Boomtown’s head of music and self confessed ‘music addict’ Kaptin Barrett is getting excited for this year’s festival that takes place over 9 – 12 August at the Matterley Estate, Hampshire. With the likes of Enter Shikari,Limp Bizkit and Gorillaz on the cards, this year just might be the best year with the 60,000 capacity venue selling out within minutes. Kaptin is also knows as AAA Badboy (pron. Triple A Badboy) which is his latest DJ incarnation. He revealed that he will be doing at least one DJ set at the Soca Street Party where festival goers will be in for a treat! In case you haven’t seen what Boomtown is like, take a look at last year’s video below!
We managed to catch up with Kaptin as he talked about the upcoming festival and more!
So how pumped are you about Boomtown and the line-up this year?
My excitement levels are currently turned up to 11.
What acts are you most looking forward to watching?
That’s a tricky one as there’s over 600 acts across 80 genres and I honestly want to see them all. Obviously super excited to see Gorillaz, Die Antwoord and Limp Bizkit but also bands such as Dubioza Kollectiv, Moscow Death Brigade and My Baby who are less known over here but absolutely brilliant live.
What do you prefer as a job, head of music at Boomtown or being a DJ?
DJing is great instant gratification, there’s nothing like performing to a big crowd and it’s taken me around the world. However, walking around Boomtown and seeing the sheer excitement and energy from people there as they take in the line-up and theatre, is truly second to none for overall job satisfaction.
Is there any act you wish to secure for the line-up in the coming years?
Oh there’s plenty but I don’t want to jinx us.
What got you into the music industry in the first place?
I’ve been a music addict for as long as I can remember really, I used to skip school and spend the day listening to all the records at Spillers, Virgin and HMV in Cardiff. Years later I was fortunate enough that a music and video store in Swindon saw through the fact I had no qualifications and gave me a job, from then I knew I had to be around music constantly. I was manager of the store for a while but then eventually moved back to Cardiff and became a promoter, DJ, rapper and all round general nuisance.
Are you planning on doing a set Boomtown this year?
This year we’ve introduced 4 new immersive districts and I’ll be doing at least one at the Soca Street Party in our new Paradise Heights district. It’s on the Electrikal Sound System and playing Carnival vibes so it’s likely to be pretty fun.
Will there be any more surprises left to the line up at Boomtown?
Hopefully not too many as they’ll be a surprise for me too but we’re not announcing the Sunday night headliner on Sector 6 so that should be a pleasant surprise for some.