*This is part of the Epicenter Festival Spotlight segment where we help you get to know some of the non-headlining bands performing at the festival. This week we introduce you to Counterfeit!*
The next Epicenter Festival band you need to get familiar with is Counterfeit who is no stranger to North Carolina festival fans. The band played the final year of Carolina Rebellion last year, and if you missed their set you can forgive yourself by seeing them this coming May. Counterfeit are English punk rockers from London, England. They were formed by and still maintain their original lineup of lead vocalist and guitarist Jamie Campbell Bower, his brother guitarist Sam Bower, guitarist Tristan Marmont, bassist Roland Johnson and drummer James Craig.
The name James Campbell Bower might already sound familiar to you as James is not only a great musician but also an accomplished actor. He is best known for his roles as Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street alongside another actor/musician Johnny Depp, he played the role of Caius in The Twilight Saga, and he also starred as the young Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. James is an all around entertainer that shines both on the big screen and on the stage.
Counterfeit signed to Xtra Mile Recordings in November 2016. Their debut album ‘Together We Are Stronger’ was released on March 17th of 2017. Prior to that the band had released 3 EPs ‘Come Get Some’ (2015), ‘Enough’ (2016), and ‘Addiction’ (2016). Though they only formed 4 years ago their live show haa already received praise. In 2017 they received the AIM Independent Music Award for “Best Live Act.” Their stage show is energetic and almost always includes crowd participation. Their songs have moments that motivate fans and even first time onlookers to sing along in UNICEN with the band. They of course are punk rockers and that label certainly suits both their sound and performance. They have a grittiness that we want in punk, yet they also have moments where they are more polished and show off their talents as musicians.
Last year they were easily one of the best bands that played early in the day and those who were lucky enough to witness their performance talked about it the remainder of the day. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, regardless where you are on the festival grounds when Counterfeit takes the stage make sure to get yourself front and center for one hell of a performance. These award winning English punk rockers won’t let you down. The band performs at the Epicenter Festival on Saturday May 11th. You can get your tickets for the festival here.
