Features

Banner Pilot aren't playing shows as often as they used to so when you get the chance to see them, you should. Like at Fest. Also, their most recent album came out three years ago. That means you already know the lyrics and are good to go right away without having to memorize the lyrics to twelve new songs! Here are bassist Nate's thoughts on Fest.

PRT: What’s your favorite Fest memory?

Nate: Playing the side hatch at The Venue was the first time we had a packed, enthusiastic crowd that actually knew the songs. That was cool/rewarding. Seeing Descendents was also super memorable

PRT: Most random thing to ever happen at Fest?

Nate: We ran into Dan Schafer in the hallway at the holiday inn and convinced him to play acoustic screeching weasel songs in the lobby

PRT: Fest bands play house shows, parking lot shows and hotel room shows. What's the most outrageous place where you ever played a show?

Nate: Unfortunately I don’t think this rises to the level of being Outrageous but we played a super fun warehouse show with Dead to Me. That was the first time I met Chicken and he said, “Whatever is mine is yours.... and whatever is yours is mine! Haha just kidding”

PRT: And on that same note… where would you never want to play?

Nate: I think playing in the middle of traffic would suck

PRT: Top three things that are part of your Fest survival kit?

Nate: Water, oxygen, Coronas

PRT: Best thing about Fest?

Nate: Randomly running into friends from all across the country (and world), many of whom you only see that one time per year

PRT: Name one thing Fest is missing?

Nate: PBR. Wait, actually no! They have it all

PRT: Best place to get something to eat and/or drink?

Nate: The Top is pretty great

PRT: What should people do in Gainesville when not checking bands at Fest?

Nate: Honestly just wandering around running into people is half the fun. Also if you can get into the Holiday Inn late at night that tends to be a good time

PRT: Why should people come see your band out of the zillion other bands at Fest?

Nate: We don’t play that often nowadays so it could be a rare opportunity to check us out. Plus we have distorted guitars and gruff melodic vocals, which might be tricky to find

PRT: Next to a zillion bands, Fest wrestling is also a thing. If you would join them, what would be your wrestling nickname?

Nate: The Boo Lord, because I would be awful at wrestling and everyone would boo me and then I could play it off like it’s an impressive thing

PRT: What are some of the bands you are stoked about seeing yourself?

Nate: Superchunk!