Jake Bugg: Bring on Leeds Festival Sunday!

Normally to be found serenading young fans in the NME/Radio 1 tent like an earthy but cute throwback to early 60s rock n roll, Jake Bugg has graduated to the main stage on Sunday at Leeds Festival this weekend.

After a topsy-turvy year, this moody but likable performer has been awarded the plum spot right before headliners Arctic Monkeys.

Having been quoted by the NME as, supposedly, not liking festivals, he’s made his position crystal clear in the build-up to this major appearance at Bramham Park.

He said: I personally dislike crowded areas and lots of mud! But actually playing festivals in front of loads of people - that’s what you dream of when you’re younger.

“When you’re young and you watch these massive bands play on TV you dream that one day you’ll be up on a main stage. But you don’t expect to actually get there.”

It’s been an unusually controversial year in these marketing-savyy times for this talented young rock n roll troubadour.

After the success of his number one debut album, the Rick Rubin-produced follow-up Shangri-La did well but not as well. Not that Jake himself appears worried - he’s already working on new songs.

“I know some artists find writing really difficult when they’re in the bubble of touring and promoting. But I’ve always been able to find time out of that to be creative. Writing is my escapism from the realities and stresses.”

The road ahead is open for Jake Bugg, it just depends where he wants to travel.

He’s just back from playing in a favela in Brazil with the anti-poverty charity ActionAid. He may record with Rick Rubin again, it just depends on how the new songs develop.

One thing’s for sure, he’s ready to rock Leeds Festival this weekend.

“I was up against Metallica at Glastonbury, so I know how to compete with rock. When you play Leeds you just want to keep the momentum going, make people have a bit of a dance and a drink.”