VLURE interview: "It’s time to play shows again, for everyone’s sake"

Bursting onto the scene in early 2020, at the beginning of what was an unprecedented twelve months for the entire music industry, Glaswegian five piece VLURE now find themselves chomping at the bit, eager to get back in front of live crowds once more, having been without at outlet to showcase their distinctively retro goth-trance sound for too long.

The genre-blending outfit, whose music blurs the boundaries between live electronics and the performance sensibilities of current post-punk contemporaries, have quickly established a name for themselves here in the UK. Renowned for their impressive live audio and visual performances, the band - comprised of charismatic frontman Hamish Hutcheson, brothers Conor and Niall Goldie on guitar and bass, keys player Alex Pearson and Carlo Kriekaard on drums - made a huge initial impression on the world with the stunning music video for their moody, synth laden track - 'Desire'.

Offering a glimpse into the quintet's captivating and already acclaimed live stage show, commended by the likes of independent music platforms So Young and Wax Music, VLURE's considered cinematic video output signals a band full of confidence that have collectively worked hard to create their own individual musical identity. 

Releasing their very first single via London-based label Permanent Creeps Records this year, 'Shattered Faith', described as a coming of age anthem influenced by the rhythms, repetitions and euphoric hooks of Glasgow’s thriving afterparty and club scene, shows the groups adept ability in bring together a variety of influences and music styles. A commanding track demonstrating talent beyond the groups collective years.

Recently gaining the opportunity to speak with the band, we set out about digging a little deeper, in order to shed light on who the enigmatic five-piece really are.

Discussing everything from the absence of live music and the groups striking artistic style, to artist recommendations, what it's like having your music played on BBC Radio 1 and more - Check out the full interview below...

Hello VLURE, it’s a pleasure to get the chance to speak with you. How are you, where do you find yourselves speaking to us from and what’s been keeping you busy recently?

"Hello Skiddle, We are replying to this from our studio in Glasgow. We have been preparing to take to the stage as of late, with our small socially distanced tour commencing in June, we have some new songs to learn."

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We’ve been listening to your latest single release, ‘Shattered Faith’ on repeat. There’s an undeniable new wave feel throughout the track but its laced with contemporary, punk and post-punk traits - the harsh vocal delivery for example. 

What’s the intention, if any, behind your bold sound? Or is it an unconscious concoction of influences brought to the table by each member?

"We wanted to make a statement with our first recorded track. It’s an introduction to where we’re taking this band. Although we are built on a post-punk foundation, we all have vastly different tastes in music. We want to try and break that post-punk bubble. Bend some genres and make people dance. The agreement is that if we’re writing it, it needs to make you want to move."

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We’ve been trying to pin down your sound ourselves, by comparing and matching up the work of other artists. The best we’ve come up with so far is a ‘Depeche Mode meets The Murder Capital’ sort of vibe… 

If you were to express your sound in similar way, which artists/bands would you select and why?

"One of our favourite bands, and a band of people we call friends - so we’ll take that. We’ve had a few of these over our time, another complimentary one was ‘Interpol meets The Amazing Snakeheads’. Two great bands. Our newest material will bring even more obscure references, no doubt. We’re bringing Goth-Trance to the world."

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‘Shattered Faith’ has been getting a lot of love recently - most notably gaining airtime on Jack Saunders BBC Radio 1 show and being added to Spotify playlists such as the ‘All New Rock’ and ‘New Punk Tracks’ playlists. How does it feel as a breaking band to be receiving such recognition?

"We are overwhelmed by the love that ‘Shattered Faith’ has been shown. It truly means the world to us, it is only the beginning however. We have so much more yet to give."

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Watch the video for VLURE's latest single 'Shattered Faith' below...

It would be fair to say that VLURE place a big emphasis on aesthetics, and we’re a big fan of that. From the stylised videos to the bands visual appearance, it seems a lot of thought has gone into creating the groups identity. Is this an important aspect of the band? And if so, why?

"Definitely, we all have similar styles and have done since we met. We definitely all use art and clothes as a means of expressing ourselves. Over time that has grown into what would now be considered our aesthetic. Every time we release something we want it to bring those listening further into the world that we are creating. Everything we do is a thought out extension of the music."

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VLURE are now amongst a long list of fantastic alternative Scottish acts to break out of the underground scene – others include Walt Disco, The Ninth Wave and Lucia & The Best Boys. What can be said about the scene in Glasgow, and across Scotland as a whole? Are there any other acts we should be taking note of?

"Scotland has consistently produced some of the best music on the planet. You’ve noted some great artists there, and good friends too. To name more for those reading: Pelican Tusk, The Joy Hotel, Shredd & Swim School - All worth your time.

"Keep an eye on what Up 2 Standard are doing, and saying too."

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You formed back in 2019 and you’ve since managed to book a number of shows and a tour, basically without a catalogue of tracks - No easy feat. What’s the appeal of the band? And how have you managed to come by bookings?

"We were thrust into an opportunity that came about as we were starting planning to play live, which made our first three shows big ones. From there on in, we kept quiet on our social media and focused on the live shows. The idea of building a preconceived image was certainly not for us. We wanted to release and introduce people into our world when we felt ready, on our terms. Word of mouth spread organically, which was nice, and that led up to the release of our ‘Desire’ live session pre-pandemic."

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As a predominantly live act, the past year must have been particularly hard. What have you missed most about performing live? And have you tried to fill the void in anyway?

"There isn’t anything about playing live that we don’t miss, nothing has been able to fill that void, though we have tried. Alex has become obsessed with the Lego Harry Potter game and the Theremin; the Goldies have become fitness fanatics; Carlo built a computer for his home studio; and Hamish has been playing the drums incessantly loud and out of time. It’s time to play shows again, for everyone’s sake."

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Are there any shows you have planned or confirmed you’d like to shout about?

"There is our socially distanced tour from June 15th to 19th. Birkenhead, Bristol, London and Manchester are the cities. The London shows are sold out, but we have announced a full capacity show at MOTH club on 26th November. We cannot wait for that. We will also be playing TRNSMT in Glasgow alongside some good friends in September. Lots more to announce soon."

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Finally, we’ve recently been asking those we interview to bestow some wisdom for the benefit of those reading. Do you have any tips or advice, perhaps a life affirming motto, that will assist and guide us through the remainder of this lingering lockdown period?

"The only way is up, baby."

Find tickets for some of the many fantastic gigs happening where you are in 2021 - here

Header image credit: Rory Barnes