Interview with Hywel of the Band Virtue in Vain
By Mick Michaels
The Cosmick View: Hello, and welcome to The Cosmick View/MBM Ten Pounder! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us!
Hywel: Hello there, thanks for having us
CV: Describe your definition of the band’s sound and style and how does
that definition uniquely describe the
music?
Hywel: Virtue In Vain is a metalcore band. We feel that genre fits the
type of music we write. Our style is writing heavy music and the content of the
lyrics contains very real and passionate subjects.
CV: Today, everyone talks about artist
and audience connection. Is such a level of connection actually achievable for
an artist and if so, how have you made the connection to your fans?
Hywel: I believe so. I believe that music is such a universal language
that it brings all sorts of people together. Through the artist creating
something very dear to them and connect that to multiple audiences I think is a
very special thing.
I believe we have. To our fans I think the content of the music as well as the style really connects us. Through the music we write, you connect with your audience and form new friendships.
CV: Is fan interaction an important part
of the band’s inner culture?
Hywel: Absolutely. The Fan and the band are important to one another.
They both enjoy the music and can support one another through various things.
CV: Can a band truly interact with its
fans and still maintain a level of personal privacy without crossing the line
and giving up their “personal space” in your opinion?
Hywel: I think so. As long as an understanding of respect is given
then I see no reason why not.
CV: Is music, and its value, viewed differently around the world in
your opinion? If so, what do you see as the biggest difference in such
multiple views among various cultures?
Hywel: I honestly couldn't say as I just don’t know. However I do
believe that music is important anywhere in the world, in all its ways, shapes
and forms.
CV: Do you feel that a band that has an
international appeal, will tend to connect more so to American audiences? Would
they be more enticed or intrigued to see the band over indigenous acts because
of the foreign flavor?
Hywel: I don’t think so. I think it’s about the connection with the
music itself. Does the music speak to you? Does it make you feel something? I
believe that's the key factor.
CV: Has modern-day digital technology made everyone an artist on some level in
your opinion? Have the actual lines of what really is an artist been blurred?
Hywel: It’s a good question to ask. I suppose it depends if you view
that as a negative thing.
If the entry level costs have become so low that anyone can be an artist then it means more new ways of thinking and creating enter in a market. So in turn that encourages more creative ways of making music.
The argument can be made that the market
becomes too saturated, but I don’t think that is a bad thing. It means new
music can be enjoyed that before would not have been considered.
CV: How would you describe the difference between an artist who follows trends
and one who sets them?
Hywel: Both creating music. One might feel comfortable writing within
a genre or parameters, but that isn't to say that is wrong. The other is trying
new things and in this case took a gamble and it worked. Both are creating,
just in their own way.
CV: Has music overall been splintered
into too many sub-genres in an effort to appease fan tastes in your opinion?
And has such fan appeasements, in actuality, weakened music’s impact as a whole
by dividing audiences?
Hywel: Not at all. I think Subgenres are just a way of classifying
music and people can identify with that music. If you just looked at it from a
broader view then you would just say music, and not distinguish between the
differences.
I personally like metalcore music as my favorite genre. Now that is a sub genre and artists who release music under that I do tend to enjoy. However, if we didn’t have that variety, it would be harder to find that sort of music as it would just fit into a border term.
I will say though, that sub genres are important but it's also important to look where the roots of that genre came from to just appreciate its heritage. Metalcore is a combination of metal and melodic music, metal came from blues. I don’t think it is appeasement. If anything that's finding a common connection to your audience in which to relate to.
CV: What can fans expect to see coming
next from you?
Hywel: We are playing a short weekender in the UK in August and have
some unannounced shows next year. We are also writing our next release which we
can’t wait to show everyone.
CV: Thanks again for taking some time and
talking. It is greatly appreciated.
Hywel: No problem at all, thanks for your time and the really
interesting questions.
Check out Virtue in Vain at:
Stream: https://streamlink.to/VirtueInVain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtueInVain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtueinvain
Twitter: https://twitter.com/virtueinvain
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Virtueinvain
Website: www.virtueinvain.co.uk
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