Why we can't keep Stillia..!

FESTIVAL focus . . . Stillia

ONE of the busiest and most popular bands on this year's festival circuit ­- St Helens-based Stillia ­- simply can't wait to rock the epic Cotton Clouds showpiece in Saddleworth on August 12.

Indie hot prospects Stillia ­- front-man Jack Bennett, lead guitarist Connor Moran, bassist Johnny Waring and drummer Matty Bennett ­- have enjoyed a steady and consistent rise through the musical ranks this past two years, and though they are going somewhat festival crazy this coming summer, Cotton Clouds at Saddleworth Cricket Club is clearly one the lads are particularly relishing. That's when they eventually find the venue, of course.

Jack Bennett told me: "We think we've been to Saddleworth, but we're not sure.

"We've certainly not played there.

"We are really excited for Cotton Clouds, though. We've heard the tickets are flying out.

"The amount of bands from Manchester and around the area that wanted to get on the festival was huge, and it's not surprising.

"The Coral headlining it? It's going to be one of Manchester's biggest festivals ever so we are lucky to have got on it.

"We'll watch The Coral of course, then there's the Sundowners, the Blinders.

"There's the weather issue on the day, but to be honest I don't think anyone will be put off if it does rain.

"Manchester is a major music city isn't it? Most of the people who will be coming to it won't be bothered what the weather is like."

Stillia's gig list alone tells you how popular they are right now.

GIANTS

They're about to head off on a mini-tour for the This Feeling promotional giants, while festival-wise, they're booked in at the Blackthorn, Dot-to-Dot, Wigan Arts, Warrington, RecRock and Kazoopa, to name just a few.

Moran said: "We did play quite a few festivals last year, including the Blackthorn, which we're doing again this July and I probably like them most because it gives you the chance to play in front of people who wouldn't normally see you. It's a chance to get new fans, which is always cool. There are some great festivals around Manchester, but the Blackthorn is probably the top one."

Although some 25 miles from the centre of St Helens, the Stillia lads appreciate just how important Manchester is on the musical map, and the camaraderie that exists between all the city music folk.

Jack added: "There's never a competition vibe when we play, but I think where most people would agree is that Manchester is a place where everyone immediately seems to get on.

"At gigs and stuff, maybe in the dressing rooms with other bands, everyone always seems to be really relaxed. That is important. I don't see anything out there as competition. It definitely doesn't feel that way if I'm honest. That's just Manchester for you."

As well as the umpteen gigs in the diary, Stillia have also been busy recording recent debut single 'Let Me In', and heavily involved in the production and direction of the accompanying video was none other than celebrity fan Johnny Vegas, the hugely popular comedian also from St Helens.

Matty Bennett explained: "He got to know us quite a while ago to be honest. When we used to do pub gigs back in St Helens he used to come and support us at quite a few of them. Since then he's always been a big fan of the band, so we asked him if he'd like to be a part of the video. He agreed and ended up directing it. It came out class, so we were all well pleased with it."

Don't forget tickets are still available for Cotton Clouds ­- which features The Coral, the Sugarhill Gang, Nick Heyward, The Whip and a clutch of top north-west bands ­- via the link on either Stillia's Facebook or of course www.cottoncloudsfestival.com.