We had the pleasure of catching up with Perpetual Groove’s keyboardist Matt McDonald recently to chat about the upcoming AURA Music & Arts Festival. AURA is a fantastic Florida festival that is getting ready for its fourth year. The newly located festival will be headlined by Conspirator, Papadosio, The Heavy Pets, Break Science (just announced!) and of course Perpetual Groove.
DubEra.com: You guys have played in the Suwannee before. What makes this place different than other festival venues?
Matt McDonald: Suwannee is set up perfectly for festivals, there’s something about the North Florida swampy vibe that really makes everyone feel “the funk” and bring it for every set there. The fact that there are so many festivals held at Suwannee speaks for itself. It’s unique and has the infrastructure to make everything easy and fun for both bands, production, and fans.
Dub: What are you looking forward to about Aura 2013?
Matt: It’s our first time playing AURA so I’m most looking forward to finally seeing what the hype is all about. That, and getting to see some of our favorite bands like Kung Fu, The Heavy Pets, and of course finally seeing RAQ again.
Dub: What can fans expect from the 2 sets you are going to give them? How might they going to be different stylistically?
Matt: Per a request from the AURA Master of Ceremonies we’ll be playing two distinctly different sets for us. Daryl Keys requested one “old school” set from us, and he’ll get exactly that. The other set I’m certain will be filled with much from our newer catalogue.
Dub: What is new for P-Groove? Can we expect any new music? New tours?
Matt: Definitely new music coming out in 2013. What’s new for PG is what’s next, which I’m certain will take everyone by surprise.
Dub: What 3 albums are currently in rotation?
Matt: Yellow Ostrich – Ghost (amazing band, amazing album definitely #1 most listened to this year) Blue Scholars – Cinemetropolis HEALTH – Max Payne 3 Soundtrack (yes, really. fantastic stuff.)
Dub: Is there anything you’d like to add? Any further questions?
Matt: We are proud to be part of AURA 2013 and honorary members of the extended Brotherly Love Family!