Feral Vices spent some time answering our questions about their music and their songwriting process. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, what’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
The band name came from us just throwing around a bunch of different words we liked and putting them together until we got something that felt like it made sense for what we are doing and want to do with the band. Feral Vices felt like something that sort of tells you what we sound like but also what kind of lyrics we’re writing as well.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
We both have played in multiple bands over the years in our local scene and sort of knew each other through that. The band that sort of became this band needed a drummer for a show after the previous drummer left so Justin came on board and then the rest of the band was kind of let go and we decided to go along as just the two of us until we found people to add to the band. That’s been a few years and we’ve still not added anyone beyond the 2 of us to the band haha
How would you describe your sound?
Like the weird love child of Queens of the Stone Age and Refused. I’m sure there’s a better way to describe it, but I think that way is more fun.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Obviously Queens of the Stone Age and Refused, but also The Jesus Lizard, Them Crooked Vultures, and the Dillinger Escape Plan, and a bunch of weird bands beyond those already weird ones.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Justin it’s Witchcraft by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. For Alexander it’s Bubbles by Biffy Clyro.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
The algorithms on streaming platforms and whatever our friends tell us they just found.
Who is your dream producer?
For Justin, it’s Will Yip. For Alexander, it’s Trent Reznor.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Biffy Clyro without a doubt.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Justin: I guess what led me to music was the emotion I felt listening to music and replicating that. Chasing that high. The reason I pursue it is because there’s nothing else that gets me that feeling.
Alexander: It was definitely the feeling I got from listening to music and growing up in a pretty musical family. I’m motivated to keep making it by this weird innate drive to create that I can’t shut off. I think the universe just knew that I’d be too annoying to work with people in an office.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
It’s real easy because it’s just the 2 of us. We just jam out some riffs and then Alexander goes back and writes vocals on top of them and tweaks them to better suit the vocals from there to kind of better hone in some sort of structure.
How do you connect with your audience?
What’s the easiest way for them to connect with you? Definitely playing shows and touring, but we also have a pretty interactive social media presence for anyone who can’t make it to a show. We’re @feralvices on all social media platforms.
What’s next for you?
We have a lot of touring on the way, we’re spending a week touring in Texas this year and that’s super exciting. We also have a bunch of new music on the way too!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Nope! Thanks so much!
Alexander Hoagland
