We caught up with Yusuf from Vampire Slumber Party to find out why they insist on napping during the day! Are they actual vampires?
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
I’m a massive horror movie fan. I’m also a habitual night owl. Most of the music I’ve written and recorded happens late at night. When everyone else is fast asleep – just like this interview. And I figured if vampires had slumber parties they’d be during the day, right, when everyone else is doing regular stuff like work. Also, I thought it sounded like a cool cheesy b-horror movie I’d definitely want to watch.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I started out playing guitar and singing in a three-piece, Blink 182, Green Day, Alkaline Trio-inspired pop punk band called Stanley Anvil, back in South Africa. But we could never find a regular drummer, so I started playing drums. Finally, who-knows-how-many-bands-later, life’s come full circle and I’m back on guitar and vocals in a three-piece pop punk band here in London.
How would you describe your sound?
Pop punk with fangs. It sounds like a good time, but it can be pretty miserable.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I mean, personally, I started playing guitar listening to bands like Blink 182, Sum 41, MxPx and Alkaline Trio. Then I got into even sadder bands like Iron Chic, The Lawrence Arms, None More Black and The National. I’m not sure who Pippa would say, but I know Charlie would definitely say something grungy, like Nirvana, Alice In Chains or Soundgarden.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Blink 182’s new single “Edging.” Luckily it’s not as expensive to listen to them as it is to see them live.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Social media. Spotify. The New Cross Inn. Word of mouth.
Who is your dream producer?
Daly George from The Ranch Production House, Southampton. I’d love to record an album with him. Or Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room in Colorado.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I’m really happy with my current band mates Pippa and Charlie. They’re awesome! But if we had to have someone do some guest vocals or something, I’d choose Jason Lubrano from Iron Chic. His voice and lyrics melt my heart. Or maybe Travis Barker. That’s one way to get popular, right?
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I guess it was smoking weed, playing guitar and listening to music in different dorm rooms when I was at university. And I’m not sure what motivates me to keep making it. I just couldn’t imagine not doing it. It seems to have a will of its own. And luckily I found two really cool band mates who I enjoy jamming with.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
There’s no set process. Sometimes songs just pop into my head. Lyrics and all. Sometimes I have to sit down and really work at it. Sometimes ideas happen at band practice. Lately, we’re jamming a lot more and I’d love to write more songs together. Or maybe Pippa or Charlie could write something. I think that’s the direction we’re heading in. Proper band vibes.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Social media – we’re on all of ’em. Seeing us live. Email? Get in touch!
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Spotify
What’s next for you?
We’ve got a new single and music video out on October 31. The song’s called “Little Light” and it’s the third single from our new EP / mini album, which we’re hoping to get out before the end of the year.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Hmm… Not really. Just that we’ve got a bunch of new music recorded, which we’re hoping to get it all out before the end of the year. And we’re gonna play as many shows as possible. So hopefully we’ll see you out there in 2023.
Thanks!
Bio:
Vampire Slumber Party started as the lockdown solo project of London-based musician Yusuf Laher (Laserchrist, Paperjets, Crash Island), who released the band’s debut album, Funeral Pop, in 2021. Since then VSP has evolved into a three-piece, real-life pop-punk / indie-punk band, thanks to the addition of Pippa (Werecats, Blank Heads) on bass and backing vocals and Charlie Gray (Laserchrist, Kingfisher) on drums and backing vocals. Pippa and Charlie added their own flavours to the mix and VSP went straight to work writing new music. Ear Nutrition described the sound as, “conversational storytelling [that] nuances the modern perceptions of pop-punk.” It’s pop punk with fangs; honest, raw and up-tempo, with a thirst for tasty melody. For fans of Iron Chic, Alkaline Trio & blink-182.
