Having already secured their reputation as one of Britain's best rising names with shows at Latitude Festival, Liverpool Sound City, Camden Rocks and BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, as well as support slots for the likes of Circa Waves, The Subways and Electric Six, Boston-based outfit Vigilantes are back at it once again as they deliver their latest anthem 'The Way It Is'.
With its instant high-energy and powerful riffs, reminiscent of The Amazons and Blossoms, 'The Way It Is' sets itself as one of the most explosive offerings in the band's catalogue to date. Filled with blistering pace and catchy vocals, their newest belter will surely see them invited to many more live stages across the country very soon.
So with their new single on repeat for us right now, we sat down with the band's James Woodliffe to find out more about their earliest beginnings and what first brought them to the world of music.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I think the first one anyone probably falls in love with is the voice? But they don’t really realise. Other than that it’s likely the cliché of guitar, drums and xylophone.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
I think just loving writing and wanting to be at a stage where we can spend a lot of time writing together.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Nothing super niche although we were reasonably varied between us. I hate bands that make themselves out to be super eclectic when you know that they listen to basic stuff outside of an interview. Truthfully, a common few amongst us are Guns N Roses, Nirvana and Foo Fighters. Then a couple of us were into the metal/post-hardcore thing like Avenged Sevenfold and Fightstar. By the end of our teens I think we were all into Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and stuff like that. Nothing radical or too left field.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
I don’t think there was a specific song, I think we just fell into it.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
These days I’m listening to a lot of that Lo-Fi Jazz Hip Hop stuff, and I normally sling that on in the morning. Or if not that, a Joe Rogan podcast. Nothing too full on in the morning. Generally I can’t listen to anything heavy till it’s dark. If I want music with words it’ll probably be some singer songwriter.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Indirectly probably quite a few, but it’s more about observations and moments rather than “Song X is about person X”. I find that sort of writing really difficult to do, so it tends to be indirect.
What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?
By now we’ve got quite a few to pick from I think. Latitude 2018 was our first major festival. We also played at the Etihad before Man City played Monaco. I probably can’t think of something glaringly obvious at the minute, but those are the go to ones.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Making love, the French Revolution and cooking.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Weathermen on regional TV.
And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?
Some people are better than you at particular things. Don’t be a bellend and either utilise their skills or be inspired to become better yourself.
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Vigilantes' new single 'The Way It Is' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.