I like seeing new bands with attitude and inspiration. I fancy “discovering” newcomers with potential… that’s why Grande Rock is here after all. We’d like to give all the bands the chance to get some exposure and especially to the independent ones. Vaudeville got our attention, so we couldn’t help but get in touch with them and learn all about the band. A.J. Sugar, the rhythm guitarist & Chris Gummeson the singer & keybordist of the band told Grande Rock everything that you should now about Vaudeville and a little more than that… hence read below…
Hi guys… You have really taken me aback with your sophomore release. Congrats to everyone! We’ve added it to Grande Rock’s “Gem” category!
A: Thank you so much!! With all the work we put into it, we are glad people enjoy the CD!
First things first, present the band so that people, especially in Europe, are aware of Vaudeville.
A: We are a 5-Member band based out of the US, in Minneapolis, Minneasota. Our music is best described as ‘Art Rock’, meaning, we do what sounds great to us and don’t aim for a specific genre.
What are the music influences of the members? How did that diversity in your influences play a major role in your music?
A: Our influences vary a lot! All 5 of us have backgrounds from Alternative Rock, Electronic, Soft Rock, Punk, Classical Music, and more! With all the different sounds coming together, it creates something unique, something that is Vaudeville. We all bring our own elements to the songs and make it work together to be something bigger than any one of us.
Your debut album “Dismantle the Sky” was released in 2009. After almost 3 years you’re back with the new second one “Vendetta”. What happened meanwhile?
A: A lot happened! We went through several band member changes before settling on our current and final lineup. Once we had all of us set, we started playing out as a show, and becoming close, both as musicians and friends. When we started writing “Vendetta”, everything came together pretty quick. We all had a good feel for each other and knew what direction to take this band and album musically.
What differences you can spot between your debut and the second album? What has changed in the making process?
A: I think that as a band, we have finally found our ‘sound.’ With the 5 of us finally together, we were able to define that sound, something that was missing on the first album. “Dismantle the Sky” was a lot more about writing to figure out what we wanted to do. “Vendetta” is what happened when we figured it out!
So, why did you call the album “Vendetta”? Vendetta against whom?
A: Well, I had to call our singer Chris in for the next questions, haha!
Chris: The album “Vendetta” was decided as a concept for the album due to all the opinions and corrupt leadership that has made our world the way it is today but despite these ideas and daily routines that we have been manipulated to follow we must ask ourselves why? We all have personal vendettas. In order to make our world a more peaceful place we must overcome these vendettas. Not one person has the answer. Our goal is to strike people’s human emotions again with this record and the records we continue to do. If there is one thing I have learned it’s that music is the most powerful influence and the most universal language in the world. Sadly, there is not enough popular music out there that truly strives to unite people and keep us close. I want our music to influence people to fight for a better world and to remind people that we should not take life for granted and TRULY push ourselves to be the best we can be. We are building a nation of LOVE.
The cover artwork demonstrates a post-apocalyptic city… and a child wandering the streets. Is that close to what it is? How is the cover connected with the album’s title?
C: The album cover is indeed a dark place. A possible future for us if we can’t overcome our issues together and express more love to our world and one another. The drummer boy is our sign of hope wandering the cityscape searching for a way to unite us all. (i.n: I like that point of view…)
A song by song trip…just some hints…
C: I always leave our songs open for interpretation all these songs mean something to me and the rest of the band but my meaning on a song could mean something completely different to someone else. The very idea of this intrigues me and I don’t want to ruin a certain emotion one of our songs may express to someone. I love hearing people’s thoughts on what they interpret out of different music!!
A: Yes... everything he said, haha.
The production is superb guys. As far as I know the album was recorded & produced by Wally J at Pacific Underground Recordings & Entertainment. How important is the role Wally played?
A: Thank you! Wally has been a huge part of this album, and of our band. Since, we first met him he has become a friend and mentor to us. We consult him on every major decision we make. He has been in the music industry for a long time, and his knowledge has been incredibly helpful to us as a relatively new band. Recording with him was an amazing experience. He has a great insight into what will sound good, and what we should try to make songs sound and flow better. We call him the 6th member of Vaudeville, haha! (i.n: So, kudos to Wally as well…)
You have already a video out for the homonymous song “Vendetta”. Any thoughts for a second video?
A: For sure! “Vendetta” came together at the last minute as a zero-budget video. Something to give us more for YouTube. It turned out fantastic, and we are looking into another video within the next 6 months or so. We just won a huge Battle of the Bands, and part of our prize is the opportunity to do a new video! So we will be getting to work on that very soon!
Although you’re young and started out in 2007 you have given quite a few live shows to date. You probably love being in the stage as much as being in the studio or what? Are there any plans for a tour or some live shows as well?
A: The stage is where we love to be! The studio is fun, but when you get out and play the live shows, that’s the best. You have the energy from the crowd, get to meet new people, and see new things. Every show is different, and that’s what keeps it interesting. We will be touring the US this spring, again, as part of what we won from the Rawkzilla Battle of the Bands. Still working on the exact details, but we will be posting the shows soon! We are all incredibly excited to hit the road for our first tour! (i.n: Guys just don’t miss this band…)
You finally decided to go “independently” once again. Why? I do not believe that you didn’t have any offers at all. So, what’s the case? Didn’t those offers satisfy you in the end?
A: We have had some offers from people to work with us, some good, some bad. In the end, we haven’t found anything that would benefit us more than what we can do for ourselves at this stage in our career. We want to keep this band independent as long as we can, that way we control our music, our career, and the future of Vaudeville.
How hard is it for a band to take care of all those things that a label offers… is it better after all? There are always problems with the local distributors but thankfully many people are using the Internet nowadays to buy CDs & music generally…
A: It is a lot of work, that is for sure. Like you said, the internet has been a huge tool for us. It allows us to reach out to people worldwide and share our passion and music. We market ourselves, we promote ourselves, all the things a label will do for us, but we don’t have to give up rights or profit. We do have physical CDs online that we will ship worldwide, but with digital services like iTunes, there is a much smaller market for that, which works great with a growing independent band like us.
What are those things that a label offers and an indie release could not have? Lots of ads? Press supporting? Tours? Good press scores and many interviews? Will you jump on a label’s roster if the terms do satisfy you?
A: We have talked about label scouting, but are not actively pursuing it. Again, we do everything ourselves at this stage, and it has been great so far. If the right offer came our way, we would consider it. If you reach a certain level, the label can help with money, promotion, and getting you on tour, but again, we are doing pretty awesome by ourselves right now!!
Does the Internet help independent bands succeed or not in the end? Is it a curse or a blessing?!
A: It’s both. On one hand, the internet is a great tool to reach out to anyone, anywhere. But like us, there are a million other bands doing the same thing. It is very oversaturated, so it is a struggle to stand out, and not blend with everyone else.
You are aware of the fact that there’s another band named Vaudeville, right? How did you come up with that name?
A: We weren’t aware until recently about them, but yes, we have heard of them, haha. Hopefully, they aren’t too pissed! With our band, the name Vaudeville comes from the old style of vaudevillian theatre. It is a traveling variety show, and we strive to keep variety in our music. And hopefully, we will be traveling much more soon! It is a great way to relate to history, while bringing in our own modern take on the word.
A: Thank you so much!! With all the work we put into it, we are glad people enjoy the CD!
First things first, present the band so that people, especially in Europe, are aware of Vaudeville.
A: We are a 5-Member band based out of the US, in Minneapolis, Minneasota. Our music is best described as ‘Art Rock’, meaning, we do what sounds great to us and don’t aim for a specific genre.
What are the music influences of the members? How did that diversity in your influences play a major role in your music?
A: Our influences vary a lot! All 5 of us have backgrounds from Alternative Rock, Electronic, Soft Rock, Punk, Classical Music, and more! With all the different sounds coming together, it creates something unique, something that is Vaudeville. We all bring our own elements to the songs and make it work together to be something bigger than any one of us.
Your debut album “Dismantle the Sky” was released in 2009. After almost 3 years you’re back with the new second one “Vendetta”. What happened meanwhile?
A: A lot happened! We went through several band member changes before settling on our current and final lineup. Once we had all of us set, we started playing out as a show, and becoming close, both as musicians and friends. When we started writing “Vendetta”, everything came together pretty quick. We all had a good feel for each other and knew what direction to take this band and album musically.
What differences you can spot between your debut and the second album? What has changed in the making process?
A: I think that as a band, we have finally found our ‘sound.’ With the 5 of us finally together, we were able to define that sound, something that was missing on the first album. “Dismantle the Sky” was a lot more about writing to figure out what we wanted to do. “Vendetta” is what happened when we figured it out!
So, why did you call the album “Vendetta”? Vendetta against whom?
A: Well, I had to call our singer Chris in for the next questions, haha!
Chris: The album “Vendetta” was decided as a concept for the album due to all the opinions and corrupt leadership that has made our world the way it is today but despite these ideas and daily routines that we have been manipulated to follow we must ask ourselves why? We all have personal vendettas. In order to make our world a more peaceful place we must overcome these vendettas. Not one person has the answer. Our goal is to strike people’s human emotions again with this record and the records we continue to do. If there is one thing I have learned it’s that music is the most powerful influence and the most universal language in the world. Sadly, there is not enough popular music out there that truly strives to unite people and keep us close. I want our music to influence people to fight for a better world and to remind people that we should not take life for granted and TRULY push ourselves to be the best we can be. We are building a nation of LOVE.
The cover artwork demonstrates a post-apocalyptic city… and a child wandering the streets. Is that close to what it is? How is the cover connected with the album’s title?
C: The album cover is indeed a dark place. A possible future for us if we can’t overcome our issues together and express more love to our world and one another. The drummer boy is our sign of hope wandering the cityscape searching for a way to unite us all. (i.n: I like that point of view…)
A song by song trip…just some hints…
C: I always leave our songs open for interpretation all these songs mean something to me and the rest of the band but my meaning on a song could mean something completely different to someone else. The very idea of this intrigues me and I don’t want to ruin a certain emotion one of our songs may express to someone. I love hearing people’s thoughts on what they interpret out of different music!!
A: Yes... everything he said, haha.
The production is superb guys. As far as I know the album was recorded & produced by Wally J at Pacific Underground Recordings & Entertainment. How important is the role Wally played?
A: Thank you! Wally has been a huge part of this album, and of our band. Since, we first met him he has become a friend and mentor to us. We consult him on every major decision we make. He has been in the music industry for a long time, and his knowledge has been incredibly helpful to us as a relatively new band. Recording with him was an amazing experience. He has a great insight into what will sound good, and what we should try to make songs sound and flow better. We call him the 6th member of Vaudeville, haha! (i.n: So, kudos to Wally as well…)
You have already a video out for the homonymous song “Vendetta”. Any thoughts for a second video?
A: For sure! “Vendetta” came together at the last minute as a zero-budget video. Something to give us more for YouTube. It turned out fantastic, and we are looking into another video within the next 6 months or so. We just won a huge Battle of the Bands, and part of our prize is the opportunity to do a new video! So we will be getting to work on that very soon!
Although you’re young and started out in 2007 you have given quite a few live shows to date. You probably love being in the stage as much as being in the studio or what? Are there any plans for a tour or some live shows as well?
A: The stage is where we love to be! The studio is fun, but when you get out and play the live shows, that’s the best. You have the energy from the crowd, get to meet new people, and see new things. Every show is different, and that’s what keeps it interesting. We will be touring the US this spring, again, as part of what we won from the Rawkzilla Battle of the Bands. Still working on the exact details, but we will be posting the shows soon! We are all incredibly excited to hit the road for our first tour! (i.n: Guys just don’t miss this band…)
You finally decided to go “independently” once again. Why? I do not believe that you didn’t have any offers at all. So, what’s the case? Didn’t those offers satisfy you in the end?
A: We have had some offers from people to work with us, some good, some bad. In the end, we haven’t found anything that would benefit us more than what we can do for ourselves at this stage in our career. We want to keep this band independent as long as we can, that way we control our music, our career, and the future of Vaudeville.
How hard is it for a band to take care of all those things that a label offers… is it better after all? There are always problems with the local distributors but thankfully many people are using the Internet nowadays to buy CDs & music generally…
A: It is a lot of work, that is for sure. Like you said, the internet has been a huge tool for us. It allows us to reach out to people worldwide and share our passion and music. We market ourselves, we promote ourselves, all the things a label will do for us, but we don’t have to give up rights or profit. We do have physical CDs online that we will ship worldwide, but with digital services like iTunes, there is a much smaller market for that, which works great with a growing independent band like us.
What are those things that a label offers and an indie release could not have? Lots of ads? Press supporting? Tours? Good press scores and many interviews? Will you jump on a label’s roster if the terms do satisfy you?
A: We have talked about label scouting, but are not actively pursuing it. Again, we do everything ourselves at this stage, and it has been great so far. If the right offer came our way, we would consider it. If you reach a certain level, the label can help with money, promotion, and getting you on tour, but again, we are doing pretty awesome by ourselves right now!!
Does the Internet help independent bands succeed or not in the end? Is it a curse or a blessing?!
A: It’s both. On one hand, the internet is a great tool to reach out to anyone, anywhere. But like us, there are a million other bands doing the same thing. It is very oversaturated, so it is a struggle to stand out, and not blend with everyone else.
You are aware of the fact that there’s another band named Vaudeville, right? How did you come up with that name?
A: We weren’t aware until recently about them, but yes, we have heard of them, haha. Hopefully, they aren’t too pissed! With our band, the name Vaudeville comes from the old style of vaudevillian theatre. It is a traveling variety show, and we strive to keep variety in our music. And hopefully, we will be traveling much more soon! It is a great way to relate to history, while bringing in our own modern take on the word.
How would you characterize the music style of your band to the ones that have never heard of you before? You’re probably a “modern” band with the wide sense of the term… but there’s more than that, I think.
A: We try not to characterize our band in any specific genre. We are an alternative band by definition, but we go beyond that, working in more electronics, and making guitars not sound like guitars, haha. We try funky chord progressions, different beats and rhythms, and in the end, we come out sounding like us, haha!
I’ve written: “…they are inspired, creative & way better than some major, greatly-advertised commercial “modern” bands that have lost their inspiration for some time now…”. What’s your say?
A: First of all, wow! Thanks! I think that the major difference with us is that we don’t try to sound like anyone else, or anything that has been done. Sure, we have influences, and you can compare us to different bands, but we like to think that we are doing our own thing, and holding it up for no one’s approval but our own. Our inspiration is just to create good music and keep doing everything we can for our fans. If we ever were to lose that inspiration and drive, it would kill us!
I’ve also stated: “…“Vendetta” is one of the top independent rock releases in 2012”. Do you agree with that?
A: Haha, you are going to make me blush! We’ve heard a lot like that, and it is amazing to hear. We are glad that everyone loves our music, and although we may not be the best band ever, we will keep doing what we do as long as there are people to listen!
Since you’re young tell me… How do you view this new mp3-digital-free-dowloading culture of the 21st century? Would you offer the whole album or some songs from it for free to the fans at any time?
A: It’s an interesting struggle. Myself personally, I miss physical CDs, with all the art that comes with them. Downloading now is very different, but we embrace the change. If we didn’t we would not last very long at all. We do offer some tracks for free occasionally. We have a 3-song EP on our website for free right now actually! We would like to make a living off of music, but the music itself may not be the best option anymore. This is why we focus so strongly on making our live shows an event! Something people want to come out and see.
Some bands/artists have decided to call it quits due to downloading problems. What do you think of that situation?
A: I personally think it shows that they never wanted to do music in the first place. Yes, everyone wants to make a living doing this, but people are going to steal your music regardless. That’s why you need to be resourceful as a band and find other ways, live shows, videos, merchandise, whatever you can.
OK, now it’s time for the “weird” questions!!! What would you tell someone to convince him to buy your album instead of hundreds of others that are being released every month?
A: You have to smooth talk them hahaha! Chat with them and convince them that this is the best damn album that they will ever purchase!! At least until we put out our next CD
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
A: Same that has pissed people off for years, greed and dishonesty. Even at our stage, we have been bull-shitted, lied to, stolen from, and had every promise under the sun thrown at us. You can start to tell who is decent and who is not, and having someone like our producer Wally on our side to give an opinion, certainly doesn’t hurt, haha!
What would you do if you were not afraid to fail?
A: Bungee jump. I think if I failed at that, it would hurt an awful lot…
If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
A: I would be a tiger, because tigers are very badass! And orange is kind of a cool color…
If you could go back in time… in any time-period where would you go and why?
A: Sometime in the 70s, I would give just about anything to see Led Zeppelin live!
If you could be born as any famous person in history who would it be and why?
A: I would like to pretend that I was born as a famous person, everyone else just doesn’t know it yet haha.
Which is the most overrated band today?
A: I keep hearing things about this Vaudeville band in the US….I don’t see what the big deal is… (i.n: hehe I see…)
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
A: Oh shit, this is a tough one… I would personally do something like Led Zeppelin “IV”, or “Absolution” by Muse. Actually, no, I am going to make an awesome mixtape for the aliens!
Is rock & roll music only about sex and drugs… or that motto has changed throughout the years?
A: Ahh, it’s a cliché. Rock and Roll, is Rock and Roll. You do it for the music, the sex and drugs (if you’re into it) are just extra perks haha.
If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do?
A: I would be a terribly ugly woman… but it would be fun to have boobs for a day…
One night stands or long term relationships?
A: Well, I am obligated to say long term, or my boyfriend of the last 2-years would be pissed haha. But to each their own, some people don’t want a relationship, some do.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
A: I don’t know about movie, but if I could sleep with Matt Bellamy from Muse, I would do so in an instant, haha!
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
A: Pizza, easy… I don’t like beer and hookers probably taste like sweat and day-old-sex… hope that wasn’t too vulgar…
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for herself an expensive ring. How would you react?
A: She would be kicked out in an instant, haha!
Hey guys… Thx for this pleasant interview… The last words belong to you… Add anything you want…
A: Last words… damn, this is a lot of pressure, but thanks to Thanos for the interview (hope I did OK on behalf of my band…), thanks to all of you for reading through my ramblings. And thanks twice if you go check out our music! Peace out gangsta’s!
A: We try not to characterize our band in any specific genre. We are an alternative band by definition, but we go beyond that, working in more electronics, and making guitars not sound like guitars, haha. We try funky chord progressions, different beats and rhythms, and in the end, we come out sounding like us, haha!
I’ve written: “…they are inspired, creative & way better than some major, greatly-advertised commercial “modern” bands that have lost their inspiration for some time now…”. What’s your say?
A: First of all, wow! Thanks! I think that the major difference with us is that we don’t try to sound like anyone else, or anything that has been done. Sure, we have influences, and you can compare us to different bands, but we like to think that we are doing our own thing, and holding it up for no one’s approval but our own. Our inspiration is just to create good music and keep doing everything we can for our fans. If we ever were to lose that inspiration and drive, it would kill us!
I’ve also stated: “…“Vendetta” is one of the top independent rock releases in 2012”. Do you agree with that?
A: Haha, you are going to make me blush! We’ve heard a lot like that, and it is amazing to hear. We are glad that everyone loves our music, and although we may not be the best band ever, we will keep doing what we do as long as there are people to listen!
Since you’re young tell me… How do you view this new mp3-digital-free-dowloading culture of the 21st century? Would you offer the whole album or some songs from it for free to the fans at any time?
A: It’s an interesting struggle. Myself personally, I miss physical CDs, with all the art that comes with them. Downloading now is very different, but we embrace the change. If we didn’t we would not last very long at all. We do offer some tracks for free occasionally. We have a 3-song EP on our website for free right now actually! We would like to make a living off of music, but the music itself may not be the best option anymore. This is why we focus so strongly on making our live shows an event! Something people want to come out and see.
Some bands/artists have decided to call it quits due to downloading problems. What do you think of that situation?
A: I personally think it shows that they never wanted to do music in the first place. Yes, everyone wants to make a living doing this, but people are going to steal your music regardless. That’s why you need to be resourceful as a band and find other ways, live shows, videos, merchandise, whatever you can.
OK, now it’s time for the “weird” questions!!! What would you tell someone to convince him to buy your album instead of hundreds of others that are being released every month?
A: You have to smooth talk them hahaha! Chat with them and convince them that this is the best damn album that they will ever purchase!! At least until we put out our next CD
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
A: Same that has pissed people off for years, greed and dishonesty. Even at our stage, we have been bull-shitted, lied to, stolen from, and had every promise under the sun thrown at us. You can start to tell who is decent and who is not, and having someone like our producer Wally on our side to give an opinion, certainly doesn’t hurt, haha!
What would you do if you were not afraid to fail?
A: Bungee jump. I think if I failed at that, it would hurt an awful lot…
If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?
A: I would be a tiger, because tigers are very badass! And orange is kind of a cool color…
If you could go back in time… in any time-period where would you go and why?
A: Sometime in the 70s, I would give just about anything to see Led Zeppelin live!
If you could be born as any famous person in history who would it be and why?
A: I would like to pretend that I was born as a famous person, everyone else just doesn’t know it yet haha.
Which is the most overrated band today?
A: I keep hearing things about this Vaudeville band in the US….I don’t see what the big deal is… (i.n: hehe I see…)
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
A: Oh shit, this is a tough one… I would personally do something like Led Zeppelin “IV”, or “Absolution” by Muse. Actually, no, I am going to make an awesome mixtape for the aliens!
Is rock & roll music only about sex and drugs… or that motto has changed throughout the years?
A: Ahh, it’s a cliché. Rock and Roll, is Rock and Roll. You do it for the music, the sex and drugs (if you’re into it) are just extra perks haha.
If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do?
A: I would be a terribly ugly woman… but it would be fun to have boobs for a day…
One night stands or long term relationships?
A: Well, I am obligated to say long term, or my boyfriend of the last 2-years would be pissed haha. But to each their own, some people don’t want a relationship, some do.
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
A: I don’t know about movie, but if I could sleep with Matt Bellamy from Muse, I would do so in an instant, haha!
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
A: Pizza, easy… I don’t like beer and hookers probably taste like sweat and day-old-sex… hope that wasn’t too vulgar…
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for herself an expensive ring. How would you react?
A: She would be kicked out in an instant, haha!
Hey guys… Thx for this pleasant interview… The last words belong to you… Add anything you want…
A: Last words… damn, this is a lot of pressure, but thanks to Thanos for the interview (hope I did OK on behalf of my band…), thanks to all of you for reading through my ramblings. And thanks twice if you go check out our music! Peace out gangsta’s!