Where creativity meets connection
UK psychedelic street punk/desert rock three-piece, Bones Ate Arfa, is made up of Bones (guitar), 8 (drums), and Arfa (vocals & bass). Once described as “Junkyard dog riffs” after the release of their debut single Asbestos, they have since gained recognition online and in person from Artists such as Muse, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Isaac Holman (SOFT PLAY), Royal Blood, Tigercub, cool sorcery, Demob Happy, and Bad Nerves. While attaining a respectable following on social media, they have received spins and features on Clash Magazine, BBC Radio 6, Radio X, Dork, Earmilk, Louder Than War, and have successfully burned their stamp into the UK’s southern gig circuit, all in under two years.
Before these compelling local heroes dominate The Great Escape, we grabbed them for 12 burning questions...
Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?
It’s pretty cool, very happy to have been given the opportunity, and that the festival turned itself around after the involvement of Barclays last year.
For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?
Junkyard Dog Riffs
What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?
It’s been very fun, we all just love playing music, and finding ourselves and audience who like what we do is a great bonus!
Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?
Theoretically yes, it’s definitely more nerve racking. But once we’re there on stage about to play the feeling and adrenaline kind of takes over, like it would at any other show.
Show..?
The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?
Oh yeah there’s plenty of sick bands and artists we have and haven’t had a chance to see before that we’d like to: Welly, Karen Dio, Toy Parlour, Congratulations, DellaXOZ - just to name a few.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?
Don’t give a shit what people think, although you never really stop giving a shit.
Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?
We live in Shoreham, just outside of Brighton. So, we’ve basically grown up here. It’s great for any kind of creativity, and especially at including anyone and everyone in all types of creative stuff.
What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?
Our bassist likes to climb everything, and is pretty short.
If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?
Just Bananas - because it’s bananas motherfucker
How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?
Festivals like Great Escape, Homegrown, Multitude and 2000 Trees are vital for upcoming bands. Because everything in the industry is so pay to win, and these festivals give everyday people a chance to get recognized.
What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?
We’ve just come off tour and released our 2nd EP, so after TGE we are shackled to the writing process and getting ready to release again. You can catch us at Tramlines Fringe and Big Tree festival though!
Finally - complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”
Great Escape is the perfect place to burn some lanyards
Bones Ate Arfa play Paganini Ballroom at Brighton’s The Old Ship hotel on Weds 14 May (8:15 pm), as part of The Great Escape 2025
SALT Staff Writer
Featured What's On
Stay in the loop
Keep up to date with latest news, guides and events with the SALT newsletter.
