The Vryll Society interview: As if John Lennon would take a pic of his dinner

Image: The Vryll Society 

A band that's got the Liverpool indie scene declaring "Viva La Revolucion", The Vryll Society are riding the high wave right now. Signed to native label Deltasonic, they've just released a further single 'La Jetee', reflecting the well-informed roots of last year's Pangea EP. 

Fresh from touring with Blossoms and a headline tour of their own, we caught up with The Vryll Society ahead of a summer that sees them wield their woozy chalice of psychedelia at the likes of Bluedot Festival and Reading & Leeds with word that there are more big announcements to come. 

'La Jetee' is a beautiful track, are you guys happy with it? What was the inspiration behind it?

Its influences musically are probably Serge Gainsbourg and Stereolab, and lyrically it's an interpretation of Chris Marker's 1962 film about post-apocalyptic paris - which if you haven't seen I'd advise you to as soon as physical possible.

Can you translate it for me, I’m not brilliant at French?!

The French line of the song translates as 'The pier is the darkest hour.' due to the unsettling elements in the film

How was the headline tour, did you get a good reaction from fans?

Yes it was was an eye opener to just how popular we're starting to get, seeing people getting excited when we'd perform certain songs was really rewarding. It's a joyous thing to make people happy through music. 

How were things different from the shows you’ve done as a support artist, has there been a lot more to organise or have things been fairly laid back?

Well the first thing is people are there to see you, that's probably the biggest thing, I wouldnt say there's more to organise because our Tour Manager Mark takes care of all that anyway - you'd have to ask him - A more indulgent rider is always a bonus aswell I suppose!

You’ve supported the likes of Ariel Pink and Peace, what was that like for you, did they go any way to influence the way you write or give you any advice?

Yeah it's always interesting to play to other bands fans, you're playing to people you wouldn't normally play to and it's your chance to maybe turn them on to another way of thinking. As to taking advice, Ariel Pink and Peace do what they do and we do what we do.

Do you think those support gigs really helped to increase your fan base?

Yeah of course, well unless we played terrible. But people cheered so I think we converted a few.

On the Deltasonic records website it says you guys have been “locked away in a subterranean rehearsal space for more than a year”, what has that done to fuel the creative process and did it not almost drive you insane?

No distractions is the biggest thing, thats massively important. When you're at it like that everyday you're just developing muscle memory,on everything you do. We'd just turn out idea after idea, day in, day out. That room is a real hot bed of creativity. Yes it nearly did drive me insane.

There is something quite mysterious about the Vryll Society, has that stemmed from your writing and recording process?

That's good, theres not enough mystery in music these days. Too much social media for me personally, I think it's got a bit silly.

As if John Lennon would of took a picture of his dinner. Then you get people going "oh well its about connecting with people." Well isn't that's what the music is for isn't it? Isn't that what the gig is for? Isn't that connecting?

What does the success of Blossoms do for a band like yourselves, do you think more people are becoming interested in a slightly darker and groovier side to guitar music?

Blossoms are a different beast to us, but the fact we're both from the north west is terrific news for northern guitar music, it's been in the shade, but now it's back. People will always be interested in bands who are brilliant.

Tell us about your relationship with Viola Beach and the gig you are playing at Warrington Parr Hall on 2nd April, how did you pay tribute to such a promising band?

We'd only just met, but they seemed like a bunch of lads who just wanted to have a good time and have fun playing their music.

Blossoms played their set every night that had been recorded from their last show at Lemington Spa, it was a nice touch from the Blossoms boys, but thats what they're like, top lads.

What does the rest of 2016 hold for the Vryll Society? Have you got many festivals outings we can look forward to and has work started on the debut album?

We have alot of Festivals coming up, some big ones havent been booked yet - so look out for them. I think we'll be releasing some more singles/EP's and then we'll start on an album.

Looking forward to it guys! 

They play Bluedot Festival at Jodrell Bank over the weekend Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th July - Tickets via the box below.  

Catch all of The Vryll Society's remaining festival dates here. 

Like this? Try our interview with Clean Cut Kid 

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