EMQ’s with VIRTUE IN VAIN
EMQ’s with VIRTUE IN VAIN
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Cardiff, Wales based Progressive Metalcore band Virtue In Vain. Huge thanks to their vocalist, Hywel, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hey everyone, I’m Hywel. I am the vocalist of Virtue In Vain. We are from Cardiff and London, have toured around the UK a number of times, and released 2 Eps as well as our latest single ‘The Whispers Of Sleep’.
How did you come up with your band name?
We wanted the band name Virtue In Vain to represent something we relate to. In essence the idea of anti-idolism. The name portrays the idea that you shouldn’t have to look up or follow the same path as someone or something just because it has been portrayed as successful. That just because you take the path less travelled, it doesn’t make your view any less valid, we are all different and wealth and success has no bearing on character.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
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What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest release is our single ‘The Whispers Of Sleep’.
Our Last EP was called “Dusk//Dawn”
Who have been your greatest influences?
For me it would be Make Them Suffer, The Devil Wears Prada, Architects, Napoleon, For the Fallen Dreams, Crystal Lake & Currents, along with many other bands we have played with over the many years.
What first got you into music?
Good question. Music in general was my parents. We always had music around the house. For Metal it went from listening to stuff like Green Day and Blink 182 and slowly progressed into liking Metalcore and all the bands I now love.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
The Devil Wears Prada. They are my favourite band and I think our style and their evolving sound would make a really interesting session merging ideas.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Currently Download, in the past it was Warped Tour. Download is the pinnacle of metal festivals and to have the honour of playing on that stage would be amazing.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
We haven’t had too many odd gifts from fans. I think someone gave us some lollies which were pretty nice after the show.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you all so much for the support and feedback over the years. You have been so good to us, and we hope to keep doing the best we can to get music out.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddie Mercury. That man just had a beautiful voice, and I would have loved to see what he would be making today.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love the creativity of it. I love taking a simple idea and seeing it turn into a piece of music with a story, ups and downs, and wrapped in emotion.
I don’t hate much, probably the writers’ block. It’s frustrating when you have an idea, and you don’t know how to convey it or write it down.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Probably the finances of it all. Both paying musicians and artists fairly, and supporting small music venues putting on new bands to keep the music scene alive.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“With Roots Above And Branches Below” by The Devil Wears Prada.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
It depends on how you like to consume music. I like listening to my music digitally due to the ease of access, however I collect Vinyl and CDs as I love the artwork and like to support artists.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
It was when we played with Ice Nine Kills & Shields. It was the first show we played with our current line up, and for me it was when the band felt really complete. It was a pleasure to share the stage with such accomplished bands and was something I won’t forget.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably Artist Management, I enjoy helping bands in any way I can.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Honestly, it would be my family and this band. Be a lovely evening.
What’s next for the band?
We are currently writing for our next EP. We also have some plans in the works to tour later this year and early 2023 so keep checking out our socials for updates.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
All of our socials are up to date, check them out below:
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
Music:: https://streamlink.to/VirtueInVain
Video link:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yjOgwLq2aQ
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Cake!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you so much for your time today interviewing us, and thank you everyone for reading. We have plenty to announce coming soon, so stay tuned to our socials for news!
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