Chaka Khan may be the star attraction at this year’s Love Supreme, but festival veterans looking to get the party started sooner know exactly who to look for.
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family have been regulars at Glynde for more than a decade, and will once again be bookending the festival - opening proceedings on the Saturday and rounding them off on Sunday with an epic three hour set.
It’s fair to say organisers love the 10-piece family affair - and luckily the feeling is mutual.
“It’s just such a brilliant festival,” says Natalie, back in the UK following a whirlwind tour with Goldie.
“We will be all over the site watching as many acts as we can - it’s not like Glastonbury where you can’t get around so easily.
“Ciro (Romano), whose festival it is, always says it wouldn’t be the same without us so it’s nice to know we are appreciated!”
The Soul Family traditionally get proceedings underway at the start of the weekend, but it’s the Sunday slot that Natalie speaks of with the most enthusiasm.
“The Sunday is loose - and the crowd will have had a drink and they are looser too. You never quite know where the jam session will go. We might end up doing a 30 minute Michael Jackson medley.”
It’s not just Love Supreme where Natalie feels at home. The Soul Family have had a residency at Ronnie Scott’s for an astonishing 17 years, and it’s a run that shows no sign of ending soon.
During that time they've given a platform to some of the most exciting names on the scene, many of whom have gone on to become household names. Guest vocalists include Emeli Sande, Amy Winehouse, Jamie Cullum and Kwabs.
“People complain they can’t get tickets as it sells out months in advance. It’s different to playing a festival, people are sitting down, it’s a small room, they might be having something to eat, but it’s still all about the music.
“In fact there’s a real cross-over between Ronnie Scott’s and Love Supreme - you often get people saying there are going to the festival.”
Natalie’s band will include her husband Robin Mullarkey, creating some welcome together time for the couple.
Robin has been on a world tour with Jacob Collier, with Natalie’s own schedule meaning they can spend long periods apart.
“The dates with Goldie were insane logistically,’ Natalie laughs. “We were rehearsing in London and then drove to the Run to the Sun festival in Newquay. A date in Birmingham was followed by a flying visit to Detroit for the Movement festival.
“I looked at the schedule and we were both in the States at the same time. I was working out if we could spend any time together, but…no. We were about as far apart as it was possible to be.”
Other highlights of this year’s Love Supreme, held at Glynde Place near Lewes between from July 5 to 7, include the first festival headline for Olivia Dean alongside Kool and the Gang and Joss Stone.
Tickets are available from Lovesupremefestival.com
Natalie’s new album The Beat of the Road is out now.
