My United - Rudimental

We caught up with the pair to talk all things football and music ahead of their set on the West Holt Stage at Glastonbury festival on Sunday. 

Piers, Kesi - It’s been a while since we last caught up, how have you been? 
 "Been really good thanks, we’ve been busy writing new music in the studio and also now that festival season has started."
 
We’ve just wrapped up the 2022/23 season, what are your thoughts on Erik’s first season in charge? 
 "Erik’s had a great first season, he’s made some great signings. The style of football we are playing is now exciting, tactically we look like we always have a plan. It’s good to be back in the top 4, winning trophies and getting to finals."

Did any of our players stand out in particular to you? If so, who and why? 
 "[Lisandro] Martinez has been outstanding, reads the game so well and is so composed on the ball. Great to see [Marcus] Rashford at his best again this season adding goals to his game."
 
Champions League football is returning to Old Trafford, are you excited about that? Who would you love to see us face? 
 "Super excited Champions League is back, we were at Old Trafford for the United vs Barca Europa [League] game this season. Those are the type of matches you’d like to see and expect in the Champions League."
 
The last time we spoke was the Barcelona game at Old Trafford, what are your memories from that night?  
 "That was an amazing evening, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was special and the match reflected that. Beating Barcelona was definitely one of the highlights of the season for us."

And what about the Premier League? Who are you always buzzing to watch United play against? 
 "Looking forwards to playing Liverpool, think we need our revenge from the last game. Also, Arsenal is a big one for me as all my friends support them!"
 
You’re playing Glastonbury this weekend, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, how are you feeling?  
 "Super excited for Glastonbury, we are headlining the West Holts stage on Sunday which will be a big moment for us. We’ve had some amazing moments at Glastonbury in the past and with it being 10 years since our debut album we’ve got a feeling it’s going to be extra special."
 
Will you be trying to watch anyone before or after you’ve played? 
 "Unfortunately, we won’t have time this year as we are just going down on Sunday and after our show, we have DJ sets too. Would have liked to have been able to see Arctic Monkeys, Barrington Levy, Interplanetary Criminal."

You’re used to playing in front of huge crowds at shows, do you enjoy being in the crowd at football matches, and perhaps other shows? 
 "Love being in the crowd at football matches, it’s a very different experience to music shows and concerts. Normally at festivals and concerts, we like to go in the crowd and watch other acts perform. Something about being in the crowd gives you a better experience."
 
How do you blend your passion for music and your interest in football? Do they cross over in any way? 
 "When I was a kid all I ever wanted to do was play football or make music. I would spend hours indoors producing music on the computer and then go play football outside in the flats. It was a nice combination that probably helped keep me more focused when it came to music."

From your perspective, how do you envision the connection between football and music evolving in the future?
 "We feel like they could be combined with football and music programmes for the youth. Where we grew up this is all the kids were interested in and we believe the balance of the two work really well together."
 
 We’re seeing football jerseys become more and more popular in mainstream fashion, does your support make it into your everyday fits?
 "It does sometimes, it’s quite nice and light wearing a football jersey to the studio."

And last but not least, who would be your ideal signing for United this summer? 
 "I think we would have to go with Harry Kane, not only is he a proven goal scorer in the Premier League but his hold-up play and vision is top tier. With the likes of Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, and Sancho on the wings I think Harry would be the perfect fit."

Be sure to tune into the Rudimental Glastonbury set, which starts at 9:45 PM on Sunday!