- Words Aimee Phillips
- Photography Jack Bridgland
easy life frontman Murray talks festival must-haves, toppling portaloos, and the band’s upcoming third album.
Festival season is drawing to a close, but Corona Sunsets promises a final hurrah this weekend. The festival’s world tour has seen sensational acts take to the stage in locations such as Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Columbia, Italy, China, India, showcasing a curation of live music, art, and eco-friendly culinary experiences aimed at bringing attendees closer to nature. This Saturday 2 September, it lands in Hertfordshire’s Hatfield Park, with sets from Mahalia, Franc Moody, ELIZA, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn and more. Notion 90 cover stars easy life have bagged the festival headline slot – a landmark moment as it’s their first.
Known for uncovering the beauty in the everyday and translating their observations into hit songs, Leicester five piece easy life have garnered a staunch fanbase and a reputation for must-see live shows. With two successful albums under their belt, they’re currently working on a third – all while playing a sweep of festivals this summer.
Ahead of the band’s Corona Sunsets show, frontman Murray Matravers gives us the lowdown on crowd surfing mishaps, the three things he always packs for a festival, and the addictiveness of uncertainty.
Corona Sunsets marks your first festival headline performance! How do you all feel about reaching this milestone?
I know! We are dead excited. To top the bill feels like a real achievement for us.
Some of the band got in the pit for your Leeds Festival set – have you got any other surprises for the crowd at Corona Sunsets this weekend?
That’s literally every gig. I would join them, but my back is fucked after being dropped during a crowd surf last week. Perhaps my pit/surfing days are behind me? We don’t like to plan surprises; they seem to just happen in the moment. Who knows? It’s that unpredictability that keeps us touring and keeps the shows exciting for us to perform.
When attending a festival, what are three things you never go without?
Wellies, coat, lighter.
What’s your favourite thing about festivals?
I kinda hate festivals to be honest lol. Too many people, it freaks me out. Although in the past, I have been partial to the odd drum and bass tent here and there.
What is your most outrageous festival story?
I’ve seen some pretty awful stuff, lots of which I can’t remember properly. I once saw a group of people tip a portaloo over with their ‘friend’ inside, that was horrific. Why would you do that? Drugs, I suppose.
Do you have a favourite festival memory?
Playing Glasto Pyramid Stage was pretty amazing.
I hear you’ve started working on your third album… Can you drop any hints about what we can expect?
No spoilers I’m afraid. It’s really good though, I’m dead happy with how it’s coming together.
The novelist Dominique Fernandez once said, “Each new book is written to correct the flaws of its predecessor.” Do you agree the same applies to albums?
Very wise indeed. I think this same philosophy can apply to most aspects of life. You’re always learning. I still feel like I have no idea how to make an album. Or what it should be/say. No clue. I’m just having a crack at it and trying to enjoy the process. Fuck knows, really. Again, the uncertainty is addictive and intriguing.
Both ‘Life’s a Beach’ and ‘Maybe In Another Life…’ landed at #2 on the UK Albums Chart. Are you aiming for #1 with album three?
First the worst, second the best.