KERNOWFORNIA FESTIVAL takes place in Looe from 26-28 September, the lineup is immense and we’re really looking forward to crossing the bridge and covering as much of it as we can. In a series of interviews with bands performing at the festival, we caught up with Matt and Jordan from Devon based blues-rock duo MORIATY to chat about new music, Cornish delicacies, seaside weather and pre-gig rituals….
You’re kicking off your Kernowfornia set right beside the sea in Looe—what unique energy or challenges do you think a coastal stage brings to your performance?
We’re both from seaside towns. Being right by the sea feels like home for us. Last time we were there my van’s battery got drained and we had to bump it on the slip into the estuary…. So that was challenging!
Have you lined up any more festival shows after this, or is Kernowfornia the grand finale to your festival run?
There’s a few around the south west this summer. Looking forward to getting back to the Wyldes again, that really is like a home from home. But just keeping it steady and smashing out our silly little brand of fun for our pleasure and yours whenever we can.
Can we expect any new musical offerings to make your set that little bit more magical?
Yeah for sure, there’s a few that are in the set now. We’ve got some bangers up our sleeves and can’t wait to show them off!
Cornwall’s coastline is known for its dramatic beauty - where is YOUR fave spot in the county?
So many to choose from, particularly in Cornwall. I’ve been loving Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove in Dorset lately. The back beach in Teignmouth is always a winner at sunset. Holne in Dartmoor is a personal fave and generally everywhere in ol Kernow is pretty magical.
Kernowfornia’s surf-and-sun vibe is a big part of its charm—how does MORIATY’s sound and stagecraft fit into that laid-back, seaside atmosphere?
Surfers still like to rock out and we have a heavy sound sometimes… but we’re a groove band. It’s basically loud hip hop with an indie blues twist.
What’s next in the studio for you? Anything new in the process of being written/recorded/released?
We have one song finished and coming out in the autumn. A whole record that needs mixing/ re recording. Looking to get a few days back in the studio again soon, but generally, have an awful lot to get out there. Just time and money are prohibiting these pursuits… but it’ll get done when it’s done.
Festival weather by the sea can be unpredictable—how do you prepare for sunshine one minute and heavy rain the next?
Rain or shine, 2 people or 20,000… you get the same balls out beef and good times from us.
When festival-goers are lounging on the beach, which MORIATY song do you think will instantly get them on their feet?
‘Lovin’ is a new one that seems to draw people to the floor. Otherwise ‘Jealous MF’ will get those dancing shoes laced up from the opening chords.
Do you have any pre-gig rituals or warm-up routines that you always stick to?
Not massively… I like to do some press-ups or skip for a bit to get the blood pumping.
Rate these Cornish goodies in Bronze, Silver and Gold medal places please - Pasty / Ice Cream / Cream Tea
Hmm… pasty has got to be gold, then ice cream silver, and the cream tea bronze… but that’s because they do the jam and cream the wrong way down there!
The lineup at KERNOWFORNIA is FAB, which other acts are you excited about seeing?
Wille and the Bandits
Big Lava
Haunt the Woods
Finally, where are the best places to keep up to date with you on t'socials?
