Vision interview with Benjamin Nastase and Phillip Dominick
Amidst a million bands that are trying to sound like they
come from some other time or place Vision is doing their own thing a million
miles away. While it may at times sound
like a combination of late 80’s and early 90’s rock ‘n’ roll and some sweet
traditional Britpop and psych influences thrown in for good measure, there’s so
much at work here that Vision not only manage to escape the traps of reliving
the past – but they’re pushing those familiar sounds into a new and
experimental framework. Each song has a
palpable life of it’s own, a unique experience wrapped into a three-minute
slice of thought; a snapshot of the shared mind of Vision at that particular
moment. Hypnotic melodies and entrancing
rhythms intermingle with the raucous, distorted guitar bouncing and jangling in
the midst of the feedback and delay creating a psychedelic landscape of colors,
sounds and vibrations. Subtle vocals
croon and hover above a din of sound and noise, with distortion, feedback,
reverb and echo all intermingling to create a harmonious, shimmering musical
ephemera. After a cassette EP on Burger
Records that sold out in a quickness Vision is back at it again, working on
their debut full-length album of Britpop influenced alt-rock grunge. For lack of a better term the band has a lot
of vision and purpose, and as seriously as they take their music, I was
extremely interested to not only hear what was happening with the album, but to
learn where this band came from. It’s a
pleasure to be able to finally share my in-depth exploration of the band with
you all here, there’s a SoundCloud link to the sold-out EP, which you can still
digitally purchase, below, so take advantage; kick back with some tunes and
read the story of a truly intriguing band.
come from some other time or place Vision is doing their own thing a million
miles away. While it may at times sound
like a combination of late 80’s and early 90’s rock ‘n’ roll and some sweet
traditional Britpop and psych influences thrown in for good measure, there’s so
much at work here that Vision not only manage to escape the traps of reliving
the past – but they’re pushing those familiar sounds into a new and
experimental framework. Each song has a
palpable life of it’s own, a unique experience wrapped into a three-minute
slice of thought; a snapshot of the shared mind of Vision at that particular
moment. Hypnotic melodies and entrancing
rhythms intermingle with the raucous, distorted guitar bouncing and jangling in
the midst of the feedback and delay creating a psychedelic landscape of colors,
sounds and vibrations. Subtle vocals
croon and hover above a din of sound and noise, with distortion, feedback,
reverb and echo all intermingling to create a harmonious, shimmering musical
ephemera. After a cassette EP on Burger
Records that sold out in a quickness Vision is back at it again, working on
their debut full-length album of Britpop influenced alt-rock grunge. For lack of a better term the band has a lot
of vision and purpose, and as seriously as they take their music, I was
extremely interested to not only hear what was happening with the album, but to
learn where this band came from. It’s a
pleasure to be able to finally share my in-depth exploration of the band with
you all here, there’s a SoundCloud link to the sold-out EP, which you can still
digitally purchase, below, so take advantage; kick back with some tunes and
read the story of a truly intriguing band.
Listen while you read:
https://soundcloud.com/T-V-tunnel-vision
https://soundcloud.com/T-V-tunnel-vision
What is Vision’s
current lineup? Is this your original
lineup or have there been any changes since you all started playing?
current lineup? Is this your original
lineup or have there been any changes since you all started playing?
Currently, we are Christopher Valer (Vocals/Guitar),
Benjamin Nastase (Bass), Phillip Dominick (Drums), and Eduardo Trujillo
(Guitar). Yes, this is our original
lineup except for guitar, we’ve had many guitarists come and go. Anyone who’s played guitar for us has found
it exceptionally difficult to adapt to our songwriting style. We try to write as simply as possible but at
the same time expect a lot, if that makes any sense.
Benjamin Nastase (Bass), Phillip Dominick (Drums), and Eduardo Trujillo
(Guitar). Yes, this is our original
lineup except for guitar, we’ve had many guitarists come and go. Anyone who’s played guitar for us has found
it exceptionally difficult to adapt to our songwriting style. We try to write as simply as possible but at
the same time expect a lot, if that makes any sense.
I love playing music
connect the dots and figuring out what everyone has going on. Though I must admit that sometimes, nothing
beats cheating a little bit ha-ha! Are
any of you in any other bands at this point?
Have you released any music with anyone in the past? If so, can you tell us a little bit about
that?
connect the dots and figuring out what everyone has going on. Though I must admit that sometimes, nothing
beats cheating a little bit ha-ha! Are
any of you in any other bands at this point?
Have you released any music with anyone in the past? If so, can you tell us a little bit about
that?
No, actually we’re all monogamous at this point. Although I don’t think any of us would mind
if we were to be in other bands. It’s
always good to play music with different people, you grow as a musician.
if we were to be in other bands. It’s
always good to play music with different people, you grow as a musician.
Where are you from
originally from?
originally from?
We’re all from a little suburb outside East Los Angeles
called Santa Fe Springs, except for Eduardo who grew up in Lincoln Heights,
just outside of downtown Los Angeles.
Santa Fe Springs is a small community where most of the residents
generally come to retire. It’s pretty
bland.
called Santa Fe Springs, except for Eduardo who grew up in Lincoln Heights,
just outside of downtown Los Angeles.
Santa Fe Springs is a small community where most of the residents
generally come to retire. It’s pretty
bland.
What was the local
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or anything when you were a kid? Do you feel like the local music scene there
played a large or important role in your musical tastes or the way that you
perform at this point?
music scene like where you grew up? Did
you see a lot of shows or anything when you were a kid? Do you feel like the local music scene there
played a large or important role in your musical tastes or the way that you
perform at this point?
There’s no local scene in Santa Fe Springs, the only
exposure we got to live gigs involved us having to go to downtown Los
Angeles. Santa Fe Springs is a community
where being in a band is pretty farfetched and playing live is rather
ridiculous to most people. It was for
this reason that we began to play backyard shows in East Los Angeles. They have a pretty strong music scene out
there, a lot of kids come out Friday and Saturday nights to watch local bands
play, it’s sort of the thing to do out there.
exposure we got to live gigs involved us having to go to downtown Los
Angeles. Santa Fe Springs is a community
where being in a band is pretty farfetched and playing live is rather
ridiculous to most people. It was for
this reason that we began to play backyard shows in East Los Angeles. They have a pretty strong music scene out
there, a lot of kids come out Friday and Saturday nights to watch local bands
play, it’s sort of the thing to do out there.
What about your
household when you were a child? Was it
very filled with music? Were either your
parents or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or interested
in music?
household when you were a child? Was it
very filled with music? Were either your
parents or any of your relatives musicians or extremely involved or interested
in music?
Actually, yes, our older brothers and sisters were 90’s kids
always listening to music from that era.
Bands like Nirvana, Depeche Mode and The Doors, although they’re not
from the 90’s. None of our parents or
relatives were musicians. Our older
siblings were just really into music and they got us into it.
always listening to music from that era.
Bands like Nirvana, Depeche Mode and The Doors, although they’re not
from the 90’s. None of our parents or
relatives were musicians. Our older
siblings were just really into music and they got us into it.
What was your
first release exposure to music in your opinion?
first release exposure to music in your opinion?
We were all exposed to music at a very young age. There are so many groups we’ve listened to
that we can’t pinpoint exactly which was first.
that we can’t pinpoint exactly which was first.
If you had to pick
a moment in your life, an experience or something that changed everything and
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities of music, what would it be?
a moment in your life, an experience or something that changed everything and
opened your eyes to the infinite possibilities of music, what would it be?
For all of us it was our first experience going to a live show.
When and why did
you decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
you decide that you wanted to start writing and performing your own music?
Christopher started playing music at age fourteen. Since then he’s always been writing music and
trying to start his own band. He was
heavily influenced by Nirvana at the time and just always wanted to put his own
thoughts into music and creating a band.
We (Phillip and Ben) were always around watching his practices and going
to his shows, eventually started playing music together and formed what is now
Vision.
trying to start his own band. He was
heavily influenced by Nirvana at the time and just always wanted to put his own
thoughts into music and creating a band.
We (Phillip and Ben) were always around watching his practices and going
to his shows, eventually started playing music together and formed what is now
Vision.
What was your
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
first instrument? When and how did you
get it?
Chris forced his parents into buying him an acoustic
guitar. Benjamin worked and bought his
first bass guitar. Phillip’s first drum
set was a white 1950’s Ludwig Jazz Kit.
Eduardo has been playing for like fifteen years and has owned many
instruments.
guitar. Benjamin worked and bought his
first bass guitar. Phillip’s first drum
set was a white 1950’s Ludwig Jazz Kit.
Eduardo has been playing for like fifteen years and has owned many
instruments.
When and how did
the members of Vision originally meet?
the members of Vision originally meet?
Well, Phillip and Chris are brothers and Benjamin was a
childhood friend, so it was a given for the three to play in a band
together. Chris met Eduardo through a
band called Blue Jungle.
childhood friend, so it was a given for the three to play in a band
together. Chris met Eduardo through a
band called Blue Jungle.
What led to the
formation of Vision and when would that have been?
formation of Vision and when would that have been?
Music.
I love your name,
it happens to be the name of one of my favorite comic book characters and
evokes these really cool psychedelic and philosophical images in my mind. It sounds majestic or something to me. Who came up with the name and how did you go
about choosing it? What does the name
Vision mean or refer to?
it happens to be the name of one of my favorite comic book characters and
evokes these really cool psychedelic and philosophical images in my mind. It sounds majestic or something to me. Who came up with the name and how did you go
about choosing it? What does the name
Vision mean or refer to?
Chris actually came up with the name. He had an idea and
really wanted to make it come to fruition.
really wanted to make it come to fruition.
Is there any
shared creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
shared creed, code, ideal or mantra that the band shares or lives by?
We’re really dedicated.
We try not to surround ourselves with people that don’t take us, or our
music, as seriously as we do.
We try not to surround ourselves with people that don’t take us, or our
music, as seriously as we do.
Where’s Vision
located at these days?
located at these days?
We all still hang out in Santa Fe Springs.
How would you
describe the local music scene where you’re at these days?
describe the local music scene where you’re at these days?
It’s dead here.
Are you very
involved in the local scene? Do you book or attend a lot of local shows?
involved in the local scene? Do you book or attend a lot of local shows?
We used to be very involved, but we’ve gotten negative
responses from people now so we aren’t playing in LA much. Our focus is on touring and releasing our new
album Inertia right now so we haven’t been worrying about playing local shows.
responses from people now so we aren’t playing in LA much. Our focus is on touring and releasing our new
album Inertia right now so we haven’t been worrying about playing local shows.
Do you help to
record or release any local music? If
so, can you tell us briefly about that?
record or release any local music? If
so, can you tell us briefly about that?
No. Right now we’re
focused on Vision.
focused on Vision.
Has the local
scene played a large or important role in shaping the history of Vision or your
sound? Or do you feel like you all could
be doing what you are and sound like you do, regardless of where you were at or
what you were surrounded by?
scene played a large or important role in shaping the history of Vision or your
sound? Or do you feel like you all could
be doing what you are and sound like you do, regardless of where you were at or
what you were surrounded by?
We’ve always had our own influences. We feel that the scene gets stuck in a
certain time or era in music. We
honestly just play in the scene because that’s all that’s around us, so we’ve
decided to play more shows with Burger Records and in the OC. Overall, one of our main focuses is getting
exposure in Europe and taking our music overseas. We really don’t care about the LA scene at
this moment.
certain time or era in music. We
honestly just play in the scene because that’s all that’s around us, so we’ve
decided to play more shows with Burger Records and in the OC. Overall, one of our main focuses is getting
exposure in Europe and taking our music overseas. We really don’t care about the LA scene at
this moment.
Whenever I talk to
a band I inevitably have to describe them to people who’ve never heard them in
an appealing enough manner to make someone click on a link based on my words
alone. Whenever I do that though I feel
like I’m putting way too much of my own perceptions of the music into my
descriptions and I feel like I’m selling a band short somehow if I don’t give
them a chance to describe themselves, especially when I’ve got an open-ended
forum like this! Rather than feeding my
neurosis, how would you describe Vision’s sound in your own words to our
readers who might not have heard you all before?
a band I inevitably have to describe them to people who’ve never heard them in
an appealing enough manner to make someone click on a link based on my words
alone. Whenever I do that though I feel
like I’m putting way too much of my own perceptions of the music into my
descriptions and I feel like I’m selling a band short somehow if I don’t give
them a chance to describe themselves, especially when I’ve got an open-ended
forum like this! Rather than feeding my
neurosis, how would you describe Vision’s sound in your own words to our
readers who might not have heard you all before?
We consider ourselves an alternative rock band, but we only
say that because everyone we feel that has been musically influential to us is
always considered to be of that category.
Other than that, we consider ourselves to be very experimental. We’re huge Britpop fans and really into very
heavy loud guitars. We just like writing
heavy pop rock, with serious or dark lyrical content.
say that because everyone we feel that has been musically influential to us is
always considered to be of that category.
Other than that, we consider ourselves to be very experimental. We’re huge Britpop fans and really into very
heavy loud guitars. We just like writing
heavy pop rock, with serious or dark lyrical content.
While we’re
talking so much about the band I’m curious to hear who you would cite as your
major musical influences? I can heard
some wonderful West Coast stuff kicking around in there but I’m curious to hear
who you would cite as influences on the band as a whole rather than
individually?
talking so much about the band I’m curious to hear who you would cite as your
major musical influences? I can heard
some wonderful West Coast stuff kicking around in there but I’m curious to hear
who you would cite as influences on the band as a whole rather than
individually?
Early on we were really trying to write music with a heavy
Nirvana feel, until we got really into The Jesus and Mary Chain and most
recently Deerhunter. But yeah Nirvana is
the most influential band when it comes to Vision as a whole.
Nirvana feel, until we got really into The Jesus and Mary Chain and most
recently Deerhunter. But yeah Nirvana is
the most influential band when it comes to Vision as a whole.
Can you tell us
what the songwriting process with Vision is like? Is there a lot of jamming that happens where
you all exchange ideas and bounce them back and forth as a unit, or does
someone usually bring in a riff or even a more complete song idea to work out
and compose with the rest of the band?
Or even, maybe a combination of both?
what the songwriting process with Vision is like? Is there a lot of jamming that happens where
you all exchange ideas and bounce them back and forth as a unit, or does
someone usually bring in a riff or even a more complete song idea to work out
and compose with the rest of the band?
Or even, maybe a combination of both?
It’s hard to say exactly how we write our music. It’s a combination of both jamming and
someone, mainly Christopher, bringing a riff or even an entire song to us and
then going from there.
someone, mainly Christopher, bringing a riff or even an entire song to us and
then going from there.
What’s recording
like for Vision? As a musician myself I
think that most of us at least, can really appreciate the end result of all the
hard work that goes into making an album.
There’s not a whole lot that beats holding an album in your hands knowing
that it’s yours and you made it. Getting
to that point though, getting stuff recorded and sounding the way that it
should, especially as a band, can be extremely trying to say the very least. How is it in the studio for Vision?
like for Vision? As a musician myself I
think that most of us at least, can really appreciate the end result of all the
hard work that goes into making an album.
There’s not a whole lot that beats holding an album in your hands knowing
that it’s yours and you made it. Getting
to that point though, getting stuff recorded and sounding the way that it
should, especially as a band, can be extremely trying to say the very least. How is it in the studio for Vision?
It’s a long process.
We took over a year to make the album we’re working on, mainly because
we’re very unfamiliar with the process of recording. For example, Phillip had to learn how to
record following along to a metronome.
There are still a lot of things that we need to learn and improve on,
but we feel that by the time we release our next album it’s gonna be where we
feel it can be. We mainly focus on the
vibe that the song gives out, we feel it’s the most important part to capture the
feeling we wanted to give out for the recording.
We took over a year to make the album we’re working on, mainly because
we’re very unfamiliar with the process of recording. For example, Phillip had to learn how to
record following along to a metronome.
There are still a lot of things that we need to learn and improve on,
but we feel that by the time we release our next album it’s gonna be where we
feel it can be. We mainly focus on the
vibe that the song gives out, we feel it’s the most important part to capture the
feeling we wanted to give out for the recording.
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© Kate Betuel
Do you all head
into a studio environment when you record and let other people man the
recording equipment while you concentrate on recording, or do you all take a
more DIY approach to recording where you handle most of the duties yourselves,
on your own time and turf?
into a studio environment when you record and let other people man the
recording equipment while you concentrate on recording, or do you all take a
more DIY approach to recording where you handle most of the duties yourselves,
on your own time and turf?
No, we work with engineers who man the recording equipment
and we only focus on recording as far as the performance goes, but we do have a
heavy input on the mixing and overall production of the album. We basically tell our engineer what we want
and how we want it, and then he makes it happen.
and we only focus on recording as far as the performance goes, but we do have a
heavy input on the mixing and overall production of the album. We basically tell our engineer what we want
and how we want it, and then he makes it happen.
Is there a lot of
preparation and work that goes into a recording session or Vision where you all
spend a lot of time tightening down songs and getting things to sound precisely
the way that you want them to before you head into the studio to record? Or do you all head into the studio with a
good idea of what you want to accomplish and kind of the process take you where
you need to go and give things a little bit of room to change and evolve?
preparation and work that goes into a recording session or Vision where you all
spend a lot of time tightening down songs and getting things to sound precisely
the way that you want them to before you head into the studio to record? Or do you all head into the studio with a
good idea of what you want to accomplish and kind of the process take you where
you need to go and give things a little bit of room to change and evolve?
We do spend a lot of time tightening things down and trying
to get them to sound as tight as possible, but we don’t like to stress
ourselves too much in that aspect. We
feel that your mentality has a lot to do with how your recordings come out, and
we typically find that we try a little too hard and when we go into the studio
we have to simplify ourselves a bit. We
like to try and write simple and big sounding music, so we basically work on
the foundation mostly and then go in the studio and track. Don’t get me wrong though, we take the
preparation aspect very seriously.
to get them to sound as tight as possible, but we don’t like to stress
ourselves too much in that aspect. We
feel that your mentality has a lot to do with how your recordings come out, and
we typically find that we try a little too hard and when we go into the studio
we have to simplify ourselves a bit. We
like to try and write simple and big sounding music, so we basically work on
the foundation mostly and then go in the studio and track. Don’t get me wrong though, we take the
preparation aspect very seriously.
I first became
aware of you guys when you dropped your Vision EP cassette on Burger Records
back in 2012. I picked up a copy but I
know that it sold out pretty quickly, although you can still pick up digital
copies of the EP on their site. Can you
talk a little bit about the recording of the material for that first
release? When and where was it
recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Was that a fun, pleasurable experience for
you all? Are there any plans to make the
material from that Vision EP available physically in the future or has its day
come and gone?
aware of you guys when you dropped your Vision EP cassette on Burger Records
back in 2012. I picked up a copy but I
know that it sold out pretty quickly, although you can still pick up digital
copies of the EP on their site. Can you
talk a little bit about the recording of the material for that first
release? When and where was it
recorded? Who recorded it? What kind of equipment was used? Was that a fun, pleasurable experience for
you all? Are there any plans to make the
material from that Vision EP available physically in the future or has its day
come and gone?
During the period that we were recording the Vision EP, we
were really into The Stone Roses, especially the track “I Am The
Resurrection”. So we wrote most of those
songs with that track heavily influencing our sound. The song “Inneraction”, which was included on
our EP, is probably the biggest example of this. We were really trying to write a song with a
lot of twists and turns but that was also very rhythmic and heavy as far as the
guitars went. Our drummer Phillip was
really influenced by progressive house and trance drum beats, so we tried to incorporate
that into the EP as well. Also the
Deerhunter Halcyon Digest album was very influential to us at that point, so we
tried to make the album dreamy too and I guess that’s how you got “Here I
Am”. “You Should Know” is our take on
Deerhunter’s “Cryptograms” track and “Different Views” was during the our early
stages of our the Jesus and Mary Chain influence. Oh, and “She Can’t Be Wrong” was us trying to
make a Britpop sounding track. We used
the same instruments that we would practice and perform live with to record the
album, so it’s very close to sounding how we really sounded at the time, if
that makes sense ha-ha. Our engineer
provided all of the recording equipment and we recorded it in his basement in
Lincoln Heights. Yes there are, when
we’re able to, we plan to release it on vinyl.
It’s still very important to us.
were really into The Stone Roses, especially the track “I Am The
Resurrection”. So we wrote most of those
songs with that track heavily influencing our sound. The song “Inneraction”, which was included on
our EP, is probably the biggest example of this. We were really trying to write a song with a
lot of twists and turns but that was also very rhythmic and heavy as far as the
guitars went. Our drummer Phillip was
really influenced by progressive house and trance drum beats, so we tried to incorporate
that into the EP as well. Also the
Deerhunter Halcyon Digest album was very influential to us at that point, so we
tried to make the album dreamy too and I guess that’s how you got “Here I
Am”. “You Should Know” is our take on
Deerhunter’s “Cryptograms” track and “Different Views” was during the our early
stages of our the Jesus and Mary Chain influence. Oh, and “She Can’t Be Wrong” was us trying to
make a Britpop sounding track. We used
the same instruments that we would practice and perform live with to record the
album, so it’s very close to sounding how we really sounded at the time, if
that makes sense ha-ha. Our engineer
provided all of the recording equipment and we recorded it in his basement in
Lincoln Heights. Yes there are, when
we’re able to, we plan to release it on vinyl.
It’s still very important to us.
I saw a picture of
a single on your Facebook page a while back for “You Should Know” on
Converse/Burger Records but I haven’t been able to find out anything else about
that release. I know that “You Should
Know” was featured on your Vision EP, is that the same recording and mix that
appears on this single? Is the “You
Should Know” single a limited release?
If so, do you know how many copies that’s limited to? How was that released and distributed?
a single on your Facebook page a while back for “You Should Know” on
Converse/Burger Records but I haven’t been able to find out anything else about
that release. I know that “You Should
Know” was featured on your Vision EP, is that the same recording and mix that
appears on this single? Is the “You
Should Know” single a limited release?
If so, do you know how many copies that’s limited to? How was that released and distributed?
Converse hosted a vinyl lab party with Burger Records and it
was a chance to have one track from a select few of the Burger Records bands
pressed on vinyl courtesy of Converse.
It’s the same track that was featured on the tape, same mix and all, but
it was limited to whoever requested to have one pressed at the party.
was a chance to have one track from a select few of the Burger Records bands
pressed on vinyl courtesy of Converse.
It’s the same track that was featured on the tape, same mix and all, but
it was limited to whoever requested to have one pressed at the party.
I know that you
all have an upcoming album, Inertia I believe it’s called. What can our readers what to expect from the
upcoming album? Did you all try anything
radically new or different when it came to writing or recording the album? Can you tell us a little bit about the
upcoming album? Who’s going to be
releasing it? Is there a projected
release date for Inertia?
all have an upcoming album, Inertia I believe it’s called. What can our readers what to expect from the
upcoming album? Did you all try anything
radically new or different when it came to writing or recording the album? Can you tell us a little bit about the
upcoming album? Who’s going to be
releasing it? Is there a projected
release date for Inertia?
They can expect a very diverse album, with songs that are
completely different from the ones they heard on the EP, but we feel that the
difference with this album is the musical influences we have. I think with every record we’ve recorded
we’ve been getting closer to defining our sound. Now our sound is very influenced by 90’s
Britpop such as Blur, Oasis, Jesus and Mary Chain and The Stone Roses. Our main focus for this album is to start
where they left off. Personally, we’re
sick of sixty’s psych and garage rock.
We feel like right now everyone in LA is trying to be either The Brian
Jonestown Massacre or Tame Impala, and we just want to make an album that moves
rock and roll forward, we’re not trying to move backwards. It’s easier to revive music when you already
have a blueprint for it, then to move forward into something new. We feel like this is something a lot of LA
bands aren’t doing. Lyrically and
musically we feel that we’ve gotten poetically darker with our sound and we’ve
also stepped away from the lo-fi recording.
We wanted to make a record with a big sound that eventually could brake
into radio. A release date hasn’t been
confirmed, however, Burger Records has confirmed that they will be releasing
our first full length album, on vinyl!
completely different from the ones they heard on the EP, but we feel that the
difference with this album is the musical influences we have. I think with every record we’ve recorded
we’ve been getting closer to defining our sound. Now our sound is very influenced by 90’s
Britpop such as Blur, Oasis, Jesus and Mary Chain and The Stone Roses. Our main focus for this album is to start
where they left off. Personally, we’re
sick of sixty’s psych and garage rock.
We feel like right now everyone in LA is trying to be either The Brian
Jonestown Massacre or Tame Impala, and we just want to make an album that moves
rock and roll forward, we’re not trying to move backwards. It’s easier to revive music when you already
have a blueprint for it, then to move forward into something new. We feel like this is something a lot of LA
bands aren’t doing. Lyrically and
musically we feel that we’ve gotten poetically darker with our sound and we’ve
also stepped away from the lo-fi recording.
We wanted to make a record with a big sound that eventually could brake
into radio. A release date hasn’t been
confirmed, however, Burger Records has confirmed that they will be releasing
our first full length album, on vinyl!
Other than the
upcoming album are there any other releases in the works or on the horizon from
Vision?
upcoming album are there any other releases in the works or on the horizon from
Vision?
We’ve already begun to write new material for the next
album, but that’s still in the works.
Right now we’re still focused on releasing this new album.
album, but that’s still in the works.
Right now we’re still focused on releasing this new album.
Where’s the best
place for our readers to pick up your music?
place for our readers to pick up your music?
The easiest place to access our music would be on
SoundCloud, but you can purchase a digital release on iTunes.
SoundCloud, but you can purchase a digital release on iTunes.
And where’s the
best place for interested readers to keep up with the latest news from Vision,
like upcoming shows and album releases at?
best place for interested readers to keep up with the latest news from Vision,
like upcoming shows and album releases at?
We have a website up www.visionmusic.us. We update it as frequently as possible, but
it’s difficult at times to maintain especially when you’re on the road, or in
studio, or just busy in general. So the
easiest place to find out about all things Vision would be through Facebook, we
update our page there on a more regular basis.
it’s difficult at times to maintain especially when you’re on the road, or in
studio, or just busy in general. So the
easiest place to find out about all things Vision would be through Facebook, we
update our page there on a more regular basis.
Are there any
major goals or plans that Vision is looking to accomplish in 2014?
major goals or plans that Vision is looking to accomplish in 2014?
Just touring as much as possible, nationally or
overseas. It would be great to release
this album on vinyl and take it overseas to Europe. We really want to take our music over
there. For some reason we have this
presentiment that our music would really be appreciated over there.
overseas. It would be great to release
this album on vinyl and take it overseas to Europe. We really want to take our music over
there. For some reason we have this
presentiment that our music would really be appreciated over there.
Do you all spend a
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy being out on the road? What’s
life like on tour for Vision?
lot of time out on the road touring? Do
you enjoy being out on the road? What’s
life like on tour for Vision?
We’ve done two, two-week tours this year. We did one in January, it was a California
tour with our friends Cobalt Cranes, and we just came back from the SXSW tour
we did with Burger. We haven’t spent an
extended period of time on the road yet, but we plan to very soon. At this point we finance our own tours, so
that’s why it’s been limited. Being on
the road is great for us though, it makes us feel like we’re doing what we
should be doing; we just want to travel and play shows. It’s hard to deal with our personalities
though. You’d be surprised to find that
your closest friends can drive you crazy when you spend so much time with them
in cramped cars and uncomfortable lodging.
tour with our friends Cobalt Cranes, and we just came back from the SXSW tour
we did with Burger. We haven’t spent an
extended period of time on the road yet, but we plan to very soon. At this point we finance our own tours, so
that’s why it’s been limited. Being on
the road is great for us though, it makes us feel like we’re doing what we
should be doing; we just want to travel and play shows. It’s hard to deal with our personalities
though. You’d be surprised to find that
your closest friends can drive you crazy when you spend so much time with them
in cramped cars and uncomfortable lodging.
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What, if anything,
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for 2014?
do you all have planned as far as touring goes for 2014?
We plan on booking a tour in promotion of our new album when
it’s out. Hopefully across all major
cities in the U.S. Europe would be
better though.
it’s out. Hopefully across all major
cities in the U.S. Europe would be
better though.
Do you remember
what the first song that Vision ever played live was? When and where would that have been at?
what the first song that Vision ever played live was? When and where would that have been at?
“You Should Know”. We
used to open all of our shows with that.
We think it was at a backyard punk gig in Boyle Heights.
used to open all of our shows with that.
We think it was at a backyard punk gig in Boyle Heights.
Who are some of
your personal favorite acts that you’ve had a chance to play with so far?
your personal favorite acts that you’ve had a chance to play with so far?
Ty Segall at the Observatory in Santa Ana, and we really
enjoyed going on tour with Cobalt Cranes.
Other than that we really enjoy playing music with anyone.
enjoyed going on tour with Cobalt Cranes.
Other than that we really enjoy playing music with anyone.
In your dreams,
who are you on tour with?
who are you on tour with?
Deerhunter.
Do you have any
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
tell our readers?
funny or interesting stories from live shows or performances that you’d like to
tell our readers?
Ben pissed himself once on stage playing bass. He was really determined to finish the set.
With all of the
various mediums of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious which methods artists prefer and why they prefer the various methods
that they do. Do you have a preferred
medium of release for your own music?
What about when you’re listening to and or purchasing music? If you do have a preference, can you talk a
little bit about why?
various mediums of release that are available to musicians today I’m always
curious which methods artists prefer and why they prefer the various methods
that they do. Do you have a preferred
medium of release for your own music?
What about when you’re listening to and or purchasing music? If you do have a preference, can you talk a
little bit about why?
We’re totally for helping out independent artists, but we
don’t really download music, we live and die off of YouTube. As far as our music goes, it doesn’t matter
as long as it’s out there.
don’t really download music, we live and die off of YouTube. As far as our music goes, it doesn’t matter
as long as it’s out there.
Do you all give a
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band like artwork for
covers, flyers, posters and that kind of thing?
Is there any kind of message that you’re trying to convey with your
artwork or anything? Is there anyone
that you usually turn to when you’re in your time of need for those kinds of
things? If so, who are they and how did
you originally get hooked up with them?
lot of thought to the visual aspects that represent the band like artwork for
covers, flyers, posters and that kind of thing?
Is there any kind of message that you’re trying to convey with your
artwork or anything? Is there anyone
that you usually turn to when you’re in your time of need for those kinds of
things? If so, who are they and how did
you originally get hooked up with them?
Yes, we do. The
visual aspect of Vision is very important to us. We don’t have a particular person that we
turn to, we usually do it ourselves. We
just try to portray ourselves as seriously as our music.
visual aspect of Vision is very important to us. We don’t have a particular person that we
turn to, we usually do it ourselves. We
just try to portray ourselves as seriously as our music.
I grew up around a
fairly large collection of music and I was always encouraged to dig in and
enjoy it. I would grab something off of
the shelf, stick in in the player, kick back with a set of headphones, read the
liner notes, stare at the artwork and let the experience transport me off to
another place. There’s something about
having a physical object to hold in my hands that made for a more complete
listening experience, for me at least.
Do you have any such connection with physically released music?
fairly large collection of music and I was always encouraged to dig in and
enjoy it. I would grab something off of
the shelf, stick in in the player, kick back with a set of headphones, read the
liner notes, stare at the artwork and let the experience transport me off to
another place. There’s something about
having a physical object to hold in my hands that made for a more complete
listening experience, for me at least.
Do you have any such connection with physically released music?
Yes, we’re album enthusiasts. Collecting vinyl has been a hobby of ours
since childhood. That’s how we got
fascinated with Burger Records, the whole idea of them releasing music for
independent artists, whether it be tape or vinyl, was just really amazing to
us. Owning your own physical copy of
your own music is amazing.
since childhood. That’s how we got
fascinated with Burger Records, the whole idea of them releasing music for
independent artists, whether it be tape or vinyl, was just really amazing to
us. Owning your own physical copy of
your own music is amazing.
As much as I love
having a psychical copy of the music in my collection there’s no denying the
ease and portability of digital music. I
can fit more music on my phone than I could have stuffed into my trunk a few
years back! That’s not even the kicker
though, when teamed with the internet digital music has caused somewhat of a
revolution in the music industry. It’s
opened people’s exposure to music up to such an extent that location isn’t near
the obstacle that it’s used to be, and it’s allowing unparalleled communication
between bands and their global fan-bases leveling the playing field somewhat
for independent bands willing to promote a healthy online presence. On the other hand illegal downloading is
running rampant and it’s harder than ever to get noticed in the chocked digital
jungle out there now that everyone’s being given an equal voice. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
having a psychical copy of the music in my collection there’s no denying the
ease and portability of digital music. I
can fit more music on my phone than I could have stuffed into my trunk a few
years back! That’s not even the kicker
though, when teamed with the internet digital music has caused somewhat of a
revolution in the music industry. It’s
opened people’s exposure to music up to such an extent that location isn’t near
the obstacle that it’s used to be, and it’s allowing unparalleled communication
between bands and their global fan-bases leveling the playing field somewhat
for independent bands willing to promote a healthy online presence. On the other hand illegal downloading is
running rampant and it’s harder than ever to get noticed in the chocked digital
jungle out there now that everyone’s being given an equal voice. As an artist during the reign of the digital
era, what’s your opinion on digital music and distribution?
Our main focus is just distributing our music, and what
medium that music is being distributed on is something we can’t control. So all we can do is to go with the flow.
medium that music is being distributed on is something we can’t control. So all we can do is to go with the flow.
I try to keep up
with as much good music as I possibly can, but with all the amazing stuff
that’s out there right now it’s not possible to even keep up with the
one-percent of it! As a result I rely on
recommendations from awesome folks such as you.
Is there anyone from your local scene or area that I should be listening
to that I might not have heard of before?
with as much good music as I possibly can, but with all the amazing stuff
that’s out there right now it’s not possible to even keep up with the
one-percent of it! As a result I rely on
recommendations from awesome folks such as you.
Is there anyone from your local scene or area that I should be listening
to that I might not have heard of before?
We really like this band called Cobalt Cranes. We saw their video for “Head in the Clouds”
and immediately fell in love with their sound, shortly after we were lucky
enough to play a show at the Smell together in Los Angeles, and then we did a California
tour together. They have an upcoming
album too that we were lucky enough to preview, it’s great! Be on the lookout for it, it’s very alt-rock.
and immediately fell in love with their sound, shortly after we were lucky
enough to play a show at the Smell together in Los Angeles, and then we did a California
tour together. They have an upcoming
album too that we were lucky enough to preview, it’s great! Be on the lookout for it, it’s very alt-rock.
What about
nationally and internationally?
nationally and internationally?
Deerhunter is our main obsession.
Thanks so much for
doing this interview. I know my
interviews aren’t short and they take a while to get done, but I feel like if
something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Is there anything that I might have missed or
that you’d just like to take this opportunity to talk with me or my readers
about?
doing this interview. I know my
interviews aren’t short and they take a while to get done, but I feel like if
something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Is there anything that I might have missed or
that you’d just like to take this opportunity to talk with me or my readers
about?
We’re just grateful for anyone who takes the time to listen
to our music and that genuinely cares about what we’re doing. Also, people should expect a lot from us in
2014. This is only the beginning.
to our music and that genuinely cares about what we’re doing. Also, people should expect a lot from us in
2014. This is only the beginning.
DISCOGRAPHY
(2012) Vision –
Vision EP – digital, Cassette Tape – Burger Records (Limited to 250 hand
numbered copies)
Vision EP – digital, Cassette Tape – Burger Records (Limited to 250 hand
numbered copies)
Interview made by Roman Rathert/2014
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2014
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