In the UK we get all kinds of music festivals when it creeps up to summertime. You’ll get your big heavy things like Download and Bloodstock, then you’ll get the indie poison of choice like Reading and Leeds or Parklife. Then there’s the original hippy gathering with millions injected into it; Glasto. Then you’ll get your niches like Bluedot.
But do you remember the original Woodstock? Probably not, you’re too young because so am I.
So what the UK is missing is an old school hippy fest with a twist…
Until now.
The formidable one man band Cam Cole has been working tirelessly behind the scenes on not only his own music and tours, but on his travelling stage with his incredible crew: New Age Collective. This summer they pulled off their first ever festival of its kind, ‘Freaks In A Field‘, in a beautiful place in Staffordshire. It was less than £50 including camping for a one day event that showcased not only his own talent but a whole host of incredible blues and psychedelic musicians, including The Dead Reds straight after their album launch.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Like all New Age Collective events, a lot of thought had gone into the aesthetic. The iconic green truck with attaching stage adorned with lights and fabric bunting was present, as well as the matching speaker rig that has been known to blow even high end nightclub set ups out of the water in terms of punch and clarity. So not only does it look phenomenal, it sounds it. It might be small but it has almost a powerful intimacy about it. Its a bonus that the entire thing runs on green energy and solar power.
New Age Collective shows aren’t just a ‘few songs and done’ type gig either. They run like an immersive circus show between and during sets, with fire and aerial hoop performances near the stage, and also on the hand built fire podium. The podium hosted the stage’s sound desk as well as a few audience participation games which, despite the rain, the incredible performers had us roll racing up the grass amongst other things. It all makes it so much more than a rock show. Its about playing and having fun, losing yourself as much as possible in the enjoyment, and they create the whole atmosphere beautifully.
The food on site was all home cooked BBQ by the crew and there were decent portions, as well as a good vegan option based on audience feedback. I was impressed with it, as it was different to the type of grub you’d usually get at a festival. The bar prices also worked well, with the plastic glass deposit and cheaper refills. It also cut down dramatically on potential litter.
All the bands had been handpicked specifically for their style/sound as well as to give them a new platform.
Early on we were treated to some heavy psychedelic doom from Funeral Witch Blues, who expertly set the tone for the day and created a amazing atmosphere as people scattered into the field. But even the weather didn’t stop the audience for long. People were more than happy to dance to that in the drizzle, and the rain didn’t mark the performances, because it just became about getting out there and having fun.
The clouds had started to clear up between the field games, so there was never even a dull moment between band swap overs. Northern lads Crooked Revival have been known to bring the heavy, but I wouldn’t know for sure until I’d heard it myself live. Of course, they did it with bags of charm and stage banter, which is always a plus.
The third spot of the day started as the clouds spiraled and two men sat on the field in an inflatable canoe, having a sing to themselves and being cheered on by onlookers. I previously mentioned The Dead Reds, who took to the stage after their album launch the night before, and they never fail to knock it out of the park. Something about their style always invites excitement and dancing and it was about this point between the heavy harmonicas and flutes that the crowd began to pack towards the stage and everyone was buzzing by the end of the set.
Then who does the stage belong to?
Of course as dusk rolled in, Cam Cole took to the stage ahead of his third album launch. In complete honesty I was at the back of the field at this point helping with something, which is unusual for me as usually I’m at the front with my head as close to the speaker as I can get without blowing my ears out.
But this might be a testament to the rig, because even from the back it was clear and plenty loud enough. And the helping out didn’t stop me having a sing and dance anyway. It was like being at home. An entire live show playing in my ears while I’m doing something with a massive grin on my face. I can tell you the new album tracks are masterpieces, some with sentimental attachment.
As the evening grew to night, the psychedelic stylings of Cothel had rolled from the streets of Liverpool and into ‘the bushes’. Having their eclectic mix on the stage under the lights worked beautifully and they just bring something different, exciting and magical to every stage. This one really suited their style though.
Overall, a beautiful day of fun, playing, amazing people and phenomenal music.
A small festival in the scheme of them but small it isn’t. Between the big riffs, the intimate stage setting, the mighty rig, the fire shows… It’s just such a happy enjoyable fest.
Missed it? Make sure you keep an eye out for New Age Collective in 2024 because you won’t want to miss out on a show.
[I wasn’t on photo duty for this one as my camera has been busted since Cothel’s last gig that I was at,
Photos by our incredible “The Lightscaper” (new age crew)
Glenn Curley on behalf of Bushwacked.
And Walter Mitty
Necessary Evil 
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