Yungblud has discussed the upcoming second edition of BLUDFEST in 2025 with NME, as well as his ambitious plans for a new double album. Read the full interview below.
Set to take place at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes on Saturday June 21, BLUDFEST is a festival curated and headlined by Yungblud (real name Dominic Harrison). The lineup for this year’s festival was announced last week and includes artists such as Chase Atlantic, Denzel Curry, Blackbear, Rachel Chinouriri, and Peach PRC, who have all been featured on recent NME covers.
Following the success of the first edition of BLUDFEST this past summer, which featured Lil Yachty, Soft Play, Nessa Barrett, and punk legends The Damned, Yungblud teased the announcement of the ‚Icon Slot‘ for the 2025 edition.
This year’s BLUDFEST included two stages, a pop-up version of The Hawley Arms pub from Camden, free photobooths, and the ‚Make A Friend‘ tent, reflecting Yungblud’s vision of creating an annual celebration of community, diversity, and lifestyle that breaks traditional boundaries in music.
Reflecting on the impact of the festival, Yungblud shared his emotional experience and the sense of unity and acceptance that BLUDFEST represents. He emphasized that the festival is more than just a music event, but a movement that stands for rebellion in the name of love.
Playing to a crowd of 30,000 at a historic venue like The National Bowl was a significant moment for Yungblud, who highlighted the festival’s purpose of making a difference and challenging the norms of the festival market.
Yungblud expressed his excitement for the diverse lineup at BLUDFEST 2025, bringing together friends and artists from different genres to create a unique and energetic atmosphere. He also hinted at a potential collaboration with Blackbear for their song ‚Tongue Tied.‘
When asked about curating a multi-genre lineup, Yungblud credited bands like Bring Me The Horizon for pushing boundaries in their respective genres and emphasized his own genreless approach to music, drawing inspiration from artists like David Bowie.
He always had a passion for cultivating art and culture, much like myself. I learned from him and adopted that mindset. It’s all about our community – positive, open to new experiences, and ready to be amazed. I’ve always been determined to create what I think is cool at the moment, regardless of others‘ opinions.
The announcement for the artist playing the ‚Icon Slot‘ at BLUDFEST Year 2 will be made soon. We’re holding onto that artist and planning to come out strong with the lineup. The ‚Icon Slot‘ for 2026 is already secured as well.
After BLUDFEST this year, I connected with The Offspring in Switzerland, who expressed their desire to have Yungblud at every show. While they won’t be at BLUDFEST this year, we have someone equally relevant lined up.
There were logistical issues at the festival this year, but we’ve addressed them with the organizers for 2025. I took a more hands-on approach and ensured that the festival caters to my fanbase who arrive early.
We’ve added another stage to the festival site this year, with Rachel headlining it. She’s a legend and will put on a great show.
BLUDFEST will be happening internationally in 2026, so stay tuned for that. As for my clothing company, B.R.A.T., we have big plans for next year, including a music venue in London.
The new album I’m working on focuses on self-love and positivity, inspired by the light I saw at BLUDFEST 2024. It’s a departure from the darkness and reflects a new chapter in my life.
The album is shaping up to be a double album, influenced by British rock ’n‘ roll music like Oasis. The energy and emotion in their songs inspired me to inject that same feeling into my music.
The nine-minute opening track of the album is part of the master plan for BLUDFEST Year 2. Get ready for a new musical journey and a whole new experience at the festival. Es wird das erste Mal sein, dass wir etwas Neues im Vereinigten Königreich spielen. Das Album ist verdammt verrückt.“
BLUDFEST Jahr 2 wird am Samstag, dem 21. Juni, im National Bowl in Milton Keynes stattfinden. Tickets sind ab 10 Uhr am Mittwoch, dem 18. Dezember, im allgemeinen Verkauf und hier erhältlich.