Brutus Are Playing 2000trees

It's that time of year again – 2000trees festival's #7DaysOfTrees! One band will be added to the 2000trees lineup each day for a period of seven days... get it? Well today Kerrang! can exclusively reveal that Belgian post-hardcore trio Brutus will be joining the bill.

Brutus join the already bulging lineup of Frank Turner, You Me At Six, Deaf Havana, Every Time I Die, While She Sleeps, Flogging Molly, Frank Iero and more.

We caught up with Brutus' bassist Peter Mulders to find out what playing 2000trees means to them.

Hey Peter, how does it feel to be playing 2000trees this year?
"It's great to be back! It will be the third time we've played the festival and we have only good memories. The last two times we had to leave early to play a festival the next day in Europe, so I hope we can stay for the night this time!"

You’re all quite understated people offstage, how does it feel when you walk out onstage?
"Difficult question. Are we? I think we are just the same people off and onstage. We try to become one with our bandmates, the songs and the instruments."

How are you going to make yourselves stand out at 2000trees?
"Just like every show we play, we try to play our best show ever. We only have our songs to stand out with; they stand for what we do and what we are. If we try to bring them in the most passionate and authentic way that day allows us, that's our way to stand out."

What has the reaction been to new album Nest?
"Overwhelming. Your second album is always a little question mark. Your first album is always easier, new and always fresh because it's your first. But what is the next step? We're really happy with everything we've read and heard about the album up to now. It's really moving how people seem to feel the emotions and messages we wanted to put into the songs."

What has the reaction been to new album Nest?
"Overwhelming. Your second album is always a little question mark. Your first album is always easier, new and always fresh because it's your first. But what is the next step? We're really happy with everything we've read and heard about the album up to now. It's really moving how people seem to feel the emotions and messages we wanted to put into the songs."

You’re touring all through May. How do you stop yourselves burning out?
"We are touring, but we don't go crazy. It's all about the shows and the music. We don't do drugs or drink too much – we try to stay focused and we take our days off seriously. Yes, we are boring! We have a good crew and we talk a lot about what's going on between the three of us and in our lives next to Brutus. We try to support each other along the way: if somebody is having a difficult time somebody else will be there to pick him or her up. Up to now, the shows and the music are giving us more than enough fuel to keep on burning!"

Why should people come and watch you at 2000trees?
"Because each day you have to do something you have never done before! And if you did see us before, you can decide on your own!"

Which other bands are you excited to see at the festival?
"I'm a big Frank Turner fan and it's so crazy Mongol Horde are playing on the same day – I'll be there! So on Friday: Mongol Horde, Drug Church, Pulled Apart By Horses and our Belgian friends Slow Crush. Comeback Kid on Thursday and Every Time I Die on Saturday."

2000trees festival takes place at Upcote Farm, Gloucestershire, from July 11-13. Get your tickets now.