AS READING Festival continues to immerse pop and rap artists into what was once a more rock-oriented line-up, seeing new and powerful rock bands like The Hunna perform on the event's main stage is one of the many reasons revellers keep coming back.

But before they set off to play their set at this year's Reading Festival, we sat down with three-quarters of the band and asked them their thoughts on the festival, how the pandemic has affected them, and what artists to watch out for.

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How does it feel to play the Reading Festival Main Stage again this year?

Ryan Potter, vocals, said: "Amazing. This is our second time on the main stage, its been unbelievable and exhilarating - its hard to put into words what it feels like to go back and on there and see the crowds go crazy. It's emotional."

I know this is not the first time you have played on stage, but it must still feel pretty special to be playing mainstage!

Ryan said: "Oh yeah, every time we play main stage at any festival, but especially Reading and Leeds, as it's literally one of the biggest in the country. So yeah, it's always a special moment for us and we're very, very appreciative to be here."

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How has COVID affected the band in terms of performing and rehearsing?

Jack Metcalfe, drummer, said: "The first year, when it was really dangerous and locked down we didn't even see each other, so I mean it affected the band completely in the fact that we had tours lined up - we had to go from all steam ahead to everyone at home, going 'sh*t, what's gonna happen, and how long is it gonna last for?'.

"It was the unknown for everyone, wasn't it. I think as time went on, you got more used to your surroundings. We ended up writing a lot on Zoom when we didn't see each other.

Reading Chronicle:

"Everyone was recording at home, and we obviously had to stay positive and just kind of keep going on social media, and then when it got a bit softer, we could meet up.

"It was nice to just be able to hang out, but obviously [there were still] no shows, so we just had to do what we could. We played a live stream show when we dropped the album, and it was really weird to drop an album and not be able to see anyone. It really freaked us out.

"Just the situation itself was very strange, but we kept ticking and we've always stayed positive.

"And I think we've gained so much new music out of it, and just the patience of the fans as well as been tremendous like the fact that we're close to sending out a UK tour that we've been waiting to do for nearly two and a half years is mental.

"Writing definitely saved us because without that, we would be twiddling our thumbs a lot.

"But as a band it's made us tighter, I'd say as well. Like anything in life, it makes you appreciate all the small things and all the big things, and just being here today, like Ry said, we're very grateful and we're just so happy as a unit to be back and better than ever.

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Is there anything that makes Reading Festival particularly stand out, as performers?

Daniel Dorney, guitarist, said: "Reading is quite close to home as we're London/Watford-based. So it's kind of cool. We get a lot of family and friends down here, and a lot of people we work with, like our sponsors, our industry people, they're all here and it's it's nice to be around them, perform in front of them, let alone obviously the crowd here. It's just insane.

"It's the biggest reaction we get, and word-for-word every song kind of thing. So I'd say that's probably the standout for Reading for us right. Do you guys agree?

Ryan added: "Even when we were growing up, when we were teenagers, everyone was going to Reading after they got their exam results and stuff so it's one of those festivals to introduce new music to the younger generation.

"So yeah, I mean it's unbelievable that we've, we've been able to play Main Stage twice.

Daniel added: "We've gone through all the stages almost so it's been nice to work our way up, for sure. We've earned it. Not in a cocky way, just through hard work."

Jack added: "There's no golden ticket over here!

Are there any acts that you're looking forward to seeing today?

Daniel said: "We have to start with 'Mon the Biff [Biffy Clyro] -

All: "'Mon the Biff!"

Daniel continued: "We saw them at Leeds is my first time seeing them and it was my first time, I think we've been around them but we've never seen them.

"We grew up listening to them. They're one of many bands that got us into this, and we've met the guys briefly. We've kind of been close to supporting them on a tour, which we're hoping to do in the future.

"They're super nice guys, and they're f**king awesome live. They blew us away the other night and I can't wait to see them again.

Ryan said: "I'd say Wolf Alice. Again, first time seeing them but also have been Leeds Festival they were unbelievable as well.

Daniel added: "We like Hot Milk, they're a new band and they're really nice. An awesome rocking band, and also check out The Struts.

Ryan said: "I wanted to see baby queen but we've been so busy we didn't get round to it, but hopefully we bump into her. And big up Tom Grennan, he's on the same management [as The Hunna], and he's just such a nice guy and deserves everything he's getting."

The Hunna are a four-piece rock band from Hertfordshire, UK. To listen to their latest album, I'd Rather Die Than Let You In, visit their website at https://store.thehunnaofficial.com/.