Interview: Orbit Culture Speaks to Us About Opening Download’s Mainstage on Sunday

Opening Download Festival’s mainstage can’t be an easy slot for anyone. But opening on the final day, the same day that Korn are headlining, has to be a whole different level of pressure.

But despite those odds, on Sunday, June 15, Orbit Culture took over Download’s main stage with an incredible introduction. Though 30 minutes later than scheduled, as I briefly mentioned in the Sunday review, the group were welcomed by thousands of roaring fans who were ready to give it their all.

I sat down with three-quarters of the Swedish metal group to talk about their debut mainstage appearance, their forthcoming Death Above Life album and a little more!

Hey guys, thanks so much for speaking with me today! How are you feeling? You guys set off a little late for your set this morning.

Niklas Karlsson: Both good and bad, I think. At least, crowdwise, anyway. [I think it did] some kind of benefit getting pushed back. But also, we got more nervous as we were waiting for longer. Overall, it was good.

This is your debut mainstage Download performance. Can you tell me, other than using the word excited, what sprang to mind when you locked this opportunity in?

Niklas Karlsson: I mean, it’s super sick. It’s an honour. Some of the bands playing there are our favourite bands. It’s super incredible to be able to share the stage with such amazing bands, not only this year, but every year. It’s really amazing. From this roster this year, they’s so many bands that should have that spot, instead of us, I don’t know.

No, don’t be so modest!

Niklas Karlsson: We were lucky got get that mainstage slot and if we’re given the chance, we’re going to fucking take it!

Fredrik Lennartsson: It’s a big responsibility to walk on a stage that size. And give people a good show!

Niklas Karlsson: Give them hell!

All: Exactly

Also the fact that you’re the first band to play on the main stage today. That’s awesome, right?

Niklas Karlsson: I mean, opening up on the Sunday. This festival could never work in Sweden…

Really? Tell me why.

Niklas Karlsson: Well, because on a Sunday, you’re supposed to be hungover and going home from a festival in Sweden. But here you guys are fucking partying like animals still. So, that’s a good thing. But coming from Sweden, we were thinking, ‘Are people even going to show up or are people packing down and going home?’

We had no clue, but it turned out really good. But I have to ask, are British people working tomorrow?

Yes.

Niklas Karlsson: Well, that’s just stupid…

Unless it’s a bank holiday on the Monday, most of us will be working.

Niklas Karlsson: I mean, British people also drink every day, so I mean. They’re used to it…

So, you recently played Sweden Rock. How would you compare the two experiences of playing that and Download?

Niklas Karlsson: I mean, being a Swede, I think playing Sweden Rock is such a big statement and honourable. But this is also honourable, of course. Download is a bigger festival worldwide. But playing in Sweden holds a special place for me. Its home. It’s also a little scary because all our friends and family are there to support us. It helps that they are not here today… Because I’m a little nervous.

Richard Hansson: I was way more nervous to play Sweden Rock than this. I was nervous here too, but you know.

Fredrik Lennartsson: I agree.

That makes sense! Right now, you’re working towards your fifth studio album, Death Above Life, which comes out October 3. It’s been two years since Descent, so what new themes or continued stories can we expect to hear on this forthcoming record?

Niklas Karlsson:  It’s gotten a bit more modernised, I think. But we don’t want to scare people either. There’s still that Orbit Culture spine in the songs. We’ve also tried some new stuff. Once you hear it in full, you’ll get the full picture. So far, we’ve seen people getting a bit scared and asking, ‘What are they changing into?’ Especially with our last single release, [“Death Above Life.”] You’ll just have to wait and see!

Richard Hansson: There will be songs for everyone, I think. Often the older guys get a bit scared, but we have stuff on there that’s old school too.

Yeah, exactly. You’ll gain some new fans along the way and hopefully keep your OG fans too! Just a few days ago, you dropped the album title with a video by Riivata Visuals – what was it like working with Riivata on this?

Niklas Karlsson: Amazing. We love those guys. We trust them so much. Both Thomas and Patrick, (the main guys there) are great to work with. They really understand the Orbit tribe, I think. Watching all of their work, they are phenomenal at what they’re doing and and we’ve become really good friends along the way. Which makes it way more simple to work with them.

Richard Hansson: Also, what’s cool is Riivata Visuals is their company, and Patrick and Tomas are also in the band Atlas, who we’re bringing out for the tour.

Niklas Karlsson: So, yeah, it’s friends helping friends, but they are so fucking awesome. We love those guys, and we trust them so much. So, book them! Hire them!

And lastly, do you have any notes or a message for your fans? Anything you’d like to push!

Richard Hansson: Buy our shit so we can buy beer!

Niklas Karlsson: Pretty much. No. I don’t know. Just keep your eyes peeled throughout the summer here! It’s going to be a roller coaster of new material leading up to October.

Amazing! Thanks so much for your time.