NINETIES indie band Shed Seven play the Stockton Weekender on July 26. Matt Westcott spoke to frontman Rick Witter.

Matt: What was it like to be involved in music in the 90s when you were at your height?

Rick: It was a great time to be involved in music. I believe the mid 90s movement will probably be the last major movement as these days it's all about pressing a button and getting instant gratification, whereas in the past it was all about feeling involved in whatever scene was happening.

Matt: What have you all been doing in the intervening period?

Rick: After we originally split I formed a band called The Dukes to satisfy my musical needs, I also do some djing in clubs and have a radio show that keeps me busy.

Matt: Are you back to show some of those in the charts today how music should be played?

Rick: Ha, there are some great bands around at the moment. I think indie music has gone back to being more indie like it used to be. You have to seek it out a lot more again nowadays which makes it more exciting when you discover something new. I like to think we hold our own against whoever is around these days though.

Matt: Why was the decision taken to re-release the albums?

Rick: Our old label Polydor was keen on re releasing our three albums we did with them. I felt getting involved was the right thing to do as we had tons of unreleased demos and unseen photos collecting dust in boxes and it's only right these things should be heard and seen. Seeing as there has already been two separate greatest hits released I felt it was important not to look like we were just trying to rip the real fans off.

Matt: If I hadn’t heard the band before, which song from your back catalogue do you think says ‘Shed Seven’?

Rick: Difficult that as I think you can always tell a Shed Seven song. I suppose at a push 'Chasing Rainbows' would have to be the archetypal Sheds’ tune.

Matt: What were your inspirations at the time and has your outlook changed now?

Rick: I guess we wanted to achieve as much as we could. Being greedy was a healthy attitude back then. Nowadays we are happy just playing our songs in front of an appreciative crowd.

Matt: Will we be getting any new material?

Rick: There is no plan as we speak due to other commitments but I'd never say never. There are always ideas and melodies flying around and I'd like to think at some point they may turn into proper songs.

Matt: I’m assuming you have played the North-East before. What should we expect?

Rick: People should expect to hear a lot of our previous hits played loud and proud. I feel it's what we always did best.

Tickets for Stockton Weekender are priced £35 a day, £55 weekend and £85 for weekend and camping, but prices rise on the gate. Stockton Borough residents can purchase tickets with a 20 per cent discount by quoting their postcode when booking.

The event, which offers a children’s activity tent and is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, will once more offer two free Under 14 tickets for every adult ticket purchased.

Camping is also available, located close by to the scenic surroundings of the Tees Barrage, at an additional cost of £30 on top of a Weekend ticket price.

Tickets are available online from www.stocktonweekender.co.uk or call 01642-606525.