The Gum Ball's LES POETES POP
The 2023 edition of the long running The Gum Ball Festival kicks off this weekend at Lower Belford, NSW at the home of great Australian indie family-friendly festivals Dashville. LES POETES POP will open the proceedings, taking to the stage straight after the Welcome to Country at 4pm so as the band makes the last of the preparations for their The Gum Ball debut, we chucked a few questions at the band’s Gary Seeger and asked him about all things Gum Ball and who he’s excited to see from the extensive local and international lineup.
You are one of the acts announced for the 2023 Gum Ball happening in the Hunter Valley on the 21st - 23rd of April. Are you excited to be a part of this huge line-up of musical talent?
Who wouldn’t be excited! The joy of performing live and the opportunity to see such great artists as The New Christs, Mudhoney and more.
The Gum ball has been running since 2009, have you ever attended a Gum Ball before? If so what are your memories of the event?
Alas I have not attended The Gum Ball previously, but I’ve been told by many people that it’s one of the best music festivals where indie music and family gatherings meet. Can’t wait!
How do you prepare yourself for a festival event like Gum Ball?
As far as the band, Les Poetes Pop, a) we rehearse a tight set 2 nights prior a show, and b) purchase new guitar strings and fresh earplugs! As far as preparation personally, I may just swap over my beloved Mini for a friends SUV with all the camping treats!
“every artist likes a big crowd, but we’ll play the same set whether there’s 5 + a dog or 500… + 2 dogs!”
What can punters expect from your upcoming performance at this long running event?
Plenty of energy on stage and above all fun. We’re on early, so I don’t expect a big crowd, but I do know a group of Newcastle fans and friends coming. Of course, every artist likes a big crowd, but we’ll play the same set whether there’s 5 + a dog or 500… + 2 dogs!
“I’m also intrigued about the Chris Cornell Concept.”
Apart from your own, who's set are you most looking forward to at Gum Ball?
Apart from the two I mentioned above, I’m keen to see as many acts as possible. I saw Full Flower Moon Band at Big Sound last year, so I’m keen to see them again. I’m also intrigued about the Chris Cornell Concept.
If you could jump on stage and collab with any artist or band from the Gum Ball line-up, who would it be and why?
I’d rather watch from the side! Who’ll have me!!
What's your favourite festival memory either as a scheduled act or as an attendee?
Far too many. The early years of The Big Day Out’s + Homebake was always memorable.
“I love every part of a music festival from backstage banter, mingling with the other artists to the vibe of a crowd, and even the mud!”
Do you enjoy playing festivals and being a part of that festival scene and atmosphere?
I love every part of a music festival from backstage banter, mingling with the other artists to the vibe of a crowd, and even the mud!
Do you find festivals presents your music to new fans or people who haven’t heard you before?
Most definitely. I always enjoy playing to a foreign crowd that we may win over!
What’s the one song from your catalogue that you HAVE to include in a festival set?
“Puerto Rican Mint”
Do you have a message for the attendees that are coming to see you play?
Don’t be late because we’re on early!
Following Welcome To Country, Les Poetes Pop will kick off The Gum Ball Festival Friday April 21 at 4.00PM so be there early !!
interview by Michelle Symes
April 2023