VASA [Interview]
If super-intense instrumental math rock is your thing, you’ve either heard of VASA and love them, or have just heard of VASA and will love them in the near future.
In this interview, TMMP talks to VASA bassist John Niblock about VASA’s new album Colours and the band’s past, present, and future…
Your debut album Colours is out now. How does it feel to finally have it out there?
It’s a mix of relief and pride, I’d say. We’ve spent the last 10 months working on it and building up to it, so it was great to finally let people hear the album that we spent so much of our time on. We’re very proud of the end product and couldn’t be happier with the response it’s gotten.
What’s VASA’s origin story?
I met Blaine (Thompson, guitar) during my second year of university. We started writing together, and shortly after he brought in Scott (Coupar, guitar), who he had been friends with from their high school years. We recruited Niall (Morison MacRae, drums) last June after replacing our old drummer.
When it came to writing the tracks on Colours, what was your creative process like?
Quite a few of the tracks had been started just before Niall joined, so for most of them it was a case of filling out or reworking them. The last two tracks we wrote as a band just before we headed to Southampton to record.
How would you describe your musical philosophy?
I think we just aim to write some incredibly hooky, upbeat instrumental music. If we can make some infectious music that sticks in people’s heads we are happy.
What’s the story behind the album’s title?
‘Colours’ came from a conversation we were having where Blaine told us he associates songs with specific colours. We figured it fit really well as it is a bright, colourful album.
Beyond this point, what does the future hold?
Quite a lot. We’re already planning our next tours, as well as things I’m not really able to discuss yet. Nice and vague.
If money (and good taste) weren’t issues, what would your stage setup look like?
Well, there would definitely be a sea of pedals in front of Blaine and Scott and some hideous amp set up. I’d have a good number of Warwick basses and a Carl Thompson as well (the basses Les Claypool used). Probably a few big 8x10s as well.
What’s left on your bucket list?
If we could somehow get to North America that would be amazing. Main stage at ArcTanGent or a similar festival would be immense. And, my personal one, supporting This Will Destroy You.
Links
Colours is out now. Check out TMMP’s review for more info!
Follow TMMP via Twitter and my brand new Facebook page for more from the world of world-class music! If you’re a regular reader, thanks for the support! Don’t stop, and keep going!