Hellfest Tv 2014 - Episode 2

Hi and welcome to another episode of Hellfest TV 2014. We're still here at the Hellfest bar in Clisson, today we will talking about metal festivals and their potential here in France. Let's start by introducing our guests. First off, representing Hellfest, Yoann LENEVÉ, co-founder and head of communication. Opposite him you'll find Yann LE BARALLEC, director of Motocultor Festival. With KALXA, tour manager for Rage Tour. Last but not least Alex LENORMAND, bassist with LOUDBLAST. Here we are at Hellfest HQ where we'll be filming our all new version of Hellfest TV this year. Today we're going to be talking about festivals here in France, and other festivals elsewhere in Europe. To kick off the debate with today's guests, I have a question. With regards to Hellfest and your personal experience, do you think there is a market for more big festivals in France? Yoann, for example, you're at the heart of the action, what do you think? Well I think it's already the case, and has been for three years ever since Sonisphere arrived in eastern France. It doesn't seem to have changed anything for us in terms of our public. Our numbers continue to rise even though their festival had an impressive first year in terms of line-up. It is rather mainstream though, right? Well yes. We're talking about big festivals but there are some quite obvious differences between the two. Hellfest welcomes 160 artists, which isn't the case for Sonisphere. Sonisphere is more about impressive headliners. Bigger artists that we haven't yet had here. We prone more of a “festival connoisseur” aspect with 6 very different stages. There is a different mindset at Hellfest which has made us a reference in the realm of metal. I think we spent more time working on that, but Sonisphere is a festival that has earned its place and that works rather well. But its history is not the same, ours was created by passion and passionate people. Sonisphere is more about production than passion. But it works, and it's surely less risky to opt for a few big headliners rather than 160 bands like we do. That said, it works, so... It hasn't had an effect on our ticket sales at Hellfest. I wouldn't say it hasn't had an effect. I do think certain people have had to make a choice between the two. Like I said, our figures have continued to rise. Either way, we've reached our objectives. Maybe we would have sold out faster these last few years if it hadn't been for Sonisphere. Regardless, we've hit our goals and we've managed to progress despite their presence. Okay. Yann, what are your thoughts? As the director of Motocultor Festival, your input seems pertinent. So, what do you think? Given the current context in France, do you think your festival will continue to grow? You started off as people with a passion first and foremost. Your line-ups are quite widely varied. There are as many obscure bands as there are well-known bands, so that everyone is satisfied. How do you feel about that? Do you think you can continue to progress with a competitor such as Hellfest here in France? - It's true that we are only separated by 140km. So that makes us... - 
It makes us neighbours. - 
We are neighbours. - We're a small festival, with only 12,000 entries each year. - You're like the little brother. - 
Yeah I guess we're their little brother. In the middle to long term we'd like to have sold out at 6,000 entries per day. In hopes to have a viable economic model within the next few years. So around 18,000 entries. So you have no illusions of grandeur. If we can hit that goal, of being fully sold out a few days before the festival, at 6,000 entries per day, we'll be happy. We'd rather stick to 45 bands per day and keep a cosy feel to the festival. Which seems hard for a larger festival. Other than becoming a second Hellfest, I don't see the point of booking the same bands. We don't have many big headliners. You don't have the same mindset though anyway. For example, you had MC Circulaire one year, which falls under the category of rap. Or even Naheulband, who are a Heroic Fantasy Folk parody band. So have you thought of a different opening? For example, mixing metal with things that metal-heads love the most? Like rap for example. There are some rappers who are successful with metal-heads too. Or Donjon de Naheulband and other role-play based music projects? It's something on which we are working, every year we like to offer bands that are a little less conventional. We've had Ultra Vomit in the past. 
It's hard to find good humour-based bands. But every year we do our best to bring people something different. So you guys are no strangers to festivals and concerts in general. How do you feel about the situation with regards to Hellfest? Do you think that there is potential for developing this kind of activity related to festivals in France? In Germany or Scandinavian countries there are several specialised or even eclectic festivals. Do you think that here in France we have a public of people who are sufficiently motivated and who have the balls to bring something new to our country's scene? Yet still manage to book solid line-ups and bring in enough customers...? I think that there are a lot of foreigners prepared to travel which is a positive point. For example, in Sweden, there are festivals that specialise only in glam-metal. Yet they are always fully sold out. If we organised that kind of festival in France, it just wouldn't work. It might work at a small venue like the Divan du Monde in Paris, over a three day period. On that kind of scale it would be worth it, people would be interested. But it just isn't possible in France at the moment. I think a lot of foreigners come to France, I don't know of any bands who don't want to play at Hellfest. - Well I know a few... - 
Me too... - Okay, my bad. We won't mention any names in that case. I think that Hellfest is a reference, that's a fact. It depends on the period as well. For example, if there were three festivals in June. Things would get complicated.
Take Motocultor, which is in late August, it's perfect for people who work in June. Like “Never mind about Hellfest, let's just go to Motocultor”. Putting words in people's mouths... For me, it's not about the public.There will always be a public, people come from all over Europe... All over the world more like, at least, at Hellfest. - How many nationalities? - 70 nationalities. - 
70! Seven-zero! No word of a lie, we've had 70 different nationalities at Hellfest. Over 20% of our public is foreign, without them we wouldn't be where we are today. That's why I think they're essential to any good festival. So the French public alone isn't sufficient. In France, as long as you have a decent line-up, people will come no matter what. I think the problem comes from the promoters. There is a sense of rivalry to get certain bands. Earlier you said there were bands you couldn't book because of Sonisphere. The problem is that the two festivals are in the Summer and only a few weeks or months apart. 
Do festivals fight over bands to the point where artists put up their tariffs? - That wouldn't help anyone. - 
How Scandinavian countries and Germany manage to share out the bands? They are so varied... 
It's simple, just check out how many magazines are dedicated to metal in Germany, or how many people have patched-up jackets in the streets. You can't compare Germany or Scandinavian countries to fans of heavy metal or extreme music in France. 
In France we're all novices. In France things are quite complicated, as there is no real demand for those kinds of bands. In France, people are content with rock or hard rock, we never talk about extreme metal. Metal never really has a chance to express itself. There are quotas for radio and television diffusion. Then you'd need bands capable of expressing themselves in French which isn't common in our musical genre, so that makes things harder. The media don't care about our music scene, which isn't the case in places like Germany or Scandinavia. In their awards ceremonies there are several categories: metal, extreme metal, glam, etc. In Norway, that's common practice. It even takes place in the Opera in Oslo. Not just any old French band could pull off a gig at the Opera in Paris... We just don't have the same potential to develop extreme music, it's obvious. But we do have tonnes of fans and we do need to find a way to keep them happy Yeah, there is obviously a public for it. The proof is that Hellfest is successful and so is Sonisphere. Smaller festivals like Motocultor or Extrême Festival or Sylak Festival are becoming more and more successful too. - They aren't successful yet... - 
But they're here. - They're still here, they exist and they provide even more visibility for the musical genres we love... The problem in France is that whenever the media talk about metal or punk or hardcore, it always comes down to: “Look at them, aren't they horrible?!”. Like we're a joke. “...They destroy everything in their path...” or even worse: “Aw look at the little babies, showing off their bottoms, aren't they cute!?”... - But in fact they never talk about the music itself. - It gets to me... Sorry but... What Alex said... I can't let you say that, Sir. In the world of metal everyone is beautiful, everyone is adorable, yeah right, sorry but not all metal-heads are choir-boys. Of course, I just feel that according to the media, we're all either evil Satanists or adorable little Care-Bears who like to show off our arses. - So much for just being normal. - 
There is always going to be a caricature of metal-heads. No shows or reporters ever just talk about the music. How can bigger festivals help out the smaller ones? Such as Sylak or Motocultor? So how can they bring more people in... Is that even what the smaller festivals want? - Is that what we want in France? Is that the point? Good question. - You use those festivals as an example but there is one thing that I find extremely positive which respect to metal... Working with more and more eclectic festivals, I've found it has become easier to book metal bands. If we mix all the extreme metal and hardcore styles together, all the bands we never used to see... Nowadays somewhere between typical French pop and rap artists, you can find bands like Sepultura and Loudblast... - That would never have happened before. - Yeah, we may have caught on a little late... In Scandinavia, mainstream bands and metal bands have lived in harmony for a good long while. It's about time for our report. So it's over to 2Guys1TV, we'll be back straight after. Max, what the *** are you doing? Max? 
For ***'s sake, I'm in the middle of a ceremony here, *** off, I'm trying to wake the demons!
 *** hell, what have you been smoking this time? I haven't smoked anything! But I ate the sweets you left on the table, you know, the ones from Amsterdam. They're tasty! Max? This year at Hellfest we'll have our fair share of bands who like their candles and crucifixes... Acid King... The clue's in the name at least. Acid King was Ricky Kasso's nickname... A young American dealer who killed one of his friends by pulling out his eyes while on acid. Hey he seemed nice. Hey he was a fan of AC/DC. 
Rock'n'Roll has once again corrupted the innocence of our youth. The guy even accused Satan Apparently he gave the order to pull out his friend's eyes. What are we supposed to say back to that? Acid King is archetype of bands who will be playing at the Valley. Throbbing riffs, acidic solos, cosmic vocals, hot and stifling music that can only sound better with a nice little spliff. Kadavar formed in 2010 but are obviously one of those bands surfing on the wave of revival success. The 70's and even the 60's are back in style today, and hey, if it's well done, why the hell not? These three are from Berlin, the European capital of Hype. But their influences are blatantly English, somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. They even dress the same. Speaking of Led Zeppelin, they're going to be at Hell... Oh wait no. *** Zeppelin, a female cover-band will be at Hellfest instead... Hey dude, I'm on the net and I just read that Kadavar's success is entirely due to the fact that they're Freemasons. Damnit. If you look at their logo, it's full of triangles and you know that triangles represent the Illuminati pyramid. When you zoom behind the triangle you can see the flag of Israel... So if you feel like time-travelling, go check out Kadavar at the Valley, and if you're a fan of 70's rock, you'll see that rock never really died. Revival is in the air, and the SS are the perfect example. Erm... Satan's Satyrs is one of these current American bands who are proper old school. In spite of their young age,these musicians never cease to impress with their feeling and the way they expose their influences. Brought up on Z series films, luffy music and motor oil, these guys throw down some serious psychedelic doom with a pinch of punk. The demonic solos and rough vocals remind us that the shadow of the great horned-one reigns over the music of his loyal followers. Since we're talking about the occult and dark music, let's move onto one of the pioneers of this genre, who are even sometimes considered as the first ever metal band. Okay, so they're getting on a bit... It isn't Ozzy who holds the microphone, but the microphone that holds up Ozzy, bah dum tss! But it doesn't stop the musicians from giving their all on stage and in the studio. But back to the topic, even Black Sabbath had their influences, Rome wasn't built in a day. Certain details lead us to believe that the band Coven, formed in 1969 just months before Black Sabbath is one of these influences. Even just the name of their bassist, Mike Oz Osbourne, and the first track on their album are obvious clues The band were into Satanic worship, inverted religious symbols, and their female singer, Jinx, who hasn't seemed to age at all in 40 years. If she hasn't struck a deal with the devil... The famous horns-up is often associated with Ronnie James Dio who was briefly in Black Sabbath. But... The roots of metal are deeper than we think... Black Sabbath were the ones who brought the concept to the masses. They are finally at Hellfest to offer us their tradition cult and occult heavy doom. Plus, with Iron Maiden in the line-up, we can safely say that this year is the year for full-blown worship. Okay, I've had enough of the golden oldies, I'm going back to the future. Back forward to the era of double-pedal and stretched earlobes! Come on Max! Max! Wake up! 
Coming! Coming! Back at Hellfest HQ, I have a question for you Yoann. Do you think that in France there is an opportunity to be seized when you consider that Hellfest has to incorporate four festivals in one? I don't know if you agree, but it's true. An extreme festival under the double tent Altar/Temple, a hardcore festival at the Warzone which is now open air. A mini Roadburn for all things doom and sludge at the Valley. Finally headliners on the Mainstages. In my opinion, Hellfest has to compensate for the lack of anything else here in France. What are your thoughts? It isn't easy for festivals such as Roadburn which is the equivalent of the Valley, or the Neurotic Deathfest which is like the Altar, to survive in France because of the lack of public as we said earlier. - There are new little festivals forming all the time. - We covered that earlier, but here we're talking about the future of festivals in France. I don't think we're any closer to having festivals as big as Roadburn in France for what we have at the Valley for example. I'm not sure there would be enough customers for that to work. But the tents are always full at Hellfest, it's true. But it's not the same, the atmosphere is different. A fully death metal or grindcore festival would only attract purists, those kinds of festivals are very specific. I know a small festival in Germany, it's more like a gathering of friends. But it isn't. It's a hell of a party! Yeah, I guess it's more... Like a big party with loads of drunk guys dressed as hot-dogs. - It's impossible to compare. - It's probably difficult. I'm not sure that nowadays anyone would dare start quite as ambitious a project. It is rather ambitious to launch such a specific festival in France. Unless the public is foreign in which case it would work, as long as the line-up is as ambitious and specific... But I'm not convinced. There is a perfect example, Wolfthrone festival which was launched last year. That's what I was going to say. They are fully extreme, black and death metal, created by people with passion and a concise line-up. - An excellent festival, they fully sold out very fast. - But then that's only 500 entries. - It isn't comparable. - It isn't big, but it's a good project to have launched. - I'm glad they sold out and glad that it exists. - 
It's great that they sold out, but it's a venue just outside of Paris and there were only 500 tickets. There is a festival in southern France, which is big on thrash and hardcore. Resurrection Fest in France. Even though Resurrection Fest has changed this year. I even believe they are partners. Well it doesn't surprise me. Yvan and David are in contact as their festivals take place over the same weekend. Hence the similar identity in terms of line-up. It's all very skater, hardcore and cross-over based. Strangely enough, in countries where metal culture is not overly developed, it's almost as if a single organisation has to do all the work Such is the case with Resurrection which was a punk/hardcore festival. Not unlike you at the start, it's the same story. Nowadays they have diversified with bands such as Amon Amarth and Watain. It's like a miniature Spanish Hellfest. In Spain, metal is not the best known musical genre, as was the case in France before Hellfest. The same can be said about Italy, but they just don't have the appropriate structures, so it's complicated. I toured in Italy, it isn't easy. But there is a demand for it. There are lots of Italian fans prepared to travel abroad. - Because they can't find what they want in their own country because the structures are minimal. - It's an interesting point. Because they can't find what they want in their own country because the structures are minimal. It's an interesting point. Current Musical Scene Associations (SMAc) don't want to hear about these sorts of genres. I think things have improved slightly thanks to Hellfest. For example, last year Rammstein played at Les Vieilles Charrues, a French pop festival. It means that this kind of music works, and that there has been a slight evolution, but we are still far from the kind of scene you'll find in the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, England or Germany, where there is a real sense of consideration for this type of music. 
Currently in France, not all music genres are really considered. I think that it must be roughly the same in Spain and Italy So it's hard for organisers to implement something that the available tools just do not permit. - 
In France we have Current Musical Scene Associations. - That's what I meant. - In Italy and Spain that is not the case. Roadburn is situated in a complex not unlike a SMAc but in the Netherlands, and it works. Here we have yet to see festivals formed in structures which are funded by the conglomeration. - 
Just to explain to our spectators who don't know how a SMAc works, it is an association funded by the institutions of its region: the town-hall, the regional directorate of cultural affairs, and other collectivities. As for the bands, and as an organiser, I disagree. There is at least one date reserved for metal every trimester if not every semester for the less motivated. Not necessarily heavy bands such as Gojira. But it is getting better and better. You're from Rennes in Brittany, so you have venues such as the Echonova and the UBU, that helps. The Echonova in Vannes and the UBU in Rennes. It is a certain type of territory... The UBU doesn't host metal bands. - I saw *** Death at the UBU. Before you were a twinkle in your father's eye. 
- Argh, Mea culpa So there are a few dates. But it's all a bit strange, we are in western France. This isn't France as a whole. Pierre Pauly, who was in charge of the Echonova (a SMAc), was the one who founded Metal Thérapie, so he obviously had the time for that kind of music. Nowadays people who work in cultural associations, fresh out of school who find work in a SMAc, they don't realise how important metal is. I often get promoters asking for my help because they need a metal band but don't know where to start. But that's recent. What bands are we talking about? What area? Metal or hardcore? We have a catalogue which is rather extreme, so hardcore, punk rock, metal... We have metal to offer but the promoters don't know a single thing about it.. Sorry... They don't want a specific band, just a band: “I need something metal. What have you got? I need one metal date for my trimester...”. - 
So it's always the same. That's what we were saying. Yeah they are less narrow-minded. Good job seeing as I often play at SMAc venues. - Which SMAc venues? - They try to proceed with caution. When a SMAc organises 20 dates throughout a trimester, they need to book one or two dates around rock or metal. It's like casting pearls before swine. Why? It's not the same kind of performance. I feel like the band always needs to be trendy and not too extreme. It has nothing to do with passion. - It's just an opportunity to play. - We don't care about the programmer. - There really is no passion. - But do you care about the directors in their offices? - I'm in charge of the line-up for family festivals. I'm not going to lie, it doesn't interest me. But you don't do it for you, you do it for the public. - It's strange that it's come to this point in France. - It's a paradox because SMAc venues are also generally rehearsal studios. Consider now that over 50% of the bands that use rehearsal studios are metal, stoner, hardcore, deathcore... So why is there no correlation between the bands rehearsing and those who get booked to play? Because the people in charge of organising don't have a clue. Because they once again forget about metal. 
It's not the kind of music everyone can listen to every day. It is encouraging to see that there is an amateur scene which is important in metal. People were surveyed during Hellfest. 
We always have numerous requests from amateur bands from all over France who want to play at our festival. We organised a contest in Brittany and received 70 candidatures, it was unreal. - Proof that the scene is alive. - And that concert organisers know as much. - Things are changing slowly but surely. In your opinion, given the new generation of 20 to 25 year-olds, how do you think things will evolve? Do you know any associations or organisationsthat could help raise the bar? Maybe, offering more varied line-ups, so it's not always Gojira, Dagoba and Hatebreed all the time? There are more and more. Do you know of any? I didn't prepare for the interview... Blue Wave in Nantes that are really good, MetalFest too. they bring the local scene in the foreground. 0:30:19.442,1193:02:47.295 There's Garmonbozia who have been about for 15 years, they're a true reference. It's much more than an association. 0:30:24.965,1193:02:47.295 You're talking about the future, we're talking about the new generation. I'm from Lorient, I know the Galion venue quite well, and there are more and more hardcore associations. There are a few associations which organise three of four concerts per month at the Galion. 
So it's the younger generations who are making the change Not so long ago we used to organise Club Shows in Nantes. Then it plateaued, nobody took it seriously enough to offer any decent dates. There are currently three or four associations in Nantes who have taken over, We're happy because we'd prefer that the more motivated, younger generations be in charge. - I often work with the Clisson Hardcore Crew. It's booming hardcore, modern beatdown hardcore and whatnot. But it works. Let's talk about your personal favourites and more specific cases. For example, Eviscer Asso tends to be very keen on grindcore, death and brutal death metal. 
Sometimes even black metal or thrash. All sorts of things really, they're very eclectic, but concise and keen on quality. How about you? For example, in Rennes there is a pretty decent association named Face To Face. They're are even reviving the dead with their Superbowl Hardcore. Why not!? It's a great idea. We'll see how it goes. We'll be backing them as best we can. They're my favourites. 
Okay. Do you have any complaints? Complaints? Talk about whatever you'd like to talk about, not even necessarily festival related. Other than the guy on my left I have no complaints. I should have known. No I can't grumble, I'm a positive person. That's a good thing. It's much the same for me, everything is going great, and has been for a while, thanks to several points, and thanks to our foreign public. They talk about our French artists a lot. I won't mention any names, I'm not here to promote anyone. 
That's what we're here for, go ahead. I'd rather let things happen naturally, it just gets more and more awesome. In so far as favourites go, how about the last albums I bought. 
We have three minutes left so feel free. Favourite recent album? Even if it isn't French? No matter. As I was saying to Yoann, I bought the latest Monster Magnet and I loved it. The latest Hail Of Bullets so Martin will be appearing on the latest Loudblast album. That's all I have to say. It's all good. Yann? What makes you happy? Or makes you angry? You were saying how you appreciate Face To Face in Rennes. There is an association in Vannes called By The Kids For The Kids who organise concerts with Yves and are now part of Motocultor. 
They've had a slight problem with their location but should be back on their feet in a few months. Les Loges, right? Les Loges in the long term and probably other locations in the area, like Echonova. I think if they persevere, they'll be like Face To Face and do some amazing things. What genre? Punk hardcore. Which reminds me of a band who played at Motocultor last Summer... Angelus Apatrida? No, Regarde Les Hommes Tomber. They were great. Even though they played at midday on Sunday. They made a good impression. Now that they have a tour manager, they'll be playing at Desert Fest I believe, and Roadburn too. Plus they are touring with Kylesa. Right, Les Acteurs De L'Ombre have two bands there this year : Regarde Les Hommes Tomber and The Great Old Ones It helps to have nice artwork and a name that catches your eye, but that pretty much sums it up... They're my friends. Calm down. 
Musically speaking they are really good. They're great, but they have also figured out how it works. But they're friends of mine so another favourite, I agree. We have one minute left. With one minute left I'd say Bliss Of Flesh, Mind Whispers, Cobra... Not necessarily our style, but they make me laugh. Several French bands. There are loads. Ad Patres. Seth, Deathspell Omega, and so on and so forth. I can't quote them all. Solstafir. Totally French Solstafir. I think the thing that makes me the happiest is seeing these new generations who are doing their best to keep the scene alive, because a while back I was worried that they just didn't care any more. I realise that even if teenagers don't tend to buy CDs, even if it's easier to access music through downloading or streaming, people are still interested in vinyls, which proves that there is still a sense of passion. I also realise that not all 15 and 16 year-olds are idiots and some are genuinely interested in music and I'm glad it's easily accessible. 
I thought that music has become obsolete but it hasn't. More and more kids have been coming up to me, tapping me on the shoulder and asking “Hey Yoann, so is Black Sabbath playing at Hellfest this year?” Even when I was 15 I didn't listen to Black Sabbath. I liked Les Bérurriers Noirs and whatnot. Anyway, you see what I mean. More and more teenagers have a grasp on metal, and ask me about bands like Dream Theater and other specialist bands It's kids between 15 and 18 years-old who pick up instruments, so I haven't given up hope. I thought all was lost, but now I realise that the passion burns on. Even if CDs have almost disappeared, we can still make music, and organise concerts and festivals, because the kids are still behind us. 
Ending on a happy note. So that's cool. Unfortunately. It's not exactly very metal. It's not dark and moody. Anyway, we'll see you next month, until then, I'll be learning how to pour a beer. Toodles. Yeah, great idea. In our next episode we will be talking about the evolution of metal media and its migration toward the Internet. As per usual, we will welcome four guests : Christophe Guibert, sociologist, Michael Berberian from Season of Mist, Yves Campion director of Metallian and Ben Barbaud director of Hellfest.