We caught up with Ayia Napa-based band Lost Vegas, following the release of the superb single ‘Summer Suicide’, for a full interview.
Tell us about yourself?
Me and Andrew Thane are from the UK but with live-in Ayia Napa Cyprus. We live here because cause there is a lot of work for gigging musicians.
What is your songwriting process?
Our songwriting process is typically myself Chris writing the melody and the words on piano or guitar and recording a rough demo at home before sending to Drew, and he will work on it for a few weeks a re-record everything. Drew is a great guitarist and musician so he will produce a vibe and we go back and forth like that until we are happy. Sometimes the inspiration for the song comes from a riff or progression Drew sends me, so it’s a real collaboration between 2 like-minded spirits.
Tell us about your latest release?
Our latest release was a song originally written in the garage band app on iPhone. I was experimenting after hearing that Charlie Puth had written the track Attention on the iPhone. The track is about the recklessness of crazy summers abroad and finding yourself again even when that involves destroying stuff around you; in this case, it was the safety of a job I hated. It was written in piano in one day along with all the vocal layers, but Drew gave it life with that beat and those lush guitars. He really captured that summer vibe with this production.
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
Well, I think this EP is about change, rebirth and loss and being ok with all of that. Not every love is forever, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. So yeah it’s about change and being cool with it. This all happens against the backdrop of summer landscape we tried to build on this record.
Who are your musical influences?
Our influences include everything from Death Cab, to The Longpigs The Killers to Kate Bush. We have also been lifelong U2 fans though it’s not cool to admit it that guitar sound along with players like Johnny Marr is what got me into music. Also, Drew’s influences include mute math and new.
Who are your non-musical influences?
Non-musician influences stem purely from the day to day interaction with normal folk like friends, family and strangers that we encounter. In the party town we live and the ones we meet on the road.
What’s the best gig that you have ever played?
Best gig we played was supporting Craig David on the beach in Ayia Napa. England was also playing that night in the World Cup, so it was projected on the screens. We scored just before we went on so unreal vibes. I also remember supporting the Kooks and Rudimental at the same venue. Both amazing nights.
What is your funniest gig moment?
We Once did a gig with me on drums after the drummer got his times wrong and didn’t show up in America. I had to go on the drums, and the rest of the band shared the singing duties. I loved it, but the band were not as enthusiastic. I think it might have been a one-off!
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
The biggest thing that faces artists today is being able to get paid fairly for their work. 100k streams on Spotify pays around 400$, and that’s split between the distributor and the writer. On top, these bands have not been able to play gigs, so in effect, musicians have no income. If your full-time musicians like us then it’s very hard right now to justify committing your life to the art which is a shame.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
Well playing live is where you learn your trade I think and will stand you in good stead, but nowadays I think you can do a lot at home in relation to finding your sound and voice as an artist. The song is king always. I think If a song resonates and connects on some level when it’s in its simplest form on piano or acoustic guitar then your in the game. Your sound and what vehicle you decide to deliver it you can work out after. Writing is a habit you have to do it most days.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
Hard to say where we will be in 2 years with everything that’s going on in the world, but we will still be making music that’s for sure. I imagine we will have had two more records out by then, along with some singles and would love to tour the UK and go back to the States.
FV Music Blog August 2020
https://www.lostvegasmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/lostvegasfbpage
https://www.instagram.com/lostvegas_chris
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