Download 2011: Madina Lake - ‘This Is A Monumental Point In Our Lives’

Bassist Matthew Leone looks ahead to his emotional live return at Download. On Sunday afternoon good people win.

Posted Wednesday, 8 June 2011 in

They might not be headlining a stage but Madina Lake's return at Download 2011 will be THE story of the festival's last day. We spoke with heroic bassist Matthew Leone ahead of the band's much anticipated live return...

Download marks not only the band's return to the UK but the first time you'll all be together as a unit doing what you do in front of an audience this size - are you nervous? Excited? Scared?
"Although the means by which we were granted a year away was less than enjoyable, the break afforded us something unexpectedly beneficial. Since we recorded 'From Them...' we embarked on a five year roller coaster ride. It had the good bits, the thrills and excitement, and unpredictable twists and turns but it also had the huge drops that made our stomach turn. The problem was, it wasn't slowing down and the wheels were coming off."

Are you expecting it to be a particularly emotional day, or by this point is everything slightly heightened?
"We certainly are expecting a lot of heavy-hearted moments on this album cycle. Simply performing the songs on 'World War III' Is going to raise the hair on our necks. And these experiences are going to be cherished by us, again, as we feel so lucky to have them."

Would you say the Download show is another step towards recovery or a significant milestone in itself?
"At this point, we are still finding out what performing live is going to be like, getting back on track will be a crash course for us. As stated a million times now, the UK is our home turf and the festivals particularly are just incredible to be a part of. Download would be a milestone on it's own, so add to that the personal things and it makes for quite a monumental point in our lives."

What sort of changes have you had to make in your preparations for tour / travel?
"It's actually likely to be easier, as I won't be breaking gear all over the stage with my reckless approach to musicianship!"

Every day must present a new set of challenges - how do you face them?
"Every day certainly does! We face them head on until one clocks us right in the grill, then we head down periscope, shake it off and resurface for more!"