I think it goes in waves. Some of the old group weren't my favorite. In 2017, they hired a shitty publicity firm that fucked everything up and I always suspected that it played a role in why Ty Segall and that crew stopped coming back. I skipped 2018 and they corrected the ship. The last 3 years were pretty great. Last year they didn't send approval until the 28th, but at least everything came through as it should, so I didn't sweat it.
I can't imagine this new guy will stick around. It's a mistake if he does. Nobody outside the immediate area would bother planning to cover a festival that waits days before to confirm credentials. Right now, I'm not willing to spend my day planning, packing up, and getting supplies for this.
The initial approval letter requested to let them know asap if we need a photo pass. Then immediately after it stated that they'll already know because it would have been marked on the application. Then it states that they have a list of everyone who is approved of one, but that they're not telling us. If you show up on site to check-in and you don't get one, you'll know you weren't approved.
That is fucking insane.
And that's just the beginning of it.
Plus, Gyedu-Blaylock Ambolley, Upchuck, and Coco Rosie are all off the lineup
We love going, but there are so many potential obstacles right now