Nudie Jeans is teaming up with Sexbeat for their second annual Radfest Music Festival on Sunday 21 August, 2011. Taking place at The Bussey Building in Peckham, an old factory will be bumping with indie groups, exhibitions and lots of food. Here, we speak to Sexbeat’s Paul Lilley about the start of the group and what he’s most looking forward to at Radfest.
How many people are involved with Sexbeat?
SEXBEAT is made up of myself, Paul Lilley (events coordinator at the Shacklewell Arms), Steve Rose (Transgressive Records) and Luke Jarvis (Bella Union Records).
Who came up with the idea for the group? How did it start?
We wanted to be a part of, and help shape a very organic and exciting music scene. The movement has grown significantly and we are now in a position to put together some really exciting events and releases.
What is Radfest and what role does it play in the scheme of London festivals?
RADFEST has evolved over the years. Its initial concept three years ago was to celebrate the burgeoning DIY scene of London and focused on breaking bands such as Male Bonding and Mazes, who have gone on to sign to Sup Pop and Fat Cat records respectively. Last year the event progressed to two rooms and incorporated US bands and a screen print poster fare. This year the event has expanded to a 1000 capacity venue with cult indie pop band The Wedding Present playing above a very diverse line up of bands including thrash metal, shoe gaze and hardcore, a fanzine library and pop up record store. The event bucks the trend of the outdoor festival and houses itself in a location as interesting as the bands playing it.
With Sexbeat being founded in East London, why does Radfest take place in Peckham?
Peckham represents a forever evolving art and music scene right now and really comes alive in summer with a whole host of interesting events. The Bussey Building where RADFEST is taking place is a converted factory which also houses the culturally significant Hannah Barry gallery as well as countless artist studios.
Explain the collaboration with Nudie Jeans.
Nudie Jeans took an interest in our events over a mutual passion in similar music and wanted to support this. We are looking to take the concept to the road with a nationwide UK tour later in the year.
Who is your favorite band playing that day?
We were overjoyed to book The Wedding Present. Their albums George Best and Bizaro are still incredibly influential to this day. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience watching a band of their stature in such a comparatively intimate venue.
What do you most look forward to on the day?
Caribbean food on the roof garden!
Interview by Eunice Jera Lee
The Bussey Building, 133 Rye Road, Peckham SE15 4ST from 2pm-11pm.
Advance tickets are £10 and available through wegottickets.com/sexbeat