The Apple Tree Theory are heading to Crow Fest ready to get the crowd laughing, dancing and singing.
The acoustic band describe themselves as “a unique blend of bluegrass, reggae, and folk”. I set up a Zoom call and met all five members. A group interview can be a challenge to keep track of who’s talking, picking up quotes and then making sense of it all.
But a 15-minute chat with Apple Tree Theory was easy and good fun. Scott and Pete did the talking, and the others did the essential micky-taking that keeps bands together.
In a nice surprise, Pete told me he lives in Oakfield- just behind Cwmbran Stadium. I asked him what the (Crow Fest has sold-out) lucky people with tickets will see on Saturday 20 July when they get on stage
Pete said: “People can expect an informal, fun, lively experience. The way we’ve got by is by having good chemistry on stage and hopefully that translates to good chemistry between us and whatever audience should be in front of us.
“We’re going to have fun, we’re going to do what we always do. We’re looking forward to it.”
This interview was carried out thanks to the support of Cwmbran Community Council.
Scott said: “We have fun on stage. Whereas most bands that I’ve seen, if you make a mistake you have the sort of ‘aww quick, no-one noticed’ but if we make a mistake we all make sure everyone knows and will go [points at band member] ‘aaahhhhhh!’
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s so much fun on stage and usually that comes across into the audience and they have fun with us.”
Pete explained how events like this bring communities together.
He said: “Live music is an essential part of our cultural identity.
“Humanity is at its best when we’re enjoying music together. It’s what we do when we’re not swinging swords at each other or competing for food. We express ourselves in artistic or sporting ways. It’s a pleasure to be involved with it.”
An Elvis tribute, a jazz band, and a punk glam-rock group. So how did Apple Tree Theory feel about being included in this line-up?
Scott said: “I love it because there are so many different styles and genres and that’s what I think music should be like. I think everyone is guilty, especially growing up, of going into one genre and not giving anything else a chance.
“This way you get different people coming to see you and coming to see the other bands and then they might see something they’ve never seen before or even entertained liking
“We’re a bluegrass band. There aren’t many of them in Wales. I like that we’re bringing something unusual and I’m all up for seeing obviously GLC, I can’t wait for that.”
The same line-up as Goldie Lookin’ Chain
Pete said: “The first time I ever heard GLC was on audio cassette
“As satirical and funny as they are, they are an important cultural identity thing of Newport and the south-east Wales area. They are about as big as it gets. So really looking forward to seeing those guys.
“Sometimes people think of music as a bit tribal but we’re all practicing one kind of art and we’re all in it for a laugh. It’s going to be fun and I feel lucky to be involved.”
“The festival experience in the UK, you could say has become so homogenised and corporate that it can often block access. When you think of the cost you have to pay for Green Man for Glastonbury or any kind of large-scale music event you can’t argue with £5.
‘1999 prices’
“It’s 1999 prices and that’s amazing and the organisers should be really proud to bring an experience at that kind of price because it is affordable for a family and that’s really important.”
Scott said: “You’re going to have a wicked time. It’s going to open your mind up to different genres of music. We’re definitely going to make you laugh. We’re going to make you dance and we’re going to make you sing. It’s going to be awesome.”
Apple Tree Theory will play at Crow Fest along with Goldie Lookin’ Chain , Travis George , Gypsy Pistoleros, , Capital City Jazz, 2Rude, Darren ‘Graceland’ Jones , Tobias Robertson and No One Knows.
Crow Fest is being organised by Cwmbran Community Council to celebrate the New Town’s 75th anniversary.
Crow Fest- important information
Food and drink will be on sale. Anyone who looks under 25 will be asked for ID if they want to buy alcohol.
The festival is on the outdoor pitch so suitable footwear must be worn. High heels or chairs won’t be allowed. Festival goers are welcome to bring picnic blankets.
Crow Fest runs from 2pm to 10pm. Last entry 7pm.