Slam Dunk Bites: Memphis May Fire

Over the coming weeks, Already Heard will be highlighting a variety of bands set to play the Slam Dunk Festival later this month.

Dallas, Texas’ Memphis May Fire are no strangers to the Slam Dunk Festival. Having made their debut at the spring Bank Holiday weekend event in 2013, they’re now back for a third time having played the festival again just last year. However, this time they’re returning as headliners.

The past October, they released their fourth full-length, ‘This Light I Hold’. It sees the quartet demonstrate their reliable brand of energetic and abrasive metalcore, while sonically branching out.

Following Slam Dunk, Memphis May Fire will once again be joining the punk rock summer touring juggernaut that is the Vans Warped Tour. Before a busy summer, we spoke to vocalist Matty Mullins about their Slam Dunk return.

AH: So this is going to be your third time back at Slam Dunk but this time you’re headlining the Impericon stage. How is the mood in the MMF camp as we get closer to the Slam Dunk weekend?

Matty: We’re so excited to get back & play these shows! The UK is one of our favourite tour destinations.

AH: Do you feel any pressure by headlining a stage?

Matty: I think there’s always a bit of pressure when headlining but we are honoured to have the slot. We’re gonna put on the best show we can.

AH: Having played in 2013 and 2016, what are your stand out moments from previous Slam Dunk Festivals?

Matty: There’s always so much to see and do at Slam Dunk but I think my favourite part is getting to meet fans face to face and thank them for their support.

AH: As always, the festival is full of established and emerging names. Who are you hoping to catch over Slam Dunk Fest weekend?

Matty: The line-up is solid for sure! We’re going to try to see as many bands as possible! Goldfinger, Enter Shikari, Beartooth, and Stray From The Path are just a few off the top of my head.

AH: Your latest album, ‘This Light I Hold’, has been out for a few months now. For those who have yet to hear it, what do they need to know about it?

Matty: ‘TLIH’ was a big step forward for us as a band. We got out of our comfort zone writing and recording this record, it was good for us in so many ways. If you haven’t heard the record, give it a shot!

AH: You’re going to playing the Vans Warped Tour after Slam Dunk. Some call Slam Dunk the UK equivalent of Warped Tour. Do you see any similarities between the two?

Matty: They are both very eclectic festivals, but they are different in a lot of ways. I think they each have a specific vibe that makes them special in their own way.

AH: What key bit of advice should Slam Dunk and Warped Tour newbies know?

Drink a TON of water and get shade when you feel like you need it and HAVE FUN!

‘This Light I Hold’ by Memphis May Fire is out now on Rise Records.

Memphis May Fire will be playing at 9:50pm on the Impericon Stage at Slam Dunk Festival on all three dates.

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