Slam Dunk Bites: Counterfeit.

Being labelled as one of the bands to watch in 2017 can put a lot of pressure on a band. However Counterfeit look to be taking all in their stride. Their debut album, ‘Together We Are Stronger’, is an angst-driven, riff-laden punk rock record that carries itself with plenty of swagger. Led by actor Jamie Campbell Bower, the quintet has developed a reputation for their raucous live shows and are now lined up for a summer full of festival spots.

Just weeks removed from making their Groezrock debut, this weekend it’s the turn of the Slam Dunk Festival to see what Counterfeit are all about. With the festival just days away, we grabbed a few minutes Jamie Campbell Bower to discuss the importance of festivals for a band like Counterfeit, who they’ll be watching this weekend and more.

AH: It’s been a hectic 2017 so far for you guys. With all the attention the band and ‘Together We Are Stronger’ has been getting, does it add any pressure to deliver as we head into the festival season?

Jamie: There’s always pressure with any show we play but we’re gonna go out there and do our thing like we always do. It’s exciting to play to new people who may or may not have heard us before.

AH: This is going to be your first time playing Slam Dunk. Have any of you guys attended the festival in the past? If so, what are your memories of it?

Jamie: I have to confess I’ve never been! But Roland (Johnson – bassist) has so Roland take it away babes.

Roland: Yes, Slam Dunk was sick last year. I caught some great bands (The Starting Line and Every Time I Die were stand out for me) and the overall vibe was great. The sun was out and everyone was up for it, so I’m looking forward to more of that this year.

AH: You’ve only played a couple of festivals so far (for example Groezrock and 2000 Trees). As a relatively new band, how important are festivals like Slam Dunk to building a fan base?
Jamie:
Of course festivals are a great opportunity to show people what we’re all about. They provide us more chances to go crazy and do our thing with some new friends. I think for us personally, we’re all really pumped to play alongside some artists that we love and who have influenced us as musicians, there are going to be a few “pinch me” moments for sure.

AH: As always, the festival is stacked with well-known and up-and-coming names. Who are you hoping to watch over Slam Dunk Fest weekend?
Jamie:
We just came off the road with Decade who are an awesome band and they’re awesome dudes, so we’re for sure gonna catch them. Nothing will get in the way of me seeing Stray From The Path and The Bronx either. Those are gonna be amazing sets. But in all honesty, the whole line up is pretty wild so we’re gonna try and see as much as we possibly can.

‘Together We Are Stronger’ by Counterfeit. is out now on Xtra Mile Recordings.

Counterfeit will be playing at 5:30pm on the Impericon Stage at Slam Dunk Festival on all three dates.

Counterfeit links: Website|Facebook|Twitter