Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: When I was 7 or 8 I became obsessed with Michael Jackson. I had the red jacket with all the zippers on it. Then one day my dad brought me home a breakdancing mixtape and that’s how it all really got started. I became obsessed with Run DMC and Beastie Boys, and then shortly after I somehow got into reggae, I believe through my older siblings. My first album purchases were Black Uhuru, Beastie Boys, and Rock Master Scott. I still have all those records! My first concert was to see Ziggy Marley open for INXS. My brother was in a punk band and when he wasn’t around I’d play his bass. From there I started listening to punk and it was all downhill from there!
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Heavy For The Vintage in three words?
A: punk influenced synthpop?
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: Well I guess I have to use that computer thingie to keep people updated but what I really love is making flyers, passing them out, going to record stores…the grass roots thing ya know?
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘RESIST. DANCE.’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I’ve always been in bands, and HFTV has always been my outlet for my more experimental offerings, and lacks any real genre to fall into as a whole body. Older albums range from ambient soundscapes to trippy dub, but more recently I’ve gotten into loop driven synthy punk songs that I think actually tie all my influences together well. RESIST. DANCE. is themed on the idea that going to shows, supporting your friends, and creating art is an act of resistance. Because let’s face it, all of these things are on the brink of being taken away. So this is an encouragement to keep loving, supporting each other, and doing the things that bring joy.
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A: I’d say Silence Knows, as it kind of embodies the message of RESIST. DANCE.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, “RESIST. DANCE.”?
A: It’s challenging being that the music is all looped and kind of different each time…so part of me wants to record each part separately to get a good mix and part of me just wants to record it live. So we did both, but mostly recorded it live. There’s mistakes in there that we just let happen. It’s punk ethos shining through a synthpop album I think, which makes HFTV unique.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Heavy For The Vintage so far?
A: I played a coffee shop in Myrtle Beach. There were chairs everywhere and I think the venue was expecting a singer songwriter experience. Mid set the chairs were gone, and everyone was dancing, and the energy was just right.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: I’d say “Burning Down The Wrong Buildings”. It’s the first song I wrote in the manner of which all these songs were based off of, so it kind of set the tone. Not just musically, but lyrically as well. This song is a plea for unity, to stop bickering with each other and look at the bigger problems.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into your unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: Being in bands as well as having this project as more of an outlet for oddball stuff, I get to explore all kinds of ways to write songs. I’ve based songs off of field recordings of birds, I’ve based songs off a bassline of guitar riff that I had in my head, but I think mostly for these songs it’s more of an organic, improvised thing. I just start playing some synth sounds and see what develops!
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for Heavy For The Vintage, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: I want to go on the road more and get all the experiences I can with this. In the spirit of RESIST. DANCE. I want to keep creating and getting out there and rocking out with all my friends! And all ya’ll should do the same!!
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