Frontman “V” from Violent Idols has taken the time to tell us more about his own ragtag bunch of metal merchants…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Las Vegas, NV. I (V) am the primary member of Violent Idols at the moment and enlist some of my favorite violent conspirators for shows and guest appearances on the music.
How did you meet?
I’ve been in the rock music world for a long time. A couple of decades just about and have met countless talented folks over the years who I enjoy making music with. It’s always more fun to throw a ball around with somebody else than by yourself. Years of playing in bands and going to shows have afforded me the good fortune of developing a lot of valuable relationship.
How long have you been playing as a band?
Violent Idols has been launched for just about 6 months! Feels like a lot longer because so much as happened already.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
I spent weeks writing out band names and making lists of cool words that I thought could make up a name. I wanted it to be something that you’d feel like a bad ass wearing on a jacket or t-shirt or something. Eventually I landed on Violent Idols are it just felt right. Once I looked up and saw that nobody had ever used it before I knew it was meant to be.
What are your influences?
Nine Inch Nails, Alice Cooper, Manson, Rob Zombie, Billy Idol
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Our music is aggressive and in your face yet multilayered and melodic. I like to think it feels like an action movie. Lots of explosions and hard to ignore.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
I talk a lot about the general faults of humanity such as power, greed and hypocrisy. The disgusting side of people fascinates me.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
We’ve been rehearsing hard but have yet to play our first show. I want it to be special so I’m developing something that will hopefully leave a permanent impression upon those lucky enough to witness it for the first time, or anytime after that. So far not playing a show has built more tension than previous bands I’ve been in where I’ve played tons.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I’m not sure I can speak on that without violating numerous non-disclosure agreements!
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
A mix of organic drum kit and electronic drums, two guitars…I hate mentioning brands because I have allegience to nobody except whatever I feel like playing inthe moment however I do really like the Line6 Variax because I can make it any kind of guitar I want song to song in any tuning….For bass I prefer a 5-string to hit all those extra low notes…..and lots of disorted nasty keyboards…lots….
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We just dropped our second music video for our Doors cover of “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” featuring Andy James and are getting ready to release the next song “New Religion” featuring K.A.Z from our upcoming album.
What are your plans for 2020?
Make a ton of music, collaborate as much as possible and show everybody and the fans how much we are capable of creatively.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
- Headliner: Nine Inch Nails
- Us: Violent Idols
- Opening Act: Dark Station
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