Vukovi (Interview)
Great bands demand your attention, reward it with awesome music, and leave you excited to help spread the word. Whether embracing vividly colourful visuals, putting out consistently creative videos, or dropping a near-perfect eponymous debut album, Vukovi have made all the right moves and set themselves up for serious success. I got chatting to vocalist Janine Shilstone about a certain upcoming festival, and a stage show plan that needs to be followed through ASAP…
You’re playing a set at 2000 Trees this year, and it’s just two weeks until the festival begins. How’re you feeling about it all?
Excited to be getting let out to play – and away from the studio environment for a bit!
How did Vukovi get together? What’s your X-Men-style origin story?
The boys asked me to come jam and see how we gelled. My ex said I had no talent and would need to blow my way to the top, so I had to prove him wrong. And here we are.
Before that I lived in Serbia, travelling with a circus and looking after snakes. Then I moved to Scotland when I was 12.
What’s the most batshit crazy thing that’s ever happened during a Vukovi show?
I climbed a 15-foot set of speakers and nearly fell off. What I didn’t notice was a load of drum hardware below me, without the cymbals on them, leaving the spiky bits pointed upwards. Being impaled isn’t cool.
I also broke a sound desk with a water gun. I didn’t realise it could shoot that far!
What was your first ever festival experience? How did it go?
T in the park 2010, as a punter. It was magical – it’s honestly the only way I can describe it. Made so many memories from that weekend. It was just a carry-on.
Any festival survival tips?
Wear your baddest outfit, forget about your real life for the weekend, and make memories with your pals. Glitter is optional.
If money, space, and good taste weren’t issues, what would your ideal festival stage show look like?
Something modest, like double-headed pink fire-breathing dragons with massive mechanical wings.
Which other 2000 Trees bands are you looking forward to checking out?
Black Honey, Boston Manor, Dream State, Marmozets, and Fatherson.
Beyond 2000 Trees, what have you got planned for the rest of the year?
We’re working on some new music and a new look, and we’ll be playing some headline shows as well!
Vukovi play The Cave at 2000 Trees 2018 on Thursday July 12.
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