Download Fest Bites: Blood Youth

When Blood Youth made their Download Festival debut two years ago, they only had been in existence for just a matter of months. Two years on, and they’re back having done a lot in the intervening years; numerous tours and festival spots, two EP’s, and more recently, a debut full-length in the form of ‘Beyond Repair’. Released this past April, it sees the Harrogate trio deliver a set of angst-driven melodic hardcore with blistering results.

With their return to Donington just over a week away, we caught up with Blood Youth vocalist Kaya Tarsus to talk about their 2015 appearance, being more prepared and essential festival items.

AH: It’s been two years since you made your Download debut. What do you remember about your set on the fourth stage?
Kaya: It’s just this incredible blur now. I don’t really remember the set, but I do remember just seeing so many people packed into the tent we were playing. We had only been a band for 3 months at that point, so we were just completely blown away by it all.

AH: A lot has happened since that first appearance. Do you feel more prepared this time around?
Kaya:
Oh for sure, so much has happened for us as a band since that first appearance, I think it’s going to be even more special this time around. When we first played Download we had only 5 songs written. We are returning now, after 3 releases, with so much more in our arsenal.

AH: For those bands who are playing Download for the first time, what advice would you give them?
Kaya:
Enjoy every moment and just soak it all in. We owe so much to Download, they gave us a chance to expand our fan base and we did just that. People still come up to me and tell me they first discovered us at Download.

AH: Besides Every Time I Die, who are you hoping to watch over the weekend?
Kaya: I like that you already knew that! Well, we will be getting there the night before our set, so hopefully, we can catch as many (bands) as possible. I really want to check out The Story So Far! I will definitely be watching the Dillinger Escape Plan’s set, their final UK appearance. It’s going to be nuts.

AH: Lastly, it’s probably going to rain as always at Download, what essential items should festival-goers be taking?
Kaya:
Anything that will keep the morale high! Rain and that slushy mud are the worst, but if you’re having a good time it really doesn’t matter. Just bring loads of beer and a waterproof jacket. Sorted.

‘Beyond Repair’ by Blood Youth is out now on Rude Records.

Blood Youth will be playing on the The Avalanche Stage (hosted by Kerrang! Radio) at Download Festival on Sunday, June 11th.

Blood Youth links: Website|Facebook|Twitter