In honour of the annual Slam Dunk Festival next weekend, we sat down with a bunch of bands playing at the festival to get to know them a little more, and find out just why our dear readers should go and see them at the festival.

We sat down with Kortney Grinwis from Chapel to discuss the festival further.

You’re playing at Slam Dunk Festival this year – are you excited?

YES! This is our first ever festival we’ve played as Chapel and we couldn’t be more excited to be back in the U.K.

How does a festival show differ from a normal gig for you, and which do you prefer? What are your favourite festivals to go to or play at?

We’re looking forward to having the chance to sort of win people over in a way. To grab peoples attention as they’re walking to the bathroom or grabbing another beer. My personal favorite festival in the states is either Lollapalooza or BledFest. So much love and sweat and food and booze and greatness.

Have you been to the festival before? What other acts are you looking forward to seeing, and who can you recommend our readers check out?

We have not! We’ve only been to the U.K. once last year for a few weeks but we instantly fell in love. I’m really looking forward to seeing Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World because they were some of the first big bands I ever saw when I was growing up and it’s cool to now be playing a festival with them. I’d also recommend catching Reel Big Fish’s set because they’re extremely fun to watch and dance to.

The Festival is now on three sites, with one in Leeds, Hatfield, and Birmingham. Which site do you think will be the best to perform on, and which are you looking forward to visiting the most?

I’m stoked for the Birmingham show because we’ll be playing a show outside for the first time and it’s going to be wild. BUT ALSO there’s a Taco Bell right across from the Leeds venue so that’s definitely a thing to look forward to.

Are you touring alongside the festival? If so, where and when are you playing?

We’re currently touring with Sleeping With Sirens on their European run. We have two shows left after Slam Dunk, which are in Barcelona and Madrid.

Are you releasing any new music soon? If so, what can you tell us about it?

We’re about to start recording some songs in Brooklyn this summer. We have a pretty fun catalog we’ve been working on and are very excited to get some new songs out ASAP. We’re hoping for a new single to be out this fall.

Why do you think people should come and see you perform live, and what can people expect from your show at Slam Dunk?

Carter has the best dance moves that you probably shouldn’t miss. We also have something fun for the crowd to play with that should be very interesting.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you for welcoming Chapel into your lives. Y’all are really cute and nice and we can’t wait to get sweaty with you.

By Jane Howkins