We recently chatted with Vitali, the guitarist and founding member of the UK-based Ukraine band Viscula.
OSM: Please tell us the band members and their musical history/what they play.
Besides me, Alan Grice (keyboards) and Damo Waters (drums) are currently playing in the band.
OSM: The band formed in Ukraine - how did you come together and what challenges did you face starting out?
The history of the band Visсula dates back decades. Visсula was formed in Lutsk, Ukraine in 2002 and during its creative path, the band was transformed due to changes in participants and the arrival of new creative forces. In 2019, when I received the Exceptional Talent Visa UK (guitarist and composer), it was decided to move Viscula's activities to the rock n roll capital London.
OSM: With the current situation in your native Ukraine, how are you feeling, how has the war impacted on the band?
The war has affected every home of a Ukrainian in one way or another, and no matter where we are, whether in a hot spot or somewhere far across the oceans, each of us is equally worried about our homeland and own family. On the part of the band Viscula, we support Ukraine and its free-spirited people as much as we can.
OSM: Where did the name ‘Viscula’ come from?
The name of the band Viscula means a completely new word that we all did not hear before 2002. Maybe it means something, but let it remain a secret.
OSM: We absolutely love your new single. ‘Seagulls’ and the video is great too. What was the songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording?
Thank you! The single 'Seagulls' was recorded in the autumn of 2021 and this track is part of our new album called 'IV'. In addition to the band members, in the album recording took part legendary Soviet bassist Alexander Titov (Kino, Aquarium) and first-class British sound producer George Shilling (Blur, Primal Scream). The artworks were created by the famous Bristol collage artist Tom Hodgkinson (Archive, Keane) and the director of the film was the cult Brighton musician Alex White (The Electric Soft Parade).
OSM: What are the band’s plans for the year ahead?
This year we plan to celebrate Viscula's 20th anniversary of cultural activities with the release of the full music catalogue of the band on streaming platforms. In total, these are 4 full-length albums, 4 EPs and a dozen singles. London's label Alien Milk Records is helping us remaster these recordings.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
Most rock music has recently left the stage, drawing listeners into the realm of playlists and streams. Music has become more accessible than ever and the number of bedroom rock bands and projects is increasing day by day, transforming creativity into a daily game where each artist writes, records and releases singles every month and promotes own music product creating completely new musical tastes.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
Every musician has a lot of such names, but if we take someone who came to my mind first, let it be The Rolling Stones.
OSM: What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Being in a band is really a great happiness because we can share creative impulses with colleagues and turn it into a common cultural product, which has no analogues.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
I try to listen to a lot of new music and I listen to it every day since I am the founder of the Indie Dock Music Blog which was included in the Top 10 British indie blogs for which I write reviews and cover new music.
OSM: Do you have any shows coming up, where people can see you perform live.
The band Viscula has been invited to several summer music festivals in the UK and the first in the schedule is Ipswich Music Day 2022 which will take place on 3rd July. So we invite everyone to this musical action and follow our updates on the website: viscula.co.uk
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