• Home
• News
• Features
• Reviews
• TV
• Photos
• Win
• Blog
• Magazine
• Merch
• Festivals

Interviews: City Showcase Preview

Ian Camfield tells Rock Sound who he is looking forward to seeing at this year's City Showcase.

Rock Sound and XFM have teamed up to present a great night of music at the 2010 City Showcase, the London music festival known for showcasing the best new and emerging talent across all spectrums of music.

On May 07 (that's tomorrow night!) the Borderline venue will be taken over by Rock Sound for a night of music from The Plight, These Monsters, Tek-One and Floors And Walls.

The evening will be hosted by XFM rock show mainman Ian Camfield, we collared him for a few questions about the night, check out his answers below...


Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Rock Sound XFM showcase on Friday night? Who is the potential show stealer?
"I love the way The Plight's music works in a live environment. It's great to listen to at home on headphones, but that intense sound is better coming from a PA on stage. I haven't seen Tek-One live, but I was listening to them today and I'm looking forward to checking them out."

What's the best show you've ever been to at the Borderline? What are the bands up against memory wise?
"A show which always sticks in my mind is One Minute Silence at the Borderline. It was during a time when they encouraged the crowd to bring boxing gloves to protect themselves in the pit. The singer used to come on stage and say 'I want to see blood!' It was total chaos, kids climbing the walls, hanging from the pipes, I remember one pipe being pulled from the ceiling. I stayed around afterwards, once the venue had cleared out it looked like there had been a riot in there, which was kind of what happened. Although that is probably the most memorable gig I've seen at the Borderline, I wouldn't say anyone needs to compete with that. One Minute Silence got banned!"

Who else will you be checking out at City Showcase over the weekend?
"I like Tin Soldiers and John Kennedy has some interesting acts playing his night."

City Showcase is all about discovering new talent, do you think new bands have it harder or easier than ever getting started and getting recognized?
"I think in many ways it's easier. Some areas of the music industry are dying on their ass, but at the same time there have never been more platforms for new bands to expose their talents. The old system is redundant, labels can be by-passed and anyone can go online to upload, or download music. In the past, no matter how strong your DIY ethic, you would sooner or later have to get a few lucky breaks within the established industry. And while that's still important, it's very possible to cut out so many of what were the 'middle men'."

What are your absolute do's and do not's for acts starting out?
"DO have self belief. DO NOT take no for an answer. If you believe in your talent, persistence is the key."

What will happen if anyone tries to heckle you between bands?
"Now now, let's not encourage that kind of thing."

Is 'Diamond Eyes' a better album than 'White Pony'?
"No. But it's great. Just in terms of music the album is a fine piece of work. If you take into account the conditions during which it was made I think it's quite remarkable."


To find out more about the Rock Sound and XFM event at this year's City Showcase click here. To get a copy of the new issue of Rock Sound with Deftones on the cover click here.

Listen to Ian Camfield every Saturday night from 10.00pm on XFM.