Toronto rock trio The Vaniers are diving into their love of early 2000’s post-Britpop, acid funk, and electronica on new single, “Painted Town.”

Inspired by the FIFA footy anthems they grew up listening to, the song is built around a pulsating piano line performed on a Hammond Cadet organ that bassist/vocalist Diego Paz had sitting in his basement.

“Painted Town” is a pump up song – it’s meant to get you stoked and ready for whatever’s around the corner. At the same time, there’s a strong sense of nostalgia here for us, going back to music from our childhood that unknowingly would impact us as musicians much later on in life. You could say that this song was written for our 10-year-old selves, sitting in front of the TV with the volume way up. – guitarist Alex Iacobellis

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

Painted Town is the 4th single off of our upcoming sophomore LP. This tune in particular is inspired by the soundtracks of older FIFA games we used to play as younger men. 

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

It’s like nothing we’ve ever put out before. It takes elements from songs we hadn’t drawn from in our past work, like acid house or electronica. The tune is completely centered around a piano riff, whereas most of our work is driven by guitar. This one definitely sticks out in our discography. 

• What about this single makes you most proud?

It’s a testament to our desire to continue evolving our sound and style. It also proved to us that doing so can be fulfilling, and fun. We felt that this one is off the beaten path compared to our past work and taking that sort of a risk in our music makes us proud. 

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

The goal was to make a song inspired by classic football (soccer) anthems that we grew up listening to, think Kasabian, Caesars, and The Jam. And to strike a chord with anyone that can identify in that culture, and that has love for the beautiful game. 

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I can’t think of anything better to do with my time, to be honest. – Diego

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

We’ll go with Rick Rueben. He’s been an integral part of some very influential records to us, and the world really. He seems like the king at getting the best out of people, so collaborating with him would be an experience to say the least. 

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Right Down the Line by Gerry Rafferty is spinning as we speak. All time bands and artists to name a few; Thin Lizzy, Oasis, The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age and Zeppelin. 

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @thevaniers, as well as all streaming platforms to listen to our tunes. 

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for having us. We’re stoked to be releasing these new tunes, and we expect to drop our new album very soon.  We’ve got some big tour announcements and shows across the country coming up, and we’re excited to keep it going. See you all soon.