Vexine is a seductive Rock n’Roll act that create in-your-face music with a dash of elegance and retro undertones. Bringing the Virginia music scene to life, the group is a burst of energy, especially on their newest release, Little Sin, which is the band’s most captivating and accessible record to date. Put out on the group’s own ZAP Records, the DIY band shows they are unstoppable, and show no sign of slowing down. We had the chance to speak with Vexine, as we dive into their ‘little sin’ of songwriting.
What comes first when writing, the music or the lyrics? Why so?
The music. Sarah and Paul have piles of lyrics, but nothing happens without a melody and a beat to drive it.
When writing “Little Sin” what would you say the themes were while creating? Were they coming from a more storytelling place or a personal place?
Overall, I’d say we take a dark look at love and the consequences thereof. It’s more storytelling than personal – but you can’t make up a story without something of yourself creeping into it. (see what I did)
Sarah – your vocals are silky smooth with an incredible. What vocalists do you look up to and how did you craft your vocal style?
I grew up listening to outlaw country and old country with my parents…Waylon Jennings to Patsy Cline, even Southern Rock. I loved the feelings and the grit. The music I sought out, however, was 1920′ s jazz, 1940’s and 1950’s lounge music. I was drawn towards the chanteuses of the jazz age. I think my vocal style comes out of listening to, and singing along with, Skynard, Billie Holiday, Merle Haggard, Nina Simone, Cab Calloway Blackfoot, Etta James and Mountain all being on the same playlist. I like singers that put a little ass into it:) I have a southern accent that sneaks though in my phrasing and annunciation, whether I want it to, or not.
What kind of instruments do you use on the new record? It certainly has a classic sound with an updated twist (!)
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Voice and a touch of keys on a couple of songs. It’s Jorge’s drums, a pile of vintage amplifiers, Paul’s guitar collection and Mike’s Rickenbacker. He wanted me to mention that: Rickenbacker. It’s his thing. Anyway, our retro-rock thing sounds fresh because we don’t try to write the next Foo Fighters hit. We strip it down and go where the melody takes us. So our songs have a lot of range – even though the instrumentation is pretty basic.
How did you start ZAP Records, and what was the deciding factor to do so?
ZAP was started by Paul for a recording project of his several years ago called The Deaves.
When we started making records as Vexine, we decided to release under ZAP to organize things. We didn’t pitch ourselves to the music industry because there really isn’t a ‘music’ industry anymore. It’s a ‘celebrity industry’ – and that’s not what we are about, even if Sarah dresses like Gloria Swanson now and then. She is always ready for her close-up, Mr. DeMille.
What is the inspiration behind the new single, “Empty Hole, and is there any significant personal meaning that provoked the lyricism and music of the piece?
Sarah penned the lyrics after reading an article about millennials not having jobs readily available for them as soon as they graduated college. It was a whiny article with that air of entitlement that sits so well:) The song is about doing all the right things, what you were told to do, and not getting what you are promised. Its about being angry and frustrated, but getting off your ass and moving forward anyway. Musically, Paul wanted a 90’s throw-back number to mix things up. So he threw down this progression that the band picked right up and ran with. It sounded kind of mean. The title, Empty Hole, was a fit. Oh, and Paul added the NA-NA-NA part at the end, because everybody wants something to sing along to without having to learn the words.
With an array of genres as your inspiration, how do you combine those elements to craft your own, unique sound?
The band has an affection for the blues, jazz and primal rock and roll: Bessie Smith, Howlin’ Wolf, Billie Holiday, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bobby Blue Bland, New Orleans second line beats and so forth. We know a lot of their songs and will throw one or two out now and then. We love 80’s punk and new wave and a lot of the song structures we use come out of that era.
Our look is inspired by the Ramones and smoky jazz clubs – believe it or not – and by Mike – who was the first to show up to a gig in a zoot suit, changing us forever. Our look is very vintage inspired…guys in hats, and a dame in a gown.
Where do you see Vexine headed for the current year?
Into the clubs! We have records to sell and shirts to move. We are also doing a radio campaign, so call up your local independent station and ask when they are going start playing Vexine!
