Rival Kings, Hathors, Cathy Sharp, The Gardener and The Tree
Ellie and Anna spent the weekend at the Gurtenfestival in Bern, one of the loveliest music festivals in Switzerland, and talked to some of the bands who performed there.
Rival Kings are young musicians from Lucerne who formed in 2012. A year later their debut album followed, featuring melodious and energetic pop rock with jangly riffs that “tell stories of love, loss and friendship”. Singer Etiénne Hilfiker talked to Anna about remixes, their track Citizens, and their upcoming touring schedule. Go see them at the Stimmenfestival on Thursday 24 July! Listen to the interview again here.
Ellie caught up with Swiss trio Hathors, who produce noisy, high-energy grunge and who released their first self-titled album in 2011. They talked about their band name, music and spirituality, and why they released their album on vinyl. Listen to the interview again here.
Our theatre and dance correspondent Kevin Richmond talked to dancer and choreographer Cathy Sharp. Cathy Sharp was a soloist with the renowned Basel Ballet from 1973 to 1988 before co-founding her own company, the Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble, in 1991, together with Adrian Schriel. Cathy told Kevin about coming to Switzerland, touring the world, and what she plans to do in the future. Listen to the interview again here.
The Gardener & The Tree is a band founded in Schaffhausen by lead singer Manuel Felder, who grew up in Australia learning to play “Mama’s” guitar. The band gradually grew into its current formation by 2012. Influences vary from electro to indie pop, which come together in soulful and optimistic “clap and stomp” indie creations. At the Gurtenfestival, Ellie asked them about their EP Revolution, Australia, and their future plans. Listen to the interview again here.
Our music theme this week was based on the bands who performed at the Gurten. Obviously we played Rival Kings, Hathors and The Gardener & The Tree, but we also included Franz Ferdinand, Biffy Clyro, Family of the Year, Kensington, The Prodigy and Everlast.
- 2014-07-22-The-English-Show.mp3