Artist spotlight: We Are Augustines

The Brooklyn-based band chat Bon Iver, adrenaline rushes and pink sheep

Brooklyn-based three-piece We Are Augustines were formed by songwriters Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson following the break-up of their previous band, Pela.

With a distinctively emotive, rift-driven indie sound that is reminiscent of early Arcade Fire, the band tell tales of heartbreak, sadness and pain that cut right to the heart of the listener and transport you into their world.

Their first album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, produced by Broken Social Scene collaborator, Dave Newfield, was released digitally in summer 2011, with critics from The Sun and Music Fix both praising the band’s song-writing abilities and the album’s lead single, Book of James. Don’t miss the band in what is sure to be a magical set on Sunday in the i Arena.

We caught up with drummer Rob Allen to chat about his must-see performance at Latitude, why he would like to duet with Bruce Springsteen’s drummer and have a peak at what is on his Latitude playlist.

Which latitude are you on right now?

I am back in Brooklyn NY. We literally just got back from Europe! 

Who’s your must-see performance at Latitude this year?

Alabama shakes and Wild Beasts because I haven't seen them yet, but I'm gonna try and catch Elbow and Simple minds.

I saw Bon Iver recently and they are a must see! Phenomenal band!!

If any artist could do a guest appearance with you at Latitude who would that be and why?

Haha! That is a tough question! There are many artists I would be honoured to play with! I think I would be tempted to have a drum-off with Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen), that would be entertaining at the very least.

Tell us a surprising fact about you

I love a good adrenalin rush!

What’s been your weirdest festival experience?

I was fortunate enough to meet a few of the gents from Radiohead at Coachella! That was pretty surreal!

Summarise Latitude in seven words

Pink sheep, sore feet, ass-kicking beats

Fill in the gap, “Baa baa Latitude sheep, have you any_______ ?

Toilet roll...