Cinematic rock band VANITY FEAR have done a lot since beginning back in 2019. Three album's and an EP has been released, with them currently hard at work upon what is their fourth album to date. The band chats about their music and so much more.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
VF: The band is made up of of members who all met in Columbus, Ga. Once you’ve played music for a while in a small town, it becomes clear who the brightest musicians are, so we gathered in May of 2019 to do a collaboration song. Sort of a “Columbus All Stars” single. After that song, Kevlar, was released, it became clear that we were onto something special. We went on to write and record a double album that year and we haven’t slowed down since.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
VF: “Vanity Fear” is a name that Matt had been hanging onto for some time. Once we got started though, it was a obviously the perfect fit. There’s a clear duality to the project; the contrasting music styles, the male and female vocals. With that, and some of the darker themes touched on in the music, the name sums us up perfectly.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
VF: We’re from a modest city called Columbus, Ga. As could be said for most towns, the music scene has definitely waned, which is unfortunate. That’s why being able to record and release our music remotely and internationally has been such a critical tool. Our music scene really is our studio! There are definitely some amazing musicians in Columbus, GA though. While many are in cover bands or solo country acts, the talent is definitely there waiting to be discovered!
4. How would you describe your style?
VF: We’ve been described as a “cinematic rock” band and we couldn’t be happier with that label. We take pride in the way we arrange our songs and add orchestral elements. It creates a sense of scale that is worthy of any film score. Overall, our style is heavy, electronic, smooth and haunting all at the same time. Every song is a story and every album is a journey. When I show people the female vocals over the heavy guitars, they always say Evanescence, which is totally a compliment. Brandon's voice is "silk" and Matt's is that Chevelle-like sound I love. In my mind, we are a version of bands like Pink Floyd and Linkin Park...it's an experience.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
VF: Since we began in 2019, we’ve released three full albums and an EP. We try to be diverse, but above all, we seek to be honest and moving with what we write. Hopefully that comes across to every listener. Optophobia, which is our latest album, really captured the emotion associated with the global pandemic to include the fear and uncertainty we and the world felt.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
VF: We are currently in production of our fourth full album. We're always writing and certain songs are queued up for the next album based on the concept. Again, it's about the experience. There may be songs we wrote for Optophobia that didn't align with the concept, but they're so damn good that we keep them in the catalogue. Typically we work quickly, but we’re forcing ourselves to take this one slow. The goal is to make something that’s rarely been done before; a fully immersive experience. Needless to say, we have BIG expectations for 2021.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
VF: Due to the nature of our band, touring doesn’t seem like a possibility for the time being. Truth be told, we’ve only played together in the same room once, which we took the time to film and record and will be out very soon! Since all of us have the means to record remotely, the work never stops.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
VF: We want to reach more people, move more people and hope they relate to our music. It would be amazing to play in different countries for different cultures. Diversity is so important to us...it's what we are as a band!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
VF: Our full catalogue is available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube as well as our website: http://www.VanityFearMusic.com.
We also have a merch store at http://redbubble.com/people/vanityfear.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
VF: Everything you hear and see was done completely independently. Recording, mixing, filming, editing, artwork; we’re proud that we have been able to actualize this vision ourselves completely. It’s a testament that anything can be accomplished with enough work ethic.
Remember how it made you feel and know that you aren't alone. If you're angry, scream with Matt. If you feel smooth as silk, sing with Brandon. If you want the hair on your neck to stand up or align with a tortured soul, listen to Heather's haunting vocals. If you want to be amazed with technical and perfected skill, listen to Kyle's beats. If you want amazingly beefy guitar tones with perfect distortion, listen to Jeff's riffs. We all have our niche and when aligned together, it's truly the perfect mix.”
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