Interview: Zebrahead (Slam Dunk Fest Preview)

Over the coming days and weeks, Already Heard will be previewing this years Slam Dunk Festival in detail through a range of interviews and features.

If you’re looking to party like there’s no tomorrow at Slam Dunk, then Zebrahead are the band for you. For 20 years, the Orange County based have continuously delivered party-made jams with ‘Anthem,’ ‘Falling Apart’ and ‘Worse Than This’ being just a taster of what to expect this weekend.

This will be Zebrahead’s fourth time at Slam Dunk, with this years appearance being their third year straight so it’s clear they’re a band in demand. And with the festival celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, it’s fitting that they’re on hand to celebrate.

Before the party kicks off, we spoke to vocalist Ali Tabatabaee to tell us what we can expect from the pop punk veterans.

AH: We’re fast approaching the annual Slam Dunk Festival. This is going to be your fourth time appearing at the festival. What does Slam Dunk offer that other festivals don’t?
Ali: It’s great to be able to play a punk rock festival for so many punk rock kids. They always come to have a great time and bring so much high energy to the shows.

AH: What advice would you give the bands who are playing Slam Dunk for the first time?
Ali: Don’t suck.

AH: You’re going to be playing alongside the likes of The King Blues, Capdown, King Prawn and a few others on the Desperados stage. On paper it looks like it’s going to be a fun stage to be part of?
Ali:
Not only is it going to be fun… it’s going to be a big drunken party.

AH: When it comes to your set list, what do you have lined up?
Ali:
We are going to start off with a little Taylor Swift and end with a lot of Beyonce.

AH: What bands are you planning on watching at Slam Dunk?
Ali:
I’m excited to see Every Time I Die and New Found Glory, Panic! at the Disco, also, Yellowcard, The Starting Line…Shit! There are a lot of good bands on this bill. I’m gonna be busy.

AH: For festival-goers, what survival tips would you give them?
Ali:
Wear a condom when you go into the pit. You never know what’s gonna happen.

AH: Any closing comments?
Ali:
Come party with us on the Desperados Stage and if anyone brings us Jäger, our drummer Ed will give them a 30 minute back rub commando.

‘Walk The Plank’ by Zebrahead is out now on Rude Records.

Zebrahead will be playing on the Desperados stage:
Slam Dunk North (Leeds) – 7:15 – 8:05pm
Slam Dunk Midlands (Birmingham) – 7:15 – 8:05pm
Slam Dunk South (Hertfordshire) – 7:15 – 8:05pm

View more of Already Heard’s coverage from Slam Dunk Festival 2016 here.