vant

Interview: Vant

Vant have had quite a year. Their debut single ‘Parasite’, released in April 2015, attracted the attention of Parlophone records. They have also turned a few heads up and down the country with their energetic live shows and stage invasions – Exposed Magazine caught up with Mattie Vant and put the world to rights.

How are you Mattie?

Great, thank you – I’m just making coffee at the moment.

What can we expect from a Vant gig?

A hell of a lot of energy, we put everything into it. It’s quite politically charged, and it’s quite an interactive show as well. There is a tendency to have a stage invasion – it’s also quite interactive, last time we played in Sheffield was at Plug, supporting Blossoms and we had people hanging off this walkway thing near the stage.

How would you describe your music?

Definitely politically charged –few bands nowadays express their opinions. We’re inspired by bands like The Clash who had something to say. When people think about punk music they think about anti-establishment and all of that but we just have something to say. The world is pretty fucked up, and we hope that people get on board with the message we’re trying to get across.

Did working at London venue Birthdays inspire you to be in a band or have you always been at it?

Bit of both, but I’ve always been in bands since I was 14 or 15. It took a long time to figure out what kind of band I wanted to be in. I believe you have to be true to yourself before it resonates with other people.

What have the other members brought to the project?

A lot really – the guitarist shaped the style. I’m a shit guitarist but I can write good songs. The bassist and the drummer are amazing – each member joined and upped the game to the next level. We’re a nicely oiled machine and we all stand for the same thing which is important.

What was it like when Parlophone expressed interest after ‘Parasite’ was released?

Crazy. I was working at Birthday’s in London at the time and I was running around sorting things out because we had a sold out gig that night. My manager left a message saying I should really get in touch with him. When I rang he told me Parlophone made an offer and I was like…’’fuck off!’’ I had to ring him later on to make sure I wasn’t dreaming – very surreal. I suppose when you work for something for so long, in such a competitive industry, in the creative industry, to get that thumbs up is an amazing feeling – it definitely justifies the struggle.

And the airplay on Radio X and BBC Radio 1?

It’s a stamp of approval really. The BBC has to be politically neutral so for them to support us like they have been doing is a testament to them really, that they are playing a band like us with something to say. I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but I think a lot of people have waited for a band like us.

Do you have a ‘5 year plan’ or are you taking it as it comes?

Bit of both, really. We want to sustain our career – the thought of going back to a 9-5 job is horrifying. We want to make a positive impact; I don’t feel comfortable with my own life when there are so many issues with the world. We need to learn to get along with each other and understand each other; it’s a battle of unity.

What do you think of the music industry currently?

I’ve been in a band since I was 14/15 – took a long time. Persistence is key really; so many people give up after a period of time. But if you work hard, and believe in what you doing, it will resonate with people.

You’ve posted on Facebook recently about ‘supporting the support’ – can you tell us a bit more about this?

It is just a bit of fun really. A lot of bands starting out struggle with getting exposure and it always helps when you get a stamp of approval from another band. We’re just spreading the love really.

Do you have a favourite venue?

Plug in Sheffield! *laughs* There is a little venue called Ramsgate Music Hall, the guys there absolutely love music and have thought about everything. It’s a small venue. They stream the gigs at the bar, so if you are caught talking or on your phone you get sent up to the bar. The guy who owns it is brilliant.

Do you have plans for an album?                                                                                                                                     

It’s all recorded; but its up in the air at the moment. It’s just a case of building towards it, and gaining as many fans as possible – it will definitely be out within ten months.

For ticket details about their Sheffield gig, head to www.the-plug.com

For more information about Vant, head to www.wearevant.com/




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