Bloodstock 2026 Band Feature: Change Persona

Where does the time go!? Once again, Bloodstock is right around the corner, and once again, it is shaping up to be one the best festivals of the year. Not just because there are a variety of bands spread across its main two stages, not just because it is packed with fun things to do, great food and drink to enjoy, and tons of likeminded people to experience it all with, but because it champions the future of the scene with its New Blood and EMP stages. Where unsigned bands, some handpicked, but most coming through the Metal 2 the Masses events, get to play the festival.

It can be an absolute gamechanger for a band to play the New Blood or EMP stages and plenty have gone on to bigger and brighter things. We know, we’ve been paying a lot of attention to that side of things for a long time now, and every year, tried to feature as many bands playing as we could. While we can’t promise that we will see all these bands at the festival, we can promise that you will find a wealth of talent should you wander over to either.

Who knows, you may even end up finding your new favourite band.

It’s almost time for BOA 2026, so it’s time to get to know some of bands who will be playing the New Blood Stage or the EMP stage. This is Change Persona!

First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself. How and when did you get started?

We’re Change Persona, a Melodic Punkcore band from Surrey! The guys formed the band back in 2009 and started playing in the local music scene. Gabriella joined the band 8 years ago and in the last couple years we have really taken off with new music and playing more festivals than ever and headlining some incredible venues like the 100 Club in London!

Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

If Rise Against and Billy Talent had a baby and raised it in South London that’ll be us.

How has playing Bloodstock 2026 come about?

We were lucky enough to apply when applications opened and got chosen! We’re still in shock to be honest.

What does it mean for you to play the festival this year?

It’s a huge opportunity for us that means everything! For years we’ve been trying to break out and make it onto major festivals like Bloodstock. Last year we finally made that Breakthrough by playing Download Festival. It was super important for us not to let that be a one time flash in the pan. The fact that we’ve followed that up this year by playing Bloodstock really helps us prove to ourselves that we are gaining momentum and doing the right things. The opportunity to play on the same festival as bands we grew up listening to at a something as huge as Bloodstock is a real pinch yourself moment! We’re just giddy, excited, grateful for the opportunity to showcase ourselves and absolutely cannot wait to hit the stage!

What’s the setlist looking like and can we expect any surprises?

We’ve got a special surprise planned for the crowd, it’s going to get them up and moshing with the chance to hear the very first live performance of a single we are releasing later this year.

Who are you looking forward to seeing, provided they don’t clash with your set?

We grew up listening to Dream State, Of Mice & Men and Lamb of God, so we can’t wait to see those guys live!

Ignoring the obvious (tent, sleeping bag, toilet roll, etc.) what’s one thing you should always take with you to a festival and why?

Lots of baby wipes, you will always need more than you think. Got to keep clean, well as clean as can be when camping for five days. And the obvious one, beer, lots and lots of beer.

It’s post-set, you’re packed away and your press is all done. It’s finally time to kick back and relax, what are you drinking and what are you eating?

I think we all will be chugging a beer and I’m definitely looking for some fried chicken after. CJ loves a Katsu curry so I reckon he will be looking out for that somewhere.

Change Persona play the EMP stage on the Friday of the festival. Limited Bloodstock tickets are on sale now and you pick them up here.

Change Persona Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram