Delivering local talent alongside some big alternative names, over the last five years Long Division festival has been gaining momentum and bringing its home city of Wakefield back into the musical orbit. Festival Director Dean Freeman shares his wisdom with our Festival Editor Anastasia Connor.
Sum up Long Division in five words.
Independent. DIY. Hidden. Community. Wakefield.
What prompted you to start Long Division?
I was running a fanzine called Rhubarb Bomb and was always banging on about how great Wakefield bands are. Then there was a news story which showed Wakefield was the country’s third most musical city. It was based on a percentage of people claiming PRS royalties against the population and I just thought, why don’t we have a festival celebrating all this? So we started one up ourselves.
How many bands/venues did you have in your first year and what’s the plan for this year?
I think it was about 60 bands the first year across six venues. Funny places like the Cathedral and the Town Hall. This year we have eight venues (the only one from year one is The Hop; they change all the time) and about 80 bands. We always have the big all dayer on Saturday and then an opening Friday night gig (we have British Sea Power this year) and something cool on Sunday (a live album recording).
What was the most difficult element at the beginning and what’s the biggest challenge now?
The most difficult thing is the same then as it is now – we are in Wakefield. Since I work as a promoter, I know for sure that Long Division has massively improved agents’ and bands’ perceptions of Wakefield. But for punters it can still be an issue and for getting local people and businesses interested; the boring stuff like getting people to sponsor the event, or put posters up. Things like that are hard because Wakefield doesn’t have a student population. And, of course, the economy has just got worse since we started in 2011, so that side of it is tough.
When it comes to live music, do you think Wakefield suffers by its proximity to Sheffield and Leeds?
It can a little. Hardcore music fans will travel anywhere to see a good show, so in a way Wakefield audiences are better – they are hardcore locals or hardcore visitors. I think long-lasting and vibrant scenes do require you to turn on new people to music or attract the more passive fans. That is harder in Wakefield. That hardcore mentality is what makes the bands who come from here so interesting; like heavily evolved creatures built to exist in harsh environments.
Last year Unity Hall was part of the festival. It is a legendary venue with a pedigree going back to the late 70s/early 80s. Do you think it might put the city back on the touring map?
I think it already is. Again, it is the task of spreading the word. It is a completely unique venue with a huge history dating back to the 19th century. But given time it can certainly be one of the best venues in the north of England. Long Division is a great chance to check it out for the first time. Those beautiful stained glass windows and the huge beamed roof need to be seen to be believed!
What’s your view of Wakefield music scene in 2015?
I think it is in a funny place. Five years ago we had more bands than you could shake a stick at, but no venues. Now it’s kind of the other way round. It’s a big issue for me that not enough young bands are coming through. But if you regard the music scene as the bands that are playing across the city, wherever they are from, there is more than ever to see and do. And surprisingly diverse too.
New Wakefield bands we should keep an eye on.
Allusondrugs are obviously doing really well at the moment. Forever Cult and Yawning Dog are both definitely worth checking out too. The Spills are one of Wakefield’s best ever bands and are working on their second album, which I’m sure will be immense.
For a DIY festival, you’ve always had super strong line-ups with a lot of exciting emerging and established names. What’s your secret?
I think the secret it that it is completely run by promoters who are constantly active in the city. We kind of pick the best stuff that’s been through the city over the last 12 months. We get to see local bands on the ascendancy and give them good slots at the fest. It’s the local connection, but then this wider appreciation of other labels and promoters and venues around the city who share our ethos. It’s totally not about the money, otherwise we’d be in a different game. And then, we always felt we’d need the big headliners to get people to make the effort to travel. So it’s been an honour to have The Cribs, The Fall, Ghostpoet, Aidan Moffat & Bills Wells, Art Brut, The Vaselines, The Wedding Present and tons more come to Wakefield, usually for the first time.
Any special surprises planned for your 5th birthday?
It’s kind of a ‘best-of’ year. We usually do weird stuff each year, experimenting with the format, but this year it is pure; the best venues, the best bands we’ve ever had. one full day of madness. two ace one-off shows.
What’s your favourite Long Division gig of the last four years?
My favourite was the Mi Mye Live Album Recording in 2013. We had use of an abandoned library; Greenmount Studios set up in the middle of the floor. The audience all had wireless headsets to hear their live mix of the album. And then Mi Mye played a live set, which was just so good. The recording turned out great (you can hear it online) but as there were only about 100 of us – and most of us knew each other – it felt so intimate. Such a great memory!
Who are you particularly looking forward to seeing at Long Division this year?
Truth is, I don’t get to see many bands. I’ve never seen more than a couple of songs by any band, and I could count them on one hand. Ash I have wanted for Long Division for years, so that will be excellent. I am scared and excited by Fat White Family as I’ve never seen them play. Local heroes Two Man Cuppy have reformed for the festival, so that should be fun. And the live album recording again, this year with The Ainsley Band.
Apart from Long Division, what are your favourite festivals and why?
Most recently I went to Sound & Vision in Norwich. I wasn’t there long but it made me realise what a great city it is and will definitely return. That’s what is cool about city festivals. Beacons was probably my favourite camping fest, so it is a shame it has gone.
Any advice for budding festival organisers?
Just get on with it. Don’t think too much, but think loads too. So I mean, don’t worry about things at the beginning, just get things moving. Be as organised as you can. Try and be professional, even when you are starting out. It will make things easier in the long run. Make sure you know why you are doing it. Is it money? Is it fun? And finally; in this over saturated market, there has to be a reason for it existing, something special to make people give up their precious time. But above all – enjoy it!
Long Division 2015 takes place 12th – 14th June in various venues across Wakefield.
For tickets and more information go to http://www.longdivisionfestival.co.uk
Long Division is one of our Favourite Metropolitan Festivals. Read about the others here.
