We first got talking to Harry, Angus and Oran, the organisers behind Cosmic Roots, in 2019, a few months after the 2nd edition of their festival. We were excited to hear about the event they had created and were looking forward to experiencing the next edition in the Walled Garden, the site that hosts CR in East Raynham, Norfolk. Although it took us a year longer than planned, what a festival it was!
The review of our unforgettable few days in the Walled Garden will be out later in the week, but for now check out our initial catch up with the Cosmic Roots crew prior to the 3rd edition about what we could expect and the challenges they faced over the last year.
Hi guys, it’s been a while! What did you get up to in the summer of 2020?
Summer of 2020 was a funny one actually. We managed to spend most of summer camped in the middle of the walled garden. Working with the estate, we built them a glamp site which is now in its second year.
With the likes of Houghton, Field Maneuvers and many others cancelling their festival for a 2nd year in a row, what has been the motivation behind Cosmic Roots 2021 – why did you refuse to give up on hosting another edition of the festival at The Walled Garden?
Cancellation for us was never an option. Back in February we decided to postpone the festival to September, to give us the best chance of gathering for a much needed celebration. The response since has been pretty overwhelming and we are closing in on what will be the best edition yet.
To anyone that hasn’t been to Cosmic Roots, what can they expect from this year’s festival?
An eclectic programme of artists delivering diverse sounds at four stages. Each stage provides a unique experience and it is the sense of intimate community that binds the festival together, along with some pretty wild structures and equally bananas lighting.
What changes did you make to the festival since the last edition of the festival in 2019?
This year has seen an increase in capacity and with it an upgrade to sound, structures and production across site. The 2021 line up has grown beyond the community of friends and family that started this project whilst remaining true to the grass roots approach of booking artists with a budget and searching deeper to promote artists that deserve greater recognition. Which leads us nicely on to the next one…
How did you go about curating the Cosmic Roots 2021 line-up?
We always start with the same approach; booking artists whose production, digging, performances and character we appreciate.
Beyond that, Cosmic Roots began as a party for dancers and artists alike. We continue to encourage artists to stay for the weekend and enjoy the party for the duration.
As mentioned, the budget sets a boundary, and we work with this boundary to be more creative and steer clear of the copy and paste line ups that are seen throughout Europe. Instead, we stumble across artists, listen and meet people, inviting those whom we think will enjoy the weekend.
How is the stage build coming along?
Stage build is going much the same as previous years, we’re not trying anything special or new, but we are trying to refine what we know with our core team of crazy carpenters. The Quadrant (our lawn stage) has become the site of the biggest development introducing a new sound throughout the weekend and joining all our other stages in becoming a late night venue (5am closure). The light show at each venue has been upgraded tenfold and will definitely keep everyone on their toes. Working with Pat, a madly talented lighting designer, who’s been a part of Above Below festival since it’s conception has been a real treat. Yet again the light show across site is going to be something to remember. We must not forget Theo at Paradox State, who is our main lazer man. Without him the Wormhole would not beam so brightly.
Minus the regular government u-turns (talk about this if you want), what are the main challenges you have faced in hosting this year’s festival?
The uncertainty.
People’s safety and what we need to think about in order for the event to go ahead safely versus the reality and constant question of what could happen if…
It’s as if the abounding thought of what could be – ‘the dream trajectory’ for want of a better term – has been put on halt and we have had to walk this very thin path balancing things as we go and with a 100 ft drop either side.
And finally, what are you most looking forward to?
Next Year.
Interview By: James Acquaye Nortey-Glover