Toronto-based Vicky von Vicky’s distinctive sound draws inspiration from punk, grunge, classic rock, and powerful rhythms that are a direct result of a lifelong love of all things rock, soul and hip-hop.Originating in the late 1990s, the band took a hiatus in 2001. Now, after almost two decades, Vicky von Vicky has regrouped with a renewed focus on songwriting and collaboration. They delve into themes of love, loss, and life experiences, expressing themselves with candidness, vulnerability and a big serving of humour.Their latest single, “Not the Man,” tells a tale of introspection as the narrator questions one’s legacy in life and to those around them. Touching on self-doubt, loneliness, and aging, “Not the Man” reaffirms the mantra to live now (while you still can). We caught up with Vicky von Vicky for an exclusive interview below!
What can you share with readers about your new project?
I can say that we have at least 3 more songs that are ready to be released, but we haven’t decided whether to release more singles, an EP or make them part of something bigger. We also have a bunch of new songs we still want to record, so I think in a few months we will have a better picture of what our future musical landscape looks like.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
In the past for Vicky von Vicky (vvv), we have entered a studio together and just played live off the floor and added things like vocals, guitars afterwards.
For these releases they have been less collaborative in-studio, some of it has Covid to blame. “The Cuba Libre Song”, which we released last year and was spearheaded by our drummer Paul Pasanen, was all of us working in separate studios, some home studios, some legit, but it and the other songs have a live feel to them, which is essential. Also I (Michael Wynn) have been doing solo projects pretty steadily since 2017 under my solo project Melted Wings. Those releases had a lot of influences, like country, electronic, 50’s rock, mixed with indie rock, etc. I had Rolston play bass on some of them and Paul contributed a bit by being a narrator for one.
The next set of songs will be more like we used to do it, live off the floor I imagine. Now that we have Tom Nesbitt as a second guitar player, I feel we have enough people to come up with some pretty good musical moments. Tom has replaced my brother Chris, who used to play with us, but he moved out west and availability (as well as geography) is an issue, although he was able to play with us at the Horseshoe Tavern back in 2020 for our first reunion gig.
What about this single makes you most proud?
I am happy with the chorus and the fact that it doesn’t sound like a 20 year old singing it. I still can’t get it quite out of my head, which I have had since a year ago! I think that’s a good thing for a song? I like to write songs where the chorus and verse use the same chord structure, there’s something about these songs that appeals to me, simplicity wise. I guess it’s interesting for me to have 2 different related melodies over that. Lyrically though, I feel that our previous release “Jealousy” is a bit better but I still like the lyrics in “Not the Man” overall.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
Originally, maybe a year ago, I recognized how good they were, I mean the songs I had as demos. And I just wanted to record them as soon as I could. Eventually it became clear that these should be Vvv songs, so next up was just to release them and get them out there. I also wanted these to be mostly straight up indie rock songs, there may be some influences, like folk – country, but in the end I wanted to have some more rock songs out there.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
It’s something that makes me happy, I love the process more than anything, from the crafting side to the recording side, it just is something I need. I would say having a creative outlet like this is good for mental health. Although I definitely don’t like the marketing part too much! It feels like I am not in my own skin when doing that, but I know it’s necessary. For instance using TikTok to market yourselves, I just can’t get into it, but I think we will at some point.
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.
Well on this last release I was lucky enough to collaborate with Nixon Boyd (Hollerado), although it was more him giving advice on song structure, for all my solo stuff he has done everything on the production/recording side. His studio partner Taylor Knox also contributed to at least one of the songs structure wise. Nixon and I are related so it makes things easier! (he’s my cousin) And I am lucky he is willing to help and elevate the songs. Their studio is Simcoe Mechanical in Orillia, Nixon also has a studio in Toronto, Metrolab Recording (formerly Banquet Sound).
I think if I could collaborate with The Beaches or Becky Ninkovic (You say Party) that would be amazing, I love their voices and songwriting styles, also Black Francis (Pixies) and/or Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) they have been sort of songwriting heroes of mine for awhile.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Sorry just checking my spotify… actually it was FIDLAR “No Waves” haha, I have seen them live a couple of times, love their melodies and energy, but not so sure about their lyrics, it’s a bit addiction heavy for me. But overall I give them a thumbs up.
Favourite bands: Pixies, Modest Mouse, and lately its been The Beaches, Lenny Bull, Castle Frank & The Sarandons!
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
These days I guess it’s Instagram? @vickyvonvicky There are so many social media accounts these days, it’s hard to keep track!
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Thanks for all the questions! I just hope people give us a chance, there is so much music these days to process it can be difficult to find music from underground, less-established artists. Seek them out, they are there waiting to be heard, whether it’s us or someone else, you never know, you may just find your next favourite thing.
