Deliberate Talent

 

VERTIGONATION

by Debbie Stevens

 

 

First published Global Music Star -June  Issue, 2008

 
 

The music produced through the 80's showcased some amazing artists- We had said goodbye to the disco days and were now bopping to a completely different beat!

Fast paced, synthesizer sounds worked to bring a taste of early techno with tunes we either loved, or loved to hate!

Vertigonation define a past sound, with a crisp breath of fresh air...their lead singer easily delivers her pitch with a pop rhythm from her band, followed completely in sync! The track "Nowhere", is somewhat likened to the Roguetraders, with a Human League twist! Keyboards, guitars mixed with today's technology, I listened to each single, and am  convinced this band has what it takes to keep growing! They have obviously done their homework which will seal their position in the pop charts. Add a bullet!

 

 

 

 

 


DS: Seems there's a huge wave of rising talent coming through the music ranks. Where did VertigoNation begin, and what drives them on?

V: VertigoNation was born from the best parts of other musical projects that the three of us were in. We are driven by the idea that there are no limits to the types of musical genres you can put together and manipulate.

DS: What's the history to the name, VertigoNation?

V: The name came from when we first started writing, and a lot of people said that our music was, “too hard to define”. We took that as a positive and it gave us the idea to create our own vision of a nation, which takes sounds to dizzying heights. VertigoNation are: Wickey on vocals, Ales on Guitar, Mirek on keyboards.

DS: There's a feeling of retro returning to much of today's music. What do you hear when you are mixing with other artists, and would you agree there's a trend taking place?

V: Everything travels in cycles and musically, it seems that the retro foundation is built upon with bolder, wilder ideas which almost make it new in itself.

DS: The sound you guys generate has great appeal. What genre do you feel you represent and do you think defining a description is becoming more difficult with the music today?

V: Truthfully, we represent ourselves. Although, we are quite comfortable with the Electronic-Industrial tag. What we love about today’s musical climate is that there are so many genres around and no one expects you to limit yourself to just one or two.

DS: Performing in public has its challenges. Please tell us about your first 'live' performance, and what you feel you gained from the experience?

V: Our first live performance was at 3am in a small club that for some reason, thought we were a metal band .There were a lot of young boys in black t-shirts just staring at us blankly, as if we were doing improve or a dramatic reading. There is a lot to be said about presenting original material for the first time, the nervousness you get because you are really opening up to people and asking for some acceptance. Then, comes the rush of adrenaline because you absolutely love what you’re doing.

What we gained from live performing, was confidence in seeing that the music in your head is being translated into a living, breathing ball of energy.

DS: Are the lyrics written as a joint effort, and where do the ideas come from?

V: Everything in VertigoNation is a joint effort. The seeds of the lyrics come from personal experiences; questions that we feel are universal with one from a documentary on euthanasia.

DS: If VertigoNation was asked to write one song for their choice of favourite artist, who would that be, and why?

V: Paul Van Dyk, because he understands that electronic music has a place outside clubs as well.

DS: How do VertigoNation unwind? What music are they listening to when not making their own?

V: We listen to absolutely everything, from classic Blues artists to forgotten 80’s bands and new artists that are emerging on the internet.

DS: Any momentous events worth sharing such as awards?

V: Performing live for MTV as finalists in a competition. Getting to see a mass of people whom we’ve never met dancing to our songs where we quickly got to grips with fact that ‘live’, means no chance to do it again and if you trip off stage you’ll have to stay there. Every week we are garnering awards on Garageband.com, mainly for vocals and production which are given by ‘everyday people’ which for us, gives us the power to keep moving ahead.

DS: In one word, define VertigoNation.

V: Limitless.

DS: Is there any piece of advice/tip which VertigoNation inherited, and would like to pass onto budding new talent?

V: If any one asks you for money beforehand, then they don’t know what they’re doing.

DS: Where would you guys like to be, say five years from now?

V: We will probably be running the embassies of VertigoNation on every continent.

DS: Could you update the GMS readers on your latest album, Emigrate? What tracks are listed and where can our readers purchase?

V: Emigrate is our first EP/album which is intensely exciting for us as we think that it is a great taste of our musical vision. “Don’t want you near” take on the trials of being infatuated with that one person you see every week at a club. “Spinning Wheel” was written to mirror the doubts and moods that go through your mind all in one day. We wrote “It’s your life” because we all know people who hate where they are and still don’t realise that the power to change is all within themselves. When we wrote “Sign” we were trying to find a real line that divides Rock and Electronic styles. “You can’t get me” was the result of collaboration with an American blog-master.

Emigrate is available as a download from iTunes. We have just begun a distribution deal for hard copies, so we will keep you updated when that happens. The bonus track “Nowhere to dance” is available through Garageband.com.

DS: Lastly, please share your website details

V: www.myspace.com/vertigonation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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