We talked with James Bohannon, the lead singer of the indie-rock band VHS Collection. Get to know the band, their most recent release and more. Check it out below:
- Can you introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
This is James Bohannon and I’m the lead singer of VHS Collection, an indie-rock band based in New York City. I find myself striking up a conversation with strangers on a daily basis, but only when I don’t think about it. When I set out to introduce myself it’s far less smooth.
- How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?
In terms of genre, it’s electronic rock, alt rock, indie, etc… but that is vague. I would say it’s a modern approach to traditional songwriting replete with throw-back elements from the 70’s and 80’s, imperfect and dramatic vocal verses which touch on dark themes and then explosive choruses. It can be heavy but also not take itself too seriously. We look for driving and shimmery hooks and interesting sounds and reference a lot of instruments from different eras.
- What are you looking forward to in 2019?
Looking forward to our first bus tour. Excited to play in Canada. Hoping to hit Europe for the first time. Looking forward to writing/recording in a more cohesive style than we have previously. Excited for the new live-action Aladdin with Will Smith.
- Who are your musical influences?
The National, The Killers, Phoenix, LCD Soundsystem, Phish, Daft Punk, Two-Door Cinema Club, Modest Mouse, David Bowie, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Portugal the man, Foster the people, Van Morrison, The Strokes
- What about nonmusical influences?
Dale Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Jen Sincero, Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins, Max Martin, Martin Scorsese, Lady Gaga
- What do you hope fans get from your music?
I hope that they can connect one of our songs with an emotion or period in their life in a meaningful way. Every chapter of my life is in some way connected to a song. That song helped me navigate through that time and serves as a reminder and memory-bite in which to reflect on what I was going through. I want someone to be able to put a song on repeat and really feel something, and know everything will be okay even when it’s not.
- What can you tell us about your recent release, “Retrofuturism?”
This was our first attempt at a full body of work. We got to work with some great people in the industry and really figure out our process, positive and negative. We got to think through the dynamics of an album, a medium which is significant to us. It takes you outside the song and forces you to think above that in creating a 45-minute experience for a listener.
- What is your writing and recording process like?
It really varies. We try everything and anything. We often like to start with an instrumental or chord progression and then see if a vocal melody comes to us. Once it does, we see if there’s a lyric that speaks to us. It’s sort of like a puzzle with many layers. If you keep getting to the next layer you may be on to something. The keyword is may. Other times it’s a stripped down song concept that we build around. The common requirement is that it has to have something special, it doesn’t matter how you get there but if there’s no describable magic element it’s probably not worth spending too much time on.
- What is something that you’ve accomplished so far in your career that you are most proud of?
Getting on alt-nation was really meaningful to me. I grew up listening to that station and it was a big part of my music discovery process.
- What is your go-to drink from a coffee shop?
Black coffee with a shot of espresso. Or mocha frappucino with whip cream and a chocolate croissant, depends on what day of week.
- What is your current favorite song?
Pizza Guy by Touch Sensitive or Something New by Axwell Ingrosso
- What was the first concert you went to?
Neil Diamond (w the fam), it was a game-changer
- What is your favorite movie?
Magnolia or Quiz Show.
- If you could create your dream tour, who would be on the lineup?
The Killers and David Bowie
- What is a song you wish you wrote and why?
I wish I wrote Song for Zula by Phosphorescent. I hear that song, and I just have to know what that guy was feeling when he wrote it and how I could ever get in touch with feeling like he did on that one. That one shakes me up
Check out “Retrofuturism” on Spotify below:
- 25th Annual Basilica Block Party Lineup Released - February 15, 2019
- Bad Suns Announce 2019 Mystic Truth Tour - January 16, 2019
- The Maine Release New Single, Announce Album - January 16, 2019
