, and when their next album will be making an appearance.
So how was it for you guys out there?
“Incredible. We had no expectations going into this because we’re a small band from the US and we’ve never played in the UK before. The crowd showed up early for the Dogtooth stage and brought all the energy. It was incredible. It was packed from the start and everyone was into it. We didn’t stop smiling all the way through the set.”
You did look like you were enjoying yourselves. Was it a genuine surprise to see that many people turn out for you?
“You dream of moments like this. We’re still taking it in.”
Is Download a big thing over on the other side of the pond, is it a festival you really wanted to play because it’s well known?
“We feel everybody knows Download. When you talk about European festivals Download is the one to play. So for us to be included was a massive honour. Everybody at home when we were able to announce it were super stoked for us.”
Where are you musically at the moment?
“We just released a brand new single called ‘Paradise’ that came out on June 9th and we’re in the process of writing the rest of the record right now.”
Will this be your first album?
“It’ll technically be our second. We released an album a couple of years ago.”
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What is your writing process like? Do you have a set theme?
“This album we’re working on is kinda going to be a reflection on struggling with depression, and all that stuff during the pandemic. It’s more emotional and more centred than what we’ve done before. We try to make sure all the lyrics and music fit that. It’s been a different writing process from when we did our last album.”
Were you able to write during lockdown by sending stuff between each other?
“we were able to collab together. Riffs were written and then reflected on later to see if they hit the same way. It’s been more recently that we’ve pulled everything together and we’re able to say we like this riff and we don’t like that one. It was good to get that start during the pandemic because now we’re reaping the benefits of it.”
So you’re going to put the album out this year or next year?
“Early next year.”
Have you got any plans to come back to the UK then?
“We’d love to come back to Download 2024. But yes, we’ll do anything we can get. The goal is to play at least 100 shows next year.”
Are you at Download for the whole weekend or just one day?
“We’re here for the whole weekend.”
Who have you loved seeing play and who have you got on your to watch list?
“We loved Metallica. The first night we were up pretty close. We’re going to watch them again from further afar to get the full spectrum of their show. Jinjer on the first day was such an incredible performance. Brutus put in on an incredible show on the Dogtooth stage. We’re looking forward to seeing Disturbed.”
How does Download compare to say a US festival?
“It’s been incredible. We were undersold on the weather. It’s been beautiful all the time. The one rule about Download is don’t talk about the weather haha!”
You’re obviously seasoned festival goers so what is your festival survival tip?
“Every time you see a restroom – use it. Keep drinking water. Even if the weather is shitty just smile and find as many positive things as you can.”
Interview and photos by Gary Trueman