I am hanging out today with a group of guys that deserve some serious attention. Hailing from across the pond but making a name for themselves in the states these guys bring a trust sense of talent to the stage. Matching a near perfect image to go with their incredible vocals and educated lyrics, these guys are well on their way to the top. I am excited to be sitting with Your Vegas.
Where did you come up with the name?
We actually had a song called Your Vegas first and after not being able to come up with a band name for ages a friend suggested we call ourselves Your Vegas.
Where are you guys all originally from?
Originally we’re all from a city called Leeds in North England. Four out of the five of us grew up in a small town called Otley, famed for charity shops, old people and pubs. The old women go in the charity shops and the old men go in the pubs.
How long have you known each other?
We’ve been aware of each other since 1993 but only really got to know each other at a team building exercise last week.
When did you realize that you wanted to make a run at music?
I think it’s all any of us ever wanted to do from the moment we first started playing. Even when we were still at school and we were rubbish we all knew that music was what we wanted to make a career out of.
Any tattoos in the group?
Sadly not. Not very rock and roll is it?
What was the last movie you saw?
The last movie I watched was Burn After Reading but I fell asleep halfway through it.
Did you like it?
I guess not. I was on a plane though if that makes it more acceptable.
Describe your genre in one word.
I’ll have to say “rock.”
Tell me what it was like recording your debut album?
It was an amazing experience. We all learned a lot. I know I learned a lot about playing. It was a very exciting time for us to be able to record our songs for real.
Where can I get a copy of that?
This time last year I would’ve said in any music store but I don’t think anywhere really sells CD’s anymore. If you can find a store that sells CD’s then you can get it there but if not you can buy it at our shows. Of course, you can get it on iTunes too.
What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?
I would say around 10,000 when we opened up for Duran Duran.
The smallest?
I think there was a show in London once, before we moved to NYC, and we played to a man and a dog. Three men, a dog and a cat if you count the bar staff.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. A few little nerves are a good thing I think.
Where can I get some of that Your Vegas merchandise?
We have an eBay store and we sell our tees and stuff at all our shows.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
We all love the classic bands of the 60’s and 70’s: The Beatles, The Stones, Led Zep and we’re all big fans of 80’s stadium rock: U2, INXS, The Cure, Depeche Mode to name a few.
Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?
I’m a pepperoni man myself. I know Mal likes ‘shrooms.
What are your thoughts on MySpace? Are you addicted to Twitter like I am?
MySpace and Twitter are great marketing tools for bands. The internet as a whole is a great way to connect with your fans and build a buzz. MySpace is great for bands as people can check out your music, see when you’re playing and even contact you. I wouldn’t class myself as a Twitter addict.
What is your favorite venue to play?
I really enjoyed playing at 9:30 Club in DC. The backstage hospitality is amazing and the venue itself is awesome. It has an amazing atmosphere.
Any thoughts on a tour this year?
Right now we’re working on album 2 but hopefully we’ll get some touring in later in the year.
If you could tour with anyone in the business right now whom would it be?
I think it would be pretty cool to tour with the Stones. They’re not on tour right now but when they next hit the road.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
Touring the world and elsewhere.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
I want YV to be remembered as being a great live act who recorded some classic albums.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Peace.
