Inspired by a landscape of rich imagery that forces the writer to delve into the past, retrace his own steps, dance with the present, and wistfully search for their place in the passage of time, Vickers Vimy’s second album, Atlas of the Heart, is a rootsy, textured, and timeless collection from the Ireland-based outfit.
The ten-track project includes songs like “Budapest” which elegantly unwinds like a postcard, “When The Helicopter Came” a track that captures a quiet intensity and “Mermaid of Luna Park” which chronicles the world of fables and polaroids. Here, songwriter and guitarist Ed Drea, answers the band's Essential 8 and talks songwriting, Cohen, Crowded House, Calexico, and more. Is there a story behind your album's title? The album is titled 'Atlas of Hearts' and is inspired by the idea that inside each of us we are made up various maps and adventures. Imprints of life if you like. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? Recording the album in Mayo beside the Wild Atlantic ocean inspired us to try and capture the drama of Clew Bay as the squall comes racing in across the islands. The landscape is so dramatic here that it literally pushes your pen around the page urging you to capture it in words and song. Do you write about personal experiences? The writing of the album was definitely inspired by travel and the imprints of family. "Budapest" is a song off the album that is about a train journey from Budapest to Italy and inspired by the music of Il Postino a beautiful Italian film. "Bonfire of Dantes" is a song off the album that has its roots in the classic Dante's Inferno. Keep your eye on the road is a song about friendship and loss and how people come and go in your life. So yeah the songs arrive from all ports, I guess
Have you met any of your heroes and if so how did it go?
We were fortunate enough to record in Nick Seymour's studio in Dublin and we were big fans of Crowded House. One of the days he climbed down from his apartment above the studio for a listen and I am pleased to say he was a true gent and very supportive of the music which was a great buzz!!! Do you have a favorite concert attended? That's a hard one. There are so many great gigs, but if I had to go for one I'd go for Leonard Cohen Kilmainham 2008. The sun setting to the sound of Bird on a Wire.....yeah that was a pretty amazing gig!! Who would you love to collaborate with? Calexico were a massive influence on the sound of our album. So it would be great to spend a day hanging out with Joey Burns and John Convertino. To have an opportunity to watch how they create the wonderful textures and layers in their music would be a great experience. What's the best advice you have been given? On our first album 'That Vinyl Scratch' we worked with Colm Mac Con Iomaire from the Frames and The Swell Season and he simply put it 'Just enjoy the opportunity to write and play and what's due to you will come along' and hopefully it's true. What is your dream venue and why? I think the Olympia in Dublin has something magical about it. When I think of all the great gigs down through the years it would be a a great feeling to walk out onto that stage at some point!!! Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Vickers Vimy are: Ed Drea (vocals and acoustic guitar) Fintan Hanley (electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonies), Eamonn Mulderring (drums, percussion, piano, accordion, midi, harmonies) Ciaran Byrne (bass, guitars)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |