After originally breaking through with their stunning self-titled debut single and follow-up offering 'Call Me Annabel' last year, American/English outfit Viruette are back for 2023 to deliver their soaring new gem 'Maimed'.
Bringing back more of that warm and vibrant indie-rock aesthetic they are becoming known for, 'Maimed' makes for a powerful return for the trio. Brimming with rich and immersive textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and killer hooks throughout, they are certainly cementing themselves as one of the more compelling names on the rise with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
A secondhand Casiotone CT-380 keyboard, whose best days were already long behind it by the time it fell into my hands. I used to get electric shocks from its bare wires. Gnarly. It had an awesome demo song.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Nu-metal, Nintendo 64 soundtracks, The Beatles.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Papa Roach - Infest
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Born to Be Blue by Mel Tormé
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yes, and they’re all very prosaic. I pour myself a glass of water, sit at my desk, plug in my guitar, hit record and noodle for several hours, hoping for a bolt from the blue. The key is to do it consistently and routinely!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Sam Gendel, Wednesday, Julian Lage, special/sexy/sleazy, Lana Del Rey.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Steely Dan…who in this hypothetical scenario would be paying us generously.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Any moment in which inspiration strikes when writing, rehearsing or recording. You get a spring in your step for a few weeks.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Self doubt and the endless squabbles with demotivation and internal resistance.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Two come to mind (specifically related to songwriting):
1. Write primarily for your own gratification and not for that of an imagined audience.
2. Treat it as you would a day-job. Put in the hours, apply self-discipline, self-criticism, devote yourself to the busywork of refinement, don’t expect validation or recognition. The arts are littered with the souls of creative people who thought they could coast by on talent alone without putting in the work.
-
Viruette's new single 'Maimed' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.