One of the things that set Download 2023 apart was the number of boundary pushing artists on the bill. One of them, Mimi Barks combines metal with hip hop in a uniquely potent way. Highly engaging as a live entity Barks ripped the roof off of the Dogtooth stage. Afterwards she chatted to Gary Trueman about playing at Donington and the importance or not of a memorable stage aesthetic.
First up we have to talk about that amazing crowd you pulled. That was pretty spectacular wasn’t it?
“That was pretty decent for such an early slot. We had crowd surfing and we had a mosh pit going.”
How did you feel about playing Download? Did you think the fans would be this receptive to newer types of music?
“I feel like the whole line up this year is very diverse, and boundary breaking, and I definitely think it’s the right crowd.”
Do you think that might have something to do with how music is listened to where fans of one style of music can listen to other stuff more easily?
“Do you what I think that was always the case but it wasn’t accepted. There are no boundaries any more. Just because you have a hip hop beat doesn’t mean you can’t be punk on stage. My show is full metal but production wise it’s more hip hop. It has metal influences. Back then you would have boundaries but I don’t think that’s a thing any more.”
Do you think that alternative music is now being pushed along into new areas with new artists like yourself challenging those old boundaries?
“I do believe there has always been that kind of artist, but now we have a platform. There are so many of us now.”
So why do you think that platform is here now?
“I guess in the history of music we’ve heard it all so why not mix that shit up? You’ve got to be open to new things. It doesn’t really matter what you do, just do what you love. You only have so much time so you might as well enjoy it.”
So who are your musical influences in terms of other artists?
“Back then I was listening to The Prodigy. And also hip hop – secretly haha! “
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You’re constantly putting new music out. Do you think singles and EPs are more prevalent these days and albums maybe not so much as they used to be?
“I don’t agree. I love an album concept. That’s why I brought out my recent mix tape. It’s so important to have a physical product too. With singles they’re short but with an album you can tell a story.”
So you’d agree that fans still want something they can hold?
“I think nowadays they don’t really care about the physical product as much as they used to. I like to believe that the hard core music fans are still appreciating the whole artwork side of the vinyl and the blood and sweat that goes into it.”
You have a very striking stage presence and how you present yourself. Is that a conscious thing that you put on for shows or is that look also you away from a show too, like if you go to a shop?
“This is my thing. I wear it on a daily basis. This is my aesthetic, it’s me. I look the same when I go to a shop.”
What do you think about the importance of aesthetic on stage, for artists to make an impression that is memorable rather than just rocking up in jeans and a t-shirt?
“I think if it’s great music it doesn’t really matter what style they have. As long as they don’t fake that style I guess it doesn’t really matter. When you fake it, that’s when it goes wrong. So you might as well just be a dude in a t-shirt and make great music.”
Are you here for the whole festival or just today?
“I’m going to stick around because I’m going to be on stage again on Saturday with another artist (Bambi Thug).”
So what about other bands you want to check out while you’re here?
“I just missed Jinjer unfortunately. I’m going to be seeing Slipknot for sure and Bring Me The Horizon. Evanescence too, can’t wait. She (Amy Lee) has a unique voice and aesthetic. She’s a legend.”
Download has a reputation for rain and mud but it’s been sunny and a bit dusty instead more recently. Do you have a festival survival tip?
“Baby wipes, they’re my essential.”
Interview and photos by Gary Trueman