Worship Metal Interviews Heavy Scotland Mastermind Caitlin Elliott!

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Heavy Scotland is fast becoming one of 2017’s must attend events (just check out that line-up via HS’s poster below) so the timing seemed right to quiz Heavy Scotland mastermind Caitlin Elliot about all things HEAVY (Scotland or otherwise)…..

1. So….you’re the brains behind a brand new 2 day heavy metal event in Scotland catering for those with a taste for the more extreme sub-genres. A brave move indeed, what inspired you to take the plunge into the metal festival environment?

“We still have 7 bands to announce and they are not all as extreme as some of the current line up. I always knew I wanted to run my own business and after finishing my Masters two years ago I noticed there wasnt a festival of this nature in Scotland. I love metal, I am very passionate about it, so I thought it would be pretty cool to give bands a platform and to give fans an awesome metal weekend. Festivals are an incredible way to celebrate the music you love, discover new music, make new friends and just relax and have fun, so it is my pleasure to get a festival going in such an awesome country.”

2. Do you feel you have the right balance between unsigned upcoming acts and more established names?

“Yes, when the full line up is announced there will be 4 unsigned bands out of 18. These are all incredible bands, really talented musicians and they are all great to watch live. I hope they can use this platform to reach a wider audience and grow their profile. All big bands started somewhere so I am honoured to be able to give these bands a slot at the festival. I really hope they do well from it. One of those four bands will be the winner of the Heavy Scotland Metal Is Not Dead battle of the bands which are taking place on 28 January, 11 February and 25th February at studio 24 in Edinburgh. All three nights will be headlined by a great metal band and followed by an afterparty- so there will be 3 awesome metal parties leading up to one great big metal weekend.”

3. You have one opportunity to introduce your festival to the entire world, what do you say to convince them to come?

“I can’t tell you all my secrets! As with any new business you have to work incredibly hard to get it off the ground. I think that my passion drives me, I really love the metal community and I count myself very lucky to be able to work in it. I think that passion shows- well I hope it does anyway. haha. The metal community is very loyal and supportive and us metalheads are willing to support new festivals- as the festivals are great platforms for future generations of metalheads and bands. I also think Edinburgh has a lot to do with it- it is such a beautiful city, there are many attractions and lots of things to see and do. I think this is why we have guests flying in from more than 6 countries. The support has been fantastic so thank you to everyone who has bought their tickets so far.”

4. Heavy Scotland’s line-up is impressive to say the least with many punters likely to want to see as many bands as humanly possible. How do you plan on avoiding the normally inevitable band clashes?

“Thank you very much. It is still a relatively small festival, there is only one stage and 9 bands a day. We extended the stage in the Corn Exchange so that the day will run as smoothly as possible with changeover times etc. I am sure all of our guests will get to see the bands they want as well as discover some great new bands and have time to enjoy the atmosphere, meet some of the bands, maybe buy something cool from one of the stalls selling there, generally just have a great time surrounded by a bunch of really awesome metalheads.”

5. Who is top of Heavy Scotland’s wish list for future events?

“Oooh I don’t think I can give away 2018’s line up! However it would be really incredible in a few years to have bands such as Machine Head and Lamb of God and keep growing from there.”

6. Which album/artist/gig/experience made you first realise you ‘Worshipped’ metal?

“I was deprived as a teenager and never got to see a band live until I was 20! can you imagine, your first gig at 20!! Hah. Before that I listened to all sorts, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot but it was Tool’s 10,000 Days which was the point of no return so to speak.”

7. Name the one album that epitomises heavy metal/hard rock over all others?

“Gojira do it for me. I love everything they do. I think they are going to keep on growing into a giant metal force. That is just my personal preference though, a lot of bands had an impact on creating the genre and there are many, many amazing albums out there.”

8. You’re given the chance to handpick the ultimate 4-piece Rock and Metal supergroup (living or deceased). Who’s in the line-up?

“I feel as if you are testing me on my metal knowledge! I thought this was an interview about Heavy Scotland not a pop quiz… I am just kidding. There are too many legendary musicians to choose and everyone will have a different preference. Can I just say Guns n Roses original line up? I would have loved to see them at the height of their career.”

9. Hard rock and heavy metal is blatantly the greatest thing ever invented but what’s the second greatest invention of all time?

“The gym- you can’t listen to heavy metal if you dont lift heavy metal. Listening to some brutal death metal is perfect for any workout, especially at 6am. I love Postmortem Promises, they get me motivated.”

10. It turns out Ozzy’s luscious long hair is imbued with time-travelling qualities and just one stroke of his lion’s mane can transport you back to any rock/metal gig of your choice. Who do you go and see?

“Oops I accidentally answered this already- Guns n Roses in their heyday. Or Motorhead, I never got to see them live unfortunately.”

Heavy Scotland takes place between the 1st and 2nd April 2016 at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange….in Scotland (if that wasn’t already obvious)! Get there!