What is your name and role within Vetty Vials?
Vetty Vials – Vocals / Guitar / Boss lady.
Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I am currently based in South Sydney about 30 minutes out of Sydney CBD, the Sydney scene has had its difficulties over the past few years with venues closing due to lockout laws but it is still alive and well with some really great bands and solid supporters who are always keen to come out to shows.
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and started learning really basic guitar around the age of 12.
What’s been happening recently?
We just finished our album tour for “Conversations With Myself”, playing in Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne. It was an absolute blast!
Your debut album ‘Conversations With Myself’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
My main inspiration for writing is life experience, the album itself is a combination of songs about feeling lost, dissecting relationships and navigating your 20s. I try to be brutally honest lyrically as that’s the type of thing that draws me in when I’m listening to music.
In terms of the sound, that comes from a variety of different places. When I start writing its generally on an acoustic guitar and the style could go either way. I’m backed by a powerhouse band of guys who have strong rock and punk influences which draws the songs to that heavier, faster direction. The album in itself has elements of both softer and heavier influences which I think is quite cool.
How did you go about writing the music?
Generally, the song writing process would start with me writing a song on acoustic and then coming to the band to get their input. I was lucky to change that up a lot on this record, Dust came from my guitarist Matt bringing the music to me and us then writing it together, and Pride was put together last minute between our Producer Antix and I. It changed the sound dramatically and I’m super happy with how these songs turned out.
Where and when did you record/produce?
The record was one of the first recordings completed in the new Def Wolf Studios in Kurnell back in August 2019 with Daniel Antix. I’ve known Antix for almost 10 years now and he is one of my closest friends, this record would not be what it is without his input. Regardless of the fact that he is an incredible producer, as a friend he knows how to push me to get the best result possible and I am incredibly grateful to have his stamp on all of my musical ventures.
How did you approach the recording process?
We tracked majority of the songs live which was really cool. We knocked out the bulk of the bass, drums, and rhythm guitar over two days and then looked at lead guitar and vocals.
One of my favourite memories is working with Antix (Producer) and Matt O’Keefe (Lead Guitar) on the lead parts after the live tracks were done. Even though we had the basis of what all the lead parts would look like prior to recording it wasn’t until we really started layering the guitars that the songs found their sound. There are so many cool unexpected things we came up with over those last couple of days that were never originally planned.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the album?
I was really up and down with my health around the time we were recording so I’d say the most challenging thing was pushing myself to sing to the best of my ability when my body was fighting against me. The most rewarding thing is the by far the finished product, I’m so proud of how far we have come as a band – and seeing the ongoing support from a growing following we have built nationally is just the icing on the cake!
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to travel, it’s a bonus when I can align it with gigs I want to see.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Phoebe Bridgers, The Menzingers and Pinegrove are on high rotation for me at the moment.
You’ve just come off a Aussie Tour, how were the shows and what were a few highlights?
This tour was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had, every single show exceeded my expectations. The highlight has to be seeing so many familiar faces interstate. We have such an incredible network in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra and it’s always amazing to reconnect with people.
What’s planned for 2020?
Slowing down on the touring front and focusing on writing, I’ve got a few things in the works that I can’t wait to finish.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
Favourite food – Sushi
Place to hangout – anywhere were there are great live bands playing.
https://www.facebook.com/vettyvialsmusic/
