Festival Groovin'

Since 1998 Groove Armada has been an integral part of the history of British electronica along with the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx and Fatboy Slim. From down-tempo chill out vibes to high octane dance beats, Groove Armada produce it all with a distinct kind of positivity. However, these guys are not getting any younger, and over the last decade have worked hard to produce four albums, a remixes album, a best of, compilation and collaboration albums; they've started their own festival and been on several world tours. So, have they still got what it takes to make a crowd rock?

In a break from a packed rehearsal schedule with Sugardaddy, Tom says, "After our performances in Australia and the tweaking we are doing in the studio, I can safely say we are in the form of our lives right now, and it's undoubtably a good time to catch us." Not only was Groove Armada's recent tour of Oz an escape from the tail end of the British winter, but also a chance for the guys to test out the new band they are touring with in the UK this summer. "When we play live we tend to give it a bit of the ol' Spinal Tap treatment and turn everything up to 11. I think when you are playing live the rock elements really work well, and you can get a little bombastic with the sound. I think on an album you need to ease things in a little more."

There are some varied genres easing into the new album, Soundboy Rock, with crunky hip hop and reggae influences in dirty floor-fillers Get Down and Drop That Thing on the up tempo, all the way through to the epic relaxed house sound of Paris with Candi Staton's vocals. Chill out, as always with Groove Armada, is not left out, and American Jeb Loy Nichols supplies a smooth folk lick to What's Your Version. In fact, it seems the GA are doing their best to squeeze in as many different collaborators and influences as possible, and the folk aspect that was once so strong in their music, has receeded. "I think the folk thing merely came out of the fact that we produced an album from the countryside. We spent about three years out there and got a bit bored; I'm never going back to the country. It was one of those mad rock and roll ideas to get us to focus on the music, but in this case we all just went a bit potty. It was far too calm, we had far too much time on our hands!"

As far as line-ups for other festivals goes, Groove Armada will also be headlining Rockness as part of their festival activity. "I'm really excited about playing Rockness as it's a young festival and the line-up is amazing. Obviously, there's Daft Punk who are just fucking amazing live; they don't do it the way we do, but they are unmissable live." Daft Punk's highly anticipated 'homecoming' gig will be top of most Rockness-goers list - even more reason for Groove Armada to pull out all the stops. "The Scots audiences at T in the Park and the Barras have always been really welcoming. We are actually planning to raise the roof for that gig!"

It's a strange time for Groove Armada who have a lot of years in the biz under their belts, but if the new album's distinctive edge proves anything, it's that Groove Armada are as on top of their sound and its many influences as they ever have been.

Tom Findlay's Top Festival Tips

1. I like to wear a head torch. Yes, it has got a kind of a low-rent Orbital vibe, but it means you can always have your hands free to skin up.

2. Also, I like to take a light mackintosh with a good hood and lots of pockets inside. Lots and lots of pockets because you always have loads of things to carry at festivals.

3. I'm not a welly boots or a walking boots kind of man, that's all just a bit too fucking grown up. I usually end up in a pair of old converse or something.

4. Toilets. Get yourself VIP access. That's the best thing about being in a band at a festival, you get yourself into toilets with oak panelling and toilet paper. If you need the toilet, you need VIP.

5. Tents needs to have something fluorescent tied to them, or tie yourself to the tent with a piece of string and then you will always get home safe.

6. Booze? Don't be fussy, just get it down you.