Published: June 7, 2010 5:10 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2010 Edition
Vices I Admire
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Vices I Admire
After reading this interview with Dave Curtis (Vocals, Guitar) of Vices I Admire, one gains a full understanding of the passion, drive, love, energy, and heart that comes out of the band’s music. Full of endless talents, Vices I Admire is the indie Rock band that is creating a nice buzz within the music industry. In this online conversation with Curtis, he speaks openly about the band’s mission, their passion for making music, and the band’s major influence. Here is what formulated. Enjoy!
Isaac: Let’s get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
Dave: I've been playing music for a little over 15 years or so. I was in the children's chorale in Colorado Springs from the age of about 10 to 13. My folks bought a classical guitar when I was about 14 and I used to jam on that thing pretty heavily. Mostly just writing my own songs. At 15, my folks bought me my first electric and at 16 my mom bought me a Taylor Big Baby acoustic. So from then on, I set about writing to my heart's content, just any old idea that I had would eventually make its way into a song of some form or another.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Dave: My biggest musical influence is Kurt Cobain. His ability to make simple, interesting and completely listenable music while remaining accessible, honest and poignant never ceases to amaze me. I would argue up and down that he was and is one of the single most influential and talented songwriters of mine or any generation.
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Dave: Releasing our first and most promising disc to date! Every time I listen to that album I get pretty excited that I am a part of this band!
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Dave: My greatest disappointment is that we didn't release our second album sooner. But our follow up should be out sometime late this year or really early again next year, so we're continuing to make moves and push forward with the goal to make our music our livelihood.
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Dave: From watching great bands do a better job at it.
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Dave: Honesty.
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Dave: I think our unique sound and our energy are infectious and unforgettable, when people see us for the first time they are usually astounded at how much we put in to the music we put out.
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Dave: We do a handful of covers already, but my favorite cover, hands down is Black by Pearl Jam. Love the song and love Vedder's vocals. That song is really a chance for me to shine and I do my best to conjure up my best Eddie impersonation.
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Dave: Time, perseverance, time, dedication, time, practice, ambition, tenacity in the face of great adversity and well... lots of time.
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Dave: It is extremely difficult. At times, it is a bit overwhelming. The band always comes first and many times it interferes with activities you would like to do with your family and friends.
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Dave: Having a DIY sensibility (and aesthetic). Writing pretty, interesting songs that are passionate and poignant.
