SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2025 // HATFIELD PARK, HATFIELD
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2025 AT HATFIELD
★★★★★ (5/5)
A DAY TO REMEMBER HEADLINING SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
The start of festival season could not have been better – Slam Dunk weekend is a much promising one for both the South and the North. With an array of bands, from up-and-coming to established, the UK’s largest emo-filled field opened its gates to people who eagerly got there early to enjoy a day full of scream, mosh and endless crowd-surfing. There were far too many bands to watch everything, but here are some highlights below divided by stage.
I have to say that the small stage in every festival is my sweet spot. Usually in a circus tent under minimal lights and full of sweaty bodies who avoid the sun like vampires, the Key Club Stage was for me the best one out of all of them. I found myself going there to check out the smaller and upcoming bands all the time, with a lot of names making an impression. Mouth Culture brought on their incredible energy early on, having people crowd-surfing since early afternoon. Even though their sound is more indie/alternative, the energy was really high, while the soulful vocals were perfect for a mellow start to the day. The energy was even higher as Winona Fighter came on. This was my third time seeing them in a week, and they definitely delivered a show that had people cheering up all the way to the back of the tent. I have said it before but when you combine Green Day with Paramore, you definitely have a recipe for success.
Continuing on, one of my absolute favourite bands of the festival were South Arcade. The youngsters have only just finished their UK tour and they are already rocking festivals – and they really know how to work the crowd too. The dim lights and sweaty atmosphere gave their set an edge that made them all the more suitable to the stage – they were definitely one of my absolute highlights to watch them. The stage filled with smoke as Graphic Nature came on, with a more nu-metalcore sound mixed with electronic music having people shake to the bassline. Amongst the underground, the band has been making waves with their music and lyrics (focused on mental health), and their set was almost ghostly as the members kept jumping in and out of the thick smoke.
I headed back to the stage just as Split Chain came on, a band only formed in Bristol a couple of years ago, yet already gaining a strong following and fanbase. The band is already signed with Epitaph Records, promising a lot of nu metal riffs and post-hardcore influences. The stage was a bit more mellowed out when Delilah Bon hit the tent, whose style is a mix of 2000s style hip-hop, melodic rap and nu metal music. Alternating her vocals between singing clean, rapping and screaming, she brought chaos as the sunset came on. Last but not least, the night was closed off by Scowl, a band that is already touring the world and marking their spot in the industry. With the signature neon green hair, their singer had the most difficult job of the night – entertaining a crowd that was split between two headliners who chose to watch their set instead. I did not watch all their set, but I could tell that they were one of the fan-favourites and managed to cheer up the people who came to watch them.
You can tell I prefer the smaller stages because other than The Key Club, the Kerrang! Stage was also one of the ones I visited the most. Whilst I missed Lake Malice’s set that was early on in the day – and the guitarist who joined the crowd – I managed to catch Sophie Powers, former American Idol contestant and hyperpop performer. The young singer already collected a big crowd during her set, showing people her vocal prowess and engaging stage presence. Next up were I See Stars, who I almost didn’t watch as they clashed with Movements (at the main stage). Yet, I was really happy I did. The band has a unique sound blending electronicore with rock and pop-punk elements, making the band one of the first of its kind. The vocals were definitely a high point, and the band had everyone entertained within seconds of hitting the stage. There were people there who came only to see them – and that is probably a representative statement to the velocity of this band in the UK scene.
One of my most anticipated sets was Rain City Drive, the band on everyone’s Spotify Wrapped in 2024. Having released the quite famous song ‘Medicate Me’ with Dayseeker, the band formerly known as Slaves has created a completely new identity for themselves and a very dedicated fanbase. Their set was super uplifting start to finish, and it left a long impression as the music and lyrics made everyone in the crowd go wild. Next up were the Scottish alternative band Twin Atlantic, who matched the energy straight on. The band is the ultimate blend of genres – alternative, rock, power pop, emo pop, indie and a bit of grunge – they have something for everyone. They sound like Blink and Depeche Mode had a child – and the child became famous. They were very enjoyable to watch and a band that I had on my headphones on the journey back home that night.
The Kerrang! Stage brought two more acts to Slam Dunk, both of which are making history. As It Is came to the festival for their only UK, a much-anticipated reunion that had a lot of people in tears (and the band too). Not only did they perform songs from the much beloved Never Happy, Ever After, but they also brought guests on stage to perform with them, ending the set with ‘Dial Tones’ that was sang by the fans way too loudly for the band to keep up. The singer was in tears at the crowd’s welcoming, constantly expressing gratitude for the reaction of the crowd to their set that was short but sweet and nostalgia-filled. There were not a lot of bands during the day that managed to move the audience as much as they did, so they remain a highlight for me – and I am sure for many other people. Lastly, the stage hosted the hottest band in the UK currently, Hot Milk. The English rock band was full of energy as they entered the stage, with their lyrics addressing social and political issues bringing them up in popularity over the years. The band know how to handle heat – they just pour a bottle of water over them whilst performing – and they had a lot of people cheering for them, showing how much they’ve grown as a band. For those who did not catch their set, they’ve got a UK tour coming this autumn and their biggest UK headliner show to date in London – please go and see it, you won’t regret it!
The second main stage of Slam Dunk was definitely one of the fan favourites this year. The band line-up was iconic to say the least, with a lot of bands shaking the grounds as they performed. Dream State brought their stamina all the way from South Wales and the energy they had on stage was phenomenal. In the leadup to Slam Dunk, their singer Jessie stated how she had been coming to Slam Dunk for 10 years before playing the main stage, which in itself is not only inspirational but also quite remarkable. They were a great opener for the festival and their performance left a lasting mark on the crowd who watched them. Shortly after, Swedish band Imminence came on stage. I have to admit, I have a bias towards this band because I was eagerly anticipating their set this year. Imminence are one of the few bands that can blend metalcore with a violin and do it so well it feels almost personal – can we have more violins in metalcore please? I thoroughly enjoyed their set and felt like I needed a few more songs to digest the musical power this band has on stage. Slam Dunk, we’d like them back next year please.
The Main Stage East was extremely popular during the other sets, but nothing stood out to me as much as Stray From The Path did. The band brought hardcore punk to the mix and honestly, showed everyone how it’s done. They had people crowdsurfing and moshing like there is no tomorrow, presenting old and new songs that had the crowd thirsty for more. Even actor Jamie Campbell Bower tweeted that he wanted to be at the festival and watch SFTP live – so you know where the deal is when you see it. For a band that has already toured with Spiritbox, their bravado and beats tore down the stage, quite literally. I have never seen the crowd go as crazy as they did during their set, and I think it is fair to say that they were one of the most loved acts during the festival.
Last but not least, Electric Callboy were one of the most anticipated acts of Slam Dunk. The band that brings Disco Rammstein into the mix knows not only how to entertain a crowd, but also put on a great show and roll with it. Their energy on stage, coupled with the lights, visuals, confetti cannons and pyros were a treat to the eye. Their performance was an audio-visual feast, with members moving tirelessly from side to side and having great banter on stage that left a lot of people smiling by the end of it.
Controversial opinion, but the Main Stage West was my least visited one this year. I only went to it towards the late afternoon, as Hot Mulligan came on. The American band brings on pure emo energy in their music, with a lot of post-punk elements and playful riffs. The band knew very well how to work the main stage, performing a lot of their fan-favourite songs as well as songs that the members like for their own reasons. Creating a festival setlist definitely paid off, because the crowd was going wild in the barricade. Next up were Neck Deep, another band that has been making waves with their music this year. Continuing on the pop-punk theme, the band had the crowd bouncing before they even hit the stage. Their set was seamless, as the crowd sang along to most of the songs with unmatched fervour, proving that the band have a very loyal and fast growing fanbase. They also proved that they are a great act to headline a festival, and I am sure that this will happen very very soon.
The festival could not be complete without mentioning this year’s headliners A Day To Remember. Taking the stage in an array of smoke, pyro and floating balls in the audience, the band was under strict instructions to perform ‘as many songs as possible’, so they kept on stage banter to an absolute minimum. Their setlist was an elder emo’s dream, with songs spanning their whole career that had everyone sing in unison throughout the set. The energy on stage was contagious, as crowd-surfing reached its peak – especially when the band prompted the audience to do ‘crowd-surfing on top of crowd-surfing’, which ended up with the Cookie Monster making its way on top of the crowd all the way to the barrier. The set ended with anthems ‘All I Want’, ‘Flowers’ and ‘All Signs Point to Lauderdale’, solidifying why A Day To Remember are the ultimate festival headliner. It was a great year to be at Slam Dunk and we are looking forward to next year already!
PS: Special shout-out needs to go to The Used who performed their album ‘In Love and Death’, exclusively for the festival and Alkaline Trio who headlined the Monster Stage and reminded everyone how emo music started.
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
INTERVIEW WITH DREAM STATE
DREAM STATE AT SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
In today’s world we know the modern woman is more independent and ambitious than ever. That doesn’t come much truer than who we spoke to during Slam Dunk South. Since joining Dream State in 2022, Jessie has unknowingly become a role model for women and girls of all ages. Her talent speaks for itself, harnessing a power on their latest release, Bittersweet Scars of My Past. To which she’s only just realising how much their music helps people. Lyrics she wrote alongside members Aled Evans, Jake Bowen, and Tom Connolly.
Earlier in the day Dream State had played over on the Main Stage East. Not only did the four-piece go on to dominate the giant stage, but they also filled it with so much kinetic energy that despite it only being a 12:40 slot, the field felt like a giant party complete with crowd surfers having their share of the fun.
We caught up with the frontwoman to discuss the poetic freedom that comes with songwriting and the excitement of getting to play at Slam Dunk.
Let's talk about your latest release, Bittersweet Scars of My Past. I found the lyrics not just powerful, but powerfully raw. When you put out a song like that, do you feel vulnerable, by putting your feelings out there on display?
Absolutely a mixture of both. Yeah, I think there is a real power in being open and vocal about your feelings. It's important to get it out there. But for me, I really like writing, and it feels like free therapy (laughs) or something like that. It is very raw. So it means a lot to me. I feel like this is a song that a lot of fans have connected with, and that connection means everything to me.
When it comes to songwriting, what does your creative process look like?
I just write loads of words and the melodies. Then the guys will send me, like, a rough skeleton of a song, and then I'll just go look through all my pages of words or the melodies to see what fits best. I’ve been singing and playing guitar since I was little, probably even before I realised I was writing a song (laughs.) It always felt natural to me.
Have you always written songs?
Yes, I’ve been writing since I was about 12. I've been singing and playing guitar since I was a little kid, and like I mentioned, maybe I didn’t even realise what I was doing was songwriting. I thought of them as little poems or just thoughts whirling around in my head.
Would you find that a very cathartic experience?
Oh, yeah, absolutely. Like I said previously, connecting with our words is so important to us. It really feels like a release.
How do you feel on release days? When people begin to react to the new music, do you feel a sense of release?
Yeah, there is definitely a sense of relief, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a bit scared. There’s a voice that is there thinking, “What if no one likes it?” So yeah, there are vulnerabilities out there, as our words and emotions are out there for everyone to hear. But the responses have been pretty good, which means a lot.
You just played the main stage, and that is one of the big ones to play. There were so many people out there it seemed like everybody gravitated towards you guys (laughs).
Oh my god, I know (laughs). I definitely got emotional out there. It is such a privilege. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up out there for us. I actually had to check myself and think, “Wait, you know Green Day aren't here, right? (laughs) But honestly I can’t describe the feeling; I just keep coming back round to the world privileged. I feel very grateful to have this opportunity.
How do you feel when you’re onstage and looking out to a wave of people singing back to you? Do you have a different version of yourself to take over, or is it all adrenaline?
Oh, 100%, there is definitely a wave of adrenaline that takes over. You just have to lock in and go for it.
I want to touch on something you posted on Instagram the other day. You mentioned that the last time you were at Slam Dunk, it was your 10th time attending, and now this year you’ll be on the main stage. How do you hold onto that confidence of achieving your dream? Especially where women tend to have a tougher time in the industry?
Thank you. I do think there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. But I think it's OK to have self-belief and to really believe in yourself. If you’re a good writer, then just write? If you’re a great interviewer, go out and interview; like, just believe in yourself. Stay humble and work hard. I truly believe that if it's supposed to be for you, what’s meant for you is not going to pass you by. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and people don’t realise how long I've been grafting. It takes a long time, so to finally get on the main stage is just incredible.
You’ve also spoken about how, regardless of age or gender, if you just keep working hard, it will pay off. Do you feel like you’ve become a role model for young girls and women of all ages?
I didn’t feel like a role model. But lately, especially today, it’s starting to feel like maybe I am. As people keep telling me the same sentiment. Over the last three years. That's a word that crops up quite a bit. So if I can be someone that all the young kids look up to, especially young girls, or even women my own age can look up to, as girls my age, we’re not dead (laughs.) I’ve got another 50 years of life ahead of me, and nothing is stopping me. So, just keep doing whatever makes you happy. That’s all that really matters.
How do you keep that positive mindset?
It has taken a lot of work. I definitely have good and bad days. I'm not always this chipper (laughs), and I have to be realistic about that. You just gotta ride the waves as they come. For me, a lot is just like a lot of self-reflections. I like going for walks to clear my head. I take things day by day. Honestly, some mornings I wake up and it’s a bad day; sometimes it’s a great one. So just learn to slowly roll with it.
What does the second half of the year have in store for you all?
It’s a busy year! We’ve got Slam Dunk North tomorrow, then we’re off to Rock for People. We’ve also been invited to perform Rock the Castle at Cardiff Castle with Funeral For a Friend, which is such an honour to do that with them. And there’s plenty more coming up that hasn’t been announced yet!
What would be the ultimate dream for you?.
Oh, easy. I would love us to go on tour with The Used.
They’re literally sitting across from us now – go shoot your shot (laughs).
(laughing) No way, imagine. But that would be the absolute dream!
INTERVIEW WITH HOT MULLIGAN
HOT MULLIGAN AT SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2025
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
Known for their impossibly long and amusing song titles, if not a little deadpan, it’s an unmistakable reflection of the offbeat sense of humour from the guys of Hot Mulligan. If you’re missing that early 2000s emo-pop-punk fusion of angst, emotional chaos, and inner turmoil, then this is the band for you. Over the past few years they’ve surged in popularity, thanks in large part to their distinctive sound.
We caught up with Chris, Ryan, and Jonah shortly before their stage performance over on Main Stage West. To which their humour, alongside their talent, was a highlight. They mentioned earlier in our interview how they continue to take inspiration from pop-punk giants Blink-182 for their stage presence and, importantly, humour. Of course they emulated that wonderfully later on the main stage with the frontman Tade remaking how “Coming up with banter is hard!” Guitarist Chris replied, “As to which am I.” It doesn’t get much more Blink-182 than that.
So, kicking off, you’ve hit the Slam Dunk stage before. How would you describe your connection with the festival?
Chris: It's always a good time. We’ve got a lot of friends here. This is actually our second time playing here. The first time was a great introduction. It kind of feels like what I imagined playing Warped Tour back in the day would have felt like, though we never got the chance to play it ourselves (laughs.) But yeah, Slam Dunk has that same energy we love.
How do you try to approach keeping each performance fresh, especially since you’ve played here before? What do you have in store for today?
Chris: We’ve got some new songs in the set. Last time we were here, we only had two or three records out, but since then we’ve released the Warmer Weather EP. So you’ll hear a bit of that sprinkled in. Hopefully now, we’ve built a larger fan base behind us; the energy will be more exciting all around.
How many songs are you performing?
Chris: Hmmm, let’s say around 14?
And in your opinion, what’s the best song to really get the crowd going?
Jonah: Probably Drink Milk and Run, or Armadillo Shells. We usually start off with Armadillo Shells, as that's just one of our more popular tracks, and most people know it, so it’s a good strong opener.
Ryan: I’d go with And I Smoke, just because it’s fast and really gets the energy up.
Chris: I mean, those are the best answers (laughs). But I definitely feel that And I Smoke definitely gets people moving. Armadillo Shells, too — that one always hits.
So, for those seeing you for the first time today, what can they expect from your set?
Chris: Screaming, screeching energy. (laughs)
Ryan: Yeah, a lot of jumping around, maybe even an “Open this up!” moment. I sometimes refer to our live show as “the ship” — it’s wild and chaotic in the best way.
Chris: It’s sh*It is raw punk. No frills. Just pure energy.
And even though the U.S. is home base, what’s it like playing to UK crowds?
Chris: It is kind of refreshing. Because, you know, the states are home and where we have our best crowds. But coming here and having great crowds, it’s always like a little reminder of how far we have come. The energy and love – we do feel that.
Jonah: Yeah, I feel like the UK is pretty matched with the energy we get back in the US, to be honest (laughs).
Ryan: Yeah, like Jonah was just saying yesterday, it is always refreshing. While the US is our home and the biggest crowds gather, I find that the UK definitely gets down with our riffs. That’s something that I’ve noticed you guys love. (laughs)
Chris: But it’s always like a little reminder of why we do this. There’s a different kind of pressure and experience, a different kind of energy too, but that’s what keeps things exciting.
For someone seeing you for the first time today, who walks away a new fan, how would you describe the band, the vibe, and what you're all about?
Chris: I’d say we’re somewhere in the realm of emo — maybe post-emo. There’s definitely a raw, emotional edge to what we do.
Both the song titles and lyrics feel poetic, tinged with that emo vibe. Do you feel vulnerable putting that out there?
Chris: Honestly, most of us didn’t write the lyrics — that’s more Tade’s department. (laughs) But we all have some songs that we connect with. These days, I don’t feel as awkward about it. I just try to ride the wave and let the emotion come however it comes, you know.
And how does it feel playing a stage this big — especially the main stage? Do you still get nervous?
Chris: It’s wild, honestly. Playing in front of a crowd that size is something you dream about. There’s always a bit of pressure, but mostly it just feels like an opportunity to really connect on a bigger level. It’s surreal in the best way.
Ryan: There's always a few pre-show jitters, but by now we've played enough festivals that I feel like we're a lot more comfortable with it. It’s become more natural and a little bit more accustomed to it.
Do you have any pre-show rituals before you head out?
Chris: We put our hands in a circle and we chant, “Play dubstep real loud, and don't trap the bass.” (laughs.) Which kind of eases all our nerves because basically what it means is to have a good time anyway. So, even if the crowds are not super into it, we have fun. It's just like a giant band practice where it turns into a party. It’s all about just having a fun time on stage.
How do you go about putting together setlists? Do you lean towards picking the fan favourites or songs you prefer to play?
Chris: Today we picked some fan favourites, and we sprinkled a couple of our own picks too. But as we’re up on the main stage for the festival this year, we figured we'd play the biggest songs that get a crowd going.
Having played a lot of festivals over the years, what's the wildest story that's happened over the years?
Chris: Well, there’s a skate park in Germany at Rock for People. They had this skate park with a mini ramp inside the festival grounds. That was pretty cool... not exactly wild (laughs.)
Jonah: We don’t sound very rock and roll, do we? (laughs)
To be honest, you guys do come across very chill (laughs).
We’re halfway through the year; what does the second half have in store for you all?
Jonah: Yeah, we have some tours just stacked up. We’re doing an Underplay tour in the US, hitting up Bonnaroo. And then we’re coming back this way in the world later this year touring with Pierce The Veil.
Would you say that is one of your dream artists to tour with? Who else would you love to perform with?
Jonah: Well, honestly for me, that dream is kind of being accomplished this year. As I love Pierce the Veil.
Ryan: I think, like many musicians, Blink-182 had a big impact on us.
Chris: I’m an emo, so I’m also Blink for sure.
Would you say they had a hand in inspiring you to get started in music? Gave you a push into this path?
Jonah: Definitely, one of the earliest bands that influenced me. Because I had older siblings who were super into the whole early 2000s pop-punk thing.
Ryan: Oh, for sure, early 2000s pop-punk inspired me.
Chris: For me, I really respect their stage banter; there are a lot of jokes in there where it’s not all serious all the time.
And it feels like everyone’s in on the jokes too, right? The crowd knows what to expect, and that creates a great connection.
Chris: Oh for sure, and that definitely happens, and we take inspiration from that on to our stages (laughs.)