Continuing our run of letting you know a little more about as many of the bands on at Bloodstock 2025 as we possibly can before you get a chance to see them, we have KOBA. This bunch play on the new Blood Stage on the Sunday.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are from Norwich, Norfolk!
How long have you been playing together as a band?
All together probably been jamming as a group around 4-5 years now. Although Covid did hamper a lot of valuable time. We’ve been this version of us now for around a year and a half.
Where does the name of the band come from?
The name KOBA was something Matty (guitar) came up with. We were all pretty set on wanting a one word name and having it quite short. It’s a name we were all happy with, but then realised it’s the main antagonist in the Planet of the Ape films, which definitely suits our soundtrack/instrumental style of music.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We’re an Instrumental Post Metal band, so we often craft sections, and build songs around atmospherics, suspense, and builds/crescendos as opposed to a verse/chorus style of writing. Having no singer you need to try and stay interesting, and we often use melodic/rhythmic guitar sections to give the songs recognisable and distinctive parts. Using one guitar for almost constant melody throughout the set.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
As a band, we always focus on live performance/sound over everything else. We’re hoping that people wandering past will just wonder what the noise is they’re hearing, and pop in (and hopefully not leave again!)
Have you been to Bloodstock before? What did you think?
Two of us have never been, and two of us are frequent visitors over the years. James (guitar), and Lewy (Bass) absolutely love it, and in particular the smaller stages. We’ve discovered some great bands over the years. We always try and do our research before we go, and do a plan to ensure we don’t miss bands that we know we’ll probably fall in love with.
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Which M2tM region did you win, or did you come through other channels?
We won M2TM East Anglia.
Can you put into 10 words or fewer how it felt when you realised you were heading to Bloodstock?
Absolutely shocked beyond belief!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
4 textured Instrumental songs, that weave in and out of heavy riffs, eerie atmospheres, and effects driven soundscapes.
Stage times haven’t been announced yet, so which other band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
The Grey on the VIP stage! We love those guys.
What are you working on at the moment?
Album number 1!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
James has too many stories that shan’t get a mention here! I’d say winning m2tm was definitely the craziest thing we’ve done. None of us truly expected it at all. It’s just been a whirlwind of a journey. One which we’re all immensely proud of.
What drink do you throw back to get yourself fired up before going on stage?
Guinness for Jay, Lewy and Matty. Pina Colada for James.
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KOBA: facebook | instagram | bluesky | youtube
