Interviews: RED VANILLA

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band, RED VANILLA, from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the project on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or came out just like that?

Our singer liked the word "Vanilla" and we thought "it needs something before it. A colour maybe? Yeah, Red will do." There is nothing significant to it, but it works!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We're all just huge lovers of Alternative Rock - it's what we grew up on and what we resonate with the most. Watching our favourite rock bands live from the time we were kids made us want to put on that kind of show ourselves - there's nothing quite like the energy in the room of a rock show.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

No - we all found each other through online adverts. None of us had any luck finding bandmates at school, but it's like the universe was waiting to connect us all when the time was right - feels like we've known each other for a lifetime now and it's online been 3 years.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Singer/guitarist Anna, is all about her female leads - Paramore and Wolf Alice obsessed. Lead guitarist George plays a total of 2 bands on repeat - Foo Fighters and To Kill Achilles. Drummer Lucas brings us the heavier "stuff with attitude" - Rage Against The Machine and The Prodigy, and bassist Sam's roots are planted way back where the rest of ours stem from - Queen and The Doors.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Anna always writes her lyrics about something she's feeling or going through. George focuses on the music itself and tries to write with chords that evoke some kind of emotion, depending on the nature of the song. Once we have the song structure set we take it to Lucas and Sam to finish off.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our most recent gig was in Glasgow at a wee venue called The Hug and Pint. They've always been good to us - offering us gigs from the very beginning (and the all-vegan menu is unreal). This was the first gig using our new In-Ear Monitor system, and it was the best we've ever played, so we can't wait to showcase the new and improved us at our upcoming gigs this year.

7. Where would you like to act?

I think for any Scottish band, you're set on playing Barrowland Ballroom at least once in your life. That and the Reading Festival Main Stage - doesn't hurt to dream!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We're massive fans of Swim School and have dreamed of supporting them one day for years now. We'd love to support To Kill Achilles too - we worked with them for the whole of this EP, from the recording and production to the visuals and music videos, so we'd love the opportunity to play alongside them. Would be an absolute honour for all of us to support Wolf Alice one day too - we owe so much to them and have some of the best memories going to see them together, so it would be a dream come true to share the stage with them.

9. Whom not?

Not to sound cliché, but we're open to absolutely anything. We know how much time, energy and passion goes into any music project, so we have all the respect in the world for all our fellow musicians out there.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Anna says "I remember the first time we ever played I felt physically sick with nerves. I couldn't eat all day, and couldn't even look forward to playing for the fear. Fast forward a few years and countless gigs later, the main thing I have learned is that people want you to do well! No one is there to judge you - people admire you for getting up there in the first place, never mind how well you play." So to anyone just getting started, the number one rule is 'act with confidence and no one will question you' - if you act like a rockstar you are a rockstar! George says that his first few gigs were terrifying but as the band did more and more shows, they slowly became less scary and now he is just excited to play when a gig comes up.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The 1975 inspire us probably more than anyone of course, the music itself is incredible, but we look up to them mainly for their dedication and perseverance. They started with nothing and made it their one goal in life to be the biggest band. That's how we try to be - pouring everything we have (time, money, energy, and everything in between) into this band, and this band only. Working day jobs to fund it all, and spending every spare moment rehearsing, writing, planning, preparing - anything that's going to help us get where we want to be. They showed us you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and we're so grateful for that. That mindset has given all of us our true mindset in life.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

So far, the fans we have encountered have been the sweetest, most genuine people. People have asked for photos with us, for signatures, to keep guitar picks - all the normal stuff. Will probably never feel normal to us though - that's the kind of thing you dream of as a teenager when you've just put on a pretend rock show in your bedroom!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We're beyond grateful for anyone who takes the time to listen to and appreciate our music. It means the world. That's something that will never change, no matter how far we go in this band - it's the people who support you along the way that matter most.

14. What do you think of our site?

We think Breathing The Core is great, the detail you go into with the questions is fantastic, and it really makes us feel like you care about the bands! We've all enjoyed going through the site and reading the interviews!

15. Something to add?

Thank you very much for featuring us, it means the world!