SXSW Interview: The Vryll Society
One of the hottest acts in the UK right now is the Vryll Society. They harness tidbits of psychedelia, as well an accessibility that finds them in similar territory to acts like Temples. You can hear their latest single below, and hear what they had to say on their way to SXSW!
ATH:For a lot of bands, this is their first time coming to SXSW, Austin, or even the United States. What are you anticipating for your arrival into our town? Anything you’re really hoping to do (again) while you’re here?
VS: You’re right it’s our first time in the States, we had a little look at points of interest. We noticed there’s a place called Barton Spring Pool that we like the look of, you can’t swim outside in the UK or you would die, so that’s going to be a novelty for sure! Also San Antonio isn’t that far away so we might go and have a look at the Alamo.
ATH:For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. What’s your plan of attack? Do you have a set list mapped out yet?
VS: I think we’ve got a little bit longer than that, but yeah we’ve got our set sorted it’s sounding really tight, looking forward to unleashing it man.
ATH:The festival caters to music fans, but food and booze are an important aspect of the fans and the bands. What’s your band’s food and beverage of choice?
VS: Yeah same everywhere really isn’t it everyone likes music, food and booze. Putting them all together is a logical move. Well nearly everyone in our band is vegan, so I’m probably going to be dragged round every vegan Restaurant in Austin. On the beer front everyone seems to like flashy European brands, but I’ll drink absolutely anything, I’m easy.
ATH:Describe the music community where you come from – Does everyone work together? Is there lots of competition?
VS: Well I’m told there is, but I prefer to stay in my own little bubble. although there’s a band from Liverpool called Fuss and they look like they’re going to do the business, they’re our friends so good luck to them.
ATH:What are a few bands we in Austin and the States might not know about that should be on everyone’s musical radar?
VS: As mentioned above, Fuss from Liverpool, Psycho Comedy, God on My right, and TV ME, Paris Youth Foundation (also all from Liverpool), Cabbage from Manchester and Hidden charms (London) – they’re some of the cream of the new British bands at the moment.
ATH: Let’s say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street (where a lot of shows are set up). The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd seems angry at the world. How would your band deal with such a situation?
VS: I don’t know man, break into an unrehearsed version of ‘Good Vibrations’ by The Beach Boys and get everyone back in the zone. But that’s not going to happen, everyone’s off work and having a good time. let the good times roll as they say.
ATH:What’s your favorite album to come out in the last year? What’s playing in the tour bus/van?
VS: Well my most favourite album of recent times was ‘Lost In The Dream’ by The War On Drugs and I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of music that gets played the in the van – Hip Hop, Soul, Prog, Motown, Jazz, Reggae.
ATH:What are your band’s thoughts on and experiences with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, YouTube etc? Are you sticking to services like Bandcamp to sell and distribute?
VS: I have no idea! Thank God for management!
ATH:Clearly coming over to the SXSW to play shows is something a lot of bands are excited about, but what are some other life or musical highlights for you this year? Wed like to get to know you.
VS: Well, when we come back from the States, we’re doing a little tour of the UK, I think it’s about 4 dates, then we go in to record our debut album which we’re really excited about, we think it could be something really special, a beautiful thing. Should be another single coming before then as well too, really exciting time to be in The Vryll Society!
ATH:Aren’t you happy we didn’t ask about Trump?
VS: Well you guys voted him in, it’s nothing to do with us!
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