2015 AMA w/ Jonathan Mayers and Kerry Black

Q: I'll ask the inevitable, are we getting screens in the tents this year?
A: Hi Everyone….psyched to be doing this…thanks for joining.
Im excited to report that we WILL be getting screens at This, That & Other tents! Sorry this took too long to implement. -JM

Q: Can we look forward to the Kalliope stage this year?
A: Full info about our art cars for 2015 are coming very soon. The Art Car additions were one of the most popular new attractions in recent years and we are excited to keep it moving! –KB

Q: Can you enlighten us to any exciting acts that you wanted to book for Bonnaroo 2015 but things eventually didn't work out?
A: If you're listening Prince, please return my phone call.
Sincerely, Jonathan Mayers

Q: Where will the screens be on the tents? By the stage and/or at the end of the tents?
A: Still finalizing exact placement of the screens, but will be outside the tents.
-JM

Q: When can we look forward to hearing about additions?
A: We will have various talent updates throughout March and April from bands to comedians and other activities. –KB

Q: Do you guys get a chance to enjoy the festival after your work is done? If so, what's your favorite aspect of Bonnaroo as an attendee?
A: For many years it was rare that we got to enjoy but these days we get to check out more stuff. My favorite things are the smaller special parties like the parades (especially the one which ended w Portugal The Man playing our Mr T float) and more recently the ROBE RAGE. –KB

Q: Any hints regarding the Superjam(s)?
A: The SuperJam elf (Paul Peck) is hard work at work but it takes time. We will let you know as soon as we can!

Q: Hey, guys! Thanks for doing this. My question is significantly more general: what's your long-term vision for the festival? How do you see it evolving over the next couple of years? (i.e., do you think you'll be focusing on booking more acts from a particular genre of music? Introducing new experiences? Developing a new aesthetic for the festival?)
A: You'll continue to see Bonnaroo evolve...expand programming ideas, make investments into the property & push creative boundaries. A big initiative is to create more experiences in the campgrounds.
-JM

Q: Will there be any bigger name additions?
A: We're done announcing headliners for 2015….but lots of great artists, comedians and attractions to still announce.
-JM

Q: Hey! Thanks so much for stopping by! We always love hearing from you. I wanted to ask a few questions (aside from the obvious SCREENS?! and ADDITIONS?!!)
• With the much earlier release of the lineup this year, how do you see the future of festivals panning out?
• Do you think that we are experiencing a festival bubble? Will it burst soon?
• What is the next step in festivals vying for attendees? Releasing the lineups earlier and earlier can only go so far.
And don't forget that you're always welcome at /r/bonnaroo[1] !!

A: There is obviously more competition then ever but I think for a while that it will continue to grow. I think as we have more festivals, people get more accustomed to going and attend more. I believe we will see a shift to more niche festivals and ones that are based more around experiences then big name artists. We are focused on continuing to make Bonnaroo better each year at the same time. I think continuing to make the experience better rather that announcing earlier will be the key.

Q: Do you guys get a chance to enjoy the festival after your work is done? If so, what's your favorite aspect of Bonnaroo as an attendee?
A: One of my favorite aspects of the Festival is the week leading up during the build. Watching projects, that we've worked on for a long time, come to life.
Love being on the farm and hanging with the team..some of my closet friends.
-JM

Q: The question on everybody's minds: When does Jack White get to curate a Superjam?
A: Whenever Jack is ready! We have discussed before of course and hope it will happen one day. –KB

Q: Where were the bobble heads last year!? Also, can we expect any new art installations in centeroo or the pods?
A: We love the bobble heads, but the ol' guys were ready for retirement. You never know though, you may see them come out of retirement at some point.
A big focus is creating new art installations, so you'll definitely see new additions this year and beyond.
-JM

Q: Any possibility of a New Basement Tapes Superjam?
A: Anything's possible at this point. Would you rather see new Basement Tapes or the old Basement Tapes? –KB

Q: Have you all ever thought about showing a live feed of shows playing at other stage in between sets? A lot of times I will skip a show I would LOVE to see in order to get a good spot at a different stage. Instead of the messages on the screens, I've always thought that I'd love, for example, to be able to watch the show happening on Which while I'm waiting for the next show at What. Maybe this is just me, but I thought I'd bring it up!
A: I like where your head is at, keep 'em coming! Not sure about technical issues but it's a good idea and one we will discuss. –KB

Q: Can you shed some light on what caused higher ticket prices this year?
A: Over the years, we've worked hard to keep ticket prices as reasonable as possible while striving to produce an amazing experience. Each year we try and raise the bar and with that comes increased expenses.
The increasing number of festivals has created more competition for talent which increases talent fees.
We believe the pricing is still a great value for a 4 day, around-the clock camping festival.
-JM

Q: Why did you guys decide to release the line-up earlier then usual this year? And also because of that, do you plan on adding any artists bigger then your usual additions? Do you have a rough idea when we can expect that?
A: We announced the lineup in January because we were ready earlier than in years past….and psyched to get the information out.
No major headliners still to be announced, but lots of great artists, comedians and attractions coming soon!
-JM

Q: Can you shed any light on RL Grime being confirmed then taken off and also 50 artists being missing from the lineup??
A: To my knowledge we never announced RL Grime. Where did you see that listed? We still have a lot of artists to announce! –KB

Q: Jonathan,
Working with booking, how have your methods been affected by the increase in festivals lately?
Is it harder to get who you want?
Thanks!!
A: We get started way earlier than in years past. Already discussions happening for 2016 (15th Anniversary!!)
-JM

Q: Hey guys! Thanks for everything you've done for all of us. I've gone to Roo the past two years and loved it. So thanks.
I can't really think of a great question off the top of my head but I'm not going to waste this opportunity either.
So...what's going on with Roo and Prince? Surprised this hasn't happened yet and would like to see it become a reality.
A: dude, I'm with you…he's one of my personal favorite artists of all time. All good things take time…
-JM

Q: Hey guys, long time Bonnaroo veteran here, I think this will be my eleventh year at Bonnaroo. I talked about this in the /r/bonnaroo[1] subreddit and they seemed to like the idea.
What do you guys think about including science based guest speakers to Bonnaroo? Guys like Bill Nye, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Michio Kaku, etc. If you've never been to one of their lectures before, I feel like something like that would work out REALLY well at Bonnaroo. Heck, you can even have either Bill nye or Tyson host Star Talk Live[2] at Bonnaroo and have a few comedians be guests on their show.
Keep up the good work guys, Bonnaroo is easily what I look forward to the most every year.
A: I too would love to geek out at Bonnaroo! We have actually talked to most of these people in recent years and hopefully will have one of them soon. –KB

Q: [In re: the bobbleheads] I really enjoyed seeing those guys every year. Sad to see them go.
A: we've heard this a lot…so maybe you'll see them refreshed and brought back at some point.
-JM

Q: Hey fellas, it's nice to see Bonnaroo dabbling in more pop-oriented headliners like Elton and Billy Joel, but when are ya'll finally gonna take the plunge have a lady close out the What stage?
A: We would love nothing more and will continue to look for the right opportunity to make it happen. –KB
[And in reference to the Capp Dogg macro] This is amazing! Thanks for posting…possible content for Main stage screens.
-JM

Q: What was your opinion of Kanye's performance last year, and would you ever book him again?
A: uhmmmm, how do i answer this without getting in trouble?
-JM

Q:
• When does work start on the next year's festival for each of you?
• What is the busiest time of the year for the aspects each of you work on?

A: Believe it or not, we've already started working on Bonnaroo 2016 - Holy shit, 15 year anniversary!!)
My busiest time is end of the year, helping to finalize the lineup and preparing for BLAM!
-JM

Q: Thank you guys for creating heaven on Earth, it makes my year every year and I want to share it with everybody important to me before I die. My questions:
1. Will Deadmau5 be allowed to play as long as he wants on the What or will he have a set 1.5/2 hours?
2. In 2013 we had the Soul Superjam and the Hip-Hop Superjam, and in 2014 we had the electronic Superjam, so in 2016 can we please for the LOVE OF GOD get a Pretty Lights Superjam? He's got a great history with Roo and consistently puts on amazing sunrise sets every time he comes. He perfectly blends together all those genres into his unique style, with all his sampling knowledge he'd undoubtedly design a stellar setlist, and he already DJ'S live musicians when he plays with his band. You guys would make my life

A:
1. Although we will have an allotted time, that has never really stopped headliners from playing longer in the past!
2. Agreed that Pretty Lights would be a great SuperJam curator, we shall see...-KB

Q: Thanks for all the work you guys do. Bonnaroo is the happiest place on earth.
Can you shed some light on when The Dead turned down your (reportedly) $3 million offer to headline? Was it recently enough that this money is still floating around waiting to be invested in Roo 2015? If not, which band/performer did you book after The Dead were off the table to take their headlining spot?
Thanks again!

A: We did in fact invite the Dead to headline this year's festival. They decided they wanted to host their own event to mark their 50th anniversary.
Bummed it's not happening on the Farm, but excited for all who'll be in Chicago. And psyched for our friend Pete Shapiro for pulling it together.
-JM

Q:
• When does work start on the next year's festival for each of you?
• What is the busiest time of the year for the aspects each of you work on?

A: Amazingly already working on 2016! January/February is my busiest time as we are getting the identity and website ready and dreaming up new activities.

Q: Hello, I'm the founder of UTOPiAfest in Texas. Will be working security for you for the sixth time this year. My festival owes you a lot, thank you. First question, how surreal has the festival become to you? Second, will you be my guests in UTOPiA this year? We'd love to host you. September 4-6 in Utopia, TX.

A: I feel so lucky to be part of Bonnaroo and see this dream come to life.
Not sure i can make it this year as I'm planning to be at Burning Man, but would like to check it out in the future.
-JM

Q: Thanks for doing this! I have been attending Roo since 2010; every year I would wait on line to get into the What Stage pit for a headliner. And every year the same guys were in charge of the pit line. I even made friends with some. I would see them every year.
Last year however, the old crew weren't there. Instead it was a bunch of kids, possibly volunteers handling the pit line. And it was totally unorganized! I waited to get into the pit for Kanye and it was one of the scariest experiences of my life. People jumping barricades, pushing each other. I am not exaggerating it was horrifying and you guys came very close to having folks trampled and seriously hurt.
Can you please get the old crew back that used to handle the What stage pit? Thanks again!

A: Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We will discuss with our security team. –KB

Q: What was your favorite Bonnaroo set of all time? Also, I love you guys! You're always welcome at /r/bonnaroo[1] !
A: So many...but The White Stripes comeback show in 2007 jumps to mind. –KB
A: tough to say all time favorite…but top 11 are:
- Radiohead- 2006
- The White Stripes - 2007
- Paul McCartney - 2013
- My Morning Jacket "Thunderdome show!" - 2004
- Neil Young & Crazy Horse - 2003
- Stevie Wonder into Jay-Z - 2010
- Jack White - 2014
- Lionel Richie - 2014
- Metallica - 2008
- William Hung singing "She Bangs") - 2004
- Carrie "the dancing merengue dog" - 2012
-JM

Q: 2002 Lineup - Trey Anastasio, Ween, Phil Lesh and Friends, Widespread Panic, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Gov't Mule, Les Claypool.... What happened?
A: As in a good setlist, it wouldn't be in the spirt of those bands to book the same lineup year after year. –KB

Q: Given the recent increase in smaller, more genre-specific festivals that may be less expensive or less difficult to travel to, how do you see Bonnaroo competing for attendees in the future? Do you plan to transition to a more genre-specific event, or do you think the gestalt of Bonnaroo will continue to draw attendance despite arguments that your focus is too diverse?
A: We're going to continue to invest and raise the bar each year. Lots of focus is being put into the overall experience….from on-site accommodations to art installations to immersive theatre.
Bonnaroo will continue to be a diverse offering. It gives people a chance to discover something new they may not have been initially drawn to. We think that's fun and interesting and hope you do too.
-JM

Q: What's something that most people don't realize about Bonnaroo but something everyone should know?
This year I'm going to Roo as my first ever festival! Super excited thanks for answering.
A: You can stay in a hotel if you want...we have showers...and you should not miss the Bonnaroo Burger at Jiffy Burger down the road! -KB

Q: Do either of you have a favorite act that would be considered part of the undercard?
A: Christopher Denny put out one of my favorite records of last year. –KB
A: Here's a few artists I'm very excited to see: Mac Demarco Flying Lotus Caribou Rhiannon Giddens Christoper Denny Shakey Graves Freddie Gibbs & Madib
-JM

Q: Which act has the most difficult tour riders? Who got paid the most?
A: Carrie the dancing dog. She eats a very specific type of dog food. Pretty much a diva. Everyone else has been pretty easy.
-JM

Q: First, I just wanted to say that Bonnaroo has literally changed my life. The first year I went, I was deep in a eating disorder that was life-threatening. When I got to Bonnaroo 2011, it was the first time in two years I didn't count calories, make myself throw up or even think about what I was eating.
The second time, Bonnaroo 2013, I had just moved back home due to unfortunate circumstances, and was depressed and not inspired by life. Being at Bonnaroo in a truly beautiful, happy, and giving community saved me. Thank you for putting together such an amazing experience and thank you to the Bonnaroo community for giving everyone a glimpse at what life could really be like if everyone helped, supported, and even just smiled at each other.
Now to my question: how did the theme of radiating positivity come about? Was it born organically from the attendees?
A: Thanks for the kind words. We are glad Bonnaroo could help in some way. Radiate Positivity def came pretty organically from us trying to showcase what was great about the community of Bonnaroo. We love that it has become a mantra of the festival. –KB

Q: are you guys aware of any bonnaroo fan pages around the net and how do you feel about them and what they offer the community? (roochute, bonnaroo365, and @howibonnaroo on instagram come to mind besides the obvious Inforoo)
A: We love and encourage all of the great fan pages that are out there. They are great ambassadors for the festival. –KB

Q: Have you guys ever thought about throwing more than one music festival a year at the farm? I'd love a festival in the fall around Halloween!
A: We have and are working on it. We believe the Bonnaroo site can be a great venue for other types of events.
-JM

Q: First, thanks for creating the greatest music festival ever!!!! Second, does Bonnaroo offer internships? (college student here)
A: We have volunteer opportunities at Bonnaroo. For actual internships, check out Superfly and AC Entertainment websites and the Well Dunn Foundationhttp://www.welldunn.org/[1] -KB

Q: Random, but since you said I can ask anything: Johnathon Mayers, do you go by John, and while working there, have you ever met John Mayer?
A: This is an excellent question. I go by both Jon & Jonathan….and i have in fact met John Mayer.
And not going to lie, I have dropped the "s" on occasion to get dinner reservations. Thanks John.

Q: The 15th anniversary should have the Rolling Stones play. I would cry my eyes out
A: That would be a great one for sure.
-JM

Q: With so much competition around the dates, and location, of Bonnnaroo, what do you personally feel sets Bonnaroo apart from all other music festivals?
A: The camping element….it fosters a community and creates a totally immersive experience.
And the late-night, around the clock programming. Not too many places you can see shows till sunrise!
-JM

Q: I assume obtaining permission from all the artists/publishers/labels would be the big reason why something like this hasn't happened yet, but how much discussion has there been about selling Bonnaroo sets from the festival's extensive video archive--if anything maybe like as a digital on-demand service?
How often do you guys pull up old videos of past sets for your personal enjoyment?

A: Since the beginning we've been archiving performances from the festival. We've been fortunate to have great artist participation in our different audio / video programs (webcasts, tv specials, CD/DVDs, etc…).
We'll continue to explore ways to work with artists, labels & publishers to release this content through different methods & platforms.
-JM

Q: You've also listed U2 along with Prince in the past. Was that up there too for this year and quite possibly some sort of incident involving a bicycle forced different plans. If not, will U2 play sometime before 2020?

A: U2 would be incredible…working on it.
-JM

Great hanging out with you but we gotta go. Sorry we couldn’t get to all of your questions but we may drop back in to answer a few later. Please share your thoughts about the festival, it’s future, any improvements and how you think we should blow out the 15 anniversary celebration! We’ll definitely keep coming back to read whatever you post. This community is always surprising and inspiring us. See you on The Farm! - KB and JM