Ahead of RATTLERFEST which takes place from 19-20 April at HEALEYS CYDER FARM in Penhallow (nr Truro), we wanted to chat to bands and artists performing at the festival so YOU can plan your weekend. Next up is an immensely talented bunch of musicians who call themselves MALAVITA!….

Please describe your act/band and tell us a fascinating fact that not many people would know... 

We are a tropical feel good band playing latin, reggae and funk styled original music. We've been established now for 11 years and are based in South Devon. Fascinating fact - we once got flown all the way to Bahrain for a 30 min set! 

Who would you cite as major influences on your sound? 

The Cat Empire, Fat Freddie’s Drop, The Skints, Bonobo plus loads of latin bands on top of this, it varies depending on which band member you ask! We all have different musical tastes - everything from Soul, Metal, Reggae, Dance music, World Music, Rap and Funk and our music tends to be a blend from all these influences.

When did your relationship with Rattlerfest start?

When we were asked to play the first time back in 2021 it wasn't long after the lockdowns so we were so grateful to be back out in the fields playing music to people. 

Have you played Rattlerfest before? If so, when and if not, what are you looking forward to the most? 

Yes as above - will be good to come back and hear some new bands. 14 year old me would be freaking out (in a good way!) at the thought of being on the same line up as East 17, I think I know all the words to several of their tunes from back in the day!! 

What was your reaction when you knew you would be playing there this year? 

Always happy to get asked to play any festivals, its a highlight of being in a band and a great opportunity to play to new audiences and hear some new music.  

From the bands announced so far, who are you looking forward to seeing and who would you hope may yet make it onto the bill? 

We love Andy Quick's band and have shared the stage with him many times, The Busketeers are also great. East 17 for nostalgia purposes .... We love reggae bands - Dub Princess with the Hotsteppas would be a great addition to the line up as would our friends The Cabarats who play Balkan dub both well worth checking out if you haven't seen them.

There is a Rattler Shop onsite, will you be paying a visit for some takeaway produce? 

I've always fancied one of the snakes they have on the draught handles as a gear stick for my campervan - reckon you can get us one of those? I have a Cornish friend who always refers to Rattler as Kernow Snake which always amuses me.

Are you planning on a pasty, ice cream or a cream tea whilst in Cornwall? 

We're only from Devon so we are well accustomed to all these delights but Cornish beaches are amazing and we always plan an extra night down this way in the camper vans. 

Finally, why should a festival punter make an effort to see you guys at Rattlerfest this year? 

No matter what the weather is like we will bring the tropical feel good vibes and get everyone singing and dancing along. Its lovely to see that our music tends to appeal to all ages and gets the ladies dancing from the get go - the men soon follow! Those who are first on the dancefloor might nab themselves a Malavita! shaker egg so you will have your own Rattle(r) to join our percussion section! 

Buy your tickets for Rattlerfest HERE

Keep up to date with MALAVITA! HERE