Interview: The Vaccines


photo © Live4ever

photo © Live4ever




Labelling a band ‘an overnight success’ can often flippantly dismiss years of toil in the back of a cheap transit van, as wide-eyed musicians travel a seemingly endless road to stardom. However, in the case of London four-piece The Vaccines, that particular tag might just have found a perfect home.

After forming in June 2010 when frontman Justin Young turned his back on life as a solo artist and his alternate folk persona ‘Jay Jay Pistolet‘, The Vaccines almost immediately found the first fruits of their new venture being labelled the ‘Hottest Record In The World’ by respected DJ Zane Lowe.

By the end of 2010, debut single ‘Wreckin Bar (Ra Ra Ra)‘ was filling indie dancefloors up and down the UK, while flip side ‘Blow It Up‘ and its anthemic qualities hinted at something deeper than your average disposable guitar band.

With their debut album ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?‘ due for release in March, Live4ever caught up with Justin and Icelandic bassist Árni at the soundcheck for their recent gig at Glasslands, Brooklyn – a second sell out show for the group in 48 hours.

They gave us their views on the current state of Indie music, their rapid rise to success and being labelled as The return of the Great British Guitar Band by NME. They also commented on the cocky go-getter style of the other big buzz band out of the UK ‘Brother‘. Justin was just recently surprised to hear Liam Gallagher slate them as “boring” but goes on to explain to us why that actually quite excites him.

The Vaccines informed us that they will be touring the UK before coming back to the States for some engagements at this year’s SXSW festival. Rumor has it they will also be making an appearance at Lollapalooza in August (TBC) and have gigs planned for Japan later in the year. Check back for all the latest tour info as we get it in for you.


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