INTERVIEW WITH ... KEYS AND VICES

I spoke with Sacramento Indie Rock band Keys and Vices. We chatted about their latest and highly emotional release “Chronic Nostalgia”, songwriting and influences, and music traditions. Check it all out below ...Photo Credit: Jennifer ValdezPhoto Credit: Jennifer ValdezTHE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Pancakes or Waffles?ALL: Waffles 100%!THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell us how you guys got started as a band?KEVIN: We were in a band prior to Keys and Vices so we were already family and synced up witheach other. After the split, Jenn created Keys and Vices as her solo project then slowly pieced ittogether by first adding Kris, then reached out to me a while later. We knew we had somethingafter our first practice as a trio.THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell me more about the recording process for this EP “Chronic Nostalgia"?JENN: I recorded 5 of the songs myself which is where you’ll hear some difference between all 8of them. The songs I recorded on my own took a lot longer having to write all the parts myself, but the 3 songs recorded with Kris and Kevin were so much faster since we could bounce ideas off each other.THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How was the writing process for this EP? Having come from a place heartbreak did you feel this was a cathartic experience?JENN: Absolutely! Writing music has always been therapeutic and helps me to move on. Sometimes I’ve come to discover things about myself during the writing process that I hadn’t thought of before, and it’s simply because i’m searching for a different way to explain the story.KRIS: For me it was more on feel. The songs Jenn and I wrote together came from locking ourselves in a room for hours and just playing together till something felt right, and we just knew.https://open.spotify.com/album/0KrrtI77huIDAQxaa2qWJg?si=e4xfM7HgRd-dVeaECh8BhATRB: Being not only musicians but creatives where do you normally draw your inspirations and influences from?KRIS: I draw inspiration from the talent my bandmates bring to the table. It’s hard not to see andhear them play and not become inspired to be the best I can be.JENN: My personal experiences, and collaborating with musicians like Kris and Kevin. Just like Kris said, it’s so much better writing songs with people who know where you’re going with the music before you even get there.TRB: Do you guys have a lyric that you’ve written that has the most meaning to you or is a favorite?JENN: Wow that’s a very hard question! I love all the lyrics I write because they all have a lot ofmeaning to them. If I had to pick a favorite lyric, I would say one of the lines from the song “Ghost Love”. The lyric, “trying hard to hold back the water in my eyes, I don’t want to show you the wake you’ve left behind”. A way to explain how much you’re hurt that you feel the effect isn’t a small ripple in the water, it’s a wake. I think that’s very relatable for anyone who has been hurt.TRB: If you had the chance to cover any song and give it the ‘Keys and Vices’ treatment what song would you pick? And why?JENN: My favorite song to play as a cover is “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. I’ve always loved that song, and now I give it a different feel with the way I sing/play it.KEVIN: "Won't back Down" by Tom Petty. I think the song speaks for itself!KRIS: Any song by Hall and Oates. I loved that band as a kid and I still do.TRB: Are there any current artists that have been “On Repeat” for you as a band lately? What music have you been digging?JENN: I listen to a lot of different artists (old and new), but the artists I always have on repeat is Sam Cooke and Elton John’s album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. At my house we have “Sam Cooke Sunday” where we listen to my Sam Cooke vinyl albums every sunday, it’s become a funtradition along with cooking a big breakfast. A few months ago I found Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road vinyl album buried in a sea of old vinyls at a shop. I couldn’t believe it was only $3.99, and in amazing condition! It’s one of my favorite albums and every other Friday nightyou’ll hear it blaring throughout my house!KRIS: Lately I’ve been listening to Chris Stapleton’s Traveler album. It’s the perfect mix of blues, and country but it’s also surprisingly soulful too. The man has a great sound.TRB: If you turn any book into a song what would you choose? And why? KRIS: The Count of Monte Cristo.The idea of waiting so long to get revenge is crazy and would make for a great song.TRB: And what's next for Keys and Vices?ALL: Although we just released “Chronic Nostalgia”, we have a lot of new music ready to get out there within the next year, and if listeners love our current album, we can’t wait for them to hear the next one!TRB: Anything else you guys would like to add? :)ALL: Thank you for taking the time to listen to the album! Please hit us up on social media and let us know what you think of the music!You can follow Keys and Vices on their social media links below as well as listen to their current release "Chronic Nostalgia" (embedded above).Facebook: @keysandvicesbandTwitter: @keysandvicesInstagram: @keysandviceshttps://www.keysandvices.com/Like always be sure to hit that follow button or subscribe to my emails to catch the latest and greatest in music, entertainment and pop culture from The Reclusive Blogger.

Until then,
Brittney x
Previous
Previous

GRACE MAY // “QUIET” - SINGLE REVIEW

Next
Next

INTERVIEW WITH ... SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER-SONGWRITER & PRODUCER CUBBI